volume1 2004

From the editors
Thank you for perusing the first issue of Nexus: Journal of Undergraduate Science, Engineering and Technology. We are pleased to offer fifteen articles from a broad cross-section of studies at the University of Tasmania. The authors are undergraduate students studying towards the Bachelors of Science, Computing, Engineering, Aquaculture, Architecture, Geomatics, Biotechnology, Agricultural Science, Health Science, Biomedical Science, and Arts.
Authors were identified by a mentor from each of the disciplines included. Each student was then invited to contribute to the journal and worked with the mentor to produce their submitted article. The Editorial Committee requested amendments where necessary, but the goal was to illustrate student work as close as possible to its original form.

Papers have been submitted in three categories: research papers (1500–3000 words), review papers (1500–3000 words) and short papers (500–1500 words).

If you have any enquiries about the journal, the articles or about the University of Tasmania, please contact:

Email: Nexus.Editor@utas.edu.au

Facsimile: +61 3 6226 7809

Mail: Nexus Editor, Private Bag 50, Hobart, Tasmania, 7001 AUSTRALIA

There are many people we should thank:

• Professor Sue Johnston, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Teaching and Learning) for her financial support in developing this journal
  
• Professor Andrew Glenn, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research) for his financial support in developing this journal
  
• Professor Jim Reid, Dean, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, for his support
  
• Lynn Davies and Kristen Karsh for project management
  
• Wayne Goninon, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology, for his assistance
  
• Gill Ward for graphic design and web design
  
• All authors for their scholarship and enthusiasm
  
• All mentors for their support and advice to our student authors

Editorial Committee:
Dr Julian Dermoudy (Chair)
Richard Dearden
A/Prof Dominic Geraghty
Dr Susan Jones
Dr Jon Osborn