Doctor of Philosophy - Faculty of Science

What is this course about?

The Doctor of Philosophy aims to develop knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the conduct of individual research at a level that will make a distinct contribution to the knowledge base of the sciences.

Research Centres:

University Research Centres:

• EH Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation
• Institute for Land, Water and Society
• Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education
• National Wine and Grape Industry Centre

Faculty Research Centres:

• Centre for Inland Health
• Centre for Research in Complex Systems

Cooperative Research Centres

• Cotton Catchment Communities
• Future Farm Industries
• High Integrity Australian Pork
• National Plant Biosecurity

Schools in the Faculty of Science

• School of Agricultural and Wine Sciences
• School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
• School of Biomedical Sciences
• School of Community Health
• School of Dentistry and Health Sciences
• School of Environmental Sciences
• School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health

If you know the area of research that you are interested in, it is recommended that you see what staff are currently researching by visiting the above School websites or searching for keywords in your area of interest on the CSU website.

The Faculty of Science Sub Dean, Graduate Studies is available to help define and develop your research interests. Please phone info.csu on 1800 334 733 or submit an online enquiry for contact details.

In addition to the traditional Doctor of Philosophy, where all research and writing of the thesis is undertaken while enrolled, CSU offers a Doctor of Philosophy by Publication. The Doctor of Philosophy by Publication aims to recognise established researchers who have made a significant independent contribution and have generated significant high-quality, peer-reviewed publications over a sustained period, in a CSU-approved research area. Doctor of Philosophy by Publication candidates are required to write an integrating essay or chapter while enrolled.

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.