The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a research degree commencing with a cohort-based foundation year of research preparation followed by an independent, supervised research project.

The subjects covered in the first year support the development of the research project and include generic research training and discipline-specific units. These provide you with strategies for a successful research journey, appropriate research design and methodology, timely completion, and effective writing and communication skills. You must achieve an overall weighted average mark (WAM) of 70% in the first year of research preparation in order to continue into the thesis component of the course.

A PhD (I) may be undertaken in any School within ECU, provided there are supervisors available in your proposed research area, and the resources and facilities required to complete your proposed project are accessible. ECU encourages interdisciplinary research that may span multiple research fields and Schools. We encourage you to view the Research Activity pages of the School websites for ECUs areas of research focus.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Apply communication skills to explain and critique theoretical propositions, methodologies and conclusions, and cogently present findings of a complex and original investigation to peers and the broader community.
• Integrate substantial and systemic understanding of complex discipline knowledge with research principles and methods to demonstrate expertise in the field.
• Take responsibility and show initiative for designing and executing original research, demonstrating capacity to generate new knowledge with intellectual independence.

Medical Science:

Medical Science research at ECU concentrates on Neuroscience (with an emphasis on Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease), Cancer (with an emphasis on Melanoma), Reproductive Biology and Evolutionary Biology.

Specific postgraduate research topics are developed in conjunction with the postgraduate coordinator or potential supervisor. Applications are particularly encouraged from those with an interest in: Genetics/Epigenetics of Alzheimer’s disease; Early Diagnosis and Prevention of Alzheimer’s disease; Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART); Reproductive Health and Pregnancy Blood based biomarkers for Melanoma and other cancers; The family and intergenerational health; Suboptimal Health Glycomics Researchers in the school are currently involved in projects investigating how genetics plays a role in the rate at which Alzheimer’s disease progresses, the impact of lifestyle factors on preventing Alzheimer’s disease and biomarker studies in Alzheimer’s disease. Other projects include blood based diagnostic and prognostic markers of melanoma and other cancers and biomarkers of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Researchers are also involved in the Busselton Health Ageing Study, E health working with dementia, improving ART outcomes, factors that impact foetal and placental growth, the role of grandparents in family and community health and applying evolutionary perspectives to health and disease. The School also boasts purpose built medical science research laboratories and access to a purpose built neuroscience facility, all with state-of-the-art research equipment.

Employment opportunities

Employment opportunities exist in research institutions, universities, medical laboratories and private industry.

Possible future job titles

Medical Scientist, Medical Researcher, Biomedical Science Researcher, Research Officer, Scientific Officer, Scientific Director.