Discipline of Pharmacology The University of Adelaide Australia
You are here: 
text zoom : S | M | L
Printer Friendly Version
Further Enquiries

Discipline of Pharmacology
Frome Road
Level 5, Medical School North Building
The University of Adelaide
SA 5005
AUSTRALIA
Email

Telephone: +61 8 8303 5571
Facsimile: +61 8 8224 0685

Higher Degree Programs

 

Welcome: The Discipline of Pharmacology offers a research-intensive program leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Masters Degree by Research (thesis only).

Doctor of Philosophy: This is based on a major research project and all students are required to complete a structured program of studies in the first six months of candidature. To be eligible for admission to the PhD program, most applicants will have completed an Honours Degree, or Masters Degree or their equivalent. Candidates usually undertake the PhD on a full time basis, although the Discipline has had several successful half time candidates. Enrolment into the PhD program can occur at any time. The degree of Doctor of Philosophy awarded by the University is usually for a thesis based on the candidate’s independent research in a field within the discipline of pharmacology and toxicology. This must:

  1. Constitute a significant contribution to knowledge;
  2. Demonstrate the candidate’s capacity for original research;
  3. Display original and critical thought;
  4. Relate the topic of research to the broader framework of clinical and experimental pharmacology.

The thesis should be clearly, accurately and cogently written and be suitably illustrated and documented. It is also possible to submit a PhD by publication and the Discipline has specific guidelines in this area. The thesis is assessed by 2 examiners external to the University, and in most cases, one is outside Australia.

A PhD normally takes between 3 and 4 years. With the new Research Training Scheme (RTS) it needs to be completed within 4 years, scholarships are for 3 years. The Discipline’s position is that ‘by three years the candidate should be preparing to submit their thesis’.

List of projects that are on offer

Contact Dr Rod Irvine or Email department for any queries regarding these projects A Masters Degree by Research (Thesis only) is offered by the Discipline of Pharmacology. This degree requires a specific program of research under appropriate supervision and normally lasts 2 years, with a structured program in the first six months of candidature (see below). The objective of the Masters degree is to train students in research methodology and techniques and in the critical evaluation of research conducted. The Masters thesis incorporates a research period of at least 1 year. The thesis is examined by at least 2 examiners one of whom must be external to the University. The thesis must display original and critical thought, it must make a significant contribution to knowledge and it must relate the research topic to the broader framework of the discipline within which it falls.

Criteria for enrolment in a Masters are:

  1. The degree of Bachelor and Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at The University of Adelaide or;
  2. The Honours degree of Bachelor of Medical Science or Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science at first or second class standard or;
  3. A degree of another institution accepted for the purpose by this University and Department.

Research Projects: The Discipline’s research profile covers both basic and clinical pharmacology and toxicology. The types of projects can be specifically laboratory-based, including the use of animal and human tissues and cells, live animal and clinical projects and clinical trials. Please refer to the research programs below for a listing of the types of projects and areas that are available for prospective higher degree students. A number of our postgraduate students conduct research projects in laboratories at affiliated institutions such as the teaching hospitals.

Information for prospective students about studying at The University of Adelaide can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/future

Information about admission as a postgraduate higher degree student at the University can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/courses/programs/pg/admission

Scholarship application forms can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/courses/programs/pg/admission

Prospective international students can find application forms at: http://www.international.adelaide.edu.au/

Information on The University of Adelaide research higher degree administrative policies and procedures can be found at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre

ENROLMENT FOR THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
The major areas of research within the Discipline of Pharmacology can be found at
http://www.health.adelaide.edu.au/pharmacology/research/

A. Acceptance as a PhD student in the Discipline of Pharmacology: You are advised to identify a research area of interest and potential supervisor(s) before the application for admission into a postgraduate program. You are strongly urged to make contact with potential supervisors and discuss in detail the area of research that you want to conduct toward your PhD and the supervisor’s area of research in order to develop a common consensus for the program.

Application forms for research higher degrees are available from the graduate centre at
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/postgrad/ or by emailing graduate.centre@adelaide.edu.au

For prospective international students application forms can be found at: http://www.international.adelaide.edu.au/future/apply/

The same application form is used to apply for a scholarship and admission for candidature. The student applies for admission by submitting the forms to the Admission Centre at The University of Adelaide. The University will notify the student regarding admission for candidature and scholarships if applicable. If acceptable for candidature, the student will be sent enrolment forms at this stage.

B. Enrolment: Before submission of the enrolment and Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS) forms, a student must have written confirmation from their prospective supervisors that they are willing to supervise the student. The enrolment must be signed by the Head of Discipline and returned to the student centre before the nominated candidature commencement date. The Head of Discipline will notify the Postgraduate Coordinators of the enrolment.

Scholarships:

A. Australian Students: A number of scholarships are available including Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA); The University of Adelaide Scholarships; Faculty of Health Sciences Research Scholarships; Hospitals and other Institutions. The closing date for these is usually 31 October in the year prior to commencement. More information can be found on the website www.adelaide.edu.au/graduatecentre/scholarships/postgrad/pgcurrent.html or contact the Adelaide Graduate Centre at student.centre@adelaide.edu.au

B. Postgraduate Scholarships: The University of Adelaide offers a scholarship scheme for international students undertaking postgraduate study they are: ASI - Adelaide Scholarships International (approximately 6 prestigious scholarships are available for outstanding international students from any country undertaking postgraduate research in any academic discipline); International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) (approximately 12 scholarships may be available for international students from any country undertaking postgraduate research in areas of university research strength). Both scholarships involve payment of full tuition fees plus an annual living allowance for the normal duration of the program. The deadline for receipt of applications and complete supporting documentation is 31 August 2003. For more information contact http://www.international.adelaide.edu.au or email international@adelaide.edu.au.

http://www.adelaide.edu.au/health/research/higher/scholarships.html


Higher Education Contributions Scheme (HECS)
All research students at The University of Adelaide are currently exempt from liability under the HECS charges for the allocation of a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place for the duration of award.

For more information about Postgraduate Study in the Discipline of Pharmacology, contact the Postgraduate Coordinator, Dr Rod Irvine (Senior Lecturer) at rod.irvine@adelaide.edu.au or on +61 08 83035976.

Applying For Entry:
Stage 1
Browse our Research pages and contact the staff member(s) working in research areas of interest to you. Let these staff know you are interested in undertaking postgraduate work with them. They can provide detailed information about projects on offer and other important information.

Stage 2
Apply to the University for enrolment

If you are an Australian student:
Obtain a copy of the University Postgraduate Prospectus. This Adobe pdf document provides important information about applying to the University to enrol in Postgraduate programs. Information about Postgraduate Scholarships can be obtained from the Postgraduate Scholarships website.

If you are an International Student:
Visit The University of Adelaide International Programs Website. This resource provides information about Adelaide, the University, Application Procedures, Scholarships available to International Students, University Contacts and Overseas representatives, as well as other information.

Enrolment and scholarship applications usually must be submitted to the University by 31 August (international students) and 30 September (Australian residents) of the year preceding the proposed year of commencement.

Links: