Master of Pharmaceutical Science - 2018

Enrolment in a master's by research degree involves the independent investigation of a research problem that has been formulated by you as the student. It is expected that the research you undertake will make a contribution to the discipline in which you are enrolled by applying, critiquing, analysing or interpreting that knowledge in ways that facilitate pathways for further learning. You will be supported in your research by a supervisory team.

This course provides research opportunities in any of the principal areas of research in the broad field of pharmaceutical science. Project availability is conditional upon the availability of materials, equipment and supervisors. You are advised to consult with a potential supervisor regarding their choice of topic.

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

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

• produce a thesis that displays competence in understanding and carrying out research in the field of pharmaceutical science (but with less emphasis on comprehensive knowledge and originality as required in a PhD)
• devise a research topic to investigate a particular pharmaceutical science research area
• identify key research questions that are not too general and ambitious
• select and review relevant theory and literature
• design a study and choose appropriate methods to investigate the specific research questions
• select appropriate modes of analysis
• consider ethical issues involved in research
• implement, critically appraise or apply research in a particular field
• prepare a comprehensive written report that is professionally presented and contains all the required components of a master's thesis, including a bibliography.

This course consists of a research and thesis component undertaken in any of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences research areas.

You 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 your 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 20,000 words on the program of research which meets the requirements of the examiners. Submission of a thesis including published worksthesis including published works (https://www.monash.edu/graduate-research/supervisors-and-examiners/examiners/publication) may be permitted.

Students enrol in the appropriate research unit relevant to their field:

• PRU0001 Research in medicinal chemistry
• PRU0002 Research in pharmacology
• PRU0003 Research in pharmaceutics
• PRU0004 Research in pharmacy practice