Postgraduate Studies: Masters and PhD.

Students wishing to complete advanced research training should enrol for either a research Masters or PhD. Normally an Honours degree at level IIA or I, or its equivalent, is a pre-requisite for enrolment in these programs.

Information on current research areas and projects is available in the Departmental Handbook for Honours and Postgraduate Students.  Interested students should contact the Departmental Co-ordinator for Graduate Matters for further information.

Current students may download the Application for Reimbursement of Thesis Binding Costs (doc). This application is for students whose scholarship does not include a thesis allowance.

 Department Co-ordinator for Graduate Matters:  

The M. Biomedical Science degree

Students wishing to complete a research Masters degree in the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences are enrolled in the Masters of Biomedical Science program.

This degree is completed entirely by laboratory research and assessed by thesis. The minimum period of candidature is 12 months but the degree would only be completed in this period in exceptional circumstances.

The candidate may hold a scholarship or may receive financial support from some other source. There is provision for part-time candidature where the candidate is employed part-time. In this situation, the project undertaken for the degree may or may not be identical to that for which the candidate is employed.

PhD studies in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Students wishing to complete a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are enrolled through the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences

The PhD is completed entirely by laboratory research and is assessed by thesis. The assessment is made by examiners external to the department, and selected because of their expertise in the candidate's field of research.

The duration of full-time candidature is between 24 months minimum and 48 months maximum. Under normal circumstances, the candidate holds a scholarship which provides support for a maximum of 3.5 years. The degree is usually undertaken full-time but there are provisions for part-time candidates.

Standards for the PhD Degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

(Recommended by the Committee on Education of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology [IUBMB]).

The candidate should:

1. demonstrate a general knowledge of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a detailed knowledge of the topics related to the area of research;
2. be familiar with the literature of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and should have the ability to keep abreast of major developments and to acquire a working background in any area;
3. possess technical skill in laboratory manipulation;
4. demonstrate skill in the recognition of meaningful questions for investigations in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology;
5. demonstrate the acquisition of oral and written communication skills;
6. demonstrate skill in designing experimental protocols and in conducting productive independent research.