Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science

The Postgraduate Diploma in Biomedical Science is a qualifying degree. It is designed for students who do not hold an honours degree or equivalent, who wish to further undertake a higher degree by research. Students 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).

These course outcomes are aligned with the Australian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate AttributesAustralian Qualifications Framework level 8 and Monash Graduate Attributes (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/handbooks/alignmentofoutcomes.html).

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.

Upon successful completion of this course it is expected that students will be able to:

1. identify and define research questions
2. apply appropriate research methods to address the research questions
3. demonstrate competence of their chosen research methodology/methodologies
4. demonstrate theoretical knowledge at honours level in their chosen field of research
5. demonstrate the ability to critically analyse data and results obtained
6. demonstrate the ability to solve research problems and to conduct statistical analysis
7. communicate their research findings in a format appropriate to their academic discipline
8. write up their research into a high quality thesis
9. contribute new information or new ways of understanding information in the field of research.

This course consists of a combination of coursework and research. In the coursework component you will develop advanced theoretical and/or technical knowledge of your area of focus within biomedical science. In the research component you will develop research methodologies appropriate to your focus and plan and execute a research project under the individual guidance of an academic supervisor.

The course comprises 48 points including research (36 points) and coursework (12 points).

• BMS4xxx Biomedical science research project (36 points)
• BMS4xxx Advanced studies in biomedical science (12 points)

The course progression mapcourse progression map (http://www.monash.edu.au/pubs/2016handbooks/maps/map-m5004.pdf) will assist you to plan to meet the course requirements, and guidance on unit enrolment for each semester of study.

Satisfactory completion of this course may provide credit toward a Monash master's by coursework degree and will provide the preparation necessary to undertake a master's by research degree or a doctorate (PhD) degree.