Curtin University of Technology

Encyclopedia : C : CU : CUR : Curtin University of Technology

---

Curtin University of Technology is a technology-focused university with its main campus at Bentley, a suburb of Victoria Park, Western Australia. It commenced operations with its current name in 1987, and was previously known as the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT). Its current name is taken from the former Prime Minister of Australia, John Curtin.

Curtin University of Technology is Western Australia's largest university with over 37,000 students, of which nearly 11,000 study offshore. There are five main divisions at Curtin: Business; Engineering, Science and Computing; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Resources and Environment. While not considered one of Australia's 'big' research universities, Curtin has a growing reputation for research success in specific areas.

Curtin has several campuses outside of Perth, notably those located in Kalgoorlie, Muresk (Northam), and Miri, as well as a new campus in Sydney (2005). The first two campuses reflect the university's traditional strength in mine engineering (Kalgoorlie), and agriculture and resources (Muresk). A number of micro-campuses exist in locations such as Esperance, Margaret River and Geraldton, Nursing is the only course offered in Geraldton.

The [Miri Campus]., in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a significant development for the university. Previously many students from Asian nations have been taught in so-called offshore programs, through local non-university education providers in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia. These students received Curtin University degrees, but were not formally studying 'at Curtin'. Now, at Miri, a complete campus of the university, rather than partner institutions, has been established.

What merits attention is that, Curtin becomes increasingly popular in the mainland of China in recent years, thanks to her accomplished marketing efforts. The name Curtin has coincidently known as "Scientic Palace" in Chinese language. The Chinese premier Wen Jiabao chose to visit Woodside funded hydrocarbon research facility on its campus during his visit to Australia.

History

Prior to 1987, Curtin University was called the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT). WAIT was formed in 1966. Its nucleus comprised the tertiary programs formerly conducted in the Perth Technical College which opened in 1900. In 1969 three more institutions were merged with WAIT: The W.A. School of Mines (originally opened in 1902), the Muresk Agricultural College (dating from 1926) and schools of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in operation since the 1950s at Shenton Park.

Upon becoming a university, Curtin became eligible to grant doctorates by research, and to compete for research funding.

Merger plans

Curtin University of Technology and Murdoch University were engaged in a feasibility study into the posibility of a merger (June 2005). However, on November the 7th, 2005, both institutions issued a press release that such a merger will not be undertaken.

Bentley Campus

Places of interest recommended to students studying at Curtin on the Bentley Campus include:

Library

T.L.Robertson Library

• The only general library on campus, located in building 105. For more info, see the [Library] web site.

Teaching & Learning Resources

Contains resources of particular use to students studying Education, located in building 501.

Commercials

Pharmacy

• Stocks a selection of drugs and pharmaceutical goods, such as antibiotics, paracetamol, wound dressings, etc.

Ink Shop

Eye Gallery Optometrist.

• Best prices on contact lenses and solutions. Perth's cheapest frames

Computer Labs

Abacus Lab

• General access labs located in buildings 303, 408 and 501.
• Provides PCs running Windows XP, as well as a handful of Macs and scanning and printing stations.
• See [Abacus Labs web site] for more info.

Computing Lab

• Labs are located at building 314.
• Labs restricted to students undertaking Department of Computing units.

Mathematics Lab

• Lab is Located at building 314.
• Labs restricted to students undertaking Department of Mathematics and Statistics units.

CBS Labs

• Labs are located at building 402.
• Labs restricted to students undertaking Curtin Business School units.

Food Outlets

Main Cafeteria

• Located in the Guild Precinct, building 106.
• Wide range of standard dishes and large eating area.
• Provides a special for selected food on weekdays.
• * Mondays: Hot dog and small chips
• * Tuesdays: Roast roll
• * Wednesdays: Hamburger
• * Thursdays: Small pasta
• * Fridays: Fish and chips

Noodle house

• Located in building 104 next to Main Cafe.
• Affordable noodle and rice meals available.
• Mexican food also available.

Curtin Concept

• Known by its regulars as "Frank's".
• Located in the Guild Precinct, building 106
• Serves smoothies, ice cream, cakes and various other sweets.
• Has the best espresso on campus served by two of the most outrageous people you'll ever meet.
• Not your regular everyday café.
• Currently trying to petition for a couch.

Simply Delicious

• Unique and stylish food available here.
• Microwave food, take away.

Bookmark Cafe

• Located on the first floor of the Library building, right near the Library entrance. Building 105.
• Excellent food.
• Good meeting place for students.

The Vege Patch

• Located in building 210 (near Elizabeth Jolley lecture theatre).
• Healthy alternative on campus, with fresh salads, pastas, sushi and vegetarian meals.

Café Angazi

• Located in building 408, the new business school area.
• Coffee, cakes and light meals available.

Kirribilli Café

• Located in building 200 (John Curtin Centre).
• "Five star modern, Australian cuisine in a sophisticated setting".

The Basement

• Located in building 204 (Engineering building).
• Certified Halal

George's Kebabs

• Located before The Tav.
• Non-microwave food take away.

The Tav

• Located in the Guild Precinct, building 106.
• Usually has plenty of bands on Friday night as well as other times (usually advertised beforehand)
• Cheap beer and the large indoor/outdoor area allows for much enjoyment between classes.

There is also a few food outlets, a 10 minutes' walk away at Manning Road and Kent Street, Karawara, where cheap barbeque chicken on rice and various other food options are available.

Student Guild

The Curtin Student Guild is the student representative association at Curtin University. The Guild started as the WAIT Student Guild in November 1968. In addition to student representation the Guild manages most of the food outlets on campus, runs the Guild Tavern, the Second Hand Bookshop, Concept Store, Curtin Student Guild Childcare Centre and the Copy and Design Centre. The Guild funds many of the student clubs and societies on campus. The Guild also runs a number of events throughout the year, most notably are the Beach Bash held in semester one and Oktoberfest held in semester two. The Guild publishes Grok, the campus magazine which has the largest distribution in the country. The Student Guild is governed by students through the Guild Council. Student representatives are elected to their positions by students in annual elections held in September and run by the Western Australian Electoral Commission. The official spokesperson of which is the Guild President. The 2006 Guild President is Kate Meenan.

Postgraduate students are represented by [Curtin Student Guild Postgraduate Student Association]. CUPSA is a department of the Guild. Other departments include ISC (International Students Committee), Women’s, Queer, Indigenous, and Part Time and Mature Age.

Funding to the Curtin Student Guild will be greatly reduced when the Voluntary Student Unionism legislation comes into force on 1 July 2006. The Curtin Student Guild has already experienced State imposed VSU from 1994-2002.

For more information, see the [Guild website].

Student Clubs

CEC

The Curtin Engineers Club is the largest student club at Curtin University and has many social activities designed to allow students from different engineering fields to keep in contact with each other. It comprises of the famous 'beers on the lawn', giant pub crawls and the biggest Ball of the year in conjunction with SUN, The Nurses Club. The club is affiliated with The Institute of Engineers Australia, and Young Engineers Australia providing a link to the Engineering profession with Face to Face Expo's and Conferences. The club is always working on other academic activities and services to help engineering students. Whilst it is primarily for engineering students, membership is open to anyone. For more information go to the [CEC website].

ComSSA

ComSSA is the student academic and social club for the department of Computing at Curtin. ComSSA is well known for the social activities it runs throughout the year and provides academic services such as feedback to the department and university, computing related seminars, career expo's, etc. While Computing students are automatically ComSSA members, students from other schools and departments may also join. For more information, see the [ComSSA website].

GEOS

Geos is the social club which caters to students of Geology, Geophysics and other geology related courses in the Resource and Environment division. It regularly organizes social events, principally related to the consumption of alcohol, but often also industry and career related events. Currently, GEOS is petitioning the university to provide a student common room for Geology students.

PHYSSED

The PHYSSED club is for any physics students studying at Curtin, also catering for those with physics based units as part of their course. PHYSSED runs a variety of social events throughout the year, from pub crawls to barbeques to fund raising events like a Mexicana themed bash. The PHYSSED common room is a good place to ask odd questions about assignments, exchange study notes, or hang out with fellow students between classes.

S.C.U.M.

S.C.U.M. (Students of Curtin University Mathematics) is a social club which caters to students of Maths or maths related courses at Curtin. It regularly organizes social events, as well as other activities such as maths help clinics. If you like maths but are not studying it you can still become a member.

TPSA

The Town Planning Students Association is the student representative body and social club for the 100-odd students studying town planning at Curtin. Its duties and representative role for the students has become increasingly important in recent years due to the critical lack of professionally recognised urban planners in national and international cities. The TPSA regularly hold social events usually involving the consumption of alcohol with the adopted association motto being 'Planners who drink together, stick together' or 'Planners who drink together, plan better'. The Urban and Regional Planning course held at Curtin is the only undergraduate degree for urban planning in Western Australia. The Architecture and Planning building, number 201 is one of the most distinctive buildings on campus, and was designed by Public Works Architect Vin Davies, and built in 1971.

WASSA

WASSA is a club for the spatial sciences.It regularly organizes social events, principally related to the consumption of alcohol, but often also industry and career related events. There is a Dinner Dance each year

Antics

Antics is the largest non divisional social club on campus with over 400 members. It was formed in 2004 by a group of students who noticed that there was no definitive 'drinking' or 'social' club on campus. Antics runs a number events throught the year including pub crawls and quiz nights. [Antics website].

CMSA

CMSA (Curtin Muslim Student Association) is a non-profit religious society within Curtin University dedicated to promote the well being of Muslim students through the provision of religious, social and academic activities and to promote the Islamic vision of the unity of Human kind.

The CMSA promotes a better and more accurate understanding of Islam as a way of life and represents the interest of Muslim students and endeavours to maximise social interaction among them. [CMSA website]

Transportation

Bentley campus

Car

There are several car parks around the campus, for staff and student use. Finding an appropriate parking spot, however, is notoriously difficult during the day, with students often having to resort to so-called 'temporary' (read: unpaved) parking areas. For more info, see the [Parking and Traffic] web site.

Public transport

Transperth provides several bus services to and from Bentley, see Curtin University Bus Station for more details.

Sarawak Campus

-->

Curtin University of Technology, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) is the first offshore campus of Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia. Located in Miri, Sarawak, Curtin Sarawak is the first foreign university campus to be set up in East Malaysia.

Curtin Sarawak’s operations in Miri, Sarawak commenced in February 1999. In 2002, the new purpose-built campus in a garden was opened, which is a world-class facility where stylish architecturally designed buildings complement state-of-the-art equipment and facilities coupled with sophisticated IT linkages to provide students access to the resources of Curtin, Western Australia. In November 1999, Curtin Sarawak was awarded the Multimedia Super Corridor status. In December 2004, Curtin Sarawak was awarded the prestigious IRPA grant (Intensification of Research in Priority Areas) from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment.

Curtin Sarawak Campus is dedicated towards providing students with world-class education and highly acclaimed and prestigious Curtin degrees. Its state-of-the-art campus with excellently equipped laboratories incorporates the latest technology, computers, software and up-to-date library and reference materials, which meet international standards and requirements. The teaching facilities also provide an ideal and sophisticated educational environment for students from Sarawak, other parts of Malaysia and further a field.

Curtin Sarawak offers identical degrees to the main campus in Curtin Western Australia. Every aspect of the academic programmes, including course materials and examinations delivered at Curtin Sarawak is similar to those offered in Perth and other parts of the world.

Examinations for the degree programmes are set and moderated at Curtin’s main campus in Perth to ensure that they meet and fulfill the academic standards established for completion of a Curtin qualification. Academics from Curtin Western Australia make regular visits for quality audit checks and also conduct classes in consultation with Curtin Sarawak on various issues ranging from assignments, projects, tasks and assessment matters.

Academic staff at Curtin Sarawak are recruited internationally and are of the highest caliber to meet Curtin’s standards. Just as with the student cohort, staff members come not only from Malaysia but also from Australia and twenty (20) other countries around the world.

The Curtin Sarawak Campus offers a selection of highly sought after programmes ranging from pre-university and degree programmes to higher tertiary degrees. The courses offered by Curtin’s School of Business and School of Engineering and Science are accredited by Certified Practicing Accountants Australia (CPA Aust) and the Institute of Engineers Australia (IEAust).

Curtin Sarawak is the only approved CISCO Networking University in Miri and Brunei. (Source: CISCO Network Academy website, http://www.cisco.com/web/learning/netacad/index.html).

Curtin Sarawak’s library is equipped with up-to-date electronic resources with accessibility to a huge range of electronic resources including databases (accessible through Gecko: Gateway to Library databases or the A-Z Database List), E-Books, E-Journals, digital theses and espace@Curtin : Curtin's digital repository. Besides databases, Curtin Sarawak’s staff and student have full remote access to 12,830 online journals and 4,640 volumes of e-books.

Curtin Sarawak has also installed TMNet Wireless Hotspot at its cafeteria. This facility will provide students and staff at Curtin Sarawak easy and unrestricted access to the internet which will facilitate access to digital information for students, which in turn opens doors to knowledge bases, blogs, hobby sites and vast cyber-labyrinths of trade and other material.

Apart from the above facilities, Curtin Sarawak also encourages students’ development through the “Curtin Student Exchange Programmes” such as Curtin Intercampus Exchange Programme and International Student Exchange Programme. In addition, students from the Sarawak Campus may also apply for transfer to the main campus in Perth.

Curtin Sarawak has been offering various financial aids and scholarships to its students since its establishment. These internal and external financial aids offered are open to all Malaysian students with allocation to Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes.

At Curtin Sarawak, students always have someone they can turn to. This is because Curtin Sarawak knows how challenging it can be to study away from home and therefore, has made available a network of services to help students with the transition to University.

With students drawn from various countries, Curtin Sarawak offers an affordable education and a unique international and cross-cultural learning experience. The ultimate reward is the attainment of a prestigious internationally acclaimed Curtin degree.

Library and Information Services

The Curtin Sarawak Library and Information Service (LIS) supports staff and students in teaching, learning and research by expanding and maintaining the breadth and depth of the collections and other information resources. LIS provides assistance and instruction in using these resources by conducting training in the areas of finding and gathering relevant information, evaluating information sources and managing information.

LIS also facilitates inter-library loans with other academic, public and special libraries throughout Malaysia for Curtin’s students and staff. Students also have access to the Library at Curtin’s Bentley campus in Perth through its networked facilities. In particular, they have access to a wide range of academic publications through electronic databases of abstracts and full-text articles.

Information Technology

Curtin Sarawak Campus places great emphasis on utilization of modern technology to support teaching, learning and research. Significant investment in computing and networking facilities has been made to ensure facilities are state of the art. The Campus has been awarded Multimedia Super Corridor Status by the Malaysian Government Multimedia Development Corporation and is the first international university in Malaysia to achieve this status, recognising the quality of its academic programs, teaching staff and IT infrastructure.

Sarawak Campus currently has fourteen computer laboratories with four hundred PCs for student use, in addition to the terminals located in the library that provide access to the library’s online databases. Each laboratory is equipped with laser jet printers and an IT helpdesk is available to provide assistance with computer and networking facilities. All students have access to the Internet and email. Sophisticated IT linkages provide access to the resources of Curtin’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia.

Science Laboratories

Students working in laboratories within Curtin University, Sarawak Campus do so under the condition that they abide by Rules and Regulations regarding good conduct and safety. The Science Laboratory Staff requires students to read and sign a form designed to ensure that students understand the necessity of acting responsibly and with care when working in the Science Laboratory.

Surau

A prayer room for Muslim students and staff at the Sarawak Campus is located adjacent to the cafeteria and main lecture theatre.

Food Outlets

A large cafeteria with a number of food stalls is part of the Student Service Complex at the Sarawak Campus. These food outlets provide a range of Asian, Malaysian, Western and local foods for staff and students. All food outlets provide halal food.

Eating out in Miri is relatively cheap and there are plenty of choices, including excellent seafood and major fast-food chains.

Recreation

There are sports and social clubs that cater for the recreational needs of students. The sporting and recreational complex at the Sarawak Campus includes a soccer field, basketball, badminton and volleyball courts, indoor soccer, jogging track and gymnasium. Students are encouraged to make the most of campus life by participating in such games and other social activities that are organised from time to time. Students may also approach the Curtin Student Guild to start up new clubs or suggest possible social activities that can be held on campus.

Alumni

Past Curtin attendees include:

• John Butler, musician
• Priya Cooper, Gold medal swimmer at the Sydney Paralympic Games
• Richard Curry, head of the Department of Indigenous Affairs
• Martin Dougiamas, creator of moodle
• Amanda Higgs, producer of The Secret Life Of Us
• Sheila McHale, Cabinet minister in the Government of Western Australia
• Frances O'Connor, actress
• Tim Winton, author
• John Worsfold, coach of the West Coast Eagles
• Natalia Cooper, weatherwoman from National Nine News on Nine Perth.

External links

Search Titles

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

?

E-mail this article to:

Personal Message: