2970 - Master of Biomedical Science (Part 1)

The MBiomedSc (Part 1) is a degree which requires a candidate to submit a thesis in addition to a prescribed coursework component. The work undertaken as part of this degree must contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the field of biomedical science, and must demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to carry out independent research.

The MBiomedSc (Part 1) may be undertaken in any of the biomedical areas of research offered by the faculty. For detailed descriptions of disciplines available, please refer to 'Principal areas of research' and 'Monash institutes of research' listed in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences section of this handbook.

A candidate for the MBiomedSc (Part 1) is required to conduct 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 (Part 1) is not an awardable degree. Upon completion of the course, candidates who achieve a grade of 70 per cent (H2A) or above will be eligible to apply for a higher degree by research program offered by the Faculty such as the Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Biomedical Science or Master of Philosophy. Students who pass the MBiomedSc (Part 1) but who do not wish to continue or do not achieve 70 per cent or above will be offered the exit award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

The MBiomedSc (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 the MBiomedSc (Part 1) requires at least a credit grade average (60 per cent plus) in 24 points (or half the year) of relevant third-year units.

Candidature rules

Duration of candidature

The total permissible period of candidature is two semesters full-time, or its equivalent in part-time candidature up to a maximum of four semesters part-time, after which the candidature will lapse.

Time available for study

Full-time candidates must be able to devote the equivalent of a minimum of four days a week to the pursuit of their research project; all part-time candidates must devote at least two full days a week to their studies. In the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, part-time candidates in laboratory disciplines must undertake their two days of study during normal working hours/week days. For those part-time students in non-laboratory disciplines, at least one of their study days must be a week day.

Employment restrictions

Full-time candidates are permitted, with the approval of their main supervisor, to undertake a strictly limited amount of paid employment throughout the year, being no more than 15 hours of work per week on average. Up to a maximum of six hours only on average of this employment may be undertaken during normal working hours (9 am to 5 pm, Mondays to Fridays). However, this may be extended to a maximum of eight hours if the employment is limited to one weekday. The candidate's supervisor(s) must be satisfied that any part-time work undertaken does not interfere with the candidate's study program and progress. International students need to be aware that the employment restrictions outlined above apply even though a student visa permits students to work up to 20 hours a week.

Students who have completed the course will demonstrate a thorough understanding of relevant research techniques in their field through a review of the relevant literature. They will demonstrate their ability, under supervision to apply relevant research techniques to their chosen field of study. Students will be able to present high-quality written work suitable for publication in appropriate scholarly journals, and be able to critically evaluate both their own and others' written work in their chosen field.

Students will also be able to:

• identify and define research questions
• identify the appropriate research methods to address the research questions
• demonstrate mastery of their chosen research methodology/methodologies
• demonstrate theoretical knowledge at honours level in their chosen field of biomedical science
• communicate their research findings in a format appropriate to their academic discipline
• write up their research into a high quality thesis
• contribute new information or new ways of understanding information in the field of biomedical science.

Candidates will be required to undertake a major research program constituting 75 per cent 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 work presented for examination must be the original work of the candidate, except where due reference is made in the text. 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 Faculty's Research Degrees Committee.

The remaining 25 per cent of the course will comprise coursework such as a literature review and/or statistics classes, and is specified by the enrolling department.

Students who achieve a grade of H2A or above will be eligible to apply for a higher degree by research program offered by the Faculty such as the Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Biomedical Science or Master of Philosophy.

Students who pass this course but 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.