5 November 2008
5 November 2008
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| Andrew Devine and Laura Courtney |
It almost goes without saying that many of our finest buildings are works of art, but a new course at Monash University is strengthening the link between art and architecture.
Concerned that over the years the role of the architect in the building process had diminished, the designers of Monash University's new architecture course have put the architect back on centre stage.
The new course, offered for the first time this year, is set within the framework of the Faculty of Art and Design. Monash is the only university in Australia to tangibly link architecture with art.
Foundation Professor Shane Murray said the course asserted the pivotal role of architectural design in architectural education, research and practice.
"There was a great deal of planning that went into the design of our subject content, our resources, and our studio space," Professor Murray said.
"Our team of researchers and lecturers are among the best in the country and bring industry experience to the educational experience and encourage students to grow their creativity and their careers."
Students Laura Courtney and Andrew Devine are working to graduate from the five-year course in 2012 with a Bachelor of Architectural Design and Masters of Architecture.
"I had wanted to study architecture for a while but was not set on any course in particular," Ms Courtney said.
"However, when I heard about the course at Monash it drew me instantly because of its heavy focus on art alongside architecture."
Now with the first year almost complete, her expectations are being fulfilled.
"We have fantastic opportunities, being situated in an art and design school, to explore different media and ways of representing our designs with the keen input from other sectors of the faculty," Ms Courtney said.
Andrew Devine was two years into an industrial design degree before transferring to the new course.
"I am fascinated by the way in which architecture defines how we live our lives," he said.
"I believe that the quality of our day-to-day life is determined by the quality of our built environment. The complexity of social and cultural aspects embedded in architecture is quite fascinating."
For Mr Devine, architecture is a lifetime journey.
"It is an area where you can explore and express your ideas and concepts. It is a place where you can constantly question why things are the way they are and look for solutions as to how they could improve the quality of life."
For more information on studying Architecture at Monash visit the Faculty of Art and Design website.
5 November 2008
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| Professor Stephen Barkoczy |
Making the difficult subject of taxation law interesting and engaging for students has helped Monash Law faculty Professor Stephen Barkoczy win a prestigious national teaching award.
Professor Barkoczy has won an Australian Award for University Teaching from the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC).
His award win follows seven Monash academics recently being awarded an ALTC Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning.
Professor Barkoczy has been teaching and researching at Monash for 20 years and is also a consultant to major Australian law firm Blake Dawson. His main areas of expertise are taxation law, superannuation law and venture capital law.
Professor Barkoczy said he actively blended his research and practice into his teaching and focused on illustrating to students how complex taxation principles were applied commercially.
"I make an effort to bring the issues I come across through my consulting and researching into the classroom," he said.
Professor Barkoczy often uses public commercial documents, in addition to his textbooks, to illustrate how tax law is applied in practice.
"In my advanced tax classes, we often work from the documents back to the law rather than concentrate purely on theory," he said.
"I try to make it real for the students and get them to think laterally and creatively about how the law is applied."
"My aim is to bridge the gap between academic theory and legal practice to produce better lawyers and legal thinkers." .
For more information on studying law at Monash University visit the Faculty of Law website.
5 November 2008
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| The Bibron's toadlet has revealed its nesting practices to researchers. |
A groundbreaking new study into the mating and nesting practices of a common Australian frog has found they partner up to eight males sequentially -- the highest recorded of any vertebrate.
Dr Phillip Byrne from Monash University's School of Biological Sciences has researched the Bibron's toadlet (Pseudophryne bibronii) for six years and in this latest field trip, discovered a new behaviour undetected in a frog species until now.
"Our study revealed that females made the active decision to distribute their eggs between the nests of up to eight different males," Dr Byrne said.
Dr Byrne led the study, which involved Professor Scott Keogh from the Australian National University, in an area at Jervis Bay National Park on the New South Wales south coast.
They worked overnight shifts from 6 pm to 6 am, seven days a week for more than four months and kept track of almost 100 frogs.
Using DNA markers Dr Byrne found females that distributed their available eggs between the nests of more males, as opposed to leaving them in one nest, had elevated offspring survival, presumably by insuring against nest failure.
"Traditionally it was thought that males, but not females, should benefit from promiscuous behaviour because males generally invest less in reproduction," Dr Byrne said.
"This level of promiscuity is a new record among vertebrates and certainly supports the old adage of not putting all your eggs in the one basket.
"Our study advances our understanding of female promiscuity by being the first to show that promiscuous females can safeguard against choosing fathers that provide poor homes for their offspring.
"It is becoming increasingly apparent that females in many animal species choose to mate with multiple partners as a safeguard against choosing a genetically inferior sire, but insurance against a father who provides a lousy home is a novel and potentially widespread explanation for the evolution of female promiscuity."
The Pseudophryne bibronii is brown to black in colour and at just 30mm in length is one of the smaller frog species in Australia. It can be found along the eastern states of Australia and lives in forests, heathlands and grasslands.
5 November 2008
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| Monash Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel and Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins (centre) with years of service medal recipients Dr Andrew Prentice, Leigh Kingshott, Pamela Miller and Professor Phillip Nagley. |
More than 140 Monash staff members who have worked at the University for 25 years, 35 years and more were recognised for their service during a special 50th anniversary awards ceremony at the Clayton campus on Monday.
University Chancellor Dr Alan Finkel AM presented years of service medals to the staff, 16 of whom were recognised for having worked at Monash for 40 years or more.
Dr Finkel acknowledged the outstanding contribution of staff to the University in a wide range of fields.
"The success of any organisation, large or small, is entirely dependent on the leadership, knowledge and enthusiasm of its staff," Dr Finkel said.
"I am pleased to have the opportunity to share this day with you and your guests in this recognition of your years of service to Monash."
The first 25 Year Service Medal ceremony took place at Monash in May 1986. The Duke of Edinburgh presented the medals that year as part of the University's jubilee celebrations.
Further presentations were made in 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007.
As in previous years, the Monash University 25 year and 35 year service medals have been moulded in fine silver by Medal Art Mint.
5 November 2008
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| Engineering student Riaf Al-Harthy with Grade 3 and 4 students from Boronia West Primary School. |
Monash engineering students have gone back to primary school to teach school students about the science and technology behind everyday phenomena.
One project this semester involved 13 engineering students teaching students at five eastern suburbs schools how to design and build structures made of cans of food for the Canstruction competition held in Melbourne in October. It was the first time the competition has been held in Australia.
The engineering students taught the school students about maths and engineering concepts including 2D and 3D shapes, design procedures, what makes a strong shape, angles, balance, and how to use the 3D computer drawing program Google Sketch Up.
In total, 30,000 cans of food were transformed into sculptures that included Bob Marley's face, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and the Norwegian flag. After the competition, engineering students helped pack up almost 20 tonnes of canned food that was donated to the Salvation Army.
The can project was part of a Monash unit called the Schools' Technology Studies Project. The fourth-year elective unit is offered to engineering students by Monash's Faculty of Education.
Unit coordinator Robyne Bowering said the unit aimed to provide engineering students with opportunities to develop the interpersonal and communication skills that were essential for becoming a successful leader in the modern engineering industry.
"These skills include being able to effectively communicate information to technical and non-technical personnel, leadership and organisational skills, problem solving skills, teamwork and how to be an effective life-long learner," Ms Bowering said.
So far this year 93 engineering students have worked with 2500 students in 54 primary schools and two secondary schools in hands-on science and technology projects.
Many projects students have worked on this year have had a Beijing Olympic Games theme.
Two mechanical engineering students taught school students about the science behind Chinese inventions including the compass, kite, trebuchet, wheelbarrow, rudder and paper-making by making models of each invention.
A civil engineering student taught school students about what made manmade structures such as The Great Wall of China and the Bird's Nest (China's main Olympic stadium) strong and viable. The school students then worked in pairs to design and construct a venue that would accommodate a sport of their choice at the 2012 Olympic Games.
For information on the studying the unit visit the schools technology studies project web page.
5 November 2008
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| Brook Andrew's 'Replicant: Parrot' 2006. Courtesy of the artist and Tolarno Galleries, Melbourne. |
The Monash University Museum of Art's critically-acclaimed exhibition, Brook Andrew: Eye to Eye, which surveys the work of one of Australia's leading contemporary Indigenous artists, is touring south and south east Asia.
Brook Andrew: Eye to Eye was initiated by the Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) in 2007.
Following a highly successful national tour, MUMA in association with Asialink developed the exhibition for international tour.
Curated by the Museum's Geraldine Barlow, the exhibition opened in the Philippines at the Yuchengco Museum, Manila in July, and will feature next at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, Singapore from 7 November -- 6 December 2008.
The Australian Deputy High Commissioner Ms Penny Burtt and Director of Monash University Museum of Art Mr Max Delany will be guests of honour at the official opening celebration of the exhibition in Singapore.
Brook Andrew: Eye to Eye covers the spectrum of Andrew's work from the past decade, and includes photography, printmaking, sculpture and striking neon installations.
His work addresses a range of subject matter, from the poetics of space and public address, to the spectacle of light and sight, the echo of memory and the pressure of historical consciousness.
Ms Barlow, who has recently returned from the Philippines where she oversaw the installation of the exhibition, said Brook Andrew was fascinated by globalisation.
"He is also interested in the dynamics of engaging across physical, cultural and temporal boundaries; his work resonates strongly with Asian audiences," Ms Barlow said.
Asialink Visual Arts Manager Sarah Bond said the exhibition had received an overwhelmingly positive response.
"Asialink is thrilled to support this solo project and believe that Andrew is at a particular point in his career to benefit from the potential outcomes that arise from such an opportunity," Ms Bond said.
For more information on the exhibition visit the MUMA website.
5 November 2008
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| Berwick and Peninsula Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Phillip Steele with Berwick Secondary School student Matthew Wills and Dr Glen Croy. |
The 2008 High Fives Program finished on a high note this month with students, University staff and school principals attending a presentation ceremony and afternoon tea at Monash University's Berwick campus.
The High Fives Program brings together the brightest Year 11 students from the region to meet, network and experience learning in a university environment.
More than 90 of the region's top performing Year 11 students from Beaconhills College, St Margaret's School, Kambrya College, Berwick Secondary School, Cranbourne Secondary School, St Francis Xavier College, Koo Wee Rup Secondary College and Eumemmerring College took part in the four-month program.
The students are put to the test with a series of academic challenges presented by some of the University's leading teachers.
Berwick and Peninsula campus Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Phillip Steele presented the participants with certificates and challenged them to take on the problems facing the world today and in the future.
Berwick Secondary College student Matthew Wills, who hopes to study Science and Aerospace Engineering at Monash in 2010, said the program had given him valuable insight into university options and learning environments.
"I realised there was a world of opportunity out there in almost any direction that you might want to take," Matthew said.
"I enjoyed getting to know what it's like going to university."
A highlight of the program was the collaboration between six third-year Tourism students and High Five participants during a tutorial led by Dr Glen Croy. The mock case study challenged students to make crucial planning decisions for Berwick Village.
Third-year student Jimmy Marinas said the experience helped confirm his plans to continue studying postgraduate research at the campus.
"I really enjoyed mentoring the High Fives," Jimmy said.
"They're incredibly bright and it has encouraged me to continue studying and teach someday."
The High Fives Program will return in 2009, giving more Year 11 students a chance to test-drive university learning.
5 November 2008
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| Monash University is a long-term supporter of the Relay for Life event. |
Five Monash teams -- more than eighty Monash staff and students -- were among 40 teams who volunteered their weekend to take part in the Murrumbeena Relay For Life event on 25 - 26 October.
The teams, Monash Caulfield campus, MONSU, Monash Sport, Monash Clubettes and the Epicurists, helped the Murrumbeena Relay for Life committee raise $90,000 for cancer research.
Relay for Life is a 24-hour team-based event held annually by the Cancer Council of Victoria to raise funds for cancer research, education and support services.
Monash has supported the event at the Murrumbeena athletics track for a number of years.
More than 80 people attended a recent Relay for Life lunch at the Caulfield campus on 17 October to help raise money towards the Murrumbeena event.
More than 50 Monash staff both past and present also volunteer their time as members of the organising committee for the event or help out on the day.
Caulfield Campus Director Professor Rob Willis said Monash was proud to be a major sponsor of the Murrumbeena Relay for Life.
"We hope that our support will help Murrumbeena's 10th year of fundraising push the total amount raised by the Cancer Council past the $1million mark," Professor Willis said.
5 November 2008
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| Dr Nancy D'Cruz |
Pregnancy rates in artificially inseminated dairy cattle could soon improve, thanks to a young scientist's research.
Dr Nancy D'Cruz from the Monash Institute of Medical Research received $20,000 at the Australian Agricultural Industries Young Innovators and Scientists Awards in Canberra to investigate the effect of cryopreservation, or sperm freezing, on dairy cattle embryos.
More than half of all dairy cattle are artificially bred using frozen sperm.
Dr D'Cruz's project will investigate how current cryopreservation methods can be improved to increase pregnancy rates and lead to more uniform growth of the calf.
A 2002 report by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics estimated that the dairy industry would experience an $80 million profit if successful pregnancies increased by just five per cent.
Dr D'Cruz has collaborated with the dairy industry for the last eight years. She was a member of the team that cloned Australia's first calf in 2000.
"This is the first cryopreservation project I have worked on," Dr D'Cruz said.
"The money I have received will enable me to expand this project, the results of which will hopefully lead to real improvements for Australian dairy farmers."
For more information on the institute visit the Monash Institute of Medical Research website.
5 November 2008
Much has been happening over the last month in every sphere of activity for Monash University.
As indicated in last month's AI, the Australian University Games were held with Monash as the principal partner university. They were a great success, although the tragic death of a Griffith student as an innocent and random victim in a senseless road accident put a dampener on the celebrations of the event. Monash University's team was placed first, narrowly beating the University of Melbourne with the University of Sydney a distant third. Martin Doulton, the Director of Monash Sport and the whole of Team Monash are to be congratulated. While speaking of sport, more than 400 Monash students, staff and friends took part in the Around The Bay in a Day event.
Monash researchers received their largest ever share of ARC Linkage grants and NHMRC Project grants although the ARC Discovery Grants announced were $6m less than last year's record. Altogether, it was a strong performance, although there is still room for improvement.
The Monash Passport was successfully launched with much positive publicity. The educational reputation of Monash University is rising rapidly as shown by the initial indication of preferences by students through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre where Monash was the most popular Victorian university for both first preferences and total preferences with an increase of 16% in first preferences.
The shortlisting of 14 of the 55 of the Higher Education Endowment Fund was brought forward to 22 October as one of the steps taken by the Federal Government to stimulate the economy by capital expenditure. One of Monash University's two applications, The New Horizons Centre, was shortlisted. New Horizons is a visionary project which, if funded, will play a critical role in the ongoing objective to establish Monash University's Clayton campus as the centre of the most significant technology innovation hub in the Southern hemisphere. It provides a wonderful opportunity to co-locate 500 Monash and CSIRO engineers and scientists in state-of-the-art facilities alongside existing major infrastructure including the Australian Synchrotron, the Melbourne Centre for Nanofabrication, the Monash Centre for Electron Microscopy and the Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute.
The Legislative Assembly of the Victorian Parliament had a regional sitting at our Gippsland campus on 15 October. The new auditorium was rearranged to be a most authentic chamber. I was asked to address the Parliament and was able to describe some of the contributions made by our Gippsland campus to the local economy and the cultural life of the region as well as the broader role of universities in the community. The campus staged the sitting superbly and it was a great public relations exercise.
In the face of all these achievements we are attempting to complete the process of setting the budget for 2009. As previously reported, the Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding is only to increase by 2.1% (with some additional funds for new Commonwealth supported places partly to substitute for lost full-fee paying domestic undergraduates and for some transitional funding to compensate for the loss of fees). The international financial turmoil makes prediction of international student numbers difficult, although initial indications suggest continuing strong demand. Ongoing capital commitments make the cashflow situation particularly difficult. However, the Prime Minister's Science Engineering and Innovation Council, and particularly the Prime Minister himself, responded positively to the recommendations of the Cutler Review of Innovation and we await the Bradley Review of higher education. It is to be hoped that the Government response to these reviews will address the inadequate funding of research costs and the need for more dollars per student for undergraduate Australian students.
So next year will be very tough, but there is hope that there will be some resolution of the financial issues facing all Australian universities in the foreseeable future.
5 November 2008
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Name: George Van Doorn
Org Unit: School of Humanities, Communications and Social Sciences
Title: Doctor / Lecturer
Dept: Psychological Studies
How long have you been with Monash University?
I've been a lecturer for most of this year. Before that I was a sessional academic staff member and a research assistant. I also completed my undergraduate degrees and PhD at the Monash Gippsland campus.
Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?
I was a Sales and Solutions Consultant for Teletech when I was an undergraduate and a construction labourer before I came to university.
What challenges are ahead in your current role?
Getting publications accepted, sourcing grant money, and finalising this semesters classes.
What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?
I love conducting research, learning about topics that interest me and I'm pretty fond of interacting with students in lectures and tutorials. It's a great job.
What is your favourite place in the world and why?
The recording studio. Although you're ready to tear your hair out after you've played the same song 40 times or heard the same drum-beat for eight hours straight, there's nothing like hearing a song you've written being pieced together into a final, polished product.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Always have a back-up plan.
What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?
I play in two bands that both have record deals. One of them also has a deal to distribute our music electronically e.g., through iTunes.
5 November 2008
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| Sir John Monash. Photo courtesy of Monash University Archives. |
ABC 1 is marking Armistice Day 2008, the 90th anniversary of the end of World War I, with a one-hour program examining Sir John Monash's key military victories and the hidebound military culture he overturned to win them.
Defeating powerful opposition to become commander of the Australian Corps, Monash devised a plan that won key battles and saved thousands of lives. The program also examines the battles Monash fought off the battlefield as well as in the trenches of the Western Front. His German-Jewish background made him a target for powerful figures in the military and the media.
'Monash -- The Forgotten Anzac' stars Robert Menzies, the grandson of the World War II Australian prime minister and goes to air at 8.30 pm on 11 November.