Monash University: University Handbooks: Postgraduate handbook 2005: Units indexed by faculty
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Postgraduate handbook 2005 - Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

Master of Forensic Medicine

Course code: 3412

Course description

The broad aims of this course, offered by the Department of Forensic Medicine, are to assist in the establishment of academic standards in clinical forensic medical practice, produce graduates who have a sound knowledge of the medico-legal principles, and develop practitioners' skills in providing clinical forensic services to the community.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have a medical degree or equivalent and at least three years experience in clinical medicine and be currently working in a field of forensic medicine.

Course structure

The course is offered part-time over three to four years by off-campus learning. The masters program will be offered in two streams:

(a) Course work and minor thesis

The aim of this program is to provide students with an opportunity to extend their knowledge in forensic medicine through a structured program of coursework and to develop research skills in the area. A total of 96 credit points is required to complete this masters program. Students are required to complete three core units (at honours level) and at least one elective unit from the list of units offered by the Department of Forensic Medicine.

Core units
Elective units
Minor thesis

Students undertaking the minor thesis are required to prepare a research proposal at an early stage of their minor thesis enrolment and have this approved by their thesis supervisor. The area of research must cover a topic directly related to forensic medicine. The minor thesis attracts 24 credit points. Students may also select (with departmental approval) other graduate units offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, other faculties at Monash University or other tertiary institutions. At least one unit must include instruction on research methodologies and basis statistics.

(b) Coursework alone

Students must complete 72 credit points of study comprised entirely of course work units. At least 40 credit points must be taken from the list of units offered by the Department of Forensic Medicine, including three core units. Students may also select (with departmental approval) other graduate units offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, other faculties at Monash University or other tertiary institutions. At least one unit must include instruction on research methodologies and basic statistics. Up to eight credit points can be taken as a short project.

Assessment

Assessment methods will vary but will include coursework participation, formal assignments, casebooks and minor thesis.

Inquiries

Ms Carole Bickle (course administrator)
Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine
Monash University
57-83 Kavanagh Street
Southbank, Victoria 3006
Australia
Telephone: +61 3 9684 4480
Email: caroleb@vifm.org
Website: http://www.vifm.org

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