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Tutoring in Cosmology
Dr. John O'Connor's career in the sciences began in geology and geophysics with the (then) Commonwealth Bureau of Mineral Resources. On joining the Phillip Institute (now northern campus of RMIT University), he lectured for some years in geology, physics and engineering subjects; and astronomy (including public short courses and Open University tutoring). On transferring to the environmental and biological sciences, he took units in meteorology, ecology, genetics, and evolutionary biology, with research publications specialising in air pollution stresses on Australian flora. He was consultant to the Victorian E.P.A. (Air Quality Standards), and industry (e.g. Alcoa Portland Smelter Environmental Impact Assessment).
Since retirement, he has greatly enjoyed "science communicating".... conducting courses in astronomy and cosmology (his life-long great interest) for CAE and U3A folks who are intrigued by our astonishing and unfolding comprehension of the cosmos and our place embedded within it. He, and course participants, are composed of hydrogen dating from our universe's Big Bang (about 13.7 billion years ago), plus heavier elements forged in the fires of ancient supernovae.....which surely provides us with stimulus to discuss, to find out more?
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