Postgraduate Diploma in Science
Course 290AA (2010)
Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.
Year and Campus: | 2010 - Parkville |
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Fees Information: | Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date |
Level: | Graduate/Postgraduate |
Coordinator
Melbourne Graduate School of ScienceContact
Science Student Centre
Faculty of Science
Old Geology Building
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010
Tel: + 61 3 8344 6404
Fax: +61 3 8344 5803
Course Overview: |
The Faculty of Science offers the Postgraduate Diploma in Science program through a number of departments. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science is a fourth-year equivalent program, and students who successfully complete this course with an H2A (75%) average are eligible to apply for Master of Philosophy or Doctor of Philosophy candidature. Areas of Study
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Objectives: |
Postgraduate Diploma programs are designed to:
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Course Structure & Available Subjects: |
The Postgraduate Diploma in Science course requires the completion of 100 points (100 points = one year of full-time study). The 100 points comprises two components:
The weight of each component varies between departments. To be eligible for the award of the Postgraduate Diploma in Science, students must successfully complete both the research and the coursework components of the course. |
Subject Options: |
Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Colin Anderson
Objectives The program in Anatomy and Cell Biology is designed to: Provide an introduction to advanced biomedical research in molecular, cell and systems biology; Enable the acquisition of current research skills in specific areas; Encourage the development of the abilities to think both independently and critically, through the continual analysis and evaluation of experimental data; Improve oral and written communication skills.
Course Structure Anatomy Research Project (75 points) Content: An original, supervised research project. Assessment: A written report (thesis) at the end of the year.
Anatomy Advanced Coursework (25 points) Content: Lectures and seminars covering a wide range of biomedical research. Lectures and workshops in topics such as animal welfare, library resources, experimental design and statistical analysis, writing skills and seminar preparation.
Assessment: Attendance at lectures, workshops and seminars. A literature review (no more than 3000 words) which forms the basis of the introduction to the thesis. A journal review. An exam in statistics. An oral defence of the thesis.
Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Rick Wetherbee
Objectives The program in Botany aims to provide students with skills in original research in plant science and help students develop a capacity for critical thinking and evaluation of information. The course also strives to instil in students a knowledge of a wide area of plant sciences, and to enhance their communication skills.
Areas of Specialisation The coursework and research components of this Postgraduate Diploma enable students to further their knowledge in areas of cellular and molecular biology, systematics and evolution, plant ecology and physiology, and plant pathology.
Course Structure The research component is worth 75 points and is assessed from a written report (10 000 words maximum) which forms the basis of 60 per cent allocated of the year's assessment, with a further 10 per cent allocated on the basis of a 30 minute seminar presentation and another five per cent allocated on performance in an oral examination concerning the research project. The remaining 25 per cent of assessment is on the basis of coursework as follows: a literature review (3500 words), and two written or oral assignments focussing on topics presented in the series of advanced lectures (2500 words each), awarded a total of 25 points. Coursework Component = 25 points Students will be enrolled in two x 12.5 coursework subjects from the list below in consultation with the Honours Coordinator:
Coordinator Professor Richard O'Hair
Administrator Ms Vicki Burley
Overview The Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry program is designed to;
Generic skills
Admission requirements In addition to satisfying the Faculty of Science entry requirements, students interested in entering the Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry program should typically have completed a Bachelor of Science degree which includes some third year chemistry subjects. However, all applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the coordinator.
Course Structure The following information is applicable to students commencing in 2009. Students who commenced in 2008 should refer to the 2008 Handbook. This particular course can only be undertaken on a full-time basis and a mid-year intake is offered. Enrolment in the program is possible between either February and November or July and June.
Assessment Hurdle assessment requirements In addition to the Postgraduate Diploma in Chemistry requirements, students enrolled in this program must:
Components of assessment The course comprises a research project component and an advanced coursework component. Their relative weightings are as follows:
Advanced Coursework Student will enrol in the following three subjects (each worth 12.5 points):
[Each of these subjects will be examined by formal written examination, subjects 610-681 and 610-682 at the end of semester 1 and subject 610-683 during semester 2].
Research Project Students will enrol in the following research subjects:
The research project involves the completion of:
* A preliminary literature survey and research plan (1500 words, up to 5 pages), due towards the end of the first semester of study (pass/fail); * A major thesis, page limit of 30 pages (10,000 words) due at the end of the second semester of study (90% made up from thesis evaluation (35%), oral examination (viva) on thesis (35%); supervisor’s assessment of research performance (20%) based on attendance, application, initiative, and demonstrated skills); * A project-related oral presentation (15 minutes presentation, 5 minutes discussion) to be scheduled during the second semester of enrolment (10%);and * Successful completion of a seminar series providing advanced theoretical and/or practical training (pass/fail).
Further information
If you require further information about this honours program please contact:
Ms Vicki Burley Tel: +61 3 8344 6495
Combined Chemistry/Pharmacology and Chemistry/Biochemistry Postgraduate Diploma may be possible depending on research collaboration at the time and would be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please refer to the BSc Honours entry requirements for these combined research areas. All enquiries should be directed to the Course Administrator for further information.
Coordinator Dr. Adrian Pearce
The program in Computer Science allows students to study a selection of topics in some depth and to work independently on a medium-sized project. It provides an introduction to research methodology and greater experience in system development. It may be used as a preparation for postgraduate studies in computer science, and opens additional career opportunities in systems design and implementation and in research support. The Postgraduate Diploma in Science is designed to:
It can be taken full time over 2 semesters or part-time over 4 semesters. The course consists of 75% coursework and 25% research. The coursework is shared with BCS (Hons) and BSc (Hons) in Computer Science. Coursework Component Thesis Component Seminars Entry Requirements Oral biology postgraduate diploma program Overview We offer research within a multidisciplinary environment. Hence we welcome students from a variety of backgrounds including chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetics and anatomy. The research component offers students the opportunity to use state-of-the-art techniques in protein chemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, immunobiology, mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, molecular modelling, skeletal biology, histomorphometry, aging of the skeleton and image analysis. Web site: http://www.dent.unimelb.edu.au/dsweb/postgrad_programs/honours.html. Admission requirements Students must satisfy the Faculty of Science entry requirements. Information about the departmental entry requirements can be obtained from the department. Coordinators Dr Laila Huq (academic) Ms Kim Hanson (administrative) Duration and commencement of course This program can be undertaken on a full-time basis only. The program commences in February and finishes in November. Assessment Components of assessment The program comprises a research project subject and an advanced coursework subject. These subjects with their relative weightings are as follows:
Research project Students conduct an original research project supervised by a member of staff in one of the four research units within the School of Dental Science. Current areas of major research activity with the school include the molecular biology of oral diseases and microbial pathogens, the cell biology and development of oral tissues, dental epidemiology, and the evaluation and development of novel dental restorative materials. Students prepare a report (thesis) at the end of the period not exceeding 10,000 words Advanced coursework Students undertake:
Assessment:
Further information If you require further information about this program please contact: Dr Laila Huq Tel: +61 3 9341 0821 Email: l.huq@dent.unimelb.edu.au Ms Kim Hanson Tel: +61 3 9341 1507 Email: khanson@unimelb.edu.au
Coordinator Objectives Course Structure Two options are available regarding your research topic. 1) You may have your own research topic and dataset in mind, particularly if you are coming from industry. 2) You may wish to undertake a research project offered by one of the many academics within the School of Earth Sciences. In both cases you can contact the MESc Coordinator directly at mesc-coord@earthsci.unimelb.edu.au who will direct your enquiry to the appropriate specialist in the School of Earth Sciences, or you can investigate the Earth Sciences staff members on this website and contact them directly. Duration Entry Requirements
Coordinator Prof. Jim Camakaris
Objectives On completion of this course students should have achieved:
Areas of specialisation The coursework and research components of this Postgraduate Diploma in Science enable students to further their knowledge in the following areas: classical genetics; the history of genetics; population and evolutionary genetics; ecological genetics; molecular genetics; and developmental genetics. Typical research projects study aspects of heavy metal detoxification mechanisms in plants and animals; copper metabolism in mammals and the role of copper in neurodegenerative diseases; gene regulation in fungi;; the ecological, evolutionary and molecular genetics of insecticide resistance; evolutionary genetics; and developmental genetics.
Course structure Genetics Research Project (62.5 Points) Content: An original, supervised research project. Assessment: A research report of 40 pages (excluding figures, tables and appendices). An oral exam. An assessment of research performance.
Genetics Advanced Coursework (37.5 Points) Content: Lectures and discussions on advanced topics in genetics. Up to 25 points of appropriate Bachelor of Science subjects as required by the Head of Department. Assessment: An essay on the background area of the research project (3000 word maximum). A written exam and a journal club presentation on the lecture topics.
For information about the weighting of the components of assessment within the research project subject and within the advanced coursework subject, please contact the Department of Genetics at the start of the program.
History and Philosophy of Science Coordinator Dr. Kristian Camilleri
Areas of Specialisation Research projects can be accommodated in a variety of areas and prospective students should contact the coordinator for assistance with selection of a topic. The Department specialises in the following areas:
Course structure The course consists of a 12 000 word supervised research project (37.5%) and a coursework component of five of the Department's honours and postgraduate level seminars (each weighted 12.5%, and requiring the equivalent of 5000 words each). The seminars, of which students are required to complete four, may be chosen from the following:
Students may choose a maximum of two honours subjects in philosophy as electives from the following:
Mathematics and Statistics Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Mathematics and Statistics)
Objectives The objectives of this diploma are to:
Mathematics and Statistics Coordinator Dr. Sanming Zhou
Course Structure The Mathematics and Statistics program consists of a research project and an advanced coursework subject.
The relative weightings of the two components are: Research Project (25%) Coursework (six units) (75%)
Research Project: Postgraduate Diploma students are required to conduct research under the supervision of their supervisors. Intending students should approach individual staff members to discuss possible research projects. Information about the department’s research groups and possible supervisors can be found at the following websites respectively: http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/research/ http://www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/Students/supervisorList.php Any difficulties in reaching decisions about research topics should be discussed with the Honours Coordinator. Preliminary reading should commence in the first month of the program, with the bulk of the project being completed in the second half of the program. Assessment of the research project will consider: clarity and exposition; mathematical accuracy; mathematical insight displayed; coverage of the field and references, and may be complemented by one or more of the following: description of the application and/or business context; mathematical modelling; presentation and analysis of numerical results. Postgraduate Diploma students will be required to give two seminars before their results are finalized, including one presentation on their research projects towards the end of the program. Postgraduate Diploma students should consider themselves a part of the research strength of the department and view departmental seminars as a method of broadening their knowledge. It is therefore expected that students will attend all research seminars in the broad area of their chosen field.
Advanced Coursework: Students should select 6 x 12.5 point subjects from the following list in consultation with the Honours Coordinator:
Each MSc (Coursework) subject is one semester in length and comprises 36 contact hours (usually one two-hour lecture plus one one-hour practical class per week). Full-time students are advised to undertake four coursework subjects in the first semester and two coursework subjects in the second semester. In determining the final grade, only the best six advanced coursework subjects will be considered. The advanced coursework subjects are clustered in ten streams: algebra, number theory and representations, analysis and set theory, complex systems, continuum modeling, discrete mathematics and algebraic combinatorics, geometry and topology, mathematical physics and statistical mechanics, operations research, statistics, stochastic processes. Students usually take at least two subjects from two different streams, one of which will normally be in the stream related to the topic of their research project. Under special circumstances, approval may be given for a student to do one subject of a comparable standard from outside the Department's offering. Students without the listed prerequisites for a chosen subject will need to discuss possible enrolment in the subject with the lecturer in charge before taking the subject.
Medicine (St. Vincent's Hospital) Coordinator Dr Sue Rogers
Objectives
Course Structure Research Project (75 points) Advanced Coursework (25 points) Content: An original, supervised research project in the field of biomedical science. Assessment: Completion of a Literature Review (5000 words) Undertake Oral Presentations Attendance at Biomedical Statistics program and submit written assignment Completion of set coursework/assignment Submission of thesis (10 000 words) Supervisor/lab competence assessment
Coordinator Dr. Mike Dyall-Smith Dr. Odilia Wijburg Dr. Stephen Turner Objectives The Postgraduate Diploma in Science program in Microbiology and Immunology is designed to
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Areas of Specialisation The coursework and research components of this Postgraduate Diploma in Science enable students to further their knowledge in some of the following areas: Microbiology (including Virology, Bacteriology and Parasitology), Biotechnology, Immunology, and Environmental Microbiology.
Course Structure Research Points (75 points) This comprises an original, supervised research project and report and an oral presentation.
Assessment: A written report (thesis) and oral presentation will be assessed at the end of the year.
Coursework (25 points) This comprises lectures and seminars on selected topics within microbiology and immunology, discussion of research data and its interpretation, detailed study of original literature, and one or more oral presentations and literature surveys on selected topics.
Assessment: Written examinations, literature survey and/or seminar presentations.
To successfully complete the Postgraduate Diploma in Science program in Microbiology and Immunology students must obtain passes of 50 per cent or better in both the Research Project and Coursework. In order to apply for higher degrees, students must obtain 75 per cent or better in both the Research Project and Advanced Coursework.
Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Gary Rance
Course Structure Otolaryngology Research Project (75 Points) Content: An original, supervised research project. Assessment: Submission of a literature review, of no more than 1500 words on the research project early in the year. A written report (thesis) at the end of the year, not exceeding 15,000 words. Two Departmental Seminars, one early in the year and one towards the end of the year, on the research work.
Otolaryngology Advanced Coursework (25 points) Content: Lectures and seminars in the areas of Research Methods in Communication Science, and Introduction to Hearing Science. Assessment: A written exam and a written assignment in the middle of the year. Coordinators Dr Joe Ciccotosto 8344-2558 (jcicco@unimelb.edu.au)Dr Vicki Lawson 8344-1944 (v.lawson@unimelb.edu.au) A/ Prof Melissa Southey 8344 4383 (msouthey@unimelb.edu.au) Ms Katrina Chung (admin) 8344-4383 (chungk@unimelb.edu.au) Objectives The objectives of the course include the development of the individual student’s skills in the areas of acquisition, interpretation and critical analysis of laboratory data, planning and design of experiments and reporting of experimental data in a concise and scientific manner consistent with that published in scientific journals.
Areas of Specialisation A wide range of research projects are offered in the areas of regulation of inflammatory processes, immunology, transplantation, neurosciences, genetic epidemiology, and cellular and genetic strategies for control and detection of neoplasia. Course Structure Advanced Coursework subject (25 points) Content: An advanced lecture series and tutorials designed to help students develop critical analysis skills used in their research project and advanced coursework assessment. These critical analysis skills will also be invaluable to students as they pursue their research careers. Assessment: Two data examinations are designed to assess the capacity of students to interpret and critically appraise previously unseen research data. Research Project subject (75 points)Content: A novel Research Project under the supervision of academic or research staff. Assessment: An ‘introductory' seminar outlining the project hypothesis, aims and methods presented early in the year (5%). Critical review of literature relevant to the Research Project submitted mid-year (10%). A ‘defence of thesis' seminar (10%) delivered to the Department after submission of the thesis (50%). Coordinator Professor Peter McIntyre,
Objectives This Postgraduate Diploma program in Pharmacology is designed to offer suitably qualified students that do not have a BSc degree an understanding of advanced pharmacological theory and to provide an introduction to pharmacological research. Emphasis is placed on developing skills in experimental design, technical expertise, thinking, analysis and presentation skills that will enable students to consider a career in medical research.
Areas of Specialisation The coursework covers topics in analytical pharmacology, molecular pharmacology, and the basis of drug design and action. Strong emphasis is placed on research training.
Course Structure Coursework (37.5 points) The Coursework subject comprises lectures and tutorials in pharmacology. Assessment: Written assessment of lecture and tutorial material (20%), a manuscript evaluation (10%) and a review writing exercise (7.5%) Research Project (62.5 points) An original, supervised research project Assessment:A written thesis of maximum 6000 words excluding figures, tables and references (50%) and two oral presentations (12.5%).
Coordinators Dr Nicole Bell
Objectives The program in Physics is designed to:
Course Structure Physics Research Project (50 points) Content: An original, supervised research project (experimental and/or theoretical) in one of the School's current fields: pure and applied nuclear physics (photonuclear reactions, proton microbe and microanalysis), gravitation, astrophysics, optics (light, x-rays, neutrons, atoms), particle physics, atomic physics, and solid state physics (high resolution electron microscopy and physics of materials). Assessment: A written report on the research done during the year. Preparation and delivery of a 15 minute talk to the School on the research work.
Physics Advanced Coursework (50 points) Content: All subjects are 12.5 points each. Students must take:
Students should select three subjects from the following list in consultation with the Honours Coordinator:
Coordinator Dr. Glenn McConell Prof. Mark Hargreaves
Objectives The program in physiology is designed to:
Areas of Specialisation Research within the department is grouped into three areas of specialization /clusters. 1) CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH: Cardiac Phenomics, Central Cardiovascular Regulation, Fetal, Postnatal & Adult Physiology and Disease, Behaviour & Blood Pressure. 2) MUSCLE AND EXERCISE: Exercise Physiology and metabolism, Basic and Clinical Myology, Confocal & Fluorescence Imaging; 3) NEUROPHYSIOLOGY: Enteric Neuroscience, Molecular Neurophysiology.
Course Structure 536-496 Physiology Research Project (75 points): This involves undertaking an original, supervised research project. A written report (thesis), not exceeding 10 000 words, is to be submitted at the end of the program. In addition, assessment includes two oral presentations and supervisor's assessment of student's research performance.
536-497 Physiology Advanced Coursework (25 points): The advanced coursework subject comprises the following a literature review, a statistics assignment and an ethics assignment. Attendance and participation in departmental seminars, ethics seminars and statistics lectures is also required.
Coordinator Dr Larry Abel
Objectives The course provides advanced training in vision science or optical science, and preliminary training in research methods.
Structure The course comprises a research project subject and an advanced coursework subject. These subjects, and their relative weightings in the 100-point course, are as follows:
Research project Under the supervision of an academic staff member, students conduct research and prepare a report in the form of a thesis not exceeding 15,000 words. A list of the research interests of the Department is available in the document, Research Areas in Optometry and Vision Sciences, from the Department Office or on the Department's website (http://www.optometry.unimelb.edu.au/research/labs.html). Potential students should approach the Postgraduate Coordinator or specific academic staff in the areas of research interest to discuss possible research projects. Further guidelines for thesis formatting, etc., are provided in the Department's Honours/Postgraduate Diploma manual distributed at the commencement of the course. The thesis is normally due for submission in the first week of November (for students who commenced at the beginning of the year), or in the first week of May (for students who commenced mid-year). The student's supervisor will provide a mark (10% of the research project mark) that reflects the student's performance in the laboratory. The examiners will normally include the Postgraduate Coordinator and one other member of the Department's academic staff, and they will provide a mark for the thesis (80% of the research project mark). The thesis examiners will also assess student's oral presentation made after the thesis has been submitted (10% of the research project mark). A 20-minute oral presentation at each of two Honours/Postgraduate Diploma mini-symposia during the course is also a hurdle requirement: (i) a presentation during the first 2 months of commencement outlining the planned research project; (ii) a presentation following the submission of the written research project presenting the key outcomes. Advanced coursework In addition, students enrolled in the program are required to attend and participate in Departmental seminars, including the Vision Science Seminar Series and Journal Club. Students are required to undertake the compulsory Advanced Research Methods subject plus one other elective module (each component contributes 50% to the total coursework mark):
Plus an elective subject:
If a student is unable to choose a subject from the Department, the student's supervisor will assist the student to choose a coursework subject at 300-level or above from other departments at the University of Melbourne. However if a student is still unable to choose a subject from the departments, the following option may be taken.
Further information Information about departmental research areas is available on the Department's website (http://www.optometry.unimelb.edu.au/research/labs.html).
Coordinator Dr Laura Parry Dr Steve Swearer
Objectives The program in Zoology is designed to provide a broad introduction to current processes and practices in zoological research, and to enable students to acquire current research skills in specific areas of biological sciences.
Areas of Specialisation The coursework and research components of this Postgraduate Diploma in Science allow students to tailor a program to further their knowledge of any of the research strengths of the Department. The main areas of specialisation are animal behavior and evolution, animal physiology, conservation and Australian wildlife biology, marine ecology and physiology, and reproduction and development.
Course Structure The course includes advanced coursework (25%) and a research project (75%). Coursework includes lectures and seminars in physiology, reproduction and development, ecology, behaviour, conservation, and evolutionary biology, as well as experimental design and analysis. Assessment is based on written assignments and a research seminar. The research project is an original, supervised piece of zoological research, resulting in an assessed thesis, not exceeding 10 000 words.
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Entry Requirements: | An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Entry is also subject to the availability of an appropriate research topic and supervisor. |
Core Participation Requirements: | . |
Further Study: | Students who successfully complete this course with an H2A (75%) average are eligible to apply for M.Phil - Science and PhD-Science candidature. |
Graduate Attributes: | . |
Links to further information: | http://graduate.science.unimelb.edu.au |
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