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Auth: S Steele, ITS Web and Internet Facilities
Copyright © Monash University 1999 - All Rights Reserved - Caution
The following is a brief guide to postgraduate research degrees available in the Faculty of Science. Further information can be obtained from the graduate studies website at http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/graduate or contact the faculty office on email graduate.studies@sci.monash.edu.au.
The
Faculty of Science at Clayton offers a Master of Applied Science program to
appropriately qualified graduates who have relevant work experience. A
research-based program involving examination of a thesis, plus ancillary
coursework as may be prescribed, leads to the MAppSc degree. Inquiries should
be directed in the first instance to a head of department. Areas for research
include chemistry, mathematics and applied physics.
Chemistry - Water sciences, aquatic biology, applied electro-chemistry,
manufacture of synthetic drugs, polymer chemistry and surface chemistry.
Mathematics - Mathematical modelling of physical systems, air quality
modelling, complex analysis, business forecasting, applied robust
statistics.
Applied physics - Acoustics, particularly propagation of impulsive
noise; materials, structure and detection of faults in materials by
computerised tomography and other techniques; computer image processing applied
to shape analysis, texture aspects of surfaces and monitoring and control.
The Master of Applied Science on the Gippsland campus is completed by a supervised research program leading to a thesis. Further details are available from the school's student matters office.
The Master of Science (MSc) program is offered by all departments in the Faculty of Science, together with the departments of the Faculty of Medicine and the Department of Geography and Environmental Science in the Faculty of Arts. The program consists of two parts: MSc part one and MSc part two.
The
admission of applicants proceeding to MSc candidature is controlled by the
faculty Committee on Graduate Matters on behalf of the Science faculty board.
Prospective applicants should direct preliminary inquiries to the postgraduate
coordinator of the relevant department to ascertain the possibility of
undertaking a research program in that prospective department or academic unit.
Applicants should note that admission to MSc candidature is dependent upon the
availability of facilities in the proposed field of research and the
availability and willingness of a member of the academic staff to supervise the
candidate; a staff member may decline to accept a candidate. The procedure for
application is as follows:
1. Application, supported by certified evidence of prior qualifications
should be made on the appropriate form and submitted to the relevant head of
department.
2. MSc applications, with a recommendation from the head of department,
will go to the Committee on Graduate Matters. The faculty will communicate the
decision of the Committee on Graduate Matters to the applicant and to the
department.
3. Any admission decision taken by the Committee on Graduate Matters is
subject to endorsement by the Science faculty board.
If the Committee on Graduate Matters does not approve the departmental
recommendation, the case is normally referred back to the head of department
for reconsideration. If the matter becomes a matter of dispute between the
committee and the head of department, the Science faculty board will be
requested to resolve the issue.
On
admitting an MSc candidate, the faculty board will, on the recommendation of
the head of department, appoint a member of the academic staff of the
university as supervisor. It may also appoint an associate supervisor who need
not be an academic staff member but someone of recognised standing in the
field. Both supervisors are responsible to the faculty board.
Research fellows may be appointed as supervisors if their terms of appointment
exceed the periods of candidature and they have previous experience in
supervising higher degree candidates. Otherwise they may be appointed as
associate supervisors.
The faculty board may review the academic progress of a candidate. After taking into account any recommendations from the head of department and the supervisor, and after giving the candidate an opportunity to be heard, faculty board may terminate the candidature on grounds of unsatisfactory performance.
Guidelines for the presentation and preparation of masters theses can be found on the graduate studies web site at http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/ graduate/ policies.htm.
A
candidate shall state in the thesis, generally in a preface and specifically in
notes, the sources of all information and shall indicate the extent to which
the thesis represents work done in collaboration with other persons. A
candidate may not submit work previously accepted for a degree in this or
another university, nor may the candidate without the permission of the faculty
board, submit work which has previously been submitted for any such degree.
When a candidate has submitted a thesis, the supervisor shall submit a
statement, endorsed by the head of the department, certifying to the best of
his or her knowledge, the extent to which the work was carried out by the
candidate and whether, in his or her opinion, the thesis is properly presented
and is prima facie worthy of examination. Where the supervisor does not certify
that the thesis is properly presented and is prima facie worthy of examination,
the faculty board shall determine whether or not the thesis is to be
examined.
The faculty requires four copies of the thesis to be submitted for examination
in either soft or hardcover binding. The essential feature is that the thesis
be bound securely along the spine.
After a successful examination process, the faculty will recommend that the
degree be awarded. A candidate who has not submitted four copies of the thesis
in hardcover binding shall then be required to have bound in hardcover form, at
least two copies of the thesis, one for retention by the library* and the other
for transmission to the head of department. Of the two remaining copies, one
shall be retained by the candidate's supervisor and the remaining copy returned
to the candidate.
* WHEN THE THESIS HAS BEEN ACCEPTED, IT MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE BY THE LIBRARIAN
TO ANY PERSON FOR CONSULTATION AND PHOTOCOPYING PROVIDED THAT FOR A PERIOD OF
THREE YEARS AFTER THE THESIS IS LODGED IT SHALL NOT BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THIS
WAY WITHOUT THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE AUTHOR.
Candidates are advised that spiral softcover binding may not be desirable for
copies which have to be rebound in hardcover binding, since a substantial
amount of trimming is required.
A candidate who is leaving Australia immediately after the thesis is submitted
for examination may prefer to submit at least two copies in hardcover binding
which, in the event of no alteration to the thesis being required as a result
of the examination, may then be lodged in the library. A candidate who will be
departing from Melbourne after the submission of the thesis and who wishes to
submit all four copies in softcover binding should consult the faculty
registrar concerning arrangements for the binding of the library copies.
When
a thesis is submitted, faculty board will appoint two examiners on the
recommendation of the head of department, of whom at least one shall be
external.
It is expected that the head of department will consult with the candidate's
supervisor, with regard to the names of possible examiners. Candidates should
be invited to name individuals whom they do not wish appointed as examiners.
Choice of examiners is made with regard to their knowledge and standing in the
field of study involved, but qualities such as reputation and experience in
thesis examining should not be overlooked. A person who has had involvement in
the student's research should not be nominated. Experience here and elsewhere
suggests that speediness in completing the examination and submission of
report, clarity of the examiner's report, and a reasonable expectation about
the standard required of a masters thesis are important qualities to seek in
potential examiners, in addition to their scholarly standing.
It is advisable for both examiners to be asked informally before the thesis is
submitted whether they are willing to examine the thesis. It is also
appropriate at this stage to ask whether an examiner would be able to complete
the examination within eight weeks from the estimated date of receipt of the
thesis.
For
a major thesis, each examiner shall evaluate the thesis and shall recommend to
the faculty board whether or not the work of the candidate merits the award of
the degree.
For a minor thesis, the head shall determine, for advice to the examiners, the
weight to be attached to the thesis in assessing the candidate's overall
performance. Each examiner shall evaluate the thesis and report the evaluation
to faculty board. The committee shall receive a report from the head on the
performance of the candidate in the courses completed and will recommend to the
faculty board through the head of department whether or not the work of the
candidate merits the award of the degree.
Where there is, in the opinion of the faculty board, a difference of substance
between the recommendations of any two examiners, the faculty board may appoint
an external adjudicator whose advice shall be taken into account by the board
in determining whether the candidate has satisfied the requirements for the
degree.
The reports of the examiners and the results of any oral examination shall be
transmitted to the faculty board which shall decide whether (i) the
candidate has satisfied the requirements for the degree, or (ii) the
candidate has failed to satisfy the requirements for the degree, or
(iii) the candidate be given leave to submit an amended thesis or to
complete further coursework, as the case may require, within such further
period and on such conditions as it may prescribe.
Students shall comply with the university statute and regulations which require all students to assign intellectual property rights to the university.
The
MSc part one program is a preliminary course of study undertaken as preparation
for admission to the MSc part two degree. It is intended primarily for
graduates who do not meet the standard eligibility requirements for entry into
MSc part two. Candidates must complete such courses and pass such examinations
as prescribed by their department with results equivalent to H2A or better for
admission into MSc part two.
The MSc part one is not an awardable degree and candidates are not eligible for
HECS exemption scholarships.
For
a new graduate with only a pass degree in a relevant field and who has not
attempted honours in that field, admission to an MSc part one will be judged on
criteria similar to those for admission to an honours year, ie normally at
least a credit grade average in a relevant third-year subject is required.
For graduates with honours in a different field (not regarded as a suitable
preparation for direct admission to their proposed graduate studies), or for
applicants applying several years after graduation and whose subsequent
training and experience is deemed inadequate for direct admission to the
proposed graduate studies, or non-university graduates with a diploma or other
qualifications, admission to an MSc part one may be approved if they are judged
to have sufficient aptitude for research in the proposed field and a suitable
attitude towards relevant studies. A suitably qualified applicant proceeding
from third-year BSc studies would normally have preference over an honours
graduate.
The MSc part one will usually include a combination of coursework and research, and it is anticipated that the research component undertaken in this course will form the basis of the research thesis required under MSc part two.
Full-time candidates are expected to complete the MSc part one within 12 months, however faculty regulations provide for a maximum of 18 months full-time candidature. Part-time candidates are expected to complete this course within 24 months (maximum 36 months part-time candidature).
The MSc part two is a research masters degree for which candidates are required to submit a major thesis for examination. The thesis should embody the results of an investigation carried out by the candidate, under supervision, which shows independence of thought and which demonstrates their ability to carry out research in their discipline.
For
a new graduate, normally a class I or class IIA honours degree in a
relevant field is expected.
An applicant who has completed a relevant MSc part one examination at the
equivalent of a class I or class IIA honours grade will be considered
on a similar basis to a class I or class IIA honours applicant for
MSc part two candidature.
A head of department may, however, recommend for admission an applicant holding
a class IIB or class III honours degree or who has completed the
masters part one examination at the equivalent of one of these levels, if the
head believes that the applicant has the qualities necessary to complete
satisfactorily an MSc degree. Such a recommendation should comment specifically
on any circumstances which may have affected the applicant's result in the
honours or MSc part one course, as well as on the applicant's research ability,
aptitude and attitude towards the proposed program inasmuch as they can be
determined by the head at the time. In making such a recommendation, a head
should be satisfied that the applicant will not require an undue amount of
supervision.
For an applicant applying several years after graduation, or a non-university
graduate with a diploma or other qualifications, a period of research,
industrial, teaching or other relevant experience may qualify that applicant
for admission to candidature. In recommending acceptance of such a candidate
the head of department should be satisfied that the candidate will not require
an undue amount of supervision or be likely to make demands beyond the capacity
of the department's resources.
Applicants
may be admitted to part-time candidature if they can provide written evidence
that they can devote:
1. at least two full working days per week or its equivalent to their
studies if in a laboratory discipline, or
2. at least one full working day per week or its equivalent if in a
non-laboratory discipline.
Applicants in full-time employment shall provide written evidence from the
employer to the effect that sufficient time as defined above will be made
available for them to undertake studies.
A research assistant in full-time employment in the university may, on the
recommendation of a head, be permitted to enrol as a part-time MSc candidate
and shall be required to provide a statement from the supervisor, countersigned
by the head of department, certifying that sufficient freedom to pursue
original research, which may or may not be related to the work as a research
assistant, will be permitted, and that there will be no limitation on
publication of results of the research work.
In special circumstances, the Committee on Graduate Matters may recommend
exceptions to these provisions in support of approval of a particular
application.
Except where faculty board determines, a thesis may not be submitted in less than 12 months of candidature and not more than 36 months of full-time or 60 months of part-time candidature. Where candidates have qualified for admission to candidature by satisfactorily completing MSc part one, the thesis must be submitted in not more than 24 months of full-time or 48 months of part-time candidature.
A candidate for MSc part two who has been a candidate for at least the minimum time specified in the regulations may be permitted by faculty board to write the thesis away from the university provided that the supervisor has sighted the first draft of the thesis. The thesis must be submitted by the maximum period specified for the candidate in the regulations or any shorter period specified by the board. Writing-up away is usually limited to a maximum of six months.
Subject to the following conditions, graduates of Monash University holding the degree of Bachelor of Science (pass or honours) or another appropriate Monash pass or honours degree will be given the opportunity to submit a thesis for examination in fulfilment of the requirements of the MSc part two regulations.
Candidates will not be required to have any close association with the university and their MSc part two work will not be supervised by the university. External candidates will not be eligible to submit a thesis until three years after qualifying for their Monash degree.
A candidate will be able to submit for examination either published or unpublished work embodying the results of an investigation carried out by the candidate without formal supervision or attendance at the university, provided that, if the thesis contains published work, the candidate will be required to include in the presentation a coordinating summary, embracing at least the nature, sequence and relevance of the candidate's work.
Prior to submission of a thesis, the candidate will be required to have the field of study approved by the appropriate head of department. The candidate will also be required to enrol although no student union fees are levied. The thesis shall be submitted not less than six months and not more than 12 months after the approval of the head of the department has been granted. When submitting a thesis, the candidate will be required to discuss the work with the head and present the thesis for his or her approval.
The requirements for submission and certifications of theses and examiners are the same as for internal candidates.
A candidate shall state in the thesis, generally in a preface and specifically in notes, the sources of the information and shall indicate the extent to which the thesis represents work done in collaboration with other persons. The candidate will be required to provide a statement on where, and under what circumstances, the work was carried out. The faculty may consult with the candidate's collaborators regarding the extent of their participation in the various papers presented.
All external candidates submitting a thesis for examination will be required to undergo an oral examination.
A
candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is required to carry out
a prescribed program of research for a specified period under the direct
supervision of a member of the academic staff. The candidate, together with the
supervisor, is responsible for developing the research program to be followed.
Both report at regular intervals on the progress of the project.
The PhD is a research degree and candidates are required to submit a thesis,
the length of which would not normally exceed 100,000 words.
The PhD and Scholarships Committee is the body responsible for administering
the PhD. It has final responsibility for approving admission to PhD and for
such matters as variations to candidature, questions of supervision, progress,
submission and examination of theses.
A
class I or class IIA honours degree in a relevant field is required.
Applicants who have completed MSc part one may also be recommended if the head
of department concerned certifies that the level of achievement is comparable
to a class I or class IIA honours degree. Applicants holding IIB
honours degrees or lower qualifications may be accepted by the PhD and
Scholarships Committee if they have obtained considerable further research
experience as MSc candidates (or in some other way) which might be considered a
satisfactory substitute for a class I or class IIA honours degree.
The Faculty of Science allows candidates to be admitted into PhD candidature by
either of two paths:
1. A student may enrol initially in MSc part two and may transfer to firm
PhD candidature after the department has reviewed the student's research
progress and determined that the project may be expanded to the PhD level.
2. A student may be accepted as a probationary PhD candidate for a period of
12 months. Candidature will be confirmed subject to the receipt of a
satisfactory report of the candidate's progress at the end of the 12-month
period.
In exceptional circumstances, departments may seek to nominate a student for
firm PhD candidature. Departments will need to substantiate their request with
a written statement from the head of department to accompany the
application.
A candidate for the degree of MSc, who has not submitted a thesis, will not
normally be permitted to transfer to PhD candidature if that candidate has
spent more than 36 months in MSc candidature.
The
faculty board, through the Committee on Graduate Matters, may on the
recommendation of the head of department concerned, recommend to the PhD and
Scholarships Committee admission of applicants to part-time PhD enrolment who
comply with the following guidelines.
1. Subject to the requirements of the regulations relating to the degree
of Doctor of Philosophy, the faculty has determined that applicants shall
provide written evidence that they can devote:
(a) at least two full working days per week or its equivalent to their
studies in a laboratory discipline, or
(b) at least one full working day per week or its equivalent in a
non-laboratory discipline.
2. Applicants in full-time employment shall provide written evidence from
the employer to the effect that sufficient time as defined above will be made
available for them to undertake their studies.
In special circumstances and on the recommendation of the Committee on Graduate
Matters, exceptions to these provisions may be recommended by the faculty board
to the PhD and Scholarships Committee in support of approval of a particular
application.
The minimum period of candidature is 24 months. This may be reduced to 12 months in exceptional circumstances. The maximum period of candidature is five years (full-time) or eight years (part-time).
A PhD candidate may transfer from PhD to MSc candidature without undue regard, provided the period of expired PhD candidature does not exceed two years. This allows the candidate to transfer into the MSc degree with at least one year of full-time candidature remaining.
For further information on the PhD degree, refer to the Doctoral Information Handbook, which can be found at http://www.monash.edu.au/ phdschol/ docprog, or contact the Research Training and Support Branch, Clayton Campus, on email rt&s@adm.monash.edu.au
The
DPsych, a program in clinical psychology, is a research degree consisting of a
combination of research, coursework and supervised practical experience offered
jointly by the Department of Psychology (Faculty of Science) and Department of
Psychological Medicine (Faculty of Medicine). It is administered by the PhD and
Scholarships Committee under the rules and regulations applying to the doctoral
degrees unless stipulated otherwise by the committee. It prepares
psychologists, using the scientist-practitioner model, to conduct research in
applied areas of psychology and to work as clinical psychologists in the
assessment and treatment of adults and children with relatively severe
emotional and/or behavioural disorders. The third year of the program allows
students to acquire knowledge in a specific area of specialisation. Choice of
specialisation offered to intake students in 2000 will include forensic
psychology and/or health/medical psychology.
It is intended that completion of the DPsych will qualify students for
membership of the Australian Psychological Society and registration as a
psychologist in the state of Victoria; the program is designed to satisfy the
academic training requirements for membership of the APS College of Clinical
Psychologists and registration as a clinical psychologist. Completion of an
option should satisfy the academic requirements for membership of other
relevant APS Colleges. In general, a further two years of supervised relevant
experience will be necessary for full membership of the APS colleges and for
registration as a specialist psychologist. (It should be noted that selected
students will be able to complete the final 18 months of the program on a
half-time basis while acquiring supervised experience which would contribute to
specialist accreditation.)
Based on 48 weeks of study in each of three-and-a-half years, the DPsych comprises three components: (a) a thesis - 70 per cent, (b) three supervised practica - 10 per cent and (c) coursework - 20 per cent.
Applicants
for the DPsych must have completed an approved bachelors degree with honours
(first or upper second) in psychology or equivalent. In addition to their
academic record, students are selected on the basis of their personal
suitability for clinical psychology with such factors as referees' reports and
presentation at a selection interview considered. Students selected for the
DPsych whose academic records show deficiencies in research methods,
statistics, human development, personality theory, abnormal psychology and/or
psychological assessment are required to undertake a course of readings prior
to commencement of the program.
Enrolment into the DPsych will be contingent upon the applicant submitting a
brief research proposal and arrangements put in place for supervision of the
research project, and approval of the PhD and Scholarships Committee. Enrolment
will be probationary for the first year with firm admission to the program
granted at the end of the first year if performance on all components is
satisfactory. Students should note that satisfactory performance in all three
components is necessary throughout the course, and that progression is always
contingent upon satisfactory completion of previous requirements. In addition,
an assessment of personal suitability to undertake or continue work as a
clinical psychologist will be made prior to each practicum.
The course takes place at a number of different venues, including Monash
University Clayton campus, the various campuses of the Department of
Psychological Medicine and settings appropriate to the areas of specialisation;
students should thus be prepared for some travelling between venues.
The thesis is marked by two external examiners. Coursework is assessed using the Monash University system of grades. Participation in seminars and practical sessions is taken into consideration in the assessment process. Performance in practica is assessed as either satisfactory or unsatisfactory, with supervisors providing detailed reports on students' progress.
The
DPsych is a three-and-a-half year full-time program. As with PhD studies, a
year of full-time study comprises 48 weeks. Coursework is offered in each of
the seven 13-week semesters and the three supervised practica of 21 weeks each
(or equivalent) commence in the second half of the first year of the course.
While the first two years must be taken on a full-time basis, the final year
and a half the DPsych may be taken on either a full-time basis or a half-time
basis over three years. Half-time paid internships may be offered to selected
students who wish to study half time while gaining supervised experience.
Caulfield
campus
The Doctor of Psychology (Organisational) is a research degree consisting of a
combination of research, coursework and supervised professional practice.
Students will develop an understanding of the major domains of organisational
psychology, as well as the skills required to conduct high-quality research, to
link theoretical knowledge with organisational practices, and to practise
organisational psychology in the community and participate in collaborative
research with industries.
The course will consist of the following coursework:
The thesis is expected to provide a significant contribution to knowledge and/or practice in the field of organisational pyschology or an allied field of professional psychology and to demonstrate the capacity of the student to carry out independent research. The word length of the thesis is approximately 60,000 to 70,000 words.
Students will complete a minimum of three practica (125 days) in a variety of settings.
Applicants
for the DPsych must have completed an approved bachelors degree with honours
(first or upper second) in psychology or equivalent. In addition to their
academic record, students are selected on the basis of their personal
suitability for organisational psychology with such factors as referees'
reports and presentation at a selection interview considered.
Enrolment into the DPsych will be contingent upon arrangements put in place for
supervision of a thesis adviser, and approval of the PhD and Scholarships
Committee. Enrolment will be probationary for the first year, with firm
admission to the program granted at the end of the first year if performance on
all components is satisfactory. Students should note that satisfactory
performance in all three components is necessary throughout the course, and
that progression is always contingent upon satisfactory completion of previous
requirements.
The
examination of the thesis will be undertaken in the same manner as a PhD
thesis. Coursework is assessed using the Monash University system of grades.
Coursework will be assessed using seminar presentations, written assignments
and examinations. At the commencement of each practicum placement, a contract
will be developed between the students and the placement supervisor which will
identify the tasks to be undertaken by the student.
Students are required to pass all aspects of the course in order to progress.
Students who fail the meet the required standards in the first year will be
required to leave the program. Students may seek admission or transfer to other
programs of study.
The
DPsych is a three-and-a-half year full-time program. While the first two years
must be taken on a full-time basis, the remainder of the program can be
completed full-time over 18 months or half-time over three years. As with PhD
studies, a year of full-time study comprises 48 weeks and is equivalent of a
three-semester-length year.
The program will have three components:
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Thu May 25 16:53:16 EST 2000