Postgraduate Diploma in Science - 2018

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

You will complete an approved research project for a specified period under the supervision of a member of the academic or research staff. This course aims to provide you with a higher level of experience in independent analysis and research in your chosen area of expertise.

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).

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

1. demonstrate advanced knowledge and technical skills in at least one area of science
2. develop, apply, integrate and generate scientific knowledge in professional contexts to analyse challenges and to develop effective solutions
3. convey ideas and results effectively to diverse audiences and in a variety of formats, and present scientific work in a potentially publishable way
4. work independently to undertake a scientific literature review, and to design, develop and implement a research project
5. collect, organise, analyse, interpret and present data meaningfully, using mathematical and statistical tools as appropriate to the discipline of specialisation
6. exercise personal, professional and social responsibility as a global citizen.

The course is structured in two parts: Part A. Research project and Part B. Coursework.

Part A. Research project

You complete a thesis and oral presentations.

Part B. Coursework

This part includes statistics coursework, literature review, examination and oral presentations.

The course comprises 48 points structured into two parts: Part A. Research project (24 or 36 points) and Part B. Coursework (24 or 12 points).

Part A. Research project

You must complete:

• a research project unit (24 or 36 points)

Part B. Coursework

You must complete:

• coursework units (24 or 12 points)

Units are 6 points unless otherwise indicated.

These units are offered in various science disciplines as follows.

Biotechnology

• BTH4100 Biotechnology research project (36 points)
• BTH4280 Honours coursework in biotechnology (12 points)

Food science and technology

• FST4100 Food science and technology research project (36 points)
• FST4280 Honours coursework food science and technology (12 points)

Medical bioscience

• MBS4100 Medical bioscience research project (36 points)
• MBS4280 Honours coursework in medical bioscience (12 points)

Medicinal chemistry

• CHM4180 Medicinal chemistry research project (36 points)
• CHM4280 Honours coursework in medicinal chemistry (12 points)

Psychology

• PSY4100 Psychology honours: Research project (24 points)
• PSY4210 Statistics and research design for professional psychology
• PSY4220 Ethical and professional issues in psychology
• PSY4270 Psychological assessment

plus one of the following psychology electives:

• PSY4110 Psychology in society
• PSY4120 Mental health and illness
• PSY4130 Developmental psychology and clinical neuroscience

Tropical environmental biology

• BIO4180 Tropical environmental biology research project (36 points)
• BIO4280 Honours coursework in tropical environmental biology (12 points)

Satisfactory completion of this course will provide the preparation necessary to undertake a masters by research or a doctoral (PhD) degree.