Master of Reproductive Sciences

Enrolment in a research master's degree involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by the student. It is expected that the research undertaken will make a contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the chosen discipline by applying, clarifying, critiquing or interpreting that knowledge. Students are supported by a minimum of two supervisors throughout their enrolment.

The course provides advanced theoretical understanding and research training in the applications and principles of reproductive biology and medicine, including emerging biotechnologies, to clinical human and veterinary medicine. It also offers knowledge and understanding of recent advances in reproductive technologies and their implications for professionals in various fields.

Graduates obtain suitable training for those concerned with:

• research and development projects involving reproduction
• IVF programs
• medical and paramedical areas
• development and implementation of policy on reproductive and population issues
• developing areas of agriculture and veterinary science where skills in new reproductive technologies are assuming considerable importance
• biological areas such as wildlife conservation, pest control and preservation of endangered species.

This course is offered by the Education Program in Reproduction and Development within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences. Students should contact the course coordinator to discuss research topics and relevant supervisors.

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 9, the Bologna Cycle 2 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

Successful completion of the program will signify that the student has successfully completed a course of postgraduate training in research under academic supervision, and has submitted a thesis that the examiners declare to be a contribution to knowledge and which demonstrates the student's capacity to carry out independent research.

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 master's level in their chosen field of reproductive 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 reproductive science.

Students who have successfully completed course 0101 Graduate Diploma in Reproductive Sciences at Monash University may be granted credit for coursework units. Credit will not be given for work completed more than 10 years prior to admission to enrolment, and will be assessed in accordance with the University's Credit PolicyCredit Policy (http://policy.monash.edu.au/policy-bank/academic/education/admissions/credit-policy.html).

Conditions of enrolment

Students are to refer to the Handbook for Research Master's DegreesHandbook for Research Master's Degrees (http://www.monash.edu/migr/research-degrees/handbook/masters) for all policies and procedures relating to their enrolment.

This course consists of coursework units (30 per cent), and a research and thesis component (70 per cent).

Students must, in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a member/s of the academic staff:

(1.) carry out a program of research on an agreed topic approved by the faculty in the student's chosen discipline for a specified period, including attending and/or presenting at seminars and other related activities as indicated by the faculty

(2.) submit for assessment a thesis of not more than 50,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. The thesis should embody the results of the student's investigation, which demonstrates independence of thought and the student's ability to carry out research in that discipline. Submission of the thesis based on or partially based on conjointly published or unpublished workconjointly published or unpublished work (http://www.monash.edu.au/migr/examiners/publication/) may be permitted.

(3.) successfully complete coursework units as outlined below:

• MRS0001 Coursework - core lecture
• MRS0002 Coursework, semester 1, stream 1 - lectures
• MRS0003 Coursework, semester 1, stream 2 - lectures
• MRS0004 Coursework, semester 2, stream 1 - lectures
• MRS0005 Coursework, semester 2, stream 2 - lectures

Note: Students who have been granted credit for completion of 0101 Graduate Diploma in Reproductive Sciences are not required to complete the coursework units.

The coursework lectures cover a wide range of topics including an introduction to reproductive endocrinology, gonadal development and function, pregnancy and parturition, reproductive health, fertility regulation, domestic and wild animal reproduction and conservation sciences, and assisted reproductive and genetic technologies. Assessment is by thesis, written examinations, oral presentations, poster presentations, literature reviews and practical reports.

Students may apply to transfer to a PhD after a defined period (usually 9-12 months enrolment full-time or equivalent), provided that satisfactory progress has been made and certain conditions are met.