In The Loop – Issue 1/2011, 3 February 2011

The year that was 2010

RMIT’s College of Science, Engineering and Health (SEH) has internationally recognised expertise in a diverse range of disciplines, reflected across many outstanding endeavours and achievements in 2010. The College can take pride in the success of individuals and teams in many different areas of teaching and research, as well as in industry and community engagement.

The College is committed to the development of greater links with industry and to key aspirations in international collaboration and urban engagement.

Read more about Science, Engineering and Health 2010 Highlights

In this month's issue…

Regulars

Students look at life on Mars at the Victorian Space Education Centre.

Off with a bang. Students experiment with liquid nitrogen at the RMIT Science Show.

Over 100 rural and metropolitan students recently gave up three days of their summer holidays to attend the RMIT Science Experience, 19-21 January.

The event open to students entering year ten in 2011, was a chance for the budding scientists to experience university life first hand, by attending lectures and taking part in practical sessions.

Students had the opportunity to perform a wide range of fascinating science activities, laboratory experiments, field excursions and listen to lecturers and students present topics that revealed their fascination with science.

Comedian Rod Quantock opened the event with an entertaining session on science, and the importance of maths in society.

Students then broke into small groups and under the watchful eye of RMIT student volunteers and staff, experienced science – the interactive way.

Students travelled to the Bundoora campus to learn about traditional Chinese medicine cupping and how to make herbal acne cream. Dr Jeremy Keens, senior lecturer from the School of Medical Sciences, presented a guided tour of the human biology laboratories, before students took part in laboratory practicals and DNA sample preparation.

Back on the City campus students learnt about forensic chemistry and how chemistry can be applied to a crime scene. Ice cream making was on the agenda in the food science laboratory. This proved a hit during the warm weather as plenty of experienced ‘taste testers’ deemed the product ideal for mass consumption.

Excursions to the Victorian Space Education Centre allowed students to experience life on Mars and test how the human body is affected by space travel. An interactive tour at the Victorian Institute of Sport looked at the science behind sports, and a field trip to Hawkestowe Park introduced students to measuring water samples and environmental science.

Event Co-ordinator Clare Russell said the Science Experience is very valuable for both aspiring scientists and student volunteers to take part in if they get the chance.

“This event showcases the wide and varied course options available at RMIT, but most importantly it is an interactive experience, ensuring that the students have fun while learning about the promising career options available to them.”

“The volunteer group leaders were also excellent ambassadors for RMIT. Their youth and enthusiasm ensured they connected well with students, and it was evident that each leader made a special effort to make the three days memorable and fun for all students.”

The Science Experience ended with a bang as current and past RMIT students put on a science show with an assortment of equipment including everything from liquid nitrogen to a bed of nails.

RMIT University proudly recognises Boeing Australia as the major sponsor of the RMIT Science Experience. Thank-you also goes to the many presenters, demonstrators and student volunteers who ensured its success.

More images from the RMIT Science Experience.

Clarinox Technologies and RMIT University have jointly developed a new approach to debugging embedded systems.

Clarinox Technologies and RMIT University have jointly developed a new approach to a far reaching problem – debugging embedded systems.

Real-time and embedded systems have become a necessity in almost every aspect of daily life. According to Trish Messiter, CEO and director of business development at Clarinox Technologies, embedded systems drive all smart products.

“From mobile phones, to home appliances, to engine ignition systems, to vital sign sensors, the debugger that we describe is a tool to help the engineers make these devices more reliable,” said Ms Messiter.

The joint research has led to a flexible and portable system tool that is designed to address a range of technical limitations, making everyday systems more reliable. A large proportion of these systems are life critical and time sensitive.

Dr Paul Beckett, senior lecturer with RMIT’s school of electrical and computer engineering collaborated on the project.

“Debugging is something of a ‘black art’. Finding bugs is like counting black cats in a dark room at midnight. A debugging tool such as the one developed by Clarinox is like turning on the light - you still have to find them, but they're a lot easier to spot,” he said.

The joint findings were published recently at the annual conference on Real Time Embedded Systems held in Singapore.

“This alliance demonstrates confidence in the technical expertise of Clarinox and provides us with exposure to up to the minute thinking within the embedded systems industry, from academics and the fresh ideas of the young engineers they are training,” Ms Messiter said.

This project is an outcome of an on-going relationship between Clarinox and RMIT which has covered Clarinox’s involvement in embedded courses from guest lectures to thesis and industrial project supervision.

Get involved with the 2011 International Air Show at Avalon.

RMIT's industry partnership capabilities, study programs and international training will be on show at the 2011 Australian International Airshow at Avalon.

Running from 1-6 March, the University aims to:

• Further establish RMIT as a contributor to the aerospace, aviation, and related manufacturing and defence industries,  
• Highlight research capabilities and identify new opportunities for industry collaboration,
• Enhance the University's reputation as a leading educational provider through the Professional Development Forum and Careers and Skills Days.

School representatives are encouraged to register their interest and availability to assist on the RMIT Stand for a half day (or more).  This biennial event is a major opportunity to arrange a catch up with industry contacts.  Staff are encouraged to plan any type of meeting or catch up with contacts using RMIT's meeting room on the stand.

There will also be three events hosted by RMIT at its stand during the Airshow.

1. Industry networking function (Wed 2 March)
2. Boeing partnership function (Fri 4 March)
3. Omani graduating class (Fri 4 March)

Please contact Clare Russell or visit the web page for further information. 

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