Doctor of Philosophy (Natural and Physical Sciences)

Information valid for students commencing in 2014.

Course Code	110102
Version	1
Course Type	Doctorate by Research (AQF level 10)
Faculty	Science and Engineering

Award Requirements

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

Admission Requirements

Course pre-requisites	Requirements for admission can be found at HDR Degree Requirements
Minimum English Language Proficiency Requirements	Students of non-English speaking backgrounds must have an adequate English language capacity assessed under the Australian International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The IELTS score required for admission to this course can be found in Schedule I of the JCU Admissions policy.
Additional selection requirements	Nil
Special admission requirements	Nil

Academic Requirements for Course Completion

EFTSL to complete (equivalent full-time student load)	4 EFTSL
Additional course rules	Nil
Additional completion requirements	Nil
Course learning outcomes	Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will have: Knowledge A substantial body of knowledge at the frontier of a field of work or learning, including knowledge that constitutes an original contribution Substantial knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the field of work or learning. Skills Cognitive skills to demonstrate expert understanding of theoretical knowledge and to reflect critically on that theory and practice Cognitive skills and use of intellectual independence to think critically, evaluate existing knowledge and ideas, undertake systematic investigation and reflect on theory and practice to generate original knowledge Expert technical and creative skills applicable to the field of work or learning Communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions Communication skills to present cogently a complex investigation of originality or original research for external examination against international standards and to communicate results to peers and the community Expert skills to design, implement, analyse, theorise and communicate research that makes a significant and original contribution to knowledge and/or professional practice. Graduates of a Doctoral Degree will demonstrate the application of knowledge and skills: With intellectual independence With initiative and creativity in new situations and/or for further learning With full responsibility and accountability for personal outputs To plan and execute original research With the ongoing capacity to generate new knowledge, including in the context of professional practice.

Course Structure

Core Subjects

RD7001:03 Planning the Research: Doctoral Candidates

RD7002:03 Situating the Research: Doctoral Candidates

RD7003:03 Professional Development: Doctoral Candidates

PI7001:00 Doctor of Philosophy Research Thesis (Natural and Physical Sciences)

Campus

COURSE AVAILABLE AT	NOTES
Cairns
Townsville

Candidature

Expected time to complete	4 years full-time or equivalent part-time
Maximum time to complete	8.5 years
Maximum leave of absence	6 months

Progression

Supervising body	Research Education Sub-Committee (RESC)
Confirmation of candidature	See HDR Degree Requirements
Supervision	See HDR Degree Requirements
Progression	See HDR Degree Requirements
Subsumption of coursework subjects	Subsumption permitted
Maximum credit points of coursework subjects	21 credit points of non-core coursework subjects
Allowed coursework subjects	As approved by the Dean, Graduate Research School

Advanced Standing

Eligibility	A person admitted to candidature on the basis of previous enrolment in a research Masters degree relevant to the proposed Doctoral program, may be given advanced standing for work towards the Masters degree. In exceptional cases advanced standing may be given to a candidate for relevant research work undertaken at another university.
Maximum allowed	The amount of advanced standing to be awarded shall be determined by the RESC on the recommendation of the Head of the School.
Other restrictions	The University will not normally accept a candidate who has been enrolled at another institution for more than two years (full-time equivalent) or release a candidate who has been enrolled for more than two years (full-time equivalent).

Award Details

Inclusion of field of research on testamur	The field of research shall not appear on the testamur.
Exit with a lesser award	After examination of the thesis and subject to the requirements under HDR Degree Requirements, the RESC may approve the degree be not awarded but that the candidate be awarded an appropriate Masters degree.