Doctor of Philosophy (Medical and Molecular Sciences)

Courses

Courses Australian courses Doctor of Philosophy (Medical and Molecular Sciences)

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Doctor of Philosophy (Medical and Molecular Sciences)

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The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an essential prerequisite for research and academic careers in most disciplines.

Campus
Townsville, Cairns
Start dates
January, July
Duration
4 years full time
Part time available
Study mode
On campus, Off campus

Course overview

The Doctor of Philosophy is a program of supervised original research. It culminates in the submission of a thesis that demonstrates the ability for critical analysis and research that makes a significant and original contribution to the knowledge and understanding of the field of study.

JCU research areas include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell biology
  • Chemistry
  • Immunology and epidemiology
  • Medical science
  • Microbiology
  • Parasitology
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology

This is a four-year full-time program offered either on campus at JCU’s Townsville and Cairns campuses or off campus.

The off-campus option requires some attendance on campus for confirmation and exit seminars, and at least three weeks per year for consultation with the supervisor. This program is also available part time.

Your research topic

Applicants need to discuss their proposed research topic with an appropriate research advisor. To identify an appropriate advisor, use the Find an Advisor service from the Graduate Research School.

How to apply

Visit the Graduate Research School Prospective Students website for more information, and then:

Apply now through the Online Application Portal. Complete an online application through our Online Application Portal.

Pathway into course

Handbook

Doctor of Philosophy (Medical and Molecular Sciences)

Handbook year

2019

Course code

111602

Course type

Doctorate by Research (AQF level 10)

Division

Division of Tropical Health and Medicine

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites

Requirements for admission can be found at HDR Degree Requirements

Minimum English language proficiency requirements

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 2 – Schedule II of the JCU Admissions Policy.

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

EFTSL to complete (equivalent full-time student load)

4 EFTSL

Course learning outcomes

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have:

Knowledge

  • A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution

  • Substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning.

Skills

  • Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice

  • Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge

  • Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning

  • Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions

  • Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community

  • Expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice.

Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills:

  • With intellectual independence

  • With initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning

  • With full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs

  • To plan and execute original research

  • With the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice.

Course Structure

RESEARCH

Core Subjects

RD7001:03 Planning the Research: Doctoral Candidates

RD7002:03 Situating the Research: Doctoral Candidates

RD7003:03 Professional Development: Doctoral Candidates

PI7016:00 Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Medical and Molecular Sciences)

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT

NOTES

Cairns

Disciplines are dependent on availability of appropriate Advisor

Townsville

Disciplines are dependent on availability of appropriate Advisor

Candidature

Expected time to complete

4 years full-time or equivalent part-time

Maximum time to complete

8.5 years

Maximum leave of absence

6 months

Progression

Supervising body

Research Education Sub-Committee (RESC)

Confirmation of candidature

See HDR Degree Requirements

Supervision

See HDR Degree Requirements

Progression

See HDR Degree Requirements

Subsumption of coursework subjects

Subsumption permitted

Maximum credit points of coursework subjects

21 credit points of non-core coursework subjects

Allowed coursework subjects

As approved by the Dean, Graduate Research School

Advanced Standing

Eligibility

A person admitted to candidature on the basis of previous enrolment in a research Masters degree relevant to the proposed Doctoral program, may be given advanced standing for work towards the Masters degree. In exceptional cases advanced standing may be given to a candidate for relevant research work undertaken at another university.

Maximum allowed

The amount of advanced standing to be awarded shall be determined by the RESC on the recommendation of the Head of the School.

Other restrictions

The University will not normally accept a candidate who has been enrolled at another institution for more than two years (full-time equivalent) or release a candidate who has been enrolled for more than two years (full-time equivalent).

Award Details

Award title

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

Approved abbreviation

PhD

Inclusion of field of research on testamur

The field of research shall not appear on the testamur.

Exit with a lesser award

After examination of the thesis, and subject to the requirements under HDR Degree Requirements, the RESC may approve the degree be not awarded but that the candidate be awarded an appropriate Masters degree.

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This website is intended as general guide. Prospective students should contact the university to confirm admission requirements and the availability of courses. James Cook University reserves the right to alter any course or admission requirement without prior notice.