What's On at UWA

What do you do when you’re feeling stressed? Where would you go if you were sexually harassed? ‘Health Day’ is run by fourth year health promotion students aiming to answer questions like these and target issues of Mental Health and Sexual Health on campus. Come down the Oak Lawn on Tuesday 8th May from 12-2pm for a range of fun activities and to find out more!

IBM representatives will be on campus to talk about graduate opportunities for computer science and business students. Please book through http://uwa.careerhub.com.au

An Soil&Water seminar on Weds, May 9th at 12pm will be given by Prof. Richard Webster. All welcome!

TITLE: "Presentation of statistics in scientific papers " R Webster, Rothamsted Research

ABSTRACT: This talk is about what information to present in papers on soil research in which the most used statistical techniques have had crucial roles. In all instances state what you did, important intermediate results and what you found.

1. For surveys summarize the sampling scheme and the data, transformed if necessary, that accrued. 2. For designed experiments describe the design, analyse the variance according the design, summarize the analysis in a table and list means and their standard errors. 3. Distinguish correlation from regression. Regression is about prediction mainly. State which variable is the predictor and which is the predictand. Give the equation and display it on a scatter graph. 4. For principal component analysis state on which matrix you did the analysis, list the eigenvalues and graph the eigenvectors or correlations derived from them. 5. In geostatistical studies summarize the data, display a posting of them, show the variogram and state how you computed and modelled it, and list its parameters.

I shall illustrate these items with data and results from case studies.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Richard Webster, after graduating in chemistry at Sheffield University, worked as soil chemist for the Government of Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). He returned to England, to Oxford University, to investigate methods for predicting soil conditions at remote sites for which he was awarded his doctorate. He continued that research at Rothamsted Experimental Station and for one year (1973) with CSIRO in Canberra. In 1990 he was appointed charge de recherche in the Paris School of Mines from where he moved to the Institut de la Recherche Agronomique in Montpellier. He was guest professor at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and Lausanne before returning once more to Rothamsted to edit the European Journal of Soil Science. Richard Webster is currently a Lawes Trust Senior Fellow at Rothamsted, visiting professor in the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and visiting scientist with CSIRO.

Warren Alexander received his Ph.D. in medical biology from the University of Melbourne, and his post-doctoral studies were completed at the Research Institute for Molecular Pathology in Vienna, Austria and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Melbourne. Since 1994, he has been a Laboratory Head at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) and is currently Joint Head of the Cancer and Haematology Division. His research focuses on the molecular regulation of haematopoietic cell production and function. In recent years, he and his collaborators have focussed on studies of cytokine-receptor function, as well as the negative regulation of cytokine signalling and have established large scale genetic screens for gene discovery in haematopoiesis.

Professor James Chin will address these questions in his lecture. Prof. James Chin is Head, School of Arts & Social Sciences, at the Monash University, Malaysia Campus. His current research interests include minority rights, elections, ethnic politics, democratization and political and economic development of non-Western states, and good governance issues.

Cartilaginous fishes are comprised of approximately 1185 species worldwide and occupy a range of niches and primary habitats. It is a widely accepted view that neural development can reflect morphological adaptations and sensory specializations and it has been shown that similar patterns of brain organization, termed cerebrotypes, exist in species of that share certain lifestyle characteristics. Clear patterns of brain organization exist across cartilaginous fishes, irrespective of phylogenetic grouping. Examination of brain size (encephalization, n = 151) and interspecific variation in brain organization (n = 84) across this group suggests that similar patterns of brain organization, termed “cerebrotypes”, exist in species that share certain lifestyle characteristics. Clear patterns of brain organization exist across cartilaginous fishes, irrespective of phylogenetic grouping and, although this study was not a functional analysis, it provides further evidence that chondrichthyan brain structures might have developed in conjunction with specific behaviours or enhanced cognitive capabilities. Larger brains, with well-developed telencephala and large, highly foliated cerebella are reported in species that occupy complex reef or oceanic habitats, such as Prionace glauca and Sphyrna zygaena. In contrast, benthic and benthopelagic demersal species comprise the group with the smallest brains, such as Cephaloscyllium spp. and Squatina californica, with a relatively reduced telencephalon and a smooth cerebellar corpus. There is also evidence of a bathyal cerebrotype; deep-sea benthopelagic sharks, such as Centroselachus crepidater and Harriotta raleighana possess relatively small brains and show a clear relative hypertrophy of the medulla oblongata. Despite the patterns observed and documented, significant gaps in the literature have been highlighted. Brain mass data are only currently available on c. 16% of all chondrichthyan species, and only 8% of species have data available on their brain organization, with far less on subsections of major brain areas that receive distinct sensory input. The interspecific variability in brain organization further stresses the importance of performing functional studies on a greater range of species. Only an expansive data set, comprised of species that span a variety of habitats and taxonomic groups, with widely disparate behavioural repertoires, combined with further functional analyses, will help shed light on the extent to which chondrichthyan brains have evolved as a consequence of behaviour, habitat and lifestyle in addition to phylogeny.

Born in 1970 in Algiers in a Berber family, Amara Lakhous is the sixth of nine children. He studied at Koran school for four years where he learned classical Arabic. He learned French at junior school. He was influenced from an early age by authors like Mahfouz, Flaubert and Hemingway, and after finishing school decided to study at the Faculty for Philosophy in Algiers. He moved to Rome in 1995, where he graduated in cultural anthropology from the University la Sapienza, Rome. He recently completed a Ph.D. thesis entitled “Living Islam as a Minority.”

Come down and watch classic films by Jean Renoir, Cassavetes, Bergman, Kurosawa and many more every Thursday at 6pm. Venues TBA via http://www.facebook.com/uwafilmsociety and http://www.facebook.com/groups/242259162472394/

In this “academic roasting” the Postgraduate Students Association (PSA) will roast various general areas of the University and associated processes and systems. These will be represented by volunteer academic and senior professional staff members.

A ‘roast’ is an event (usually in the United States) in which an individual is subjected to a public presentation of comedic criticism, praise, stories, and heart-warming tributes.

The Speaker: Dr Watson trained as a molecular biologist in the United Kingdom and conducted his first post doc with Prof Steven Holgate, Prof Newton Morten and Prof. Patricia Jacobs in Southampton , UK performing genetic linkage analysis to Atopy and allergic disease. In 1994 he took up a position as the manager of the Centre for Cell and molecular Biology at the University of Western Australia.

In 1996 he was successful in obtaining NH&MRC funding for a project looking at the molecular aspects of the Murine AIDS virus. Dr Watson then moved to a research position within the WA Health Department at Royal Perth Hospital Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases to study the Hepatitis C Virus which remains one of his main research areas to date.

In 2006 Dr Watson took up the position of Manager of the newly established Geomics Node of the Lotterywset Biomedical facility located within the Department of Immunology and Immunogenetics at Royal Perth Hospital.

Dr Watson has been highly active in organising conferences both local and national (CBSM and ASM) and has previously chaired CBSM 92002-2005). Dr Watson is an ASMWA committee member and is the chair of the WA health Hepatitis C Virus statewide database development group.

He joined the Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases as the Laboratory Manager in December 2008. His most active area of current research is in the area of the Hepatitis C virus with particular focus on molecular immunology and antivirals.

'What Matters to me and why' is a series of lunch time talks and conversations with UWA Academics. The talks explore personal stories of family, place, formative influences and how these things continue to shape people's lives and academic work.

The next conversation is with Carol Kaplanian, who's PhD focuses on a social policy analysis of honour killings in Jordan. Carol is also working with the WA Police Department developing cultural awareness training and helping police liaise with migrant communities.

Carol will share some of her story and then there will be the opportunity for questions/conversation. BYO lunch. Tea/Coffee is available in the meeting room (at the request of the Science Library, please do not carry coffee through the library).

The Science Library is towards the southern end of the campus just past the Chemistry and Psychology buildings.

Teaching school children about reptiles sounded like a great, easy idea. I had a snake and a few lizards that were children-friendly, what else did I need? Well, the answer was licensing, business registration, naming rights, website construction, writing fact sheets, linking material to the school curriculum and eating cake. Find out how I've achieved success in the world of environmental education and see some of the lessons I've learned along the way.

What happens when you have a show needing a chorus of men and five major male leads, but only five men and not a tenor in sight, too many women who are all suitable to sing the two major women leads, no budget, no sets, no props, a bare music auditorium and a grand piano?

Answer. UWA Vocal Students condensed version of Gilbert & Sullivan's The Mikado. Arguably the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan opera of all time, this is a Mikado with a difference. Watch as the Mikado never appears. Be stunned at the multi-personalities of Yum Yum, Nanki Poo, as you've never seen him before, Pooh Bah from Glasgow, and Katisha "the cougar". Be amazed at how great the men's chorus sounds ... with women. Look out for the next Lord High Executioner - will it be you? Witty dialogue, new narration, stunning music, and fresh and eager young voices. Why haven't you booked your seat already? A Mikado not to be missed.

Artistic Director Andrew Foote Accompanist and Coach Caroline Badnall

Price - Unreserved Tickets at door Standard: $15 Concession: 10 Students: Free

The Seminar: By investigating the neural basis of behaviour in marine organisms, it is possible to identify the signals that govern a range of behaviours crucial for survival. In this presentation, the fields of neuroscience and ecology are integrated to explore animal behaviour and the processing of environmental signals by both the peripheral and central nervous systems of a range of (predominantly marine) organisms. Within every species’ microhabitat, the ability to detect the physical environment for setting circadian rhythms, avoiding predation, finding food and for reproductive success are often different. We use innovative neurobiological techniques such as molecular genetics, microspectrophotometry, bioimaging, electrophysiology and anatomy to trace the evolution of sensory systems and the detection thresholds for light, chemosensory signals, electric fields, water borne sound and hydrodynamic disturbances. In this way, we hope to understand how we can protect biodiversity and the varied environments each species is adapted to.

The Speaker: Professor Shaun P. Collin is a WA Premiers Research Fellow and Winthrop Professor at The University of Western Australia. He heads a large Neuroecology Group that investigates the neural basis of behaviour in both invertebrates and vertebrates, with special emphasis on sensory systems and vision. Before joining UWA from The University of Queensland, where he was a Professor within the School of Biomedical Sciences for 10 years, he spent appreciable periods of time in Canada, the United States, Germany and Australia on a range of prestigious Research Fellowships (ARC QEII, Fulbright, Alexander von Humboldt, Grass). Using a range of cutting edge techniques, his Group investigates the impacts of light on biodiversity, sustainability and health in a large diversity of animals, including humans. Prof. Collin has published over 170 scientific papers, including 2 books, and sits on the Editorial Boards of 5 international journals. He also sits on the College of Experts Panel for the Australian Research Council (ARC) and is a member of the Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (TIAC) for the WA State Government.

The start of the European Upper Palaeolithic, about 35,000 years ago, is marked by the dramatic appearance not just of art, but of true creative genius.

World renowned cave art sites like Lascaux, Chauvet and Altamira are widely recognised as artistic masterpieces. Although scientists rarely consider art and genius, the sudden appearance of artistic genius presents an empircal problem that warrants analysis.

Taking an evolutionary approach, archaeological, psychitric ethnographic and genetic evidence are used to develop a hypothesis that may explain this phenomenon, and which provides important insight into the nature of what makes us human.

This lecture will discuss some of these approaches to early examples of creative genius.

Five nights only. From Tuesday May 22 through to Saturday May 26, at 8pm. $20 full; $15 concession. Tickets at door. Theatre students in English and Cultural Studies present contemporary English playwright Howard Barker’s revisioning of Thomas Middleton’s Jacobean revenge tragedy Women Beware Women. Directed by Assoc. Prof. Steve Chinna. Middleton’s play was last performed at UWA in the Octagon Theatre in 1982, directed by then director-in-residence Timothy West with a cast comprising English Department staff and members of the UWA GRADS and UDS theatre communities.

Barker utilises most of the first four acts and the language of Middleton’s play in its first half, with a second half comprised of Barker’s mixture of vividly poetic and robust vernacular language. While Middleton saw fit to end his play with a conventional revenge tragedy massacre of his troublesome protagonists, Barker takes the trajectories of the protagonists towards a denouement which leaves all but one of the characters surviving, but which shatters the ducal state of greed, misogyny, and moral corruption. Some coarse language.

Ellen completed a Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Australia in 2009. Following this she did Honours in the lab of Professor Charlie Bond (BBCS, UWA). After completing Honours, Ellen did an Internship at the University of Queensland in Professor John Mattick’s lab, a world leader in the field of non-coding RNA research. Ellen then started her PhD at WAIMR in the lab of Dr Archa Fox and is currently in her second year. Ellen’s PhD project involves investigating the interactions occurring within paraspeckles: an RNA:Protein sub-compartment located in mammalian cell nuclei. This project aims to perform the first detailed analysis of the interactions between the paraspeckle proteins and the RNAs they bind, with the aim of one day utilizing this information to target lncRNA:protein complexes as therapeutic targets.

Ruohan Li finished his undergraduate degree with Honours in biomedical science in UWA. During his Honours and a voluntary research year in the same lab, he worked under Dr. Thomas Martin on the protein-protein interactions and stress responses mediated by 14-3-3 proteins. He then started his PhD with Dr. Archa Fox in April 2011 on a project aimed at investigating the induction mechanism of a 23kb long non-coding RNA called NEAT1 (Nuclear Enriched Abundant Transcript 1). This work seeks to provide insights into the unknown physiological function of paraspeckles, by understanding how NEAT1 is regulated in a variety of normal and diseased cell types.

Honourable Aburizal Bakrie is visiting The University of Western Australia as a distinguished guest and speaker of the Centre for Muslim States and Societies. Mr Bakrie is the Golkar Party's nominee for the Indonesian Presidential elections in 2014. Given that Indonesia is the largest Muslim state in the world and our immediate neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region, his views on the implications of Indonesian politics for Australia-Indonesia relations would be of great value to our country.

In the mid 1850s the officers in charge of the convict system in Western Australia engaged in a lengthy debate over the make up of the official convict ration. The debate is captured in a voluminous correspondence, leading to a wide range of documentary evidence that recorded the official convict ration as monotonous and nutritionally limited. However, archaeological research at convict sites demonstrates that convict consumption was more varied than suggested by the official reocrd.

This seminar uses archaeological evidence to assess convict consumption in the regions of Western Australia. The evidence demonstrates that, in contrast to those incarcerated at Fremantle Prison, convicts sent to the regions had greater choice about their consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco. Rather than being passively restricted by the oficial ration, the convicts in regions actively supplemented their diet through the hunting and purchase of goods.

The film demonstrates how villagers living in the Trobriand Islands, off the coast of Papua New Guinea, transformed the game of cricket into their own form of ritual and fun. Methodist missionaries introduced cricket to the Trobriand Islands in 1903, the residents then altered the game to represent their own culture. Through the creation of their own version of the sport, the Trobriand Islanders did not lose sight of the competitive nature of cricket – they just extended the game to include dancing, chanting, ritual warfare and feasting!

Come along and see how the Trobriand Islanders changed a game that we all thought we knew so well.

FREE EVENT

RSVP: Bookings essential to Alexandra Tough on [email protected] or (08) 6488 3079