This certificate enables registered secondary teachers (or those nearing completion of an education qualification) the opportunity to develop mathematics discipline-based knowledge, competencies, skills and attitudes to teach mathematics at secondary school level. The topics have been chosen to be the most relevant to secondary mathematics. The specific units to be taken equal a minor in mathematics, with four units in first and second-level university mathematics.

This course offers students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of mathematics topics in the context of teaching.

This course consists of four compulsory units.

Level 1

• MTH9010 Foundation mathematics
• MTH9020 Calculus and linear algebra

Level 2

• MTH9030 Chance, data and decisions
• MTH9040 Introduction to mathematical structures

Students completing the Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Studies will be able to articulate into the Graduate Diploma in Science, to complete a full major in tertiary mathematics.

Graduate Certificate in Mathematics Studies

This graduate certificate enables students with an existing undergraduate degree in any discipline to obtain a minor undergraduate sequence of specialist training in a science discipline without having to undertake a complete Bachelor of Science degree.

The course aims to provide students with a detailed level of understanding of one specialised area of contemporary science up to second-year undergraduate level and, where appropriate to that discipline, competence in the use of information technology, data handling, laboratory skills, communication skills and team work.

Students complete a 24-point minor sequence in one science area of study.

Students should be aware that many areas of study are only available for part-time study and that some areas of study require the completion of additional prerequisite units which are not normally available as part of this course.

At Clayton, students complete a minor sequence in one of the following science areas of study:

• astronomy
• atmospheric science
• biochemistry
• biological sciences
• chemistry
• developmental biology
• environmental and conservation biology
• genetics
• geography and environmental science
• geosciences
• human pathology
• immunology
• materials science
• mathematics
• microbiology
• molecular biology
• pharmacology
• physics
• physiology
• plant sciences
• soil science
• statistics
• zoology.

At Gippsland (on- and off-campus), students complete a minor sequence in one of the following science areas of study:

• applied biochemistry
• applied microbiology
• applied chemistry
• environmental science and resource management
• human physiology
• mathematics and modelling.

The specific requirements for each minor sequence available are outlined in the 'Science areas of study and sequences' available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/sci.html.

Students may articulate into a Graduate Diploma in Science to continue studies in the same discipline and complete a major sequence.

Graduate Certificate in Science Studies

This graduate diploma enables students with an existing undergraduate degree in any discipline to obtain a major undergraduate sequence of specialist training in a science discipline without having to undertake a complete Bachelor of Science degree.

The course aims to provide students with a detailed level of understanding of one specialised area of contemporary science up to third-year undergraduate level and, where appropriate to that discipline, competence in the use of information technology, data handling, laboratory skills, communication skills and team work.

Students complete a 48-point major sequence in one science area of study.

Students should be aware that many areas of study are only available for part-time study and that some areas of study require the completion of additional prerequisite units which are not normally available as part of this course.

At Clayton, students complete a major sequence in one of the following science areas of study:

• astrophysics
• atmospheric science
• biochemistry
• biotechnology
• biological sciences
• chemistry
• computer science
• developmental biology
• ecology
• environmental and conservation biology
• genetics
• geography and environmental science
• geosciences
• human pathology
• immunology
• marine and freshwater biology
• materials science
• mathematics
• microbiology
• molecular biology
• pharmacology
• physics
• physiology
• plant sciences
• statistics
• zoology.

At Gippsland (on- and off-campus), students complete a major sequence in one of the following science areas of study:

• applied biochemistry
• applied microbiology
• applied chemistry
• environmental science and resource management
• mathematics and modelling.

The specific requirements for each major sequence available are outlined in the 'Science areas of study and sequences' available at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/sci.html.

Graduate Diploma in Science

The MPhil permits students to show independence of thought and demonstrate their ability to carry out research in their chosen discipline.

Candidature

Duration of candidature

The normal period of candidature is 24 months full-time equivalent. The minimum and maximum period of candidature is 12 and 24 months full-time equivalent respectively.

Part-time candidature

The faculty board, through the Committee on Graduate Matters, may on the recommendation of the head of school concerned recommend to the Research Graduate School Committee admission of applicants to part-time MPhil enrolment who comply with the following guidelines.

(1.) Subject to the requirements of the regulations relating to the degree of Master 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 research.

External candidature

Where the research is principally being undertaken at another research site (for example an archives repository, field site, laboratory, commercial or governmental research station, or another university), suitably qualified applicants may apply for external MPhil candidature. The applicant must demonstrate that the external research site provides a research environment that offers appropriate resources, facilities, and research expertise for the duration of the candidature. Candidates must have the personal maturity to pursue independent, sustained, and structured research off-campus. Such evidence might include previous successful and timely completion of a postgraduate research degree, publications, or relevant work experience particularly in a research-oriented institution. An annual on-campus attendance of 10 days is required for external MPhil candidates. Apportionment of these days would be determined on a case-by-case basis (for example, a single block of time or the equivalent in shorter blocks). The residency requirement assumes the relevant academic unit has a regular seminar program from which external candidates may benefit while on-campus. A special application form, available from the Monash Research Graduate School website at http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au must be completed and submitted to the relevant school.

Transfer of candidature

Transfer from PhD to MPhil candidature

A PhD candidate may transfer from PhD to MPhil candidature. Doctoral candidates who wish to transfer to masters candidature must lodge an MPhil application form from the Monash Research Graduate School. This form may be downloaded from http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au.

Transfer from MPhil to an MSc or to PhD candidature

Where appropriate, an MPhil candidate may discontinue the MPhil program and transfer to another appropriate masters-level program. A candidate may also upgrade from the MPhil program to a PhD degree. In such cases, the Research Graduate School Committee's existing upgrade procedures shall apply, with the start date of the doctoral candidature normally backdated to the start date of the MPhil program.

Successful completion of the program will signify that the candidate has successfully completed a course of research training and has satisfied the examiners that he/she can carry out a research project and analyse critically the results.

A candidate for the degree of Master of Philosophy 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.

Assessment in the MPhil is by 100 per cent thesis, the length of which would not normally exceed 50,000 words.

MPhil thesis based or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work

This option allows candidates to submit for examination a thesis consisting of, or partially consisting of, conjointly published or unpublished work, linked by a clear theme. A detailed statement at the front of the thesis must indicate the nature and extent of the candidate's contribution to the work presented and the underlying research. Essentially, the initiation, key ideas, development and writing up of each of the works should be the primary responsibility of the candidate. An introductory chapter that places the specific work in the broader context of its relevant research area and a concluding chapter that draws together the research documented in the preceding chapters are required. Other linking material that converts the work into a coherent whole is also essential.

Master of Philosophy

* Where more than one award is listed, or in the case of double degrees, where more than one award is listed for one or both components of the double degree, the actual award/s conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved (eg in the case of 'with honours' programs), or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.

The MSc (by research) permits students to show independence of thought and demonstrate their ability to carry out research in their chosen discipline.

Candidature

Duration of candidature

Except where the faculty board in any particular case otherwise determines, a thesis must be submitted in a minimum of 12 months of full-time or 24 months of part-time candidature and a maximum of 24 months of full-time or 48 months of part-time candidature.

Part-time candidature

Applicants may be admitted to part-time candidature if they can provide written evidence that they can devote at least two full working days per week or its equivalent to the research project.

A research assistant in full-time employment in the university may, on the recommendation of a head of school, be permitted to enrol as a part-time candidate. The Research Degrees Committee will require a letter from the supervisor, counter-signed by the head of school, certifying:

• that there is sufficient freedom to pursue original research
• the extent to which the research undertaken as part of the employment overlaps with that undertaken as a candidate
• that there will be no limitation on the publication of results of the candidate's primary research work.

External candidature

External candidature allows candidates to undertake research in an approved research institution in Australia or in another country where resources and complementary supervision are available. Candidates may also have the option to spend some of their time at the Monash South Africa campus if the project allows. External candidates must have access to email as well as telephone and/or video-conferencing facilities. An external supervisor with the appropriate expertise, based in the external location, will normally be appointed. This supervision will be in addition to the supervision provided by academic staff members of the University. Regular interactive communication between the candidate and the main supervisor should take place at least once per month. An annual 15-day attendance requirement in the school or department in which the candidate is enrolled must be met each year (or eight days in the case of part-time candidates), although in special circumstances a reduction in the 15-day attendance requirement after the first year may be considered by the Research Degrees Committee.

Thesis

Writing-up away

Approval to write the thesis away from the University may be sought by candidates who have been enrolled for at least the minimum time specified in the regulations, providing their supervisor has sighted the first draft of the thesis. A maximum of six months writing-up away may be approved in the first instance. Candidates should note that the writing-up away period is not additional to that of the length of candidature.

Successful completion of the program will signify that the candidate has undertaken a course of research training and has satisfied the examiners that he/she can carry out a research project and critically analyse the results.

Assessment is by 100 per cent thesis, the length of whichshould be 50,000 - 70,000 words although individual school requirements may differ. The thesis should embody the results of an investigation carried out by the candidate under supervision.

Thesis format and submission requirements

Guidelines for the presentation and preparation of masters theses can be found on the Faculty of Science website at http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/postgrad/mscresearchpolicies/index.html.The required thesis length does not include footnotes, references or appendices, nor should it include equations, tables, diagrams and other illustrations. Where it is proposed that the thesis will exceed the specified maximum length, the candidate will be required to submit a request to the Research Degrees Committee in advance of the thesis being submitted for examination.

Master of Science

This course combines research and coursework units and is intended primarily for graduates who do not meet the standard eligibility requirements for entry into the MSc degree.

The MSc Preliminary aims to prepare students who do not meet the standard eligibility requirements for entry to higher degree studies.

The MSc Preliminary 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 the Master of Science.

Assessment is by completion of coursework units and examination of a minor thesis.

The specific requirements for this course is dependent on the field of study but in general will include advanced coursework and specified assessment tasks, a thesis component and seminars/oral presentations.

The MSc(Prelim) course is available in most of the 'Science areas of study and sequences' listed in this handbook at http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/undergrad/sci.html.

Schools are able to cater substantially for the interests of individual candidates, although there may be compulsory elements to be completed by all candidates in some areas of study. The work to be completed by a candidate will be as prescribed by the relevant head of school.

Candidates who successfully complete the studies and pass examinations as prescribed by their school with results equivalent to H2A (70-79) or better will be eligible for future admission into the MSc, MPhil, or PhD program.

Candidates who have completed the requirements of the course but not at the equivalent to H1 or H2A grade, or who are eligible to apply for the MSc, MPhil, or PhD programs but do not wish to do so, may apply to receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Science (PgradDipSc).

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy 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 Research Graduate School 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, and submission and examination of theses.

Candidature

Duration of candidature

The minimum period of candidature is 24 months. This may be reduced to 12 months in exceptional circumstances. Although the maximum period of candidature is four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time), the normal full-time period is three years (six years part-time) and it is strongly recommended that candidates design a project that can be completed within three years of the commencement of candidature.

Part-time candidature

The faculty board, through the Research Degrees Committee, may on the recommendation of the head of school concerned, recommend to the Research Graduate School 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 research.

External candidature

Where the research is principally being undertaken at another research site (for example an archives repository, field site, laboratory, commercial or governmental research station, or another university), suitably qualified applicants may apply for external PhD candidature. The applicant must demonstrate that the external research site provides a research environment that offers appropriate resources, facilities, and research expertise for the duration of the candidature. Candidates must have the personal maturity to pursue independent, sustained, and structured research off-campus. Such evidence might include previous successful and timely completion of a postgraduate research degree, publications, or relevant work experience particularly in a research-oriented institution. A residency period of at least 15 days per year is obligatory. A special application form, available from the Monash Research Graduate School website at http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au must be completed and submitted to the relevant school.

Transfer of candidature

Transfer from PhD to Master of Science (MSc) candidature

A PhD candidate may transfer from PhD to MSc candidature. Doctoral candidates who wish to transfer to masters candidature must lodge an MSc application form at the Faculty of Science office.

Transfer from MSc to PhD candidature

MSc candidates may apply to transfer to PhD candidature. The period of masters candidature already consumed is deducted from the maximum period of PhD candidature allowable. To apply for a transfer from MSc to PhD candidature, candidates must complete a PhD application form and are normally required to make an oral presentation of their research project before a school review panel and submit a written progress report (approximately 1000 words).

Successful completion of the program will signify that the holder has completed a course of postgraduate training in research under proper academic supervision and has submitted a thesis that the examiners have declared to be a significant contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the candidate's capacity to carry out independent research.

The candidate develops a research program, in consultation with the supervisor/s, and submits a thesis which significantly contributes to knowledge in the chosen area of research.

Assessment is by 100 per cent thesis, the length of which would not normally exceed 100,000 words.

PhD thesis based or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished work

This option allows doctoral candidates to submit for examination a thesis consisting of, or partially consisting of, conjointly published or unpublished work, linked by a clear theme. A detailed statement at the front of the thesis must indicate the nature and extent of the candidate's contribution to the work presented and the underlying research. Essentially, the initiation, key ideas, development, and writing up of each of the works should be the primary responsibility of the candidate. An introductory chapter that places the specific work in the broader context of its relevant research area and a concluding chapter that draws together the research documented in the preceding chapters are required. Other linking material that converts the work into a coherent whole is also essential.

Doctor of Philosophy

* Where more than one award is listed, or in the case of double degrees, where more than one award is listed for one or both components of the double degree, the actual award/s conferred may depend on units/majors/streams/specialisations studied, the level of academic merit achieved (eg in the case of 'with honours' programs), or other factors relevant to the individual student's program of study.