PhD (Applied Biology & Biotechnology)
Student type:
Quick facts
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Entry score
Not applicable
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Duration
Full-time 3-4 years, Part-time 6-8 years -
Location
Bundoora, Melbourne City -
Fees
Next intake
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)Entry score
IELTS 6.5
Duration
Full-time 3-4 yearsLocation
Bundoora, Melbourne CityFees
AU$34,560 (2022 annual)
Next intake
Continuous (scholarship application closing dates apply)
Overview
Use your advanced research skills to contribute to new developments in applied biology and biotechnology.
RMIT has a strong reputation for research and teaching in fundamental science and advanced molecular technologies. Our innovative programs and projects address real-world issues essential to Australia’s innovation agenda.
The School of Science has innovative programs and projects that address issues essential to Australia’s innovation agenda.
Research within this discipline uses molecular approaches to diagnose and synthesise solutions for disease and environmental problems.
Under expert supervision, you will develop your skills and join researchers already active in:
- aquatic and marine biology
- ecotoxicology (biomarkers for environmental pollutants)
- environmental and molecular approaches to diagnose and develop solutions for disease, agricultural and environmental problems
- genomics and sequencing techniques applied to various organisms
- microbiology (food, medical and environmental biotechnology, vaccine development, fundamentals of pathogen/host interactions)
- plant biology (plant biotechnology and genomics, molecular plant breeding, ecotoxicogenomics, fire and environmental ecology)
This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.
RMIT has purpose-built health and biomedical research facilities located at our Bundoora Campus. Many research activities are conducted within the Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation.
Details
Time spent on research
Full-time candidates are expected to commit at least four days per week (or at least two days per week for part-time candidates) to their research. The academic year is 48 weeks.
Regular contact with your supervisor
A schedule of meetings with your supervisor/s must be established to assess progress against milestones and timely completion.
Resources, facilities and support
You will have access to online resources through the myRMIT student portal. You will be part of an active research community and have access to resources and workshops to help you succeed.
More information about training and development for research candidates.
School of Graduate Research
The School of Graduate Research works with Schools to further support candidates during their postgraduate research degree.
RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with professional or vocational practice.
We have industry partnerships with organisations and companies such as Macfarlane Burnet Institute, Nocturne, Scotts Australia, Biomass Conversion Technologies, Bioproperties, the CSIRO and Prince Henry's Institute.
You will complete this program under academic supervision.
The PhD program is structured to enable you to:
- complete a compulsory research methods course
- receive training in research integrity and ethics
- select studies in qualitative and quantitative research techniques
- complete a thesis/project which demonstrates your original contribution to the field and your ability to communicate complex or original research for peers and the community to an international standard
You are required to complete:
Research integrity online modules
- Research integrity
- Copyright and intellectual property
Research methods for sciences
Research methods courses step you through the literature review and preparing your research proposal for confirmation of candidature. They are taught in large discipline groups.
You may need to complete an ethics module to ensure your research is ethical and responsible.
Research techniques
You may elect to take (where relevant) electives in qualitative or quantitative research techniques once data collection has begun. You can use your own data to explore different research analysis techniques. Your supervisor will help you decide when you should take these electives.
Co-curricular activities
You are encouraged to participate in activities offered by the University, College and School according to your needs and interests.
This PhD may be undertaken in a project, thesis with publication or thesis mode. Prospective candidates should discuss these modes of submission with their potential supervisor/s.
Choose a program structure
| Title | Location | Duration | Plan code | CRICOS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Philosophy | Bundoora Campus |
3-4 years full-time
6-8 years part-time
|
3-4 years full-time
|
DR231 | 079683D |
Choose a program structure
Program code: DR231
Career
Admissions
The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
- a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.
If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.
The minimum requirements for admission to a PhD program are:
- a bachelor degree requiring at least four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with honours. The degree should include a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent). The applicant must have achieved at least a distinction average in the final year; or
- a master degree that includes a research component comprised of at least 25% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent) with an overall distinction average or a master degree without a research component with at least a high distinction average; or
- evidence of appropriate academic qualifications and/or experience that satisfies the Associate Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research Training and Development or nominee that the applicant has developed knowledge of the field of study or cognate field and the potential for research sufficient to undertake the proposed program.
At RMIT a grade of distinction represents academic achievement of 70% or higher and a high distinction is 80% or higher.
If you are a current master by research candidate, you are able to apply for a transfer to a doctor of philosophy program through the process prescribed in the RMIT Higher Degree by Research policy and processes.
Entry requirements
These entrance requirements are the minimum academic standard you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the program. You will need to complete a selection task as part of your application.
A selection process will be conducted in conjunction with the School and supervisors you nominate..
For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.
Research proposal and supervisor
Proposal: You must attach a substantive research proposal that is 2 to 5 pages in length which articulates the intent, significance and originality of the proposed topic using the following headings:
a) title / topic
b) research questions to be investigated in the context of existing research/literature in the area
c) significance and impact of the research
d) methodology / research tasks required to undertake the research
e) particular needs (e.g. resources, facilities, fieldwork or equipment that are necessary for your proposed research program, if applicable)
Supervisor: Your application will not be considered if you have not discussed your research topic with a proposed senior and associate supervisor or joint senior supervisors. You must provide the names of the academic staff in the school you have applied to and with whom you have discussed your proposed research..
For further information on the steps you need to take to apply for a research program see How to apply – Research programs.
To study this program you will need to complete one of the following English proficiency tests:
- IELTS (Academic): minimum overall band of 6.5 (with no individual band below 6.0)
- TOEFL (Internet Based Test - IBT): minimum overall score of 79 (with minimum of 13 in Reading, 12 in Listening, 18 in Speaking and 21 in Writing)
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) (PTE (A)): minimum score of 58 (with no communication band less than 50)
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): minimum of 176 with no less than 169 in any component.
For detailed information on English language requirements and other proficiency tests recognised by RMIT, visit English language requirements and equivalency information.
Don't meet the English language test scores? Complete an English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Advanced Plus Certificate at RMIT English Worldwide.
Pathways
Fees
Fee information for masters by research and doctorate (PhD) programs.
If you are an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen you may be eligible for a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place where your tuition costs are funded by the Commonwealth Government under the RTS and you have full exemption from tuition fees.
Acceptance in an RTS place is very competitive and places are granted on the condition that you meet annual progress requirements and complete within the allotted time for your program and your status as a part-time or full-time candidate.
This means a maximum of 2 years for a full-time Masters by Research or 4 years for a PhD (or the equivalent part-time).
Contact the School of Graduate Research for more information.
The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.
The annual tuition fee for 2022 is AU$34,560.
The total indicative tuition fee for 2022 commencement is AU$144,000.
- Fees information for international candidates looking to study at RMIT's Melbourne campuses.
- PhD and masters by research fees for international candidates studying offshore.
The student services and amenities fee (SSAF) is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student. In addition to the SSAF there may be other expenses associated with your program.
Applying for refunds
Find information on how to apply for a refund as a continuing international student.