Become a leading researcher, contributing important ideas to the medical field, with a doctoral degree in Medical and Biological Sciences.PhD in Medical & Biological Science at VU We offer world-class facilities, support and expertise in a range of medical-research areas. Our specialisations include medical physiology, immunology, pharmacology, and metabolism and inflammation. You’ll use your original thesis to investigate and improve human health and life-quality in these areas: clinical and community health immunology in chronic diseases advanced food systems and nutrition sciences lifestyle-associated diseases musculoskeletal diseases population health research and policy measurements in health. These broad topics encompass mental health, pregnancy, substance misuse, immunology, cancer, and much more. Our research-based teaching means you’ll graduate job-ready for a medical-science career, or an advisory role in government or the community. You’ll finish your PhD as an independent science researcher, with the skills to present your findings in public presentations and publications. Careers in medical and biological science A PhD in medical and biological sciences prepares you for high-level roles in a variety of settings. If you’ve chosen to focus on lab work, you’ll be well placed for a medical-laboratory scientist role. Other careers include management or research in health care, government, community, or academia. Course structure The PhD is a research based degree with a maximum duration of 4 years (full time) and 8 years (part time). As well as enrolling in Research Thesis units Doctor of Philosophy (Science) students will be required to complete two coursework units, ROP8001 and ROP8002. An average result of 70% is required in the compulsory coursework units in order to proceed to candidature confirmation. Ongoing progression is subject to policy and procedures for candidature management as per the VU HDR Policy. Learning outcomes On successful completion of this course, students will be able to: 1. expert understanding of a substantial body of theory and its practical application at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including substantial expert knowledge of ethical research principles and methods applicable to the field. 2. intellectual independence and cognitive skills to undertake a systematic investigation, reflect critically on theory and practice and evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, including identifying, evaluating and critically analysing the validity of research studies and their applicability to a research problem. 3. expert cognitive, technical and creative skills to: design, develop and implement a research project/s to systematically investigate a research problem; develop, adapt and implement research methodologies to extend and redefine existing knowledge; manage, analyse, evaluate and interpret data, synthesising key ideas and theorising within the context of key literature. 4. expert communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions; to disseminate and promote new insights; and to cogently present a complex investigation of originality, or original research, both for external examination and to specialist (e.g researcher peers) and non-specialist (industry and/or community) audiences through informal interaction, scholarly publications, reports and formal presentations.