Master of Science - Botany
The School of Botany offers an exciting and stimulating research environment in which to study plants and plant processes.
Programs cover the broad spectrum of basic, strategic and applied research. Active collaborations are with Universities and
Research Institutes within Australia and overseas, the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, State and Federal government agencies,
and industry.
As a leading research department, our focus is on three major areas: Sustainability of the environment, Bioresources - Plant
Biodiversity and Plant Cell Biology & Biotechnology
Course structure
Discipline subjects
(50 or 87.5 points)
The Master of Science - Botany is a flexible course. Coursework subjects can be selected from across a range of
Master of Science programs by students; in consultation with their research supervisor.
Professional Tools
(25 or 37.5 points)
Depending on the choice of a Major or Minor Research Project in Botany, students will take two or three of the following subjects:
Research project
(125 - major or 75 - minor points)
A Major (125 points) or Minor (75 points) research project provides an opportunity for independent research under
supervision in the School of Botany, in the areas of cellular and molecular plant sciences (involving genomic, proteomic
and metabolomic platforms), plant systematics and evolution, and environmental science. The major thesis allows a student
to focus on a substantial project while the minor thesis allows a student to maximize coursework training. Both are pathways
to a PhD.
Each project is designed in consultation with a supervisor(s) and approved by the School's postgraduate coordinators.
The research project will provide: experience in reviewing scientific literature (3,000 words; 10%), hypothesis testing,
design of laboratory and/or field experiments, training in experimental techniques, data analysis and interpretation, and
development of written (thesis; 85%) and oral presentation skills (30 minute seminar; 5%). The research project will be
assessed by thesis (Major, 15,000-20,000 words and Minor 8,000-10,000 words).
Delivery mode and duration
This is a 2 year full-time course, and is available part-time. All program subjects are delivered on-campus (Parkville).
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a major in an appropriate discipline with at least an H3 (65%) in the major, or equivalent.
How to apply
How to apply for Science graduate course programs.
Contact details
The Melbourne Graduate School of Science
The University of Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 8344 6404
Fax: +61 3 8344 5804
CRICOS Code 062189B