Among UWA’s research strengths are the following areas, which were classified as above or well above world standard in the 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) National Report and ERA outcomes.
In March 2019 UWA was highly recognised in the Engagement and Impact Assessment 2018-19 National Report, with 14 case studies highly rated for impact.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research
Research in the Indigenous space encompasses two main dimensions:
- Building Indigenous researchers and research capacity
- Research with and/or on Indigenous people and topics
UWA is focused on building the capacity of Indigenous academic staff currently employed at UWA, increasing the number of Indigenous academics at UWA through recruiting Indigenous academic staff, and increasing the numbers of Indigenous higher degree by research (HDR) graduates.
As part of this focus, UWA is keen to ensure research with and/or on Indigenous people and topics adheres to associated research protocols and the ethics of funding bodies and community organisations. There is also an emphasis on ensuring non-Indigenous researchers undertake research on Indigenous topics as well as supervising Indigenous students and/or supervising non-Indigenous students researching Indigenous topics.
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Accounting
Accounting
Our highly acclaimed academic staff explore issues of regulation and disclosure, management and strategic accounting and auditing.
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Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences
The challenges of a rapidly growing population and the limitations of land and fresh water all affect the ability of agriculture to meet the demand for food, fibre and fuel. Agricultural Science provides the research, technology and information for the sustainable, profitable and ethical development of the agricultural industry.
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Agriculture, Land & Farm Management
Agriculture, Land & Farm Management
Australia’s agricultural industry is a key part of the world’s food supply system. By 2050 the world will have to feed and clothe 32 per cent more people than we do now, without irreparable damage to ecosystems and landscapes. The rapidly growing population, changing climate, and limited land and fresh water resources will impact on the ability of agriculture to meet the demand. Science-based solutions are required to achieve these world-wide goals, and for industry and community development. The focus of research within this discipline is on the multidisciplinary nature of the challenges facing the global community.
We use a systems-based approach in our research to address these challenges and we have the capacity to tackle the system from lab to landscape.
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Anthropology
Anthropology
The study of Anthropology and Sociology helps you understand your place in the world, providing useful skills for living and working in a changing, multicultural society.
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Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Using innovative techniques, we develop mathematical, statistical and computational methodology to support engineering projects. Our research focus is on the challenges of model-building, in the face of engineering data - big or small. We collaborate closely with the Big Data Processing and Mining research group.
The affiliated Centre for Applied Statistics is an invaluable resource that provides advice to PhD students and welcomes collaboration on applied problems with engineers.
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Archaeology
Archaeology
Archaeology addresses the challenge of integrating vastly different timescales to understand the deep and recent past of humanity. It can equally demonstrate long-term developments across many millennia as well as individual actions of human beings, who lived thousands of years ago.
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Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing
Artificial Intelligence & Image Processing
Providing expertise and solutions to spatial awareness and remote autonomous operations of robotic systems. Unmanned and remote autonomous systems and self-directed, manoeuvrable and interactive robots will allow us to go boldly where no one has gone before.
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Astronomical & Space Science
Astronomical & Space Science
The astronomy and astrophysics group conducts world-class research using leading radio astronomical instrumentation and supercomputing facilities, focusing on the development and capabilities of the next generation of radio telescopes such as ASKAP, MWA and the SKA.
The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is a radio telescope of unprecedented sensitivity, capable of seeing the early stages of the formation of galaxies, stars and planets, and undertaking powerful tests of General Relativity.
Gravitational wave astronomy emerges as a new branch of astronomy that involves both detecting gravitational waves and using gravitational wave observations to advance our understanding of the Universe. The group is part of the LIGO Scientific Collaboration, which consists of more than 1000 scientists who have joined force to search for gravitational waves.
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Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Biochemistry & Cell Biology
Biochemistry and Cell Biology is the study of the chemical reactions and cellular structures within all living organisms. It includes the omics sciences, structural biology, systems biology and advances in the micro characterisation of cells. Biochemistry and Cell Biology approaches provide novel understanding of how humans, plants and animals respond to disease, changing environmental conditions and nutrition.
UWA is leading ground breaking research towards understanding the physical and metabolic changes in these organisms that will have significant impacts from medicine to agriculture. Particular strengths include research into the protein content of cells, the reactions they carry out and how to alter their function.
At UWA Biochemistry and Cell Biology is taught by leading researchers from the Schools of Molecular Sciences and Human Sciences. UWA also houses a number of world leading research institutes and centres inbiochemistry and cell biology including the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology and the Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease.
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Biomedical and clinical sciences
Biomedical and clinical sciences
Biomedical Science encompasses the biological basis of human structure and function and the application of this knowledge to disease, wellbeing and society.
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Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences
The School of Biological Sciences is a large, multidisciplinary School with research and teaching focused on understanding and conserving life on Earth. Understanding the vulnerabilities and resilience of species and the ecosystems in which they live helps to better value and protect life on our planet.
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Built Environment and Design
Built Environment and Design
How you travel, where you go, even what you eat, is shaped by the amenities, design and character of the built environment. How shared places and spaces are used, by whom and when, can also affect our choices. Health can be enhanced or diminished by the form, function and quality of the built and social environments in which we live.
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Business and Management
Business and Management
The UWA Business School’s academics conduct research across four broad disciplines: Accounting and Finance; Economics; Management and Organisations; and Marketing. Research strengths of note include Asian economies, organisational behaviour, corporate governance and consumer behaviour.
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Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
The Cardiovascular Research Group is a dynamic multi-disciplinary team of epidemiologists, biostatisticians, and health practitioners examining trends and models of care in cardiovascular disease prevention, treatment and management. Our group has a long and distinguished history which includes the WHO MONICA Project and the Busselton Health Study.
The group has received tens of millions of dollars in nationally competitive research funds, including $5 million over the last five years. We are involved in a wide range of current studies with local, national and international partners.
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Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
The Department of Chemical Engineering focuses on the latest developments within the industry, such as oil and gas processing techniques, combustion science and technologies, and mineral and chemical processing.
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Chemical Sciences
Chemical Sciences
Chemistry is science of the molecular scale, and encompasses the synthesis and study of molecules and materials, the exploration of their properties and the development of ways to use them.
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Classical Physics
Classical Physics
The Field Theory and Quantum Gravity Research Group’s focus is on various aspects of supergravity, supersymmetric quantum field theory and string theory.
The Quantum Dynamics and Computation Group conducts research in the areas of quantum dynamics, quantum information processing, and quantum computation.
In addition to using advanced mathematical methods and numerical techniques to model the dynamics of quantum systems and to investigate quantum algorithms, the group also has extensive HPC and computer algebra expertise to solve a wide range of science and engineering problems.
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Clinical sciences
Clinical sciences
The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is a research-intensive faculty, providing high-quality educational and research programs for the spectrum of medical, dental and health science disciplines.
Faculty staff collaborate with prominent institutes, teaching hospitals, specialist research organisations and community groups on an enormous range of Clinical Sciences projects.
Our researchers work with national and international teams from Southeast Asia, Europe, USA, Canada, South Africa and India.
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Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
Commerce, Management, Tourism and Services
Real-world experiences are at the heart of the Bachelor of Commerce. This degree develops your analytical, communication and problem-solving skills, providing you with a global perspective on business and preparing you to pursue a career within the business, government or not-for-profit sectors. Learn from leading academics, develop high-level industry networks and graduate with a degree that can take you anywhere in the world.
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Crop and Pasture Production
Crop and Pasture Production
Our research in crop and pasture production occurs over a large range of scales from molecular and physiological processes, through nutrition and disease control, to in-field agronomy using traditional and state-of-the art technology.
We have many, interlinked, areas of interest including the soil microbiome, rhizosphere processes, root physiology and morphology, pasture and crop nutrition, root and shoot pathogens, plant response to environmental stresses such as waterlogging, salinity and drought, weed ecology and how to minimise evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds, crop rotations, no-till and precision agriculture, and the application of new imaging and data collection technologies.
Our teaching and research in these areas is closely linked to our work in genetics and breeding, but is also closely informed by our knowledge of how farming systems function.
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Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
UWA’s School of Earth Sciences is a group of internationally recognised educators and researchers who are excited by the diverse and complex ancient geological and modern environments of Earth and other planets in our solar system.
Western Australia has a geological record of ancient processes and environments over the last 4.5 billion years including the record of early life evolution and major mineral, petroleum and groundwater resources. Our coastline is a natural laboratory to resolve important questions related to complex coastal systems including carbonate reefs, and the record of recent climate change in these systems.
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Ecological Applications
Ecological Applications
The University of Western Australia is internationally renowned for its research and training excellence in understanding how ecosystems function, the processes that lead to the degradation of ecosystems and the mechanisms by which they can be conserved and restored, including in relation to changing climate and environmental conditions. Ecological Applications research is conducted in the Schools of Biological Sciences and Agriculture and Environment. We host the Reintroductions and Refugia and the Using Social and Economic Opportunities for Threatened Species Recovery themes of the National Environmental Science Program, the West Australian Biogeochemistry Centre and the UWA Future Farm 2050 Project. We have strong research partnerships with industry partners, the CSIRO, and research partnerships at local through to international levels to better tackle global ecological issues.
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Ecology
Ecology
The University of Western Australia has considerable strengths in Marine, Freshwater and Terrestrial Ecology. Our research encompasses all scales of ecology, from the molecular through individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems. Much of our work focuses on understanding the myriad roles of plants, animals and microorganisms in maintaining life on earth, and their interactions with their environments, past, present and future. Our researchers are primarily in the Schools of Biological Sciences and the Oceans Institute. They include ISI highly cited researchers and Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science. We have strong research partnerships with the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions encompassing current DPaW, BGPA, WA Museum and RIA as well as museums and botanic gardens worldwide.
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Economics
Economics
The rise and fall of economies, future employment prospects, incomes and living standards are all at the heart of economics. A major in Economics prepares you for work in financial institutions, government, international agencies and the private sector as a forecaster, analyst or consultant.
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Education
Education
Imagine a world in which all young people achieve their full potential. Imagine making the difference. At the forefront of teacher education for more than 100 years, the Graduate School of Education stands as one of the top five schools of education in Australia.
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Electrical & Electronic Engineering
Electrical & Electronic Engineering
The School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering is involved in several areas of innovative and cutting edge research.
Our staff have specialist research expertise and have received substantial funding to undertake their invaluable research.
Our postgraduate research also covers a variety of topics in the School's focus areas.
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Engineering
Engineering
The Engineering program at UWA has been developed in consultation with industry to equip students with the skills to succeed in their future careers. To become a professionally qualified engineer, you’ll complete five years of study, consisting of a three-year undergraduate degree with an Engineering Science major, followed by a two-year Master of Professional Engineering.
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Environmental Sciences
Environmental Sciences
Environmental Science assesses the impact of human activity on the global environment and develops scientific, risk-based solutions to help secure a sustainable future.
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Environmental Science & Management
Environmental Science & Management
UWA’s Environmental Science research addresses the impact of human activity on the global environment and develops scientific, risk-based solutions to help secure a sustainable future. We utilise a transdisciplinary approach to our research, and tackle issues such as climate change, carbon trading, water resource management, salinity, land degradation, flora and fauna, habitat destruction, energy and mineral depletion and soil erosion.
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Evolutionary Biology
Evolutionary Biology
Our research in evolutionary biology examines the natural processes by which organisms adapt to the environment around them. We use genomic tools to identify the relationships between extant species, the historic processes that have led to the distribution of species among habitats, and the selective pressures currently shaping their form and function. We have strong links with the Western Australian Museum and our staff include Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science. The UWA Centre for Evolutionary Biology within the School of Biological Sciences delivers excellence in research and research training in evolutionary biology.
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Fisheries Science
Fisheries Science
Underpinned by multidisciplinary strength in fundamental research, the UWA has a growing ability to play a significant role in the development of aquaculture and sustainable fisheries in our region. The University has fisheries-relevant expertise in law, policy, governance, and economics, as well as in fish and lobster survey methods. It has diverse skills relevant to aquaculture, including engineering for design and anchoring of cages, and novel monitoring systems; modelling of wind, waves and current; knowledge of the biology of species with farming potential and the development of new feedstock; and wide understanding of environmental impacts.
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Genetics
Genetics
Genetics is the is the study of genes and genetic variation in living organisms. It includes genomics, molecular evolution and the study of gene expression. Recent advances in molecular genetics are providing fundamental insights into life on earth whilst transforming medicine and agriculture.
UWA is undertaking world-leading research in human genetics and the molecular biology of plants and animals. Particular strengths include research into epigenetics, RNA biology and the new science of synthetic biology.
Genetics is taught by leading researchers in theSchools of Molecular Sciences, Agriculture and Environment and Biomedical Sciences. Outstanding research institutes and centres in genetics at UWA include the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology, the Lions Eye Institute and the Centre for Genetic Origins of Health and Disease.
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Geochemistry
Geochemistry
Geochemists at UWA study the Earth and other planets using basic chemical principles. A deep understanding of cycles of matter and energy which transport chemical components, and the interaction of these cycles with the hydrosphere and atmosphere is fundamental to this branch of Geoscience. UWA's Earth and Environment Analysis Laboratory (EEAL) is integral to our research provides facilities and technicians to prepare and analyse soil, sediment or rock materials for a range of elements.
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Geology
Geology
Geology is an applied science that aims to understand all aspects of our planet, ranging from the Earth's surface to the deep interior. It strives to discover how the Earth system has evolved during the past 4.4 billion years including the origin of continents, oceans, atmosphere and life itself.
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Geophysics
Geophysics
Geophysics is the interdisciplinary study of the earth, oceans, and atmosphere using the quantitative methods of physics, mathematics and computer science. Our researchers apply key concepts in seismology, wave propagation, 3D and timelapse (4D) imaging of the planet subsurface, and utilise computational geophysics data modelling and inversion to understand how our planet works.
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History and Archaeology
History and Archaeology
Wars, revolutions, conflicts and diasporas, nations, empires, economies, environments, cultures, emotions and people. In history, there are no questions that are off limits.
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Historical Studies
Historical Studies
Our academics research medieval and modern aspects of Australian, European, Asian, African and United States societies.
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Human Geography
Human Geography
Human geography and planning are the essential disciplines for understanding the complexities of cities and regions and guiding their sustainable development.
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Human Movement & Sport Science
Human Movement & Sport Science
UWA has an extraordinary research heritage in the disciplines of Sport Science and Exercise and Health, being the first University in Australia to offer research higher degrees in these disciplines. Its alumni comprise an honour role of esteemed Sport and Exercise Scientists in Australia and Internationally.
UWA staff pioneered Applied Sports Science as a profession in Australia, being responsible for the establishment of the AIS, WAIS and training Sport Scientists in many team sports (West Coast Eagles, Wildcats, WAFL, Hockey Australia etc), and assisted with the establishment of 11 Sports Science Schools in Australian universities and collectively hold 7 AM, OAM or Centenary medals for services to sport science.
Exercise and Sport Science at UWA has a well-earned international reputation for research productivity and excellence, with Top 20 World rankings in both the QS and ARWU research quality ranking systems. UWA attracts high quality international students (~16 countries) and visiting Research Fellows (including Fulbright and Raine Fellows).
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Immunology
Immunology
Our Immunology research covers areas as diverse as transplant organ rejection, immune dysregulation in HIV patients, immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primary immunodeficiency disorders and pathogen immunogenetics.
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Information and Computing Sciences
Information and Computing Sciences
This course provides its graduates with the necessary knowledge and skills to explain and apply appropriate information technology (IT) methodologies to help an individual or organisation achieve its goals and objectives. You'll also learn to appreciate the scientific foundations on which IT is built, and to anticipate the changing direction of IT and evaluate and communicate the effectiveness of new technologies.
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Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Inorganic chemistry research at UWA is focussed on fundamentals of inorganic compound and complex synthesis and structure, reaction chemistry and electro-optical properties.
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Language, Communication and Culture
Language, Communication and Culture
The Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Education brings together disciplines aiming to understand and enhance human societies, cultures and institutions. We offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses across business, design, education, humanities, law, music and social sciences.
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Law and Legal Studies
Law and Legal Studies
From human rights, decisions about birth and death, and crime and justice to Indigenous rights, freedom of expression and religion, the Law and Society major explores the impact of legal and social policy on all areas of our lives.
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Literary Studies
Literary Studies
Our staff work across a number of genres, historical periods and thematic areas and are widely published in international journals, monographs and edited volumes.
Research strengths include: Medieval and Renaissance studies, Romantic and Victorian literature, Modernism and after, Australian literature, postcolonial studies, creative writing, theatre and performance studies, critical theory and cultural studies, and film.
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Mathematical Sciences
Mathematical Sciences
Mathematics is humanity's most powerful tool for comprehending the universe and is essential for many fields of modern endeavour such as science, technology, engineering and finance.
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Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
The Department of Mechanical Engineering specialises in courses involving the production and use of heat and power to design, invent and operate all types of machinery. By studying Mechanical Engineering at UWA, students gain in-depth knowledge of theories and methods surrounding thermodynamics, measurement and noise, machine components and more.
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Medical Microbiology
Medical Microbiology
Our Medical Microbiology research focuses on an integrated systems biology approach that combines clinical, cell biology, molecular and epidemiological skills in order to develop a mechanistic understanding of infection.
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Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry
Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry
The study of biomolecules and the design of molecules to perturb biological functions are at the interface of biology and chemistry. These pursuits are revolutionising our understanding of the mechanisms of life and enable us to create new therapeutics and biotechnological tools.
At UWA Medicinal & Biomolecular Chemistry is taught by leading researchers from the School of Molecular Sciences in the Chemistry and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology programs. UWA’s research excellence in this area, ranging from protein chemistry and structure determination, self-organising and functional peptides, chemical and glycobiology and synthesis and analysis of pharmaceuticals, herbicides and metabolites is located in the School of Molecular Sciences.
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Medical Physiology
Medical Physiology
How does your body cope with stresses such as intense exercise, blood loss and dehydration? How does your nervous system respond to the world around you? What controls movement within the body and locomotion of the body itself? Medical Physiology provides answers to these questions and teaches you how the human body works.
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Neurosciences
Neurosciences
Neuroscience research has long been a major strength at UWA, focusing on developmental neurobiology and neural plasticity including understanding how different modes of brain stimulation affect neural circuitry. Research on visual and auditory system function, development and plasticity has received particular attention. Other studies are aimed at treatments for brain and spinal cord trauma, including cell-based therapies. The neuroscience major attracts many high quality students, many going on to undertake Honours degrees, PhDs as well as working in government agencies and industry.
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Nutrition and Dietetics
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Oceanography
Oceanography
The UWA Oceans Institute is advancing knowledge to support the delivery of Ocean Solutions by addressing ocean challenges.
Providing multidisciplinary capabilities and excellence in marine research and technology, the Institute provides an integrated approach to the challenges of sustainable ocean resources, resilient ecosystems, informed marine governance and understanding and ocean exploration.
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Oncology and Carcinogenesis
Oncology and Carcinogenesis
Our research groups are committed to delivering the highest standard of clinical care based on best-practice and rigorous translational research. One group of researchers are currently working on a quick, simple and less invasive blood-based test that can detect breast cancer progression or relapse much earlier than current methods.
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Optometry and Ophthalmology
Optometry and Ophthalmology
The Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science is affiliated with the Lions Eye Institute. Our scientists work in close association with our clinicians to bring laboratory generated ideas and techniques to the level where they can be of benefit to people suffering blinding eye conditions.
Our patients benefit by receiving the most advanced treatments available anywhere in the world.
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Optical Physics
Optical Physics
We have an international reputation for producing exceptional students and cutting-edge research.
Our research is conducted under four themes. Each theme covers a number of specific groups, coordinated by academic staff.
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Paediatric & Reproductive Medicine
Paediatric & Reproductive Medicine
Our paediatric, obstetrics and gynaecology researchers and clinicians are based at the Children’s Hospital Medical Centre, which includes Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, King Edward Memorial Hospital, and Telethon Kids Institute.
We undertake intensive research into all issues affecting the health of children, as well as many fields of reproductive medicine and women’s health.
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Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Investigations of our researchers focus on the effect of drugs on respiratory, immune and nervous systems and their role in pain management and disease treatment. Our research strengths include drug design and discovery, as well as optimisation of drug delivery.
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Plant Biology
Plant Biology
The University of Western Australia is internationally renowned for its research and training environment in Plant Biology. Researchers in the School of Biological Sciences have particular strengths in plant physiology and phycology. The Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Plant Energy Biology (PEB) is a cutting edge research centre focused on better understanding the way in which plants interconvert forms of chemical energy in response to environmental change.
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Psychology
Psychology
The School of Psychological Science at UWA provides a vibrant and dynamic research environment for its staff and students. The research conducted is diverse and multidisciplinary, with successful, collaborative research partnerships established within UWA, with industry and government agencies, and with leading universities across the globe. The research produced within the School is world-class and has substantial impact, both in terms of generation of knowledge and the application of this knowledge to real-world settings.
Areas of particular research strength within the School include:
- Perception – the neural mechanisms underlying basic visual processes as well as body and face perception;
- Memory – the cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying typical and atypical memory performance and development, the ability to update memory and discount misinformation, and remembering intentions;
- Autism – the biological and neurocognitive basis of autism and the broad autism phenotype, and interventions to support these individuals and their families;
- Emotion – the neuropsychological and cognitive basis of emotional regulation and dysregulation, risk and protective factors for suicide, understanding and building resilience, and evidence-based interventions for emotional disorders;
- Human Factors – understanding the human-technology interface, and the factors underpinning optimal performance and human error in the workplace and beyond.
UWA Psychology was ranked 41st among all world universities in the most recent QS World University index, and is one of only two universities to have obtained the maximum 5-star rating for the psychology field of research in all three Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) assessment exercises (2010, 2012, 2015). In addition, a number of our staff have attained notable distinctions including three Fellows of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a number of ARC Discovery Outstanding Research Awards, ARC Future Fellowships, and an ARC Professorial Fellowship.
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Physical Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Physical chemistry is the study of how matter behaves on a molecular and atomic level to better understand how chemical reactions occur. Consequently the field encompasses development of theories that describe how complex structures can be formed to enable design and production of novel functional materials.
Research in physical chemistry at the School of Molecular Sciences, UWA has resulted in some ground breaking discoveries including the design of novel catalysts, molecular electronics materials, colloidal functional materials for targeted drug delivery, the use of computational platforms to better understand thermodynamics, ionic liquid solvents and energetics of industrially relevant chemical reactions.
At UWA Physical Chemistry is taught by leading researchers from the School of Molecular Sciences. UWA also houses state of the art infrastructure within the Centre for Microscopy Characterisation and Analysis to enable establishment of structure-function relationships from atomic to materials level.
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Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Physical Geography and Environmental Geoscience
Professor Malcolm McCulloch is an ARC Laureate Fellow undertaking research on the theme ‘Coral Reef Futures: a new paradigm for quantifying the resilience of marine calcifiers to ocean acidification and global change’. He is a Deputy Director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies and leader of the UWA node and a Chief Investigator in Program 3: Responding to a changing world. In mid-2009 he was appointed to UWA as a Western Australian Premier’s Fellow. Professor McCulloch received his PhD from the Californian Institute of Technology (Caltech) and previously held an appointment at the Australian National University. He is an ISI Highly Cited Researcher and has published over 270 scientific papers in leading international journals including 26 in Science and Nature.
His group focusses on understanding the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on coral bio-calcification in both shallow-water as well deep-sea reef environments. Research areas include the application and/or development of novel coral-based geochemical proxies including in-situ laser ablation, isotopic and trace-element methods to track the impact of global warming, declining seawater pH and carbonate saturation state across a spectrum of environments (tropical to sub-tropical, shallow water to deep-sea) over different timescales. This is complemented by mesocosm experiments conducted at UWA’s new Watermans facility together with field and modelling studies of different reef environments. These are designed to understand and predict how changing physical/chemical/biological conditions and other environmental variability (e.g. thermal induced stress and land-based interactions such as river runoff) impact coral reef ecosystems.
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Physical Sciences
Physical Sciences
The Department of Physics studies how we exist in the world, looking at quantum physics; atomic, molecular, nuclear and particle physics; condensed matter physics; photonics; and astrophysics.
Drawing on a strong mathematical background, our students gain a thorough understanding on what makes things work, examining advanced technologies including nuclear power, radar, lasers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scanners.
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Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Psychology and Cognitive Sciences
Our research combines the modern tools of neuroscience (brain imaging, brain stimulation, and recording of brain electrical and haemodynamic activity) with subtle psychological tools to analyse behaviour. We're interested in healthy functioning as well as the impact of neuropathology on cognition, perception, emotion and action.
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Public and Allied health
Public and Allied health
Allied health professionals work in the health, social and psychosocial services care team, using specialised skills to provide evidence-based services to patients and other service users.
The School offers professional entry to practice courses in pharmacy, podiatric medicine and social work, as well as health professions education courses for those wishing to become educators in health.
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Public Health and Health Services
Public Health and Health Services
Our research strengths include a strong evidence-based approach to services and health program evaluation, with a proven record of achievement in preventive, clinical and occupational (chronic diseases) epidemiology and development of population health databases through record linkage.
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Pure Mathematics
Pure Mathematics
Pure mathematics research underpins the tools and techniques that applied mathematicians, scientists and engineers use to find solutions to real-world problems.
The wide range of expertise covered by our group provides outstanding opportunities for postgraduate projects in areas such as algebra, discrete mathematics, analysis and geometry.
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Quantum Physics
Quantum Physics
The core research activities of the Experimental Quantum Dynamics research group, concern the interaction of photons and electrons with gas phase atoms and molecules.
The Quantum Technologies and Dark Matter Research Group aim to build instruments with world-class precision and performance, which can be used to make measurements of high value and interest in both fundamental physics and more practical applications.
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Sociology
Sociology
Our researchers undertake scholarly and applied research in the areas of migration, nationalism and racism, health and well-being, media and communication, religion, education, and gender, using a range of research methods, and spanning Australian, European and Asian contexts. We host the ‘Migration, Mobilities and Belonging’ research group.
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Soil Science
Soil Science
Our research aims to further our scientific understanding of soil. Soil provides a habitat for billions of organisms and contributes to global biodiversity. It provides us with ecosystems critical to our life on earth. Soil is a growing medium; it filters water and wastewaters, stores carbon and underpins our agricultural industries, providing us with food and fibre. Our research is particularly interested in greenhouse gas emissions and soil carbon; land rehabilitation, waste reuse and soil contamination; plant nutrition, soil nutrient cycling and the rhizosphere; soil water dynamics and critical zone science and soil genesis.
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Specialist Studies In Education
Specialist Studies In Education
Education research at UWA is characterised by theoretical depth, disciplinary and interdisciplinary study, and substantive contributions in relation to theory, policy and practice. Our areas of expertise include the social foundations of education, educational measurement, and leadership in education.
Initiatives include: The Pearson Psychometric Laboratory, Interactive Computerised Assessment System (monitoring progress of students from years 1 to 10), and Performance Indicators in Primary Schools.
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Studies In Creative Arts and Writing
Studies In Creative Arts and Writing
Hone your professional skills in creative writing. This research degree is designed for published creative writers in any genre who wish to advance their academic and creative skills.
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Studies In Human Society
Studies In Human Society
The Psychology in Society major will help you build a scientific understanding of human behaviour and its underlying psychological processes. You will find an emphasis on the measurement of psychological abilities such as intelligence, how these abilities develop through the life span and on the processes that govern the relationships between people and groups in society.
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Zoology
Zoology
Research in Zoology seeks to understand how animals function in their environment. Our research combines laboratory and field approaches to examine animal structure, physiology and behaviour. Research in Zoology is conducted mainly in the School of Biological Sciences, with strong links into Human Sciences and the UWA Oceans Institute. Our research is broad, exploring sensory systems and their disorders to cognition and social behaviour, in both invertebrate and vertebrate animals, including humans.
World Class Infrastructure
UWA is connected into the National Infrastructure investment through its nodes of AuScope, the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility, the Australian National Fabrication Facility, Bioplatforms Australia, the Integrated Marine Observing System, Metabolomics Australia, the National Imaging Facility, and the Population Health Research Network.
It is a major partner in iVEC, which hosts the Pawsey Centre national high performance computing infrastructure, and UWA runs a high quality Animal Care Services unit.
