Doctor of Philosophy (H&BS)

Overview

The Doctor of Philosophy provides the opportunity to pursue in-depth research.  Candidates are expected to develop a research thesis that leads to an original and significant contribution to the knowledge in a particular field.

Major Study Areas

Departments’ research activities are in the areas of:

Biomedical Science

Anatomy
Applied Cardiovascular Physiology
Biomechanics
Cardiovascular Pathophysiology
Exercise Physiology
Exercise Rehabilitation
Functional Anatomy
Human Thermoregulation and Performance
Metabolic and Lipid Chemistry
Molecular Neuroscience
Motor Control and Dysfunction
Nutrition and Dietetics
Occupational Health and Safety

Nursing
Continuity of care
Consumer partnerships/collaboration
Evidence-Based Practice
Mental Health Nursing
Nursing workforce and staff mentorship

Psychology

Psychophysiology
Short-term Memory
Visual Perception
Cognition Development
Cognitive Neuroscience relating to Cognition (particularly memory, vision and development)
Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

Public Health

Health and Society:  Social Theory and Public Health
Health Behaviour Change
Environmental Health
Health Information Systems
Health Policy
Health Promotion
Health Program Development and Evaluation
Health Services Management
Public Health Nutrition and Food Regulation

Smart Foods Key Centre
Nutrient Sources:
Plant biology and livestock growth and metabolism studies to provide leaner meat products and improve the delivery of beneficial nutrients into the food supply.
Identification of novel food plants and enhancement of nutrient levels/balance in plants, meat and eggs.

Key Nutrients:
Laboratory and community based studies to examine actions and health benefits of fatty acids, antioxidants, phytoestrogens and other specific nutrients.  Includes biochemical and physiological investigations into processes of oxidation and metabolism as they relate to heart, vascular and muscle function in health and disease.

Bioavailability:
Facilities are in place for the identification and accurate measurement of nutrients in foods and the human body.

Clever Cuisine:
Research aimed at bringing together beneficial macro and micronutrients into a whole cuisine optimised for metabolic fitness and prevention of conditions like diabetes, obesity, hypertension and cardiac disease.

Consumer Insights:
Identification and understanding of factors that influence healthy food choices, including good policy, food labelling and consumer information sources, combined with surveys of consumer preferences and sensory evaluation of foods.

Entry Requirements / Assumed Knowledge

Candidates must have an Honours Bachelor degree of at least four years duration, and have achieved Honours Class 2 Division 2 or higher, or completed a Master by Research degree.  In addition, a primary supervisor in the relevant academic unit must be identified prior to commencing the program.  International students are required to have achieved an IELTS score of 6.5, with a level of 6.0 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  Requirements are higher in some programs.

Course Requirements

Study at the Doctoral level, usually for a minimum of 3 years full time, is by advanced research thesis.   Potential candidates should discuss their research plan with the Postgraduate Research Coordinator of the School/Department, at which time the supervision arrangements of the School/Department will be outlined. 

Rules and procedures for Doctoral degrees by Thesis are listed in the Course Rules.  Doctoral candidates are urged to be familiar with the Code of Practice - Supervision and General Course Rules governing Thesis and Research Degrees, including the regulations regarding preparation and submission of the thesis.

Course Program