Student topics

Globular proteins adopt a well-defined structure to carry out their function. A large fraction of the eukaryotic proteome consists of polypeptide segments that are not likely to form a defined three-dimensional structure, but are nevertheless functional and are referred to as intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs).IDPs are often found to be involved in crucial signaling and regulatory functions in cells. IDPs are frequently associated with human diseases, in particular neurodegenerative diseases and viral infections like hepatitis C. These IDPs might acquire …

Lead unit

School of Mathematical Sciences

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

BMP-2 has been shown to improve the rate of bone healing of tissue around an implant and results in greater bone remodeling hence playing an important role in bone regeneration.To achieve anticipated therapeutical effect, different types of biomaterial carriers and immobilization strategies have been designed and developed. Factors such as the size and shape of nanoparticles, the crystal packing of a surface, the density and charge of molecules, pH and ionic strength, all affect the interaction of this protein and …

Lead unit

School of Mathematical Sciences

Disciplines

Mechanical systems and asset management

Applied and computational mathematics

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

In nature, biological species have evolved optimal structures through millions of years with amazing characteristics and swift stimulus-responsive capabilities, which give inspiration to researchers for the design of smart functional materials. Many of these smart materials have surfaces that dynamically alter their physicochemical properties in response to changes in their environmental conditions and to triggered control of interfacial properties.In this project, novel bio-inspired interfaces and surfaces will be developed for sustainable environment applications, based on the understanding of the relationships …

Lead unit

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

Scald burns from exposure to hot liquids are the most common cause of thermal injury in children. To assist in the development of burn prevention strategies, a theoretical understanding of how heat is conducted through skin is essential. One way to achieve this is to apply a mathematical model to interpret experimental data. Such models are commonly based on the Pennes bioheat equation, a partial differential equation that describes the temperature in the skin as a function of spatial depth …

Lead unit

School of Mathematical Sciences

Disciplines

Applied and computational mathematics

Statistical science and operational research

Study levels

Research Masters

Honours

In an optimal control problem, a system of state equations is formed to model some process. This system of equations is coupled to an objective functional which summarises the goal of the optimisation process and the systemic costs associated with the model. The control is a variable that can be manipulated from outside of the system and could take many forms. The optimal control is the form of the control variable that optimises the objective functional. An example could be …

Lead unit

School of Mathematical Sciences

Space-filling curves are examples of fractals, with perhaps the most famous being Hilbert's curve. This project explores the nature of space-filling curves as realistic models for the folding of DNA in the nucleus of a cell.The project also explore the  use of linear algebra techniques in trying to capture essential structural components of space-filling curves, and attempt to relate these ideas to experiments involving chromatin conformation capture in three-dimensional space.

Lead unit

School of Mathematical Sciences

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal oxide systems present exotic electronic properties and high specific surface areas, and also demonstrate promising applications ranging from electronics to energy storage. Yet, in contrast to other types of nanostructures, the question as to whether we could assemble 2D nanomaterials with an atomic thickness from molecules in a general way, which would give them some amazing properties such as those of graphene, still remains unresolved.In this project, we intend to synthesise well-crystallised, ultrathin transition metal oxide …

Lead unit

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

Construction workers are more susceptible to suicide than non-construction workers in Australia. Statistics shows that the average suicide rate per 100,000 people between 2001 and 2013 for male construction workers was 24.6, compared to 13.4 non-construction workers. Only limited research has been done on this area.

Lead unit

School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

This project encompasses a range of technologies for the low cost desalination of impaired water sources, such as those produced by the oil and gas industry or mining sector.

Lead unit

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Disciplines

Energy and process engineering

Nanotechnology and molecular science

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

UAVs are revolutionising spatial sciences. Research project opportunities exist for combining field-validated, image-derived spectra from a representative range of projects in agriculture and plant biosecurity.More information about this research

Lead unit

School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

Functionalised two-dimensional nanomaterials have attracted immense interest in materials design by combining the merits of large surface ratio and nano-size functionalisation, and have been able to meet the requirement of a variety of applications, including electronic devices, fuel cell, and catalytic application.Except for their tunable physical properties, of particular interest is their chemical reactivity and surface catalytic applications, because they can be more easily chemically modified by nano-size functionalisation. In this respect, numerous studies have been dedicated to exploring the …

Lead unit

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours

Some estimates state that 30% of all manufactured goods will be 3D printed in 2030. A particular type of 3D printing is 3D laser lithography, where micro- and nano-sized structures can be prepared. These structures find wide-ranging applications in meta-materials, functioning as invisibility cloaks or scaffolds for single (stem) cell interrogation. Today’s inks for 3D printing, however, are limited in their functionality, resolution and the obtainable material properties.This project will develop – in close collaboration with team members QUT's Soft …

Lead unit

School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering

Study levels

PhD

Research Masters

Honours