PgDipSc
The Postgraduate Diploma of Science is a one-year program equivalent to the first year of an MSc. Students take eight 400-level courses, including BIOL411 (Research Preparation) and BIOL412 (Research Proposal), but do not carry out research.
The PgDipSc is a great option if you are unsure whether you want to commit to an MSc or if you want to extend your theoretical grounding in biology prior to entering the workforce.
It is common for students enrolled in a PgDipSc to transfer to MSc part II providing they achieve a B average or better in their 400-level courses.
Entry Requirements
Normally a B- average (GPA 4) for your 300-level science courses.
How is my grade calculated
Class Letter Grade GPA
Distinction A-, A, A+ 7–9
Merit B+ 6
Pass B-, B 4–5
Transferring from a PgDipSc to MSc part II
If you are interested in progressing into MSc part II you need to decide on a research project and complete a research outline and proposal (see below). Don’t wait until you receive your grades before organising a project and supervisor.
Things you need to know
- To transfer to MSc part II you need to obtain a B average (GPA 5) across your 400-level courses.
- If you are awarded a PgDipSc then your MSc result is determined on thesis only and you are not eligible for MSc with Honours. However, you can still be awarded an MSc with Merit/Distinction.
- Your MSc research outline forms part of the assessment of BIOL 411 and is due in late April. This brief statement tells us that you are intending on doing an MSc research project, that you have spoken to a prospective supervisor, that they have agreed to take you on as a student and that you have a provisional topic. This topic might change later.
- Your MSc Thesis Proposal forms part of the assessment for BIOL 412 and is due in late September. This is a more detailed document outlining the main aims and methods of your proposed research and contains details on what permits, equipment and funding you might need.
- Both of these documents need to be signed by your potential supervisor and submitted to the School of Biological Sciences office.
MSc
A Master of Science degree comprises one year of coursework (part I) and a 12 month research project (part II).
The MSc degree provides a solid grounding in the scientific process and provides sought after research skills applicable to a wide range of careers. Read the regulations here to find out current requirements on the programme.
Entry Requirements
- MSc part I: B average (GPA 5) in 200- and 300-level science courses.
- MSc part II: B average (GPA 5) across your 400-level courses and an accepted research proposal.
Things you need to know
- You must enrol and pay fees in February every year of your degree.
- You must include BIOL 411 (Research Preparation) and BIOL 412 (Research Proposal) as two of your 4th year courses.
- All papers must be passed at the first attempt but if no more than one paper is failed, a pass in the year as a whole may be recommended, provided that a B- average (GPA 4) is attained including the failed course. However it should be noted that normally a B- would be insufficient to allow progress from MSc part I to MSc part II. If your grades are not sufficient for progress to MSc part II, but you have passed MSc part I, you will be awarded a PgDipSc.
- Your MSc Research Outline forms part of the assessment for BIOL 411 and is due in late April.
This brief statement tells us that you are intending on doing an MSc research project, that you have spoken to a prospective supervisor, that they have agreed to take you on as a student and that you have a provisional topic. This topic might change later. - This brief statement tells us that you are intending on doing an MSc research project, that you have spoken to a prospective supervisor, that they have agreed to take you on as a student and that you have a provisional topic. This topic might change later.
- Your MSc Thesis Proposal forms part of the assessment for BIOL 412 and is due in late September.
This is a more detailed document outlining the main aims and methods of your proposed research and contains details on what permits, equipment and funding you might need. - This is a more detailed document outlining the main aims and methods of your proposed research and contains details on what permits, equipment and funding you might need.
- Both of these documents need to be signed by your potential supervisor and submitted to the School office.
MSc Part II
- The recommended commencement date for MSc part II is 1st March. However, preliminary work can be started earlier (e.g., summer fieldwork) and so we encourage students to enrol in BIOL 401/402 (summer research courses) prior to the start of MSc part II.
- Your research proposal is due two months after commencement, and your progress report is due at six months.
- You must complete your thesis in the equivalent of 12 months (full-time) to be eligible to graduate with honours
- If you take a break between Part I & Part II and enrolment is not completed by March 1st or August 1st then a start date must be registered.
- In exceptional circumstances it may be possible to complete Parts I and II concurrently. For more information contact the 4th Year Course Advisor.
BSc (Hons)
Honours is an intensive one-year programme designed for high achieving students seeking to fast-track to a PhD.
Honours students must take six 400-level courses, including BIOL 411 (Research Preparation) and BIOL 412 (Research Proposal), and a research project.
We recommend this option only for students with an A- average (GPA 7) or higher at 300-level.
Entry Requirements
B average (GPA 5) for 200- & 300- level science courses and an accepted research proposal
Things you need to know
- The research project is worth 30 points (20% of your Honours year grade).
- You must pass all your courses (including the project) on the first attempt.
- Your Honours thesis is due on November 1st. Exceptions may apply if you are taking courses outside of Biology.
- You should be contacting prospective supervisors by July or August of the year before your honours year officially starts.
How is my grade calculated
Class Letter Grade GPA
1st A-, A, A+ 7–9
2nd Div 1 B+ 6
2nd Div 2 B-, B 4–5
3rd C+ 3
PhD
The PhD at UC is a research degree that typically requires three, but no more than four years of study. It is the highest academic qualification available at the University. Completing a doctorate is a mark of academic achievement and requires self-discipline and commitment.
A PhD prepares you for an academic or research career and the skills you gain are increasingly sought after in the international job market.
Entry Requirement
BSc (Hons) or MSc with a B+ average (GPA 6).
Things you need to know
- Entry is competitive and grades do not guarantee acceptance into the degree programme.
- UC and external doctoral scholarships are available for domestic and international students. For more information see the UC scholarships webpage.
- You need to arrange a supervisor and decide on a research project
- A detailed research proposal must be submitted and accepted within six months of beginning your PhD.
- After 12 months there will be a Doctoral Confirmation where we will confirm that you a capable of undertaking a PhD, that you understand the science behind the project and that you have begun to make significant progress towards you PhD.
- Progress reports are due every 6 months.
Research Proposal
A research proposal is a detailed document that describes the questions your intended research project will address, how you will address them, and why answering these questions is scientifically important.
Make sure you start writing your proposal well before its due date, allowing time for your supervisors to comment on one or two drafts. It is not unusual for your proposal to go back to your supervisors several times before it is polished enough to hand in.
Grade Point Average (GPA)
GPAs are rated as follows:
Grade GPA Percentage
A+ 9 89.5+
A 8 84.5–89.4
A- 7 79.5–84.4
B+ 6 74.5–79.4
B 5 69.5–74.4
B- 4 64.5–69.4
C+ 3 59.5–64.4
C 2 54.5–59.4
C- 1 49.5–54.4
D 0 39.5–49.4
E -1 <39.5
