I would firstly like to thank my family, particularly my parents. They have put up with my nagging and whining while continuing to support me, for which I would not be alive if they didn't, let alone be completing this thesis. Secondly, I would like to thank both A/Prof. Matthew Dargusch and Dr. Hooyar Attar, firstly to Matt for allowing me to work with Hooyar and supporting me when I need it, and Hooyar for the constant assistance he provided whenever I ran into trouble, and pushing me when I felt like relaxing. Thirdly, I want to thank my friends, who have made my university times less torturing, and gave me a break from my study when I was tired of studying. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to progress this far into my degree. Lastly, I would like to thank the people I have met, who have shaped me in various ways for the better, including the way I think and write.