Introduction to Postgraduate Candidature in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology Professor Felicity Roddick Associate 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 Professor Ian Burnett Policy and procedures Roles and responsibilities of Schools Student and supervisor responsibilities

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 3 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

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 4 People and Structures 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 Administrative aspects SET HDR Administrators –Sandra Pereira –Helen Young –Julie Barnett (Bundoora)

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 5 People and Structures 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…. Administrative aspects Graduate Research Office (GRO) –Oversight of the procedures and policy re HDR candidature for RMIT University –Manages thesis examination process

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 6 SAMMESAS 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

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 7 SOME Important Aspects of Candidature Responsibility for ensuring that research/academic aspects and the administrative aspects of your candidature are dealt with Research aspects Develop a schedule of work and maintain it! Keep accurate and complete durable records of results, back-up copies COMMUNICATE often with your supervisor Administrative aspects Initiate progress reports Re-enrol annually Advise of any changes to contact details

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 8 The Timetable and Process Enrolment Research Proposal 2 mo. Progress Report Confirmation of Candidature 12 mo Progress Report Panel of Examiners Submit thesis Receive Examiners Comments Year 1 Year 2Year 3 Reports, Papers, Chapters Master Doctor Year 4 (max. time) Progress Report

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 9 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

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 10 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

RMIT University© College of Science, Engineering and Technology 11 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