Postgraduate - CourseMaster of Biomedical Science Preliminary

The Master of Biomedical Science Preliminary is a qualifying degree. It is designed for students who do not hold a honours degree or equivalent, who wish to further undertake a higher degree by research. Candidates undertake approved research projects for a specified period under the supervision of a member of the academic or research staff. This course may be undertaken in any of the faculty's areas of researchareas of research (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/research).

Students who have completed the course will demonstrate an 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, and be able to critically evaluate both their own and others' written work in their chosen field.

Candidates will also be able to:

• identify and define research questions
• apply appropriate research methods to address the research questions
• demonstrate competence of their chosen research methodology/methodologies
• demonstrate theoretical knowledge at honours level in their chosen field of research
• 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 research.

Conditions of candidature

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.

Attendance

Throughout their candidature, all candidates must regularly attend their academic unit and participate fully in the intellectual and research activities of the unit.

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. Part-time candidates in laboratory disciplines must undertake at least one and a half of their study days 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.

This course consists of coursework (25 per cent), and a research and thesis component (75 per cent).

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 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.

Minimum grade for course completion

50 per cent

Minimum grade for articulation

65 per cent

• Biomedical science

This course does not lead to an awardable degree. Candidates who achieve a grade of upper H2B or above will be eligible to apply for relevant masters by research programs offered by the faculty such as 2977 Master of Biomedical Science or 3438/3980 Master of Philosophy. Candidates who achieve an overall grade of H2A or above will be eligible to apply for 0047/4000 Doctor of Philosophy.

Candidates who pass the course but do not achieve a grade of upper H2B or above, or do not wish to continue study in a higher degree by research program, will be offered the exit award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science.

Note: Exit awards do not apply to Monash University Malaysia unless the awards have been approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education. For information on the exit awards approved at the Malaysian campus, please contact the respective schools at Monash University Malaysia.