Master of Philosophy - MDHS (Biomedical Science) is an internationally recognised masters by research degree designed for students to develop advanced skills in independent and sustained research on a particular topic under academic supervision. The graduate thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing research in the field. Research projects are available in the areas of: Cancer Cardio-respiratory Cell signalling Cellular imaging Infection and immunity Molecular mechanisms of disease Neuroscience Stem cells Structural biology Systems biology Therapeutics and translation Commencement periods Students may commence the Higher Degree by Research at any time during the year between 1st March and 31 October. Commencement between 1st and 28th February or between 1st and 30th November may be approved subject to approval of the proposed principal supervisor. Commencement in January or December is not permitted. Commencement in the degree is subject to prior arrangement with their nominated supervisor and the Learning and Teaching Unit. (Scholarships have separate rules and students should seek approval from Melbourne Scholarships to vary their scholarship commencement). Please check with the relevant academic unit prior to making any arrangements for enrolment or travel. Course structure You will enrol in a thesis subject and undertake a research project for the duration of the degree. The normal period of candidature is 18 months for full-time candidates with the possibility of up to 6 months extension. You are required to complete a minimum of 6 months full-time research at the University in order to benefit from planning, conducting and writing up your research within a University community and environment. Normally the entire degree is undertaken at the University. You will have appropriately experienced academics available to arrange a course of supervised research designed to suit your requirements and interests. You may be required to supplement your research program by attendance at, or enrolment in, additional subjects if considered necessary by the supervisor(s). You are expected to attend departmental seminars over the period of their candidature. Academic progress is reviewed regularly throughout the degree. You will be examined on the basis of your thesis which is examined externally. The thesis should normally be between 30,000 and 40,000 words in length excluding tables, illustrations and bibliography. You should refer to the University policy library and the Graduate Research Hub for further information regarding candidature, academic progress, ethics, thesis preparation and examination. To be eligible to submit a thesis for examination, you must be enrolled in their course for the minimum period of 6 months full-time equivalent. Intended learning outcomes Research Masters degrees at the University of Melbourne are designed for students to develop advanced skills in carrying out independent and sustained research. The thesis should demonstrate a critical application of specialist knowledge and make an independent contribution to existing scholarship in the area of research.