The University of Sydney - School of Physics

John O'Byrne B.Sc., Ph.D. (Sydney) Grad.Cert.Ed.Studies (Higher Education) (Sydney) Company Directors Course Diploma (AICD) Associate Professor, Associate Head (Teaching and Learning), School of Physics Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science School of Physics Sydney Institute for Astronomy The University of Sydney Secretary, Astronomical Society of Australia

Note changed office location! Rm 222, 44-70 Rosehill St Redfern H90 (see map) (Alternate: Room 205, Physics Building A28) School of Physics University of Sydney NSW 2006 Phone: +61-2-9351-3184 Fax: +61-2-9351-7726 Email: john.obyrne@sydney.edu.au

---

Brief CV (2012 - pdf)

---

Research Interests

Primary Interest:

• Astrophotonics

Other Subjects in Astronomy and Optics:

• Multi-wavelength imaging of nearby face-on spiral galaxies to determine recent star formation history.
• Multi-band optical filters for astronomy.
• Optical Stellar Interferometry, in particular the Sydney University Stellar Interferometer (SUSI).

Subjects in Astronomy and Physics Education:

• ALTC Discipline-based Initiative in Physics investigating Service Teaching, Laboratory-based Teaching and Graduates in the Workforce (leader of Working Party on Graduates in the Workforce).
• AUTC project on Learning Outcomes and Curriculum Development in Physics (member of Working Party).
• Report (pdf) on the semester 2 2004 trial of the MasteringPhysics Assignment/Tutorial system in PHYS 1003 Physics 1 (Technological).

Other work-related Interests

• My principal job is currently Associate Head (Teaching and Learning) in Physics, with responsibility for all teaching in the School of Physics
• Chair, T&L Working Group for the AIN-Physics Building
• Principal contact for School of Physics Alumni.
• Chair, School of Physics Teaching & Learning Committee.
• Member, Faculty of Science Learning and Teaching Committee.
• Sub-Dean, Faculty of Science
• 30 years experience in Modern Astronomy courses in the University of Sydney's Continuing Education Program (i.e. adult education), including viewing nights at Mt Wilson in the Blue Mountains (see more information and maps), and recently including bus tours to astronomical facilities.

• Secretary of the Astronomical Society of Australia, the organisation of professional astronomers in Australia.

Other Publications

• Consulting editor, author, or contributing author for a variety of popular astronomy books for adults and children, notably Skywatching, Astronomy in Australian Science - Expanding the Frontiers by Focus Publishing. Most recently, The Illustrated Atlas of the Universe and The Practical Skywatchers Handbook by Weldon Owen Publishing and Discovery Education Series for Discovery Communications.
• Joint author of a new HSC Physics text for NSW years 11 and 12 school students, In2Physics, published by Pearson Education, Australia.

Contact me at:
Rm 222, 44-70 Rosehill St Redfern H90 (see map)
(Alternate: Room 205, Physics Building A28)
School of Physics
University of Sydney
NSW 2006
Phone: +61-2-9351-3184
Fax: +61-2-9351-7726
Email: john.obyrne@sydney.edu.au