Introduction to Postgraduate Candidature in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology Professor Felicity Roddick Associate Dean (Research and

Introduction to Postgraduate Candidature in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Professor Felicity RoddickAssociate Dean (Research and Innovation)

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 2

Overview

• People and Structures

• Important aspects of research candidature

• Graduate capabilities

• Role of Higher Degrees by Research Committee

• Policy and procedures

• Roles and responsibilities of Schools

• Student and supervisor responsibilities


People and Structures

WITHIN YOUR SCHOOL

Academic aspects

• Senior supervisor

• Second supervisor

• Deputy Head (Research and Innovation) for School/Academic Higher Degrees Coordinator

Administrative aspects

• Higher Degree Research Coordinator

• School Postgraduate Research Committee– Approves the research proposals and confirmations of candidature– Manages the completion seminars– Approves recommended panels of examiners



WITHIN the COLLEGE OF SCIENCE ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Academic aspects

• Higher Degrees by Research Committee

• Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) SET

– Professor Felicity Roddick

• Associate ProVice Chancellor (Research and Innovation) SET

– Professor Irena Cosic


• SET HDR Administrators

– Sandra Pereira

– Helen Young

– Julie Barnett (Bundoora)



AT RMIT UNIVERSITY LEVEL

Academic aspects

• Research Training Sub Committee (RTSC)

– Representatives from the 3 Colleges, plus the Associate Deans (R&I) from each college, plus representatives from GRO….


• Graduate Research Office (GRO)

– Oversight of the procedures and policy re HDR candidature for RMIT University

– Manages thesis examination process


SAMME SAS SCECE SCS&IT SECE SHS SM&GS SMS

SET Office of Research & Innovation

SET Higher Degrees by Research Committee

University Research & Innovation

Graduate Research Office

Research Training Sub Committee

Ethics Committee X 2

School HDR Committee

School HDR

Coordinator


Role of Higher Degrees by Research Committee

College level

• Oversees administration of HDR candidatures within the College

• Approves

–research proposals

–confirmations of candidature

–recommended panels of examiners

• Develops policy for HDR candidatures within the College

• Develops initiatives for improving HDR candidature experience


The Timetable and ProcessE

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RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 9RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 9

Administrative Components of your Candidature

• Research Methods

Every student is required to successfully complete a research methods course, normally in the first semester of enrolment (credit/exemption is possible)

• Confirmation of Candidature completed in 2 stages:

1 – Approval of Research Proposal

2 – Confirmation Seminar and written component

• Progress Reports

All students must submit a Progress Report every 6 months, regardless of study mode (ie. full time or part time)

This is your opportunity to reflect on your progress and bring to your Supervisor and the School’s attention any issues you are having.


Varying your Candidature

Any changes must be approved by your School

• Change of Study Mode (Full time to Part Time, Part Time to Full Time)

• Leave of Absence

• Change of Supervisor

• Change of Project/Thesis Title

• Extension to Candidature


Research Program

• agree a topic that truly interests you

• agree the context of your project, stand alone academic or collaborative,

• understand resources available and any commitments

• read sufficient literature to define where your proposed project will make a contribution to new knowledge

• make a realistic but challenging plan

Research Project & Progress Reporting

• divide work into manageable and reportable sections

• establish the real priorities, particularly where there is external reliance

• read the literature and write reports, papers; write in a way that emulates the best publications

• participate in meaningful Progress Reviews, if a problem – identify it

Thesis Writing & Submission

• plan your thesis early on (chapters) & modify plan, write literature review and experimental section early & modify

• provide whole sections to supervisors, and agree turn-around time, listen to advice

• get some independent people (friends etc.) to read as an outsider

• get all the simple editing error free, check logic & thesis proposed

PROGRESS –

Important Aspects of Research Candidature


Graduate Capabilities

• Able to learn from new situations

• Knowledge and capability to deal with new situations in working life

• Able to behave appropriately in different social and professional situations

• Enhanced communication skills: verbal and written

• Able to work with others

• Able to undertake independent research

• Have problem-solving ability

• Give critical evaluation, and be critically evaluated

• Have a global, environmentally aware perspective


Everyone has a responsibility…

• The University

• The School

• Your Supervisor

• YOU!!!

Code of Practice - Research Degree Supervision at RMIT (http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/hdr/policy)

RMIT Rights and Responsibilities of Students (http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/responsibilities)

http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/hdr/policy

http://www.rmit.edu.au/research/hdr/policy

http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/enrolment/responsibilities




Some of your responsibilities

Enrolment:

• Provide accurate information at enrolment

• Enrol online in November to continue your studies the next year

• Remember late enrolment will result in a $175 fine!

Maintain Contact Details

• Update your mailing address and emergency contact details if they change

• Regularly check your RMIT email address (or forward it to your personal account)


Know RMIT’s Policies and Procedures on:

• Occupational Health and SafetyFollow safe study/research practices relevant to the field of research and health and safety guidelines in places of study and work at all times

• EthicsBe aware of any necessary ethics approvals before you begin data collection and make sure you collect data in the manner approved by the Ethics Committees

• Intellectual PropertyUnderstand RMIT’s policy on intellectual property and how it may affect your research

• Plagiarism and AuthorshipGive credit when due and in the proper way

• Other policies on Discrimination, Bullying etc


Relationship With Your Supervisor

• Keep regular contact with your supervisor (ie weekly meetings)

• Maintain the progress of your work in accordance with the stages as discussed and agreed with your supervisor

• Take the initiative in raising problems or difficulties you encounter in your research and propose and discuss solutions to these with your supervisor

• Discuss any plans to take leave with your supervisor and get approval in advance

• Manage your Supervisor!!


Your Supervisor’s Responsibilities

• Be familiar with the policies and regulations for Higher Degrees by Research

• Provide you with guidance to ensure you comply with University policies and procedures, including:

- Research and professional standards expected- Management of candidature- Ethics- Intellectual property- Collaborative research with industry

• Give you advice on appropriate research methods and techniques

• Ensure that you have adequate access to the human and physical resources needed to conduct your research

• Offer you guidance about the productive use of time, particularly in the first year of candidature


Supervisors are also required to:

• Act as a panel member at your Confirmation and PhD Completion Seminars

• Work with you to set targets and milestones and provide you with guidance and direction to ensure these are met

• Ensure that your work is of an appropriate standard, is properly presented, conforms to the HDR Policy and Procedures and is ready for examination

• Nominate appropriate examiners for your thesis


Don’t sit back and expect the world to come to you ...

• Higher Degrees are about moving from undergraduate studies to ‘you’ leading and determining what and where you are going

• But with great power comes great responsibility.............

• That means that YOU are responsible for the direction, achievements, milestones

• Travel to conferences but think about the quality and which ones will give the most benefit

• Think about resources, plan ahead – YOU are the researcher and you have the best insight

• Use the opportunity as training for YOUR future

RMIT University©2009 College of Science, Engineering and Technology 19


Good luck

...... But you make your own luck!

Documents

Introduction to Postgraduate Candidature in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology Professor Felicity Roddick Associate Dean (Research and