Faculty of Science School of Botany

MSc - Botany

To access and download the Master of Science - Botany brochure, please refer to the Graduate School of Science website.

Course Structure

The MSc - Botany offers students a highly flexible course which includes the choice of either a research major thesis (125 credit points) or minor thesis (75 credit points).

As well as valuable research training, students have the choice of coursework subjects from across the range of MSc programs including the MSc (Biotechnology), MSc (Environmental Science), and through the Office of Environmental Programs and Master of Forest Ecosystem Science.

Students of this program also undertake Professional Tools subjects from the range indicated.

Elective Discipline Subjects (50 or 87.5 credit points)

Coursework subjects can be selected from across a range of Master of Science programs by students; in consultation with their research supervisor.

Research Project (125 or 75 credit points)

The major (125 points) and minor (75 points) research project provides an opportunity for independent research under supervision in the School of Botany. The major thesis allows a student to focus on a substantial project and the minor thesis allows a student to maximize coursework training. Both are pathways to a PhD and are designed in consultation with a supervisor(s) and following approval by the School's postgraduate coordinator.

Professional Tools (25 or 37.5 credit points)

Students must choose from the following subjects:

Entry Requirements

A bachelor degree with a major in an appropriate discipline with at least an H3 (65%) in the major, or equivalent. Part-time and full-time modes of entry are possible. All programs are delivered on-campus (Parkville).

Application Process

  1. Application process and forms for local and international students can be found at the Graduate School of Science website (applications close in late November every year).
  2. Prior to submission of the application form, we encourage you to make contact with potential supervisors to discuss and agree on a research project. Research areas and other information about the School are described in our annual report. Further information about our research may be found by on our Research Page.

Scholarships

A number of scholarships, up to $3,000 per annum, will be available for students undertaking the MSc in School of Botany.  Some scholarships will be awarded on merit; others will be funded by particular research groups for students undertaking a research project in their area. In the first instance direct any enquiries about scholarships to A/Prof Ed Newbigin.

Fields of Research?

Plant Biodiversity
The Environment
Plant Systematics

Prof Pauline Ladiges
Dr Michael Bayly
Dr Gillian Brown
Staff, National Herbarium of Victoria

 Plant Ecology
Dr Peter Vesk
Evolution
Dr Andrew Drinnan

Australian Centre of Excellence for Risk Analysis (ACERA)
Prof Mark Burgman
Marine Botany
Dr Jan Carey
Environmental Science
Prof Mark Burgman
Plant Diseases Applied Environmental Decision Analysis (AEDA)
Dr Brendan Wintle
Dr Michael McCarthy
Molecular Plant Pathology
Prof Barbara Howlett
Plant Physiology
Dr Ian Woodrow
Dr Jason Goodger
Australian Research Centre for
Urban Ecology (ARCUE)
Dr Mark McDonnell
Plant Cells
Plant Biotechnology
Algal Scum: Protistan Cell Surface Group
Dr Rick Wetherbee
Plant Cell Biology Research Centre
Prof Tony Bacic
Dr Ed Newbigin
Cell Evolution
Prof Geoff McFadden
Eukaryotic Diversity and Evolution
Dr Ross Waller
 
Crop Improvement Technology
Prof Adrienne Clarke
Dr Robyn Heath
- under construction

 

Projects
Download or view the 1.7MB PDF document
msc-honours-booklet.pdf

Contact Us

A/Prof Ed Newbigin - Postgraduate Coordinator
School of Botany
The University of Melbourne
Tel: +61 3 8344 4871
Email: edwardjn@unimelb.edu.au

Related Websites...

Please refer also to Melbourne Graduate School of Science for information on the new graduate Masters degrees.

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