Its staff's ability to apply their skills to industry's problems and work cooperatively with industry is widely recognised. Research areas of expertise include stochastic modelling, applied statistics, industrial mathematics, operations research and mathematical modelling. The School's strength lies in the unique blend of ecology, geoscience and environmental physics and chemistry, allowing the introduction of new and innovative teaching and research programs that integrate different disciplines. New courses in environmental science complement already established and highly successful programs in geoscience and ecology, providing students with a solid scientific base in a discipline, in addition to the generic skills that allow them to cross discipline boundaries. Combining the disciplines of Chemistry, Physics and Medical Radiation Technology, the School has a reputation for the practical and vocational nature of its courses and employability of its graduates.
Teaching emphasises the development of both practical and theoretical skills.
Particular areas of specialisation include Analytical Chemistry, Medical and Health Physics and both Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy Technology. There is a flourishing postgraduate enrolment, including Masters Research and PhD programs in a wide range of topics relevant to the research interests of staff. The School also offers a number of Continuing Professional Education courses and provides consultancy services to industry and government. The Faculty focuses on niche areas of international scientific expertise and has four Research Centres, a Cooperative Research Centre and two research concentrations. All postgraduate students are attached to one of the research areas.