Departments & Centres
The Faculty of Science is one of four faculties at Macquarie University. The Faculty encompasses ten departments and eighteen centres.
Departments
Department of Biological Sciences
The Department of Biological Sciences hosts a community of Biologists who are committed to innovative and integrative teaching and research. The department spans the full range of biological disciplines from genes to ecosystems. We are a leading department in a major research university and believe that excellence in teaching comes from excellence in research. Our research active staff engage students in their fascination of biology.
Department head: Professor Lesley Hughes
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences
Staff in the Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences study large-scale systems, whether they are cells, animals, plants or planets, by focussing on what happens at the molecular level. Putting this into a practical context, our research and teaching help to keep the planet clean and green. Students who are interested in making a difference should pursue a science degree within the department.
The research interests of the academic faculty are many and varied, but they are all unified by the common theme of working at the interface of biology and chemistry. These research interests include such topics as analytical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, environmental and atmospheric chemistry, chemical biology, structural genomics, proteomics, glycomics, biochemistry and biotechnology.
Department head: Professor Helena Nevalainen
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Chiropractic
The Department operates three Chiropractic Clinics located at Macquarie Park, Eastwood and Summer Hill. Our staff are heavily involved in research in both the Health and Chiropractic fields.
Department head: Dr Sharyn Eaton
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Computing
The Department of Computing offers a comprehensive teaching program that covers the spectrum from short courses for school teachers, through to undergraduate, honours, postgraduate and PhD study. Specific courses include traditional computer science, programming languages, software engineering, information systems, e-business technologies through to artificial intelligence, web technologies and language technology. In 2005 the Department expanded its offerings to introduce a Bachelor of Informations Systems degree.
Underpinning this teaching is an active and thriving research program covering a wide range of interests including language technology, cryptography, security, programming languages and advanced systems engineering, knowledge systems and category theory.
Department head: Associate Professor Bernard Mans
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Engineering
The Department of Engineering offers undergraduate Engineering flexible degree programs at Macquarie University with a strong focus on practical learning. With a campus located in one of Australia’s leading high-technology precincts, Macquarie is a great place to study engineering.
Department head: Tony Parker
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Environment and Geography
Department head: Mike Poulsen
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences
The Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences offers career oriented undergraduate and postgraduate courses that include Geology, Geophysics or Environmental geology.
If you are interested in the way the earth works, environment issues, volcanoes, natural hazards, searching for future resources, fossils or minerals and enjoy field excursions then Earth and Planetary Sciences has many course options that will interest you.
Department head: Dr Mark Lackie
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics teaches undergraduate, honours and postgraduate research programs.
Research in mathematics at Macquarie University is well respected nationally and internationally, with groupings of mathematicians working in analysis, category theory and number theory, as well as a new direction of research in waves and non-linear dynamics. There are several researchers of very high academic profile, and the Department attracts a substantial amount of external research funding and a steady stream of international visitors.
There is a colloquium, as well as seminars in analysis, category theory and number theory.
The Department of Mathematics is also the home to the Numeracy Centre which offers a number of services to undergraduate students.
Department head: Professor Paul Smith
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Physics and Astronomy
Department head:
Associate Professor David Coutts
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Department of Statistics
The Department of Statistics is Australia’s largest statistics department. We offer a full range of statistical subjects, from introductory statistics, suitable for all Macquarie University students, through to Masters level courses, for those who wish to become professional applied statisticians.
We teach courses useful to those needing to apply Statistics to many fields, including medicine, the social sciences, biology and finance.
Our department is active in both theoretical and applied research and we supervise a large number of PhD students, from Australia and abroad.
Department head: Professor Barry Quinn
Enquiries:
Please direct all enquiries to the Science Centre:
Web: Contact the Science Centre
Phone: +61 (2) 9850 6000
Fax: +61 (2) 9850 6565
Email: enquiries@science.mq.edu.au
Alternatively, you may also wish to visit the Science Centre in person between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday:
Level 1, Building E7A
Macquarie University
Herring Road
North Ryde, Sydney, Australia
Centres
ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Core to Crust Fluid Systems builds on a world-class infrastructure base, multiplying the capabilities of three internationally recognised centres of research excellence: Macquarie University as lead institution, Curtin University, and the University of Western Australia.
Research projects address selected aspects of the following major strands: The Early Earth and its fluid budget; Earth’s evolution (fluids in crustal and mantle tectonics, recycling of fluids into the deep mantle, and hydrosphere, atmosphere and the deep Earth); and Earth today (Dynamics, decoding geophysical imaging and Earth’s resources)
Centre Director
Prof Suzanne O'Reilly
Email sue.oreilly@mq.edu.au
Phone 02 9850 8362
ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQuS)
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems seeks to engineer complex, multi-component, quantum systems for new science and new applications. Cross-disciplinary scientific advances will link quantum physics with engineering, chemistry, and biology; and sophisticated technologies will be developed for 21st Century Australian industries. The EQuS collaboration possesses experimental capabilities in all major successful quantum technologies including spins in semiconductors, superconducting circuits, opto- and nano-mechanics, trapped atoms, and quantum photonics.
Node Director
Prof Jason Twamley
Email jason.twamley@mq.edu.au
Phone 02 9850 8908
ARC National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents (GEMOC)
The ARC National Key Centre for Geochemical Evolution and Metallogeny of Continents (GEMOC) is based in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Macquarie University. GEMOC has close collaborative links with the CSIRO Division of Exploration and Mining, North Ryde, Geoscience Australia (GA) and the exploration industry.
Centre head: Professor Suzanne Y O’Reilly
Enquiries and Location:
- General enquiry: gemoc@mq.edu.au
- All GEMOC: Contacts and location
Carol McMahon
Administrator
Phone: + 61 2 9850 8953
Fax: + 61 2 9850 8943 or 6904
Email: carolmcmahon@els.mq.edu.au
Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Astrophotonics (MQAAAstro)
The Macquarie University Research Centre for Astronomy, Astrophysics, and Astrophotonics (MQAAAstro) is one of the largest and fastest growing astronomical centres of research excellence in Australia. We are in close proximity to both the Australian Astronomical Observatory (AAO) and CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science (CASS) and have strong links to science education through the 'Space to Grow' Project and the Indigenous community with the Aboriginal Astronomy Project. These strong links offer valuable synergies and opportunities for collaborations in observational astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, astrophotonics, instrumentation, education, and cultural astronomy. Learn about our research strengths and meet the people engaged in cutting-edge astronomical research at Macquarie.
Director: Professor Quentin Parker
Website: http://physics.mq.edu.au/astronomy/
Australian Proteome Analysis Facility (APAF)
The Australian Protoeme Analysis Facility (APAF) conducts is the study and identification of the thousands of types of proteins found in humans, plants, animals, bacteria and other life forms, and the expression of particular proteins can be used as “biomarkers” of health, disease and/or quality.
APAF is the leading proteomics service provider nationally. Additionally APAF is a developer of new technologies for protein discovery - continually forming new collaborations with research groups throughout the Australian and international biotechnology communities.
Centre head: Professor Mark Molloy
Enquiries and Location:
Level 4, Building F7B
Macquarie University
Research Park Drive
North Ryde NSW 2109
Australia
Phone: +61 2 9850 6201
Fax: +61 2 9850 6200
Email: apafinfo@proteome.org.au
Australian Research Institute for Environment and Sustainability (ARIES)
The Australian Research Institute for Environment and Sustainability (ARIES) is a research, consultancy and education centre at Macquarie University that supports change for sustainable development within government, business and the community.
Centre Manager: Jessica North
Biomolecular Frontiers Research Centre
The new Macquarie Biomolecular Frontiers Centre, which has evolved out of the Biomolecular Frontiers CORE provides a cohesive framework for Macquarie researchers pursuing molecular and cellular studies across all the "omics". The Centre links our international leaders in microbial functional genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and bioinformatics with substantial University technology pre-positioned for new advances in systems biology.
Contact for the Centre/CORE
Director: Professor Nicki Packer
Telephone: 61 2 9850 8176
Email: nicki.packer@mq.edu.au
Deputy Director: Professor Ian Paulsen
Telephone: 61 2 9850 8152
Email: ian.paulsen@mq.edu.au
Executive Assistant: Joy Monckton
Telephone: 61 2 9850 7487
Fax: 02 9850 6192Email: joy.monckton@mq.edu.au
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Centre of Australian Category Theory
Centre head: Professor Ross Street
Centre for Advanced Computing - Algorithms and Cryptography
The Centre for Advanced Computing - Algorithms and Cryptography (ACAC) acts as a focal point for joint research activities between its members who come from diverse backgrounds in Physics, Mathematics and Computing. Our vision is to be the leading centre in Australasia for research into algorithms, complexity and cryptography applied to advanced computing systems. We have determined a mission to develop algorithms and cryptographic methods and protocols for applications to advanced information and computation systems
Name Centre head:
Professor Josef Pieprzyk
Enquiries:
We welcome your enquiries about our work - please contact the Director: Professor Josef Pieprzyk.
Centre for Language Technology
The Centre for Language Technology is Australasia's largest and longest-established body of researchers working in natural language processing, computational linguistics and language technology. We have a well-developed infrastructure for carrying out research and teaching in these areas, and welcome approaches from students or visitors interested in working with us. We also frequently have employment opportunities available on research projects. Please explore our site to find out more about us.
Centre head: Robert Dale
Email the Centre for Language Technology or contact an individual staff member.
Location:
Level 3, Building E6A
Macquarie University
Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS)
The Centre for Ultrahigh-bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS) is an ARC funded Centre of Excellence collaboration combining the established expertise of researchers at the University of Sydney, ANU, Macquarie University, Swinburne University, and the University of Technology. The Centre’s mission is to demonstrate all-optical processing applications and devices for ultra-high bandwidth optical telecommunications.
CUDOS @ Macquarie has a range of research interests involving micro-fabricating and characterising photonic devices. In particular, the group draws on over 10 years of expertise developed within the Centre for Lasers and Applications in miniaturisation engineering and laser physics. Projects include the fabrication of 2-D photonic crystals, integrated optics, waveguides, optoelectronic components and radiation dynamics of guided wave systems.
Centre head: Michael Withford
Enquiries:
Kali Madden
Executive Officer
Room 211
Phone: 9850 8931
Fax: 9850 8115
Email: kali@ics.mq.edu.au
Location:
Building E7A, Level 2
Eastern Rd
Macquarie University, Sydney
CORE - Climate Risk
CORE - Climate Futures focuses on those risks associated with climate change in an environment of increasing vulnerability. The science of climate change is now well established: governments, business and much of industry now accept the scientific evidence that climate is already changing due to human activity.
The challenge is how to quantify and assess climate change-associated risks for key sectors such as water, food, biodiversity, economies, financial markets and national security. Some sectors are robust and would withstand significant climate change – others are highly vulnerable since they have become tuned to the existing climate state. At Macquarie University, our strategy is to use science and impact assessment infused by and packaged within a framework of economic, financial, and legal risk. This packaging is not cosmetic: it is a re-development of the science to communicate directly in the language of economics, policy, and regulation.
Centre head: Professor Lesley Hughes
Enquiries:
Professor Lesley Hughes
Phone: +61 2 9850 8195
Fax: +61 2 9850 8245
Email: lhughes@ma.bio.mq.edu.au
Environmental Biotechnology CRC
The Environmental Biotechnology Cooperative Research Centre's (EBCRC) Microbial Detection and Control Program is aimed at developing a portable device for field environmental monitoring.
Microbiology and engineering experts work closely to create microbial detection technologies that are highly sensitive, easy to use, inexpensive and give rapid results. They will have the potential for immediate use in environmental microbial monitoring. The low-cost, simple platform could be adapted to a broad range of applications. The Macquarie team is developing and analysing novel methods of real-time detection of multiple pathogens in water, using isothermal amplification and sophisticated methods for selectively concentrating pathogens in environmental samples for use in the diagnostic tool.
MQ Contact
E.Prof Peter Bergquist
Email peter.bergquist@mq.edu.au
Phone 02 9850 8614
Macquarie University Centre for Analytical Biotechnology
Macquarie University Centre for Analytical Biotechnology (MUCAB) provides a unique and active focus for interdisciplinary research between the Departments of Chemistry and Biological Sciences at Macquarie University. The Centre manages substantial instrumentation resources appropriate for the contemporary study of biomolecules and natural products, and has lead to Macquarie University being recognised nationally as a centre of excellence for biomolecular analysis. MUCAB users include academic staff, honours students, postgraduate students, and Research Fellows.
Centre directors:
- Dr Louise Brown
Phone: 9850 8294
Email: louise.brown@mq.edu.au
- Dr Robert Willows
Phone: 9850 8146
Email: rwillows@rna.bio.mq.edu.au
Enquiries:
- Kieran Morgan
MUCAB Manager
Phone: 9850 8263
Email: kmorgan@cbms.mq.edu.au
Macquarie University Genes to Geosciences Centre
The Ecology & Evolution team works under the slogan 'genes to geoscience', integrating molecular genetics through evolutionary theory to global ecosystems and to the history of life through geological time.
Centre director:
- Professor Mark Westoby
Phone: (02) 9850 8196
Email: mwestoby@rna.bio.mq.edu.au
Postal Address:
- Genes to Geosciences
Department of Biological Sciences
Macquarie University NSW 2109
MQ Research Centre in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Astrophotonics
The MQ Research Centre in Astronomy, Astrophysics & Astrophotonics (MQ AAAstro) is a highly active, rapidly growing centre of astronomical research excellence benefiting from close proximity to both the Australian Astronomical Observatory and CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science facilities. The new centre has ties to over 100 national and international universities, observatories, research institutions and commercial companies in 23 countries. Current Macquarie faculty research strengths include wide-field astronomy, optical, infrared and radio studies of planetary nebulae, binary stars, supernova remnants, stellar proper motions, Galactic archaeology, theoretical studies of shock-waves, star formation and black holes, cutting-edge astronomical instrumentation (astrophotonics) as well as researching innovative approaches to astronomy education.
Centre Director
Prof Quentin Parker
Email quentin.parker@mq.edu.au
Phone 02 9850 8910
MQ Photonics Research Centre incorporating Centre for Lasers & Applications
MQ Photonics (a Macquarie University Research Centre) and the associated Laser and Photonics CORE (Concentration of Research Excellence) stem from the Centre for Lasers and Applications (set up in 1988 as an Australian Commonwealth Special Research Centre). Activities in this area comprise world-class research in laser physics, optics, photonics, optoelectronics, optical engineering, quantum electronics and their wide-ranging applications, particularly in medical, industrial and communications technology.
Centre director: Professor Brian Orr
Enquiries:
- Carol McNaught
Department of Physics Administrator
Phone: +61 2 9850 8911
Fax: +61 2 9850 8115
Email: carol@physics.mq.edu.au - All CLA Contact Details
Location: Room 219 Building E7A
Contact Brian Orr
- Phone: +61 2 9850 8289
Fax: +61 2 9850 8115
Email: borr@ics.mq.edu.au
Room 209 Building E7A
Postal Address:
- Department of Physics
Division of ICS
Macquarie University
Sydney NSW 2109
Australia
MQ BioFocus Research Centre
Numeracy Centre
Brief Overview:
The Numeracy Centre, co-ordinated by Carolyn Kennett, is located in C5A 225 and has two major aims:
1. To improve students' access to mathematics and numeracy-based courses, such as statistics, at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
2. To improve students' completion rates of mathematics and numeracy-based courses.
In striving to achieve these aims, the Numeracy Centre offers a number of services including a free drop-in service, weekly workshops for some first year courses, bridging programs and preparatory courses at the beginning of each semester and some on-line resources.
Centre head: Carolyn Kennett
Enquiries:
- Phone: 9850 8797 (front desk)
Phone: 9850 8924 (Carolyn and Dilshara)
Email: numeracy@ics.mq.edu.au.
Location: Building C5A 225
Produced Water Research Centre (PWRC)
The vision of the Produced Water Research Centre (PWRC) is to:
- build national capacity in the science, knowledge and impacts of produced water,
- develop, advise and train professionals to understand, predict and mitigate the impacts of produced water, and
- inform management decisions to understand, predict and mitigate the impacts water production and use.
Research Centre in Quantum Science and Technology (QSciTech)
The Research Centre in Quantum Science and Technology (QSciTech) is a multidisciplinary research centre combining physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering and biochemistry to engage in novel research towards deepening our understanding in quantum science and technology.
Experimental research in this centre covers three main areas: using optical methods to coherently control at the quantum level the electron and nuclear spins within Nitrogen Vacancy centres in diamond, to explore how quantum properties of light interact with materials at sub-wavelength scales, and to develop integrated quantum optical devices thus allowing greater complexity in the design and operation of optical quantum devices.
Centre Director - Prof Jason Twamley
jtwamley@ics.mq.edu.au
Phone: (02) 9850 8908
Risk Frontiers (formerly the Natural Hazards Research Centre)
Risk Frontiers is regarded as a world leader in quantitative natural hazards risk assessment and risk management. For ten years, it has provided insurers, who are under ever-increasing pressure to minimise risks and maximise returns, with sophisticated research-based solutions. Other applications include emergency management, land use planning and floodplain management. As well as Australia, these tools are currently being used in Europe, North America and Asia .
Centre head: Prof John McAneney
Enquiries:
- Phone: +61 2 9850 9683
Fax: +61 2 9850 9394
Email: riskfrontiers@els.mq.edu.au
Location: Room 817 Building E7A
Macquarie University
North Ryde NSW 2109
Telephone: +61-2-9850 9683
Facsimile: +61-2-9850 9394
email: riskfrontiers@els.mq.edu.au


Department of Biological Sciences