Key 83: Faculty of Applied Science 1959; 1969/Optometry 1973; 1978

 

The Faculty Applied Science, the first new faculty created since 1924, was the brainchild of J.N. Greenwood, Professor of Metallurgy.

Professor J. Neill Greenwood, 1968
Professor J. Neill Greenwood, 1968
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Image Catalogue, UMA-I-2235]

He was convinced there was a place for Applied Science as distinct from Science or Engineering, but drawing on areas within those faculties and from other institutions outside the University. Greenwood was appointed foundation Dean and five courses were available from 1961: a General Course (with an emphasis on Applied Chemistry - Industrial Science from 1963), Electronics, Metallurgy, Dietetics and Optometry.

The Faculty of Applied Science office was in 'Hartcourt', Royal Parade, Parkville
The Faculty of Applied Science office was in 'Hartcourt', Royal Parade, Parkville
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives, University Photograph Collection [ Photographer: Mark Richmond, University of Melbourne Archives]

Numbers were few and in 1967 the Professorial Board recommended that it be discontinued by 1969. Dietetics, metallurgy and electronics were phased out. Industrial Science was absorbed into Engineering and Optometry flourished within the Science Faculty. From 1973 B. L. Cole acted as joint director of the Victorian College of Optometry and head of department before his appointment as foundation professor in 1978.

Optometry College
Optometry College
[Source: University of Melbourne Archives Media Photograph Collection, Photograph No 19693]