Science, Technology and Engineering

Postgraduate

Department of Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry is part of the Faculty of Science, Technology and Engineering. Excellent facilities are available for research in a wide range of specialist areas. The Department has more than 40 postgraduate students carrying out research towards MSc and PhD degrees. This research is supervised by the Academic Staff of the Department of Biochemistry and is financially supported by grants from funding bodies such as the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the CRC for Biomarker Translation and various industry partners.

The MSc and PhD are advanced research degrees and require the submission of a thesis describing original research work. Applicants normally have a Biochemistry Honours Degree (or an equivalent degree) with an Honours Year score of H1. Candidates with a mid-H2A score may be considered under some circumstances. The degrees are usually undertaken on a full-time basis but may be available on a part-time study basis.

We administer a number of Master level courses including Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (2-year), Master of Biotechnology and Master of Business Administration (2-year), Master of Biotechnology (18-month) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (1-year).

Candidates are supplied with bench and desk space, including a lockable space. They have free access to photocopying facilities both within the Department and in the library, plus fax, and telephone. They have access to suitable computing facilities, including internet access and email accounts. Candidates are expected to outline their progress by presenting lunchtime seminars to the Department on an annual basis. Students are encouraged to participate in the life of the Department and to join a postgraduate student group referred to as The Biochemistry Society that organise informal seminars, discussions on issues of interest to Biochemists and social functions. The Department of Biochemistry will attempt to provide financial support to enable students to attend and present at scientific conferences (see list of student poster prize winners).

Research awards available for postgraduate students include Australian Postgraduate Awards, La Trobe University Postgraduate Research Scholarships and La Trobe University Postgraduate Dean's Scholarships.

To obtain a candidature and scholarship application kit for the MSc or PhD degrees send an email to the postgraduate coordinator Professor Nick Hoogenraad.