Monash University Handbook 2011 Postgraduate - Course

This course provides advanced multidisciplinary training in the principal areas of research in the broad field of injury prevention. Current research areas include:

• injury epidemiology injury prevention in the ageing population
• implementation and evaluation methods in injury prevention
• transportation safety, particularly road safety including human factors, intelligent transport systems, vehicle safety and injury biomechanics
• injury prevention in the workplace
• injury prevention in developing countries.

The Master of Philosophy is awarded by the University to candidates who write and submit a thesis that makes a contribution to an existing body of knowledge by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge and which demonstrates the capacity to carry out independent research.

Students who have completed the MPhil program will produce a thesis that displays competence in carrying out research in the broad field of injury prevention. They will demonstrate their ability, under supervision, to:

• frame a relevant research question
• critically appraise the literature in their field
• apply appropriate research techniques and demonstrate mastery of their selected techniques
• demonstrate a depth of knowledge of theory underpinning their particular area of research
• communicate their research findings
• write up their research in a high quality thesis that demonstrates the ability to carry out a research project and analyse critically the results.

100 percent

The MPhil program has two components:

(a.) Thesis: Assessment is based 100 per cent on thesis examination.

(b.) Study program: The minor component is a study program. The total amount of time devoted to the study program should not exceed 10 per cent of the candidature, equivalent to approximately 16 weeks. The study program includes participation in MUARC and postgraduate seminar series covering issues in injury prevention from a multi-disciplinary perspective. The objectives of the study program are to:

• develop a broader understanding of the field of accident and injury prevention, which may not have been obtained in a single disciplinary-based undergraduate degree
• expose candidates to issues beyond their chosen thesis topic
• foster an environment of inquiry
• support the development of critical analysis skills.

Students submit a thesis, the length of which would not ordinarily exceed 50,000 words.

Master of Philosophy