Honours & Postgraduate Diploma In Science:
Course Overview
An Honours (or Postgraduate Diploma) year in the Department of Surgery Austin Health is designed to provide opportunities for students to gain an understanding in the practice of biomedical research, and to develop skills in a number of areas. Students who have completed a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Biomedical Science degree are eligible to enrol in this program. The course is made up of two components, the Research Project and the Advanced Coursework which are taken concurrently for a total of 100 Credit points. The BSc (Honours), B Biomed Sci (Honours) and the PG Dip Science course are administered through the Faculty of Science. Further information can be found on the University of Melbourne BSc (Honours), B Biomed Sci (Honours) or the PG Dip Science Web Pages.
Subject Codes
top of pageSubject code |
Subject name |
|---|---|
546-496 |
Advanced Coursework |
546-497 |
Research Project |
Prerequisites
top of pageA Faculty score of at least 65% or an equivalent level of studies. Acceptance is subject to the availability of suitable topics and supervisors. Students should discuss their interests with the Honours co-ordinators, or project supervisors. Prerequisites may be waived at the discretion of the Head of Department.
Course Objectives
top of page To provide opportunities for students to gain an understanding in the practice of biomedical research, and to develop skills in:- design of a scientific project and consideration of ethical principles used in research;
- location and utilisation of information available in scientific and medical literature;
- understanding of experimental data in order to construct a rational scientific argument;
- introduction to research techniques and applying the techniques to a specific project;
- enhancing problem solving skills by undertaking methodological approaches to research;
- establishment of time management skills and completion of specific tasks;
- collection and critical analysis of information, including statistical assessment of data;
- communication of research results in both written and oral form;
- organisation of knowledge and identification of potential scope of the research project;
- the understanding of the concept “from bench to bedside”.
Course Outline
top of pageThe course commences in February/March and concludes in November after the student has given their final presentation. The course consists of various components (described below). A Department of Surgery Honours Research Prize is awarded for the most outstanding poster presented by our Honours Students. Postgraduate Diploma in Science students can change over to an Honours degree with the achievement of set hurdle requirements. Students with an excellent faculty honour score (FHS) are eligible to apply for the University of Melbourne Honours Scholarship.
Complete information on the course can be obtained from the 2009 Honours Course Guide.
The course consists of the following components:
- a research project;
- a Continuing Education Program;
- an assignment based on an advanced biomedical science topic;
- compulsory attendance at all Continuing Education program lectures and regular attendance at departmental Research-in-Progress seminars;
- a Thesis;
- two departmental seminar presentations;
- preparation and submission of an abstract and presentation of a poster at Austin Health Research Week (AHRW).
Course Structure
top of pageThe course is made up of 2 components: The Research Project and Advanced Coursework. The breakdown of marks for the Research Project to Coursework is 75%/25%.
| Research Project | Advanced Course Work | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thesis | 60% | Literature Review | 10% | |
| Supervisor/coordinator | 5% | Assignment | 10% | |
| Departmental Seminar Presentation | 10% | Poster Presentation | 5% | |
| Total | 75% | Total | 25% |