3443 - Master of Surgery - 2017

Enrolment in a masters' by research 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.

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 this course 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 surgery
• 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 surgical research.

This course consists of a research and thesis component.

Areas of research

This course may be undertaken in any of the areas of surgical researchareas of surgical research (http://www.med.monash.edu.au/research/) offered by the faculty.

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.

Students are required to undertake regular progress milestones to support them in conducting research of an appropriate quality, originality and depth as required by their course of study, in accordance with the Graduate Research Progress Management policyGraduate Research Progress Management policy (http://policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/research/mrgs/grad-research-progress-mgmt-policy.html) and supporting procedures.

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.