Faculty of Science
COMMENCEMENT
WELCOME FROM THE FACULTY'S ASSOCIATE DEAN, HIGHER DEGREE RESERACH
Welcome to Science @ MQ!
The Faculty of Science at Macquarie University comprises 10 departments, housing around 500 - almost one third - of the University’s early career researchers undertaking a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree program. A very broad range of Science disciplines are represented, along with interdisciplinary programs in, for example, Environmental Studies, Museum Studies, and Indigenous Studies, to name but a few. One of the attractions of our Faculty is that it is home to eight of the University’s 16 Concentrations of Research Excellence (CoREs): Animal Behaviour, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Earth and Planetary Evolution, Lasers and Photonics, Climate Risk/Ecology and Evolution, Biomolecular Frontiers, Quantum Information Science & Security, and Wireless Communications. Many of the world’s top scientists are located here, and can provide you with the best supervision.
You will be joining an enthusiastic and supportive community of researchers. We have in place programs to help you make the transition to higher degree research, to assist with and monitor your progress, and to aid on-time completion and submission of your thesis. Resources and facilities, including direct funding, to support your research are provided by your department of registration.
I look forward to meeting you at the Faculty of Science HDR induction day, and wish you well in your endeavours!
Associate Professor Patricia (Trish) Fanning
Associate Dean, Higher Degree Research, Faculty of Science
COMMENCEMENT PROGRAMS
New candidates in research degrees at Macquarie University must complete a mandatory Commencement Program in their first year of study. The program has several components:
- Central Commencement Program (CCP). This is a one-day event providing an introduction to the University, to research practice, and to the support mechanisms available to research candidates university-wide. It may also be completed online. Detailed information about the CCP can be viewed via this website.
- Faculty Commencement Program (FCP). This is a half-day event providing candidates with an introduction to the Faculty of Science and faculty-specific information, such as resources (e.g. technical services, funding) OH&S requirements, and how to obtain animal and/or human ethics clearance for your research. It is also an excellent opportunity to meet key staff in the Faculty as well as other commencing research candidates. The FCP is pivotal to new candidates to integrate into the culture of research in the Faculty and their departments. FCP is held twice each year, in late February/early March and in late July/early August. Please contact the Faculty HDR team if you are unable to attend, for example due to late enrolment.
Dates for 2009: 27th February (For a schedule on the Faculty Commencement Program on this date, click here)
- Departmental Induction. Each department in the Faculty of Science has its own induction program, to introduce you to research colleagues, department staff and resources, and information on departmental procedures that will assist you in your research. Please contact your Departmental Director, HDR for further information.
RESEARCH PLANNING
In conjunction with your supervisor, you will, in your first semester (full-time or equivalent part-time), develop a research plan that will assist you to attain your goal of submission of a thesis. The research plan should include provision for development of the research proposal, literature reviews, review of theories and/or methodologies, identification of tasks and milestones, and a thesis completion timetable. A draft financial expenditure plan should also be included. The Research Plan should be submitted to your Departmental Director HDR within 6 months (or equivalent part-time) from the date of your enrolment. Please contact your Departmental Director, HDR for information on departmental requirements and deadlines.
RESEARCH TRAINING
Some Departments require candidates to enrol in Higher Degree Research Training (HDRT) units. Please contact your Departmental Director, HDR for more information.
FACULTY COMMENCEMENT REPORT
After the first six months of full time (or equivalent part-time) study, the Faculty will submit a Faculty Commencement Report on each candidate to the Higher Degree Research Office (HDRO). This report includes confirmation that you have successfully completed all of the Commencement requirements, and are making satisfactory progress with your research. Based on the recommendation of the Faculty Commencement Report, HDRO will either confirm your candidature, or request a further review of progress.