Science, Technology and Engineering

Department of Genetics

Postgraduate Information

Information for prospective postgraduate students

Masters and PhD postgraduate degrees by research may be pursued in the Department of Genetics, part of the Faculty of Science and Technology. Excellent facilities are available for research in a wide range of areas including the following: molecular population genetics, molecular phylogeny, socio-biology and general evolutionary theory, ecological, quantitative and conservation genetics, immunogenetics, cell and molecular biology and gene delivery for effective gene therapy. The Department currently has more than 20 postgraduate students carrying out research towards MSc and PhD degrees. This research is supervised by the Academic Staff of the Department of Genetics.

The MSc and PhD are advanced research degrees and require the submission of a thesis describing original research work carried out under supervision over a minimum candidacy of eighteen months and three years, respectively. Applicants normally have a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree (or an equivalent degree) with a major in Genetics, and an Honours Year score of H1 or a high-H2A. 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.

Candidates are supplied with bench and desk space, including a lockable space. They have access to computing facilities, including internet access and email accounts, access to photocopying facilities both within the Department and in the library, plus fax, and telephone. 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 that organises informal seminars, discussions on issues of interest to Geneticists and social functions. The Department of Genetics will attempt to provide financial support to enable students to attend scientific conferences.

Research awards available for postgraduate students include Australian Postgraduate Awards, La Trobe University Postgraduate Research Scholarships and La Trobe University Postgraduate Dean’s Scholarships. There are other research awards available for International postgraduate students. Further details of these, as well as the English language requirements and tuition fees for international students, can be found in the university's research programs brochure. Guidelines for postgraduate supervision in the School of Molecular Sciences are available here.

To obtain a candidature and scholarship application kit for the MSc or PhD degrees send an email to the Postgraduate Coordinator.