1997 QUT Handbook

areas of activity include the synthesis of new
molecules for use in industrial electronics and in
the medical field; isolation and characterisation of
new compounds of medicinal benefit from natural
sources; development of new synthetic procedures,
especially those based on the use of enzyme
technology; and development of new procedures in
enzyme fermentation, enzyme technology, and
biochemical engineering and processing.
Material Science
This area of Centre activities has been well supported
by industrial grants. Research is carried out in a
number of important areas encompassing organic,
inorganic and metallic materials. Significant project
areas include synthetic polymers, particularly
degradation studies and polymerisation kinetics;
corrosion of metals and alloys in industrial
environments; investigation of the electrodeposition
of copper during the refining process; study of the
structure and properties of clays; and preparation of
advanced ceramics by the sol-gel process; application
of membrane technology to industrial processes.
Consulting, Testing and Continuing
Education
The Centre is very active in consulting and testing.
This activity earns valuable funds and forges strong
links with the industrial community, leading to joint
research projects. The Centre will continue and
expand this activity. Centre staff have also
established a reputation in continuing education by
developing short courses in corrosion science,
vibrational spectroscopy and analytical techniques.
These courses have been given in every capital city
of Australia and in South-east Asia. Future
opportunities exist for the Centre to expand its
continuing education activities. The Centre
collaborates with the National Scientific
Instrumentation Training Centre (NSITC) to provide
additional training courses.
Equipment
Activities revolve around sophisticated, high-cost
instrumentation, including mass spectrometry,
nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, fourier
transform raman and infrared spectroscopy,
inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry,
inductively coupled plasma mass spectometry,
thermal analysis, and materials testing equipment.
Director: P.M. Fredericks, BSc(Hons) DPhil Sus.,
FRACI
CENTRE FOR MATHEMATICS AND
SCIENCE EDUCATION (CMSE)
The Centre for Mathematics and Science Education
(CMSE) seeks to promote a numerate and
scientifically literate society by coordinating
research in the teaching and learning of mathematics
and science. It applies this research through graduate
teaching, consultancy, curriculum development and
the production of educational resources. It is
affiliated with the Faculty of Education, and staff
are drawn primarily from the School of Mathematics,
Science and Technology Education as well as from
other Schools and Faculties. An administrative office,
clinical facility, and facilities for research assistants
and higher degree students are located on the Kelvin
Grove campus.
Research
Research is a major Centre priority. The research
program may be classified broadly into five
categories relating to mathematics, science and
technology education:
Cognition – acquisition of scientific and
mathematical knowledge, scientific and
mathematical reasoning including problem
solving; study of learning environments; teacher
cognition and teacher change.
The social context of science and mathematics
education including access and equity issues.
The application of information technology to
human cognition and improving the quality of
learning.
Curriculum development, implementation and
evaluation.
Adult and workplace education.
The Centre offers postgraduate research courses by
PhD and MEd (Research) and a professional
doctorate in education (EdD).
Teaching
The Centre aims towards teaching excellence with
a staff experienced in undergraduate, higher degree
and continuing education courses, and in supervising
theses in mathematics and science and technology
education. The Master in Education (MEd) and
professional doctorate in education (EdD) degrees
are offered by coursework and dissertation and allow
specialisation in mathematics, science and
technology education. Staff are active in writing
teacher education materials and classroom texts in
mathematics and science education.
Consultancy
Through consultancy, the Centre aims to promote
success and excellence in mathematics and science
for students of all ages and backgrounds. Staff are
actively involved in a range of consultancy services
to meet the needs of schools, industry and the general
community. These services include diagnostic,
remedial and enrichment activities with students; inservice
seminars and short courses for industry and
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