Master of Philosophy
(MPhil) KC083 or RMPHLMED1000
| Course |
Duration full-time |
Duration part-time |
|---|
| MPhil |
1 to 2 years |
2 to 4 years |
Overview
The Master of Philosophy (MPhil) is aimed at those who intend to pursue careers in medical or health research or who wish to upgrade their qualifications to give them a competitive edge in their employment by demonstrating superior ability and some research experience. It may also be used as a stepping stone to commencing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
The MPhil is a research degree in which students undertake supervised research leading to the production of a thesis.
MPhil students are required to complete one six credit point unit of study, MEDF5005 Research Methods and Ethics, early in their candidature to provide them with guidance on areas relating to research such as writing papers and theses, reading and critiquing technical papers and writing literature reviews. Otherwise, MPhil students are not normally required to attend classes or undertake coursework units of study, with the thesis being the major examinable assessment requirement for the degree.
Major research areas include: anaesthesia, anatomy and histology, cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and hepatology, general practice, geriatric medicine, haematology, infection and immunity, medical education, medical genetics, neurology, nuclear medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, oncology, clinical ophthalmology and eye health, paediatrics and child health, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, psychological medicine, public health, rehabilitation medicine, renal medicine, respiratory medicine, rheumatology and surgery.
Degree resolutions
Sydney Medical School resolutions and the printed handbook are the official statement of faculty policy. The resolutions contained in the printed handbook are accurate as at August 2012. If a conflict is perceived between the content of the printed handbook and information available elsewhere, Sydney Medical School resolutions and the information available in the handbook online shall always take precedence. See the handbook online website:
sydney.edu.au/handbooks/medicine/
See the Policy Online website: sydney.edu.au/policy, for copies of University policies.
These resolutions must be read in conjunction with applicable University By-laws, Rules and policies including (but not limited to) the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 (the 'HDR Rule'), the Academic Board resolutions relating to the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy and the University of Sydney (Student Appeals against Academic Decisions) Rule 2006 (as amended).
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Code
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Course title
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KC083
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Master of Philosophy
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(1)
To be eligible to be admitted to candidature by the Dean or Associate Dean, an applicant must hold or have completed the requirements for a bachelor's degree from the University of Sydney, in a subject area related to the proposed course of advanced study and research, with -
(a)
first or second class honours; or
(b)
a result of at least a Credit grade in the highest, relevant unit of study.
(2)
The Dean or Associate Dean may admit to candidature an applicant who does not meet the requirements of sub-clause (1), provided that the applicant holds a qualification or qualifications that, in the opinion of the Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies, are equivalent to those prescribed in sub-clause (1).
(1)
An applicant for admission to candidature must submit to the Faculty:
(a)
satisfactory evidence of the applicant's eligibility for admission;
(b)
a proposed course of research and advanced study, approved by the Head of the Discipline in which the work is to be undertaken; and
(c)
a statement certifying the applicant's understanding that, subject to the HDR Rule, if the candidature is successful, his or her thesis will be lodged with the University Librarian and made available for immediate public use.
(2)
In addition, an applicant for admission to part-time candidature must submit a statement that he or she will have sufficient time available to complete the requirements of the degree in accordance with these resolutions.
0.
The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the granting of credit for previous studies, including the effect on completion times.
0.
The Head of Discipline will appoint a supervisor and associate supervisor for each candidate in accordance with the HDR Rule and Academic Board policies for postgraduate research higher degree supervision.
0.
The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the control of candidature by the University.
0.
The HDR Rule specifies the conditions for the location of candidature and attendance by candidates at the University.
(1)
To satisfy the requirements of the degree candidates must:
(a)
successfully complete any specified probationary requirements and conditions of candidature;
(b)
successfully complete a 6 credit point research methods unit of study as set out in the Table of Units of Study: Master of Philosophy, and any other units of study prescribed by the Head of Discipline;
(c)
conduct research on the approved topic; and
(d)
write a thesis embodying the results of the research that passes the examination.
(1)
A candidate shall produce a thesis that meets the requirements specified in the HDR Rule.
(2)
The thesis will be no more than 60,000 words, except with permission of the postgraduate coordinator.
(1)
A candidate is normally accepted for candidature on a probationary basis for a period not exceeding one year according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.
(2)
In the probationary period each candidate must:
(a)
Successfully complete a specified research methods unit of study;
(b)
develop and present a refined research proposal to the satisfaction of the Supervisor and Head of Discipline;
(c)
meet any conditions set by the Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies, School and Discipline; and
(d)
demonstrate adequate English language competency for the completion of the degree.
0.
The HDR Rule specifies the allowable completion times and submission dates available for full- and part-time candidates in this course.
0.
The attendance pattern for this course is full-time or part-time according to candidate choice but is subject to approval by the Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies.
0.
A candidate may discontinue enrolment in a unit of study or the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
0.
A candidate may suspend enrolment from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
0.
A candidate may take leave of absence from the degree subject to the conditions specified by the HDR Rule.
0.
A candidate is required to maintain satisfactory progress towards the timely completion of the degree. Progress will be reviewed annually according to the provisions of the HDR Rule.
0.
The thesis must be typewritten and bound as prescribed by the Academic Board resolutions of the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
(1)
Examination of the thesis will be conducted in general accordance with process prescribed by Academic Board for the Doctor of Philosophy, except that:
(a)
three copies of the thesis shall be submitted by the candidate;
(b)
two examiners will be appointed by the Head of Discipline, at least one of whom shall be external to the University; and
(c)
the Combined Board of Postgraduate Studies will act in place of the PhD Award Sub-Committee.
0.
The degree is awarded at the Pass level only.
(1)
These course resolutions apply to students who commenced their candidature after 1 January, 2012.
(2)
Candidates who commenced prior to 1 January, 2012 shall complete the requirements in accordance with the resolutions in force at the time of their commencement, provided that requirements are completed within the time limits specified in those resolutions. The Dean or Associate Dean may specify a later date for completion or specify alternative requirements for completion of candidatures that extend beyond this time.
Table of units of study: Master of Philosophy
| Unit of study |
Credit points |
A: Assumed knowledge P: Prerequisites C: Corequisites N: Prohibition |
Session |
|---|
MEDF5005
Health Research Methods and Ethics |
6 |
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Semester 1
Semester 2
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Units of study descriptions 2012
MEDF5005 Health Research Methods and Ethics
Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Timothy Schlub and Prof Petra Macaskill Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: 2x in person interactive full day workshops, 4x in person 3hr tutorials, 5x online lectures and discussions, 2x online elective module readings Assessment: 1x study design and ethics assignment (30%), 1x statistics assignment (40%), 1x online self-study elective task (10%), 1x reflective essay (diary) for students conducting a research project or a critical appraisal of published research otherwise (20%). Campus: Camperdown/Darlington Mode of delivery: Distance Education/Intensive on Campus
This unit of study introduces students to the fundamental skills that are required for postgraduate research in medicine and health. Students will learn how to conduct research that is scientifically and ethically sound, and be able to critically appraise and review literature. Students will understand the strengths and limitations of common study designs and develop simple but important statistical analysis skills, including how to present and interpret data, basic data management skills, and how to determine the required sample size for a study. Obtaining ethics approval is necessary for any study involving the collection or analysis of data involving humans, animals or their tissues. Hence, this unit will also cover ethics in research and when and how to apply for ethics approval.
These fundamental skills promote a scholarly attitude towards knowledge and understanding, and are essential for engagement with the research community.