Monash University is committed to providing graduate research education of the highest quality in a stimulating, supportive and professional environment. By undertaking a PhD in Science, you will become a member of a dynamic community of scholars committed to innovation and discovery and contribute to the advancement of knowledge within your area of expertise. A PhD in Science takes the form of the Monash Doctoral Program – a PhD for the 21st century. At the core of the program is an extensive, independent research project on an agreed chosen topic, supported by at least two expert academic supervisors. You will also undertake a series of professional development activities or coursework units that equip you with the skills needed to make an impact in academia, industry, government or the wider community. Your study will result in a research thesis or alternative approved output, which makes a valuable contribution to the current body of knowledge on your chosen topic. The PhD program may be undertaken in the principal areas of research on offer, including: Biological sciences Chemistry Earth sciences Atmospheric sciences Environmental sciences Mathematical sciences Astronomical sciences Physics In addition to the research component, you will also complete a series of professional development activities or coursework units relevant to your chosen research focus. These activities are designed to provide you with the skills needed to develop your professional skills and support you in your future career. Study areas Biological Sciences Areas of research specialisation include ecology, evolutionary biology, global change, conservation, biosecurity, disease control and genetics, cellular and developmental genetics. Chemistry Areas of research within Chemistry can be classified under three broad themes: Understanding the world around us: water and environmental chemistry, analytical sciences, chemical biology, coal and soil science and computational chemistry. Preparing for the future: materials science and nanotechnology, green chemistry, synthesis and catalysis, surfaces and surfactants and chemical education. Lighting up our life: crystallography, biospectroscopy, super-resolution/single molecule spectroscopy and solar energy conversion. Earth, Atmosphere and Environment Areas of research specialisation include aerosols, boundary layers, bushfire and fire weather, climate science, clouds, convection, economic geology, environmental geology, fluvial geodynamics, GIS and remote sensing, hydrogeology, hydrology, mesoscale meteorology, palaeoecology, pure and applied geochemistry, soil science and soil chemistry, structural geology and geophysics, tropical meteorology, volcanology and applied palaeontology. Mathematical Sciences Areas of specialisation include applied and computational mathematics; astrophysics; pure mathematics (algebra, analysis, discrete mathematics and geometry), stochastic processes and interdisciplinary mathematical applications. Physics and Astronomy Research specialisations are available in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics, condensed matter physics, imaging physics, particle physics, quantum gases, theoretical physics and computational physics. Career opportunities Science graduates gain employment in genetic engineering, agricultural support and pharmaceutical science, banking and finance, environmental consulting, hospitals, medical institutes, mining, petroleum and engineering, research, and wine and food industries. Opportunities also exist in organisations including the Department of Sustainability and the Environment, CSIRO, the defence forces, road and water authorities, museums, local councils, education and the health sector.