Online Archives Search

Discover just some of the amazing material held in the Archives.

The Online Archives Search is a limited search of the UNSW Archives' collection - please note that it does not cover everything held by the Archives.

UNSW staff can also search for archival records through the RAMS interface.

A small selection of the Archives' digital photographs are also available for searching and viewing via UNSW Digital Collections.

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    Archives Series
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    This series consists of the Subject Files of the Head of the School of School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences (BEES). The material is typed and maintained in a number of manilla folders according to subject. This material has come from the office of the Head of School, and is generally only a small collection of papers relating to each topic. Files relate both directly to the School and to predecessor Schools with which the School has merged.
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    Agencies Series
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    On 6 July 1998 Council replaced the Department of Applied Geology in the Faculty of Science & Technology with the School of Geology (resolution CL98/51c). On 18 June, 2001 Council resolved to disestablish the Faculty of Science & Technology and create a new single model Faculty of Science effective from 1 July, 2001 - including the School of Geology (resolution CL001/49). On 8 October 2001 Council approved the disestablishment of the School of Geology in order to form a School of Biological, Earth & Environmental Sciences effective from 1 January 2002 (resolution CL001/84). Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 06/07/1998-31/12/2001
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    On 14 July 1952 Council appointed Dr F. H. Reuter to the position of Associate Professor in Food Technology (resolution 234). When he commenced in this post on 16 July 1952, the Department of Food Technology also came into being within the School of Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Science (SRF - Food Technology, file 00048296 CN980/102). On 8 November 1954 Council approved the introduction of a full-time degree course in food technology (resolution 518). On 14 May 1956 Council created the Faculty of Technology (resolution 761i) and the School of Chemical Engineering, including the Department of Food Technology, was moved into this faculty. On 9 May 1960, Council changed the name of the faculty to the Faculty of Applied Science (resolution 60/55). On 19 January 1976 Council made the department into a separate School of Food Technology within the Faculty of Applied Science (resolution 76/10). Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 16/07/1952-19/01/1976
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    Agencies Series
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    On 12 November 1956 the Department of Biological Sciences became the School of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science (Council resolution 839ii). The School was then administratively organised into four departments, including the Department of Botany (Biological Sciences Advisory Panel, CN913). Dr Elsie M. Stephenson, lecturer in zoology, was put in charge of principally promoting the department (file 00072525). On 12 March 1962 the creation of a foundation chair of zoology was approved by Council (resolution 62/4). On 10 May 1965 Dr G. B. Sharman was appointed to this position (Council resolution 65/50iii). On 8 July 1968 Council approved the creation of the Faculty of Biological Science effective from 1 July 1968 (resolution 68/108). At the same time the department was redesignated the School of Zoology and became one of the first six schools within the new faculty. Subordinate agency: Cowan Field Station - 01/01/1966 - 30/06/1968 Subordinate agency: Smith's Lake Field Station - 22/07/1966 - 30/06/1968 Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 12/11/1956-30/06/1968
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    Agencies Series
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    On 12 November 1956 the Department of Biological Sciences became the School of Biological Sciences in the Faculty of Science (Council resolution 839ii). The School was then administratively organised into four departments, including the Department of Botany (Biological Sciences Advisory Panel, CN913). Dr Mary Hindmarsh, lecturer in botany, was put in charge of principally promoting the department (file 00072525). On 12 March 1962 the creation of a foundation chair of botany was approved by Council (resolution 62/4) and on 9 September 1963 Professor H. N. Barber was appointed to this position (resolution 63/150), commencing on duty on 1 February 1964. On 8 July 1968 Council approved the creation of the Faculty of Biological Science effective from 1 July 1968 (resolution 68/108). At the same time the department was redesignated the School of Botany and became one of the first six schools within the new faculty. Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 12/11/1956-30/06/1968
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    Agencies Series
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    The Department of Biochemical Engineering appears to have been created as the result of a reorganisation of the Department of Biochemistry (located in the School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science) following the appointment of the second professor of biochemistry, Professor E. O. P. Thompson, by Council on 24 January 1966 (resolution 66/3). Professor Thompson took up duties on 1 August 1966 and the department came into existence shortly afterwards (V273, file 00020411 - CN1160/209), with Professor B. J. Ralph as its first head. On 8 July 1968 Council approved the creation of the Faculty of Biological Science effective from 1 July 1968 (resolution 68/108). At the same time the department was redesignated the School of Biological Technology and became one of the first six schools within the new faculty. Controlling Organisation: UNSW - c. 01/08/1966-30/06/1968
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    Agencies Series
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    The Biomedical Engineering Centre is of a multi-disciplinary nature. During 1973 several committees were concerned with the drafting of a proposal to establish a Centre for Biomedical Engineering within UNSW. As a result the university submission made to the AUC refers to this centre as one of the few major development projects proposed for the 1976-1978 Triennium. The university's activities in this area had steadily increased involving staff from the faculties of Medicine, Applied Science, Biological Sciences, Science and Engineering. Academic staff members felt at the time that the existence of such a centre as a formally established entity would help those involved to attract funds from outside sources. The centre was seen as providing a consolidated foundation for work in this area by conducting and sponsoring research; establishing postgraduate programs; sponsoring the development of appropriate undergraduate subjects; and organising conferences, meetings and discussions on biomedical engineering. On 27 August 1974 the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Myers, agreed to the informal establishment within the university of a centre for biomedical engineering and to the establishment of a management committee under the chairmanship of Prof Svensson. The committee comprised Profs NL Svensson (Mechanical Engineering), Chairman, R Huckstep (Orthopaedics), Drs J Loughman (Anaesthetics), M O'Rourke (Cardiology), P Farrell (Chemical Engineering), and Mr P Bason (Electrical Engineering). One of ithe committee's briefs was to plan the future structure and functions of the centre. The Vice-Chancellor provided initial funding of $750 for use by the centre in 1975 with the expectation that the various participating faculties would take over full responsibility for the associated costs in subsequent years. The centre had the support of the deans of the faculties of Biological Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The major activities of the centre fell in the areas of teaching, research and clinical application. On 24 September 1976, after consideration of the management committee's proposals, the Vice-Chancellor formally approved the establishment of the Centre of Biomedical Engineering in the University of New South Wales as a centre for interdisciplinary studies and developments involving engineering, medicine and the biological sciences. He also approved the management structure of the centre involving an Advisory Board to be responsible for the overall operating policy of the centre and a Management Committee to be responsible generally for the execution of policy objectives, for the control of the staff and financial management of the centre and for the proposals of further research and development projects. In 1977 Professor Peter Farrell was appointed Director of the Centre of Biomedical Engineering. Growth of the centre was rapid. Within a few years the centre had attracted considerable interest in its research activities and received extensive funding from industry, government and private research foundations. Its international reputation in artificial organs research meant that already in 1979 most of its funding for artificial organs research came from sources outside the university (AMA Gazette, 19 July 1979). In 1980 the centre offered postgraduate programs in biomedical engineering for students with either an engineering/ scientific or medical background; it also co-ordinated biomedical engineering research in schools of the university and in hospitals in biomechanics, medical instrumentation, cardiology, physiology and rehabilitation engineering. The centre's growth and success meant that in 1980 it was suggested by senior staff that the Centre for Biomedical Engineering should be located within a faculty to put on it on a more permanent footing. The faulty of Engineering, which had coordinated all the centre's activities since its establishment, was suggested as an appropriate home. In 1981 the centre became a faculty unit within the faculty of Engineering. The position of Director, Centre for Biomedical Engineering in the faculty unit, faculty of Engineering, was established and Professor Peter O'Farrell was seconded to that position effective from 8 May 1981. Administratively within the faculty the unit operated and was treated like any other school. A review of research centres at UNSW by Professor Alan Gilbert in 1990 defined the role of research centres at the university. The Centre for Biomedical Engineering lay outside the guidelines of research centres in respect to the teaching function it provided. Resulting from this the centre sought to have its name changed to the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering. At its meeting on 5 July 1994 the Academic Board resolved that it be recommended that Council approve the proposed change of status of the centre. Council at its meeting on 29 August 1994 resolved as follows: (CL94/72)(b) That Council approve the proposed change of status of the Centre for Biomedical Engineering to the Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering. The head of school in 2008 was Associate Professor Anne Simmons. Controlling Organisation: UNSW - in year of 01/01/1974-
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    On 8 July 1947 the NSW Government appointed a Developmental Council (under the chairmanship of the Minister for Education, the Hon R.J. Heffron, MLA) to establish the New South Wales Institute of Technology. The purpose of the Institute was to train scientists and technologists to meet the needs of the expanding economy. The Council met on 18 occasions between 27 August 1947 and 26 May 1949, during which time the name of the proposed body was changed to the New South Wales University of Technology. The major role of the Developmental Council had been preparation of a bill for an Act that passed though the parliamentary process in 1949. The Council had identified two unique features of the new University courses - some humanities component would be included, and practical industrial training would be a requirement. Premises of the Department of Technical Education were utilised until a site and buildings for the university were available. The first degree courses in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical and Mining Engineering commenced at Sydney Technical College in March 1948. (1) The Technical Education and University of Technology Act, 1949 (Act No 11, 1949) came into effect on 1 July 1949. It formally constituted the University as a body corporate, and consisting of the Council, the professors and other such classes of persons giving instruction within the University as may be prescribed and the graduate and under-graduate members thereof. (2) The objects of the University were (a) to provide facilities for higher specialised instruction and advanced training in the various branches of technology and science and in their application to industry and commerce; and (b) to aid by research and other suitable means the advancement, development and practical application of science to industry and commerce. (3) The University was managed by a Council of up to 30 members, (4) who were appointed by the Governor for periods of up to four years. The principal officers of the University were the President, Vice-President and Director. The Council was appointed on 5 July 1949 (5) and held its inaugural meeting the following day. The first by-laws were adopted on 12 September 1949, which included provision for the formation of the Professorial Board in the following year. (6) Building on the University's site at Kensington commenced in October 1949. (7) Finance was allocated for the building program by the New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act, 1951 (Act No. 35, 1951). The buildings authorised under the Act included a 3-4 storey permanent brick building to accommodate the schools of Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Mechanical Drawing and Design, Geology and Mineral Engineering together with administrative offices, lecture theatre and cafeteria and 13 steel clad aluminium buildings to accommodate the School of Chemical Engineering, furniture, equipment and services for these buildings, access roads and other necessary site works. (8) The first graduates of the University were awarded their degrees on 15 March 1952. Thirty-four degrees were presented to graduates at a ceremony held at Great Hall, University of Sydney. The structure of the Council was altered by the Technical Education and New South Wales University of Technology (Amendment) Act, 1955 (Act No. 8, 1955). The Council was increased to a maximum 39 members and the titles of President, Vice President and Director were replaced by those of Chancellor, Deputy Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor. The University of New South Wales Act, 1958 (Act No. 24, 1958) altered the name of the University to the University of New South Wales and added a third object to that of the principal Act. ' c) to provide instruction and carry out research in the disciplines of humane studies and medicine and such other disciplines as the Council may from time to time determine.' (9) The University of New South Wales Act, 1961 (Act No 49, 1961) increased the Council to 40 members (10) and set in place an annual budget allocation from the NSW Government following the submission of a budget from the University. (11) Existing legislation was consolidated by the University of New South Wales Act, 1968 (No 37, 1968). Under the University of New South Wales (Amendment) Act, 1970 (No 75, 1970) the number of Council members was again enlarged to a total of 43. The University of New South Wales (Amendment) Act, 1978 (Act No 170, 1978) added to the Council one member elected by the non-academic staff of the university. The University's Constitution was altered to transfer responsibilities to the Minister including making nominations to the Council and authorising disposal of real property. In 1984 and 1985 two University of New South Wales (Amendment) Acts (Act No. 15, 1984 & Act No. 81, 1985) were passed. The former regulated the type of investments that Council was permitted to undertake for the University, while the latter decreased the number of Council members to 29. In 1988 the Professorial Board was replaced with a reorganised Academic Board. This was followed in 1989 by a restructure of Council under the University of New South Wales Act, 1989 (No. 125, 1989), where the number of Council members was reduced to 21 and its terms of reference revised. The 1949 Act had given the Council the power to create colleges or branches elsewhere within New South Wales. The first of these was established at Newcastle in 1951. The Broken Hill Division was formed in 1959, while Wollongong University College was founded in 1962. On 1 January 1965, Newcastle was granted its autonomy and became the University of Newcastle. On 1 January 1975 Wollongong likewise attained the status of the University of Wollongong. In 1981 the termination of operations at Broken Hill was commenced, with the final graduation ceremony occurring in 1985. On 10 July 1967 an agreement was signed between the Department of the Army and the University to form the Faculty of Military Studies. The Faculty provided the opportunity for cadets at the Royal Military College at Duntroon to attain University degrees. On 7 May 1981 a new agreement was made between the Australian Government and the University to create a University College within the Australian Defence Force Academy. The College began operations on 1 January 1986. In 1969 the Australian Government created a Committee of Inquiry into Postgraduate Education for Management, under Dr Richard Cyert. In March 1970 the Committee recommended that a 'national graduate school of management be established at the University of New South Wales'. On 23 August 1973 the Government decided to initiate this proposal and the Australian Graduate School of Management was formed. Teaching began at the School in 1977. In 1998 the Australian Graduate School of Management merged with the University of Sydney's Graduate School of Business to form a joint university Australian Graduate School of Management. On 1 January 1990, as a consequence of the Higher Education (Amalgamation) Act 1989, two sections of the Sydney College of Advanced Education - the City Art Institute and St George Institute of Education (both previously a part of Alexander Mackie College) - were integrated with the University. On 2 December 1996 the decision was made to close St George campus, with the premises being vacated by the University in January 1999. The Faculties of the University were formed in the following order: Engineering, Science, Architecture/Built Environment, Humanities & Social Sciences, Technology/Applied Science, Commerce/Commerce & Economics, Arts/Arts & Social Sciences, Medicine, Law, Military Studies, Biological Sciences/Biological & Behavioural Sciences, Professional Studies, College of Fine Arts, Life Sciences and Science & Technology. (1) New South Wales University of Technology First annual report of proceedings for the year ended 30 June 1950 p1. in NSW Parliamentary Papers 1950-51-52 vol. 1 p. 567 (2) The Technical Education and University of Technology Act, 1949 s.16 (3) Ibid. s. 18 (4) Ibid. s. 19 (5) NSW Government Gazette 8 July, 1949 p. 1923 (6) NSW Government Gazette 9 December, 1949 p. 3673 (7) New South Wales University of Technology First annual report Loc. Cit p 8 (8) New South Wales University of Technology (Construction) Act, 1951. Schedule (9) The University of New South Wales Act, 1958 s. 2 c) (10) The University of New South Wales Act, 1961 s. 2(b) (11) Ibid. s.2.c(1) Controlling Organisation: UNSW - 01/07/1949-
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    <import_note> The imported title was longer than allowed. Full title from import file: Engineering Dean's Advisory Committee (EDAC) ( - 1986)/ Dean's Advisory Committee (DAC) of the Faculty of Engineering (1986 - 2008) / Dean's Engineering Management Committee of the Faculty of Engineering (2008 - 2010) / Dean's Executive Management Committee of the Faculty of Engineering (2010 - ) </import_note> The exact starting date of the Engineering Dean's Advisory Committee (EDAC) is unknown but it was in place by 2nd March 1971, which is the earliest meeting the University Archives holds minutes of. EDAC was originally confined to professors in the faculty but later developed into a forum for the exchange of information and ideas. When N.L. Svensson was dean of the faculty (1981 - 1988) he often invited outside speakers to the meetings in order to discuss speicific issues. A recommendation contained in paragraph 10.12 of the Draft Report of December 1983 of the Review of the Faculties of Applied Science, Biological Sciences, Engineering and Science proposed the development of an advisory committee to the dean of each faculty with adequate representation from all schools as well as the heads of schools. These committees were to comprise the dean, heads of schools, chairmen of faculties and elected school representatives, and should meet monthly except in January and perhaps in one other month. The then Vice-Chancellor indicated that through the establishment of Dean's Advisory Committees, each dean should have regular opportunities to provide information to, and receive advice from, all heads of schools in the faculty and from one other member of each school elected by that school. These exchanges should be about the operation and extension of the academic programmes of the faculty and its schools. The first meeting of the Dean's Advisory Committee of the Faculty of Engineering took place on 7th February 1986. From the 16 May 2008 meeting, the Committee became known as the Dean's Engineering Management Committee to better reflect the involvement of the Heads of School and Faculty Executive in the management of the Faculty. From the 5 November 2010 meeting, the Committee became known as the Dean's Executive Management Committee. Controlling Organisation: UNSW - by 01/01/1971-
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    Archives Series
    Description
    This series consists of the booklet leaflet collection of the School of Biological Science. The material is typed and maintained in a manilla folder and includes booklets on the School's activities. The series currently consists of only one item, which outlines the subjects and fields of study offered by the School.