Information for Postgraduate Students (Research)

• Dr Kim Bell-Anderson, Postgraduate Coordinator and Chair, School Postgraduate Committee - x 16267

Postgraduate Committee

• Dr Kim Bell-Anderson (Coordinator and Committee Chair) - x 16267
• Dr Jacqui Matthews - x 16025
• Dr Sue Mithieux - x 17333
• Dr Hannah Nicholas - x 12549
• Dr Tim Newsome - x 12907
• Two student members:
  * Nichollas Scott - x 67857
  * Paula Vaz - x 67890

The Committee meets every four months. To table an issue or problem, you should contact one of the Committee members prior to the committee meetings:

• late March
• mid-June
• mid-November

Major activities

1. The University of Sydney Postgraduate Induction Program held in early March for all new postgraduate students. Click here for information given at this session.
2. Postgraduate Student Welcome to MMB Afternoon organised by the Postgraduate Committee Student Representatives in early May. Short presentations will be given to provide information on: PRSS, Annual Progress Report & Interview process, Library Services, SUPRA and research activities in the School. Pizza and beer are provided.
3. Second year Seminars for students in the second year of their candidature, organised by Dr Jacqui Matthews.
4. Annual Progress Reports to be completed and Interviews arranged between student, associate supervisor and supervisor.

School seminars are held at 12.00 noon every Friday in Room 471 during first and second semester but not during semester breaks. All honours and post-graduate students are expected to attend these seminars.

It is expected that all completing PhD students will present a seminar prior to the submission of their thesis. To facilitate this, a student will be invited to give a formal talk by the Chair of the Postgraduate Committee, upon the receipt of a copy of the student's "Intent to submit" form by the Postgraduate Coordinator. Supervisors should ensure students are preparing for this seminar prior to submitting the form.

It is hoped that students will receive valuable feedback from Academics in the School and that the final talk will be an important event, providing a forum for students to invite family and friends. It will also provide an opportunity for the School to acknowledge the student's contribution to research in MMB.

Initially, the seminars will be held at 4pm on the 2nd Thursday of every month in the Common Room or Room 471. Talks should be of 30-35 min duration with an additional 10 min for questions. Following the talk(s) a small celebratory party will be held with drinks and nibblies provided by the School.

It is proposed that it should be School policy for all students to present a Final Seminar. It is also expected that Academics and Research Staff will support these Seminars and after-seminar parties enthusiastically.

Major features of the scheme include:

• a maximum of one application per year
• a maximum of three payments per candidature
• applications will normally be considered for approved receipts totalling $200 - $1,200
• In the event that a student has been accepted to present at an international conference, an application can be made instead for up to $2,000 for assistance towards conference expenses
• approved receipts in the past have included: conference travel, accommodation and/or registration, visits to interstate laboratories or facilities, contributions to computer hardware or software, relevant books.

There will be one PRSS round in the School of MMB to be held in October or November. A call for applications will be sent out some time in September or early October. All receipts should be retained until the time of application.

The University has produced a policy document on Intellectual Property. All students are asked to familiarise themselves with the key features of this policy (especially as it relates to students) before they start work.

The following websites may be useful during your candidature: