Postgraduate Student Information
Page Contents
Include: Postgraduate Programs in Microbiology and Immunology, comprising Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology (GradDipBiotech), Master of Science (MSc) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) | Fees and Scholarships | Information for International Applicants
Also see:
- Postgraduate Student Support (including infrastructure)
- Student Resources in Microbiology and Immunology
- Services for Postgraduate Students (Information presented at SPASIM retreat 2007, pdf)
- Faculty of Science Awards, Prizes & Scholarships (for Dept of Microbiology and Immunology students)
- SPASIM
Postgraduate Programs in Microbiology and Immunology
Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology (GradDipBiotech)
The Graduate Diploma in Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary program at the University of Melbourne involving the faculties of Science, Medicine and Engineering. The Diploma has a flexible format, involving obligatory core subjects and experimental training in the form of the major Diploma project, plus a wide range of optional units.
The Department of Microbiology and Immunology plays a major role in the Diploma, contributing several subjects to the Diploma course content, providing host laboratories and supervisors for research projects.
Dr David Tribe from the Department coordinates the academic administration of the Diploma.
The Diploma has provided training in biotechnology for students from a diversity of backgrounds (eg. neurobiology, botany, zoology, chemical engineering, biochemistry) and has proved to be an excellent vehicle for students who wish to change directions in their careers, update their skill and knowledge base, or enhance their career prospects.
Detailed information on the Diploma is available through the School of Medicine office (Phone 03 8344 5998).
Course details (13.4kb pdf)
Master of Science (MSc)
There are three alternative tracks to eligibility for enrolment for an MSc by research:
- BSc (Hons.) degree in Microbiology or in a discipline acceptable to the Department
- BSc degree of sufficient standard, plus appropriate experience
- MSc (Prelim)The MSc comprises research only, and extends over 1-2 years (full-time) or 2-4 years (part-time).
Students may, with permission, alter their status from F/T to P/T or vice versa during their candidature. They may also, with the support of the supervisor and Head of Department, switch enrolment from MSc to PhD (or vice versa) without significant loss of time.
Examination is by thesis.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The PhD is now the meal ticket for most scientific positions leading to high levels of responsibility.
Between 40 and 50 PhD students are enrolled in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in most years.
With rare exceptions (eg. part-time Graduate Research Assistants) all PhD students are enrolled full-time, with a minimum candidature of 3 years and an absolute maximum of 4 years.
Virtually all PhD students are on scholarships.
The standard route to entry is via the BSc Hons degree, whether obtained in this or in another university, within Australia or abroad.
Applications are welcome at any time, not only from BSc Hons., MSc or outstanding BSc graduates in Microbiology and/Immunology, but from those in appropriate related disciplines, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Chemistry or Biotechnology.
Providing we can match your research interest with the expertise of a senior academic staff member we rarely decline to accept a suitably qualified applicant who demonstrates his/her capability by winning a scholarship. On the other hand, experience has taught us to be very reluctant about enrolling anyone without a scholarship, or without clear evidence of capacity to pay all living costs and fees for up to 4 years.
Fees and Scholarships
For up-to-date information on Admissions and Scholarships the main University pages should be consulted.
For general information relating to postgraduate studies at the University of Melbourne, see the Graduate School home page.
International Applicants
International Students pursuing a Degree in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, please follow the University procedures to ensure all required documentation is received and your application is processed as quickly as possible.
- Do not apply directly to the Department.
- Information and appropriate application forms are available from the International Office.
- Our Department receives the forms from the International Office and will advise you regarding a possible supervisor and research projects.
- Please also note that our department does not take on students without sufficient means of financial support (i.e. a scholarship.) Melbourne University scholarships are extremely competitive and are generally awarded only to students who have achieved the equivalent of Melbourne University H1 grades.