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Deakin University provides higher education for suitably qualified Australian and full fee-paying students through open campus flexible learning modes. The University operates across six campuses: Melbourne (Burwood) Rusden, Toorak, Geelong (Waurn Ponds), Waterfront (Geelong City), and Warrnambool. Academic studies are coordinated through the faculties of: Arts; Business and Law; Education; Health and Behavioural Sciences; and Science and Technology. Education and training is available at undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels, covering the disciplines in these faculties and including professional courses, mid-career professional development courses and postgraduate studies by course work and research.
Deakin University has concentrated research expertise in nine priority areas including 'Cell and Organism Bio-engineering' dealing with non-medical biotechnology. Over the past two decades, recombinant DNA methodology has been integrated with advanced biochemical, cellular and genetic techniques. This integration has provided a new and powerful approach to elucidate and manipulate biological processes occurring within cells and organisms. With the knowledge gained, the same methods can then be employed to engineer cells and organisms to address problems of significant agricultural, environmental, and medical importance.
The Cell and Organism Bio-Engineering Group focuses on these problems and is headed by Professors Bernard Kunz and Julian Mercer. It consists of 13 academic staff, 6 postdoctoral fellows, 7 research staff and 15 postgraduate students in two sub-divisions and one research centre located on the Geelong and Melbourne Campuses. Non-medical research is concentrated in the sub-divisions.
Sub-division 1: Molecular Analysis of Plant Stress Responses
This sub-division is investigating the responses of plants to environmental stresses including ultraviolet radiation, pathogenic organisms, drought and excess salinity. The long term aim of this biotechnological research is to genetically engineer plants with increased resistance to these various factors, an objective with important economic implications for the agricultural and horticultural industries, as well as for the reforestation efforts of the Federal Government. This sub-division is located at the Geelong Campus.
Sub-division 2: Molecular and Physiological Analysis of Animal Systems
This sub-division is examining the molecular and biochemical control of cellular and systems homeostasis in animals. The long term goals of this research include:
- modulation of internal cues that promote animal reproduction;
- elucidation of the control of internal salt and water balance with a view to manipulation of this balance; and
- development of novel animal systems to monitor genetic stability. The results will have important implications for a number of areas including the Australian shellfish industry, cardiovascular health, and the surveillance of environmental quality.
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