Master of Biomedical Science

Course code: 2970 + Course abbreviation: MBiomedSc part 1 + Total credit points required: 48 + 2 semester full-time, 4 semesters part-time

Course code: 2977 + Course abbreviation: MBiomedSc + Total credit points required: 96 + 4 semester full-time, 8 semesters part-time

Study mode and course location

On-campus (Caulfield; Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula; or off-site location)

Off-campus (Caulfield; Clayton; Gippsland; Peninsula; or off-site location)

Course description

The Master of Biomedical Science is designed for students interested in undertaking postgraduate research in biomedical sciences. A candidate 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 supervisor, in consultation with the candidate, is responsible for developing the research program to be followed by the candidate, and for reporting at regular intervals on the candidate’s progress.

The MBiomedSc is a research degree which requires a candidate to submit a thesis. The thesis should embody the results of the candidate’s investigation, which demonstrates independence of thought and the candidate's ability to carry out research in that discipline. A candidate may include published work which is directly relevant to the argument of the thesis, provided such work has been written during the period of candidature. Candidates may not present in, or in support of, a thesis any work which the candidate has presented for any other degree or diploma at this university, or any other institution, except with the permission of the Research Graduate School Committee.

Entry requirements

MBiomedSc (part 1)

The masters (part 1) is designed for students who do not have the equivalent of a class 1 or class 2A honours degree in a relevant discipline. For graduates with only a bachelor degree in a relevant field and who have not attempted honours in that field, admission to MBiomedSc (part 1) will normally require at least a credit grade average in 24 points of relevant third-year units, or appropriate additional training and experience. Candidates must complete the MBiomedSc (part 1) program and obtain results equivalent to class 2A honours (H2A) or better for admission into MBiomedSc. Candidates should complete their program of study within 12 months full-time or 24 months part-time. The MBiomedSc (part 1) is not an awardable degree – students who fulfil requirements and successfully complete the program of study for the MBioSc part 1 progress to the MBiomedSc or may choose to take the exit award and leave the program.

Exit award

Students who pass part 1 of the masters program but who do not wish to continue or do not achieve class 2A honours or above will be offered the exit award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

MBiomedSc

Students with a H1 or H2A honours degree in a relevant discipline or students who have completed an MBiomedSc (part 1) with results equivalent to H2A or better may enrol directly in MBiomedSc. A candidate may be admitted to MBiomedSc candidature on a probationary basis, which will be reviewed after six months of candidature by the faculty board.

In exceptional circumstances, a student who does not meet these entry requirements may be allowed to enrol directly into MBiomedSc if he/she has demonstrated an ability to undertake research at masters level (eg by producing evidence of research experience and/or relevant work experience). In recommending such a candidate, the head of department should be satisfied that the applicant will not require an undue amount of supervision. The minimum period of candidature is 12 months (24 months part-time). The maximum period of candidature is 24 months (or 48 months part-time).

Course structure

MBiomedSc (part 1)

Candidates will be required to undertake a major research program constituting not less than 66% of the entire course including the submission of a thesis. The thesis should embody the results of the candidate’s investigation, which demonstrates independence of thought and the candidate's ability to carry out research in that discipline. The remaining 34% of the course will comprise coursework such as a literature review and/or statistics classes, and is specified by the enrolling department.

MBiomedSc

In normal circumstances, assessment will be by submission of a 100% research thesis which embodies the results of an investigation carried out by the candidate, under supervision, which shows independence of thought and which demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out research in his/her discipline. Appropriate postgraduate coursework units may be taken with the approval of the faculty board.

Contact details

Dr Jennifer Scott, Manager Research Degrees Office, telephone: +61 3 9905 4313; email: research.degrees@med.monash.edu.au or visit www.med.monash.edu.au/pgrad/research/mbiomedsci.html

Course coordinator

Associate Professor Igor Wendt

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