Undertake research into the molecular basis of health and disease under the supervision of an academic staff member in the School of Medicine. Research spans basic gene discovery and molecular analysis, through functional genomics and pre-clinical development to the testing of new therapeutics, underpinned by powerful and relevant experimental platforms. Key areas of research strength are: immunity, infectious diseases, developmental biology, molecular physiology, musculoskeletal biology, psychiatric disorders, haematology, cancer, metabolic disease, structural biology and nanomedicine. PhD research is also available with the School of Medicine in the areas of rural and regional general practice; health and wellbeing, health service evaluation, public health and chronic disease management. Deakin currently has around 1600 higher degree by research candidates – intelligent people making the most of our excellent facilities, partnerships, strategic research centres and excellent reputation. Course structure A Doctor of Philosophy is awarded for a substantial, original contribution to knowledge achieved in three years of full-time study (or six years of part-time study). Graduate outcomes Career outcomes Clinical epidemiology, public health, medical ethics, medical professionalism, health service management, quality assurance, risk prevention, medical education Course learning outcomes Deakin's graduate learning outcomes describe the knowledge and capabilities graduates can demonstrate at the completion of their course. These outcomes mean that regardless of the Deakin course you undertake, you can rest assured your degree will teach you the skills and professional attributes that employers value. They'll set you up to learn and work effectively in the future.