James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING — POSTGRADUATE AWARD REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL

1.1  The graduate degrees shall be:

1.2  There shall be awards of:

1.3  Higher Doctorate awards associated with this Faculty are:

POLICY ON RE-NAMED, DISESTABLISHED, SUSPENDED OR NOT OFFERED AWARDS^*

1.  For re-named awards, continuing students enrolled in the previous award be permitted to continue in the previous award or transfer to the re-named award.

2.  For disestablished awards, continuing students enrolled in the previous award be permitted to continue in the previous award or transfer to another award as approved by the appropriate Executive Dean or delegate.

3.  For re-named awards and disestablished awards, commencing students not be permitted to enrol in the previous award.

4.  For suspended awards or not offered awards, continuing students be permitted to continue but commencing students not be permitted to enrol for the period of suspension or not offering.

DEGREES, DIPLOMAS AND CERTIFICATES IN SCIENCE

MASTER OF APPLIED SCIENCE

1.  Enrolment in the degree

The degree of Master of Applied Science may be undertaken in the schools and institutes listed in Schedule A below.

2.  A person may be approved to enrol for the degree if that person has qualified in this or another recognised institution of higher education for a Bachelor degree or its equivalent provided that the faculty, on the recommendation of the appropriate Head of School, is satisfied that the candidate has sufficient qualifications and/or experience for admission to candidature.

3.1  Requirements for the degree

A student for the degree shall pursue studies to obtain normally a minimum of 36 units.

3.2  The 36 units from 3.1 above, shall be obtained in accordance with the requirements set out in the selected major of study or as decided by the relevant Head(s) of Schools.

3.3  A student must complete at least 18 units in the discipline in which he/she is taking out the degree or as specified by the relevant Head(s) of Schools.

4.  Period of candidature

A student shall complete the requirements for the degree normally in three semesters and not more than two calendar years in the case of a full-time student and normally in six semesters and not more than four calendar years for a part-time student. The minimum period of candidature will be one calendar year.

5.  Credit for other studies

Credit may be granted for:

5.1  subjects completed in the Postgraduate Diploma of Science or the Graduate Diploma of Science offered at the University, to a maximum of 24 units; or
5.2  equivalent subjects completed at this or another recognised institution of higher education, to a maximum of 12 units where that subject has not already counted towards an undergraduate degree.

6.  Exemption for other studies

Exemption may be granted for a maximum of 9 units for relevant subjects completed at the undergraduate level provided that additional postgraduate subjects approved by the Head of the appropriate School are completed to bring to 36 the total units completed for the degree.

7.1  Evaluation by research option

If the research option is taken then the submission of the original and two copies of the dissertation or report on an approved research topic is to be submitted for examination.

7.2  The Heads of the Schools in which the student is registered shall nominate the names of two examiners. These may both be internal or one or both may be external.

7.3  The dissertation or report normally is to have a minimum value of 12 units and a maximum value of 15 units.

7.4  The faculty, on considering the reports of the examiners, may recommend the award of the degree, refuse the degree or require the student to submit to further examination.

7.5  On completion of all requirements to the satisfaction of the faculty and on the recommendation of the school, the faculty will recommend the award of the degree.

7.6  A copy of the dissertation or report shall be kept in the school and/or in the Library.

8.  Award

A student who has complied with all the requirements, together with all other relevant statutes and requirements shall be recommended for the award of Master of Applied Science.

9.  Entry to a Master of Science

A student who has completed the requirements of the Master of Applied Science including the attainment of at least a credit grade in the project option may apply to the Head of the appropriate School/Institute for approval to enrol in a Master of Science.

Schedule A

Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology
Biomedical Sciences
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Earth Sciences
Information Technology
Marine Biology and Aquaculture
Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences
Tropical Biology
Tropical Environment Studies and Geography

MASTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1.  Requirements for candidature

A person may enrol for the Master of Information Technology if that person:

1.1  has qualified at this or another University for a Bachelor’s degree provided that the faculty, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Information Technology, is satisfied that the standard and the subjects of the previous studies are adequate for the field of study being selected; or
1.2  has completed the requirements for either the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology or the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology; or
1.3  has other qualifications or practical experience recognised by the faculty as equivalent to Requirement 1.1 or 1.2.

2.  Period of candidature

Candidature shall commence on the first day of February or July.

3.  A student shall normally complete the requirements for the degree in three semesters of full-time study and can complete these in 12 calendar months. The Executive Dean may extend this period.

4.  Program of study

Unless granted credit for previous study, a student shall follow the course of study prescribed under Postgraduate Courses, to obtain 36 units in one of the fields of study specified in Schedule A below.

5.  To complete a subject a student shall satisfy the written, practical and other examination requirements designated by the relevant Head of School and approved by the faculty.

6.  Except with the approval of the Executive Dean, a student may not enrol for any subject until credit has been obtained for any prerequisite subject or subjects as listed in the Master Schedule of Subjects.

7.  Students who have been awarded the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology or the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology, or both, must surrender that award or those awards as the case may be, before graduating with the Master of Information Technology.

Schedule

Fields of Study

E-Business

Multimedia

Networking

MASTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY – MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

1.  The joint degree shall be administered jointly by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering and the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, Business and the Creative Arts.

2.  A person may enrol for the degree if that person satisfies the enrolment requirements of the Master of Information Technology and the Master of Business Administration.

3.  A candidate shall pursue studies as specified in the Postgraduate Courses to obtain a minimum of 48 units.

4.  The requirements of the degree shall normally be completed in either three semesters of full-time study including taking block mode subjects between semesters, or in four semesters of full-time study without taking block mode subjects between semesters. Part-time study shall normally be completed in five to eight semesters.

5.  A candidate who wishes to withdraw from the joint degree and convert their candidature to either the Master of Information Technology or Master of Business Administration, must complete the requirements of the degree in which they subsequently enrol.

MASTER OF SCIENCE

1.  Enrolment in the degree

The degree of Master of Science may be undertaken in the schools and centres in the Faculty of Science and Engineering or the Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences listed in Schedule A below. The degree shall be awarded in recognition of research or alternatively for adequate progress in formal coursework combined with research.

2.  A person may enrol for the degree of Master of Science if that person has:

2.1  qualified for the degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours of this University with Class I or Class II Honours; or
2.2  qualified at this University for a Master of Applied Science with at least a 12 unit research option with a grade of credit or above or with research publications deemed to be of equivalent value; or
2.3  obtained from another university, qualifications approved by the faculty as equivalent to the conditions set out in Requirement 2.1; or
2.4  passed such qualifying examinations, at least one year subsequent to qualifying for the degree of Bachelor of Science or its equivalent, as may be determined by the faculty on the recommendation of the appropriate Head of School; or
2.5  submitted as an exceptional case such other evidence of academic and professional attainments as meets with the approval of the faculty.

3.  A student shall be designated as a full-time student or as a part-time student by the faculty upon recommendation of the Head of School in which the student is to be registered.

4.1  Supervision of candidates

Before permitting a person to enrol for the degree, the faculty shall be satisfied that adequate facilities are available for the studies proposed.

4.2  A student when enrolled, shall be registered in the appropriate school and assigned to a supervisor who shall be a member of the academic staff. One or more associate supervisors may be appointed on account of their special knowledge of the student’s approved program of study or in order to ensure effective supervision of the candidate during any periods spent external to the University.

4.3  Unless specialist supervision in the particular field of study can be provided by the University, study in an environment external to the University will not be acceptable as a basis for registration for the degree.

4.4  Part-time students must attend the University as required by their supervisors and approved by the faculty. Applications for enrolment will be considered only if the faculty is satisfied that the attendance requirements can be met.

4.5  Periodically the supervisor may be requested by the Head of School to report on the student’s work. If, in the opinion of the Head of School, the student’s progress is unsatisfactory the Head may advise the faculty, which may terminate the candidature or take such other action as it deems necessary.

4.6  A student may be required by the Head of School to attend specified courses of study.

5.1  Duration and Progress

The student shall undertake a course of study leading to the submission of a thesis for examination. The thesis may not be submitted by a student earlier than one calendar year nor later than two (for a full-time student) or four (for a part-time student) calendar years after enrolment, except that in special circumstances the faculty may grant an extension of the relevant period.

5.2  A minor portion of the thesis may cover work undertaken before enrolment provided that this work has not been used in gaining another academic qualification.

5.3  Published contributions may be submitted to support or to form part of the thesis.

5.4  Students should present a progress seminar to members of the relevant school within six months of enrolment. The Head of School will report to the Executive Dean. All students shall present a progress report at the completion of each 12 months of candidature unless the thesis is ready for submission within eight weeks of this period.

5.5  Students may at the discretion of the Executive Dean on the advice of the appropriate school be granted an extension or suspension. The period for an extension will normally be up to 6 months for a full-time candidate and 12 months for a part-time candidate. Suspension of candidature will not normally exceed 12 months.

6.1  Examination

On completion of the thesis an original and two copies of the thesis^*, together with any separate published material, shall be submitted to the Registrar of the University.

6.2  The faculty, on the advice of the Head of School in which the student is registered, shall appoint two examiners of whom at least one shall be external to the University.

6.3  The faculty, on the recommendation of the examiners, may require the student to undertake a written or an oral examination or both.

6.4  The faculty, on considering the reports of the examiners, may recommend the award of the degree, refuse the degree, appoint another examiner or require the student to resubmit the thesis either re-written or including further research material. A student who fails to satisfy the examiners after resubmission of the thesis, shall not again be eligible for candidature for a Master’s degree in the same discipline.

6.5  Grade awarded to overall degree to be pass or fail only.

6.6  All corrections if requested are to be made:

6.6.1  if minor within three months of the date of despatch of the advice to the student; or
6.6.2  if major within 12 months of the date of despatch of the advice to the student.

6.7  Award of the degree to be conferred when the following condition has been met: an acid free copy plus supporting documentation of the thesis has been deposited in the Library or a written guarantee has been provided by the school concerned that the said school holds all the material necessary for preparation of said copy.

Schedule A

Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology
Biomedical Sciences
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Earth Sciences
Information Technology
Marine Biology and Aquaculture
Nursing Sciences
Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences
Public Health and Tropical Medicine
Tropical Biology
Tropical Environment Studies and Geography

NATIONAL GEOSCIENCE MASTERS (BY COURSEWORK) IN ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

1.  The joint degree shall be administered by the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

2.  Program of study

A student shall follow a course of study as follows:

2.1  24 units from James Cook University block mode six unit subjects;
2.2  12 units from external subjects offered by the National Geoscience Training Network;
2.3  a 12 unit research dissertation;
2.4  other combinations by permission of the Executive Dean.

3.  Period of candidature

A student shall normally complete the degree in two or more years of study.

4.  A student shall follow a course of study prescribed in Postgraduate Courses.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1.  Requirements for candidature

A person may enrol for the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology if that person:

1.1  has qualified at this or another University for a Bachelor’s degree provided that the faculty, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Information Technology, is satisfied that the standard and the subjects of the previous studies are adequate for the field of study being selected; or
1.2  has completed the requirements for the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology; or
1.3  has other qualifications or practical experience recognised by the faculty as equivalent to Requirement 1.1 or 1.2.

2.  Period of candidature

Candidature shall commence on the first day of February or July.

3.  A student shall normally complete the requirements for the course in two semesters of full-time study. The Executive Dean may extend this period.

4.  Program of study

Unless granted credit for previous study, a student shall follow the course of study prescribed under Postgraduate Courses, to obtain 24 units in one of the fields of study specified in Schedule A below.

5.  To complete a subject a student shall satisfy the written, practical and other examination requirements designated by the relevant Head of School and approved by the faculty.

6.  Except with the approval of the Executive Dean, a student may not enrol for any subject until credit has been obtained for any prerequisite subject or subjects as listed in the Master Schedule of Subjects.

7.  Students who have been awarded the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology must surrender that award before being presented with the Graduate Diploma of Information Technology.

Schedule

Fields of Study

E-Business

Multimedia

Networking

GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF SCIENCE

The Graduate Diploma of Science may be undertaken in the schools, centres and institutes listed in Schedule A below.

1.  A person may enrol for the Graduate Diploma of Science course if that person:

1.1  has qualified for the degree of Bachelor of Science either from this or from another University provided that the faculty, on the recommendation of the Heads of the Schools concerned, is satisfied that the standard and the subjects of the previous studies are adequate; or
1.2  has qualifications recognised by the faculty as equivalent to the conditions of Requirement 1.1; or
1.3  has alternative qualifications deemed by the faculty to be appropriate for entry to the course.

2.  A student shall pursue studies to obtain a minimum of 24 units. The normal period of candidature shall be one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

3.  A student shall select one of the disciplines offered in the schools, centres and institutes listed in Schedule A, or an approved combination of those disciplines and follow the course of study prescribed.

4.  Assessment procedures may include any or all of the following: assignments and papers, a research project and report and examinations.

5.  Except with the approval of the faculty, there shall be no re-examination.

6.  A student who has qualified for the Graduate Diploma of Science in one discipline may enrol in a further discipline in a subsequent year.

7.  A student who has complied with the provisions of these Requirements and all other relevant Statutes and Requirements of the University shall be recommended by the faculty for the award of the Graduate Diploma of Science.

8.  Appeal procedures are as per normal University procedures for Master’s Requirements.

Schedule A

Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology
Biomedical Sciences
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Earth Sciences
Information Technology
Marine Biology and Aquaculture
Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences
Tropical Biology
Tropical Environment Studies and Geography

CentreTropical Urban and Regional Planning

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

1.  Requirements for candidature

A person may enrol for the Graduate Certificate of Information Technology if that person:

1.1  has qualified at this or another University for a Bachelor’s degree provided that the faculty, on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Information Technology, is satisfied that the standard and the subjects of the previous studies are adequate for the field of study being selected; or
1.2  has other qualifications or practical experience recognised by the faculty as equivalent to Requirement 1.1.

2.  Period of candidature

Candidature shall commence on the first day of February or July.

3.  A student shall normally complete the requirements for the course in one semester of full-time study. The Executive Dean may extend this period.

4.  Program of study

A student shall follow the course of study prescribed under Postgraduate Courses, to obtain 12 units in one of the fields of study specified in Schedule A below.

5.  To complete a subject a candidate shall satisfy the written, practical and other examination requirements designated by the relevant Head of School and approved by the faculty.

6.  Except with the approval of the Executive Dean, a candidate may not enrol for any subject until credit has been obtained for any prerequisite subject or subjects as listed in the Master Schedule of Subjects.

Schedule

Fields of Study

E-Business

Multimedia

Networking

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF SCIENCE

The Graduate Certificate of Science may be undertaken in the schools, centres and institutes listed in Schedule A below.

1.  A person may enrol for the Graduate Certificate of Science course if that person:

1.1  has qualified for the degree of Bachelor of Science either from this or from another university provided that the faculty, on the recommendation of the Heads of the Schools concerned, is satisfied that the standard and the subjects of the previous studies are adequate; or
1.2  has qualifications recognised by the faculty as equivalent to the conditions of requirement 1.1; or
1.3  has alternative qualifications deemed by the faculty to be appropriate for entry to the course.

2.  A student shall pursue studies to obtain a minimum of 12 units. The minimum period of candidature shall be one semester of full-time study or two semesters of part-time study.

3.  A student shall select one of the disciplines offered in the schools, centres and institutes listed in Schedule A. The student will follow a course of study approved by the Head of the School, Centre or Institute. The program may include subjects from another discipline.

4.  Assessment procedures may include any or all of the following: assignments and papers, a research project and report and examinations.

5.  A student who has qualified for the Graduate Certificate of Science in one discipline may enrol in a further discipline in a subsequent year.

6.  A student who has complied with the provisions of these requirements and all other relevant Statutes and Requirements of the University shall be recommended by the faculty for the award of the Graduate Certificate of Science.

7.  Appeal procedures are as per normal university procedures for Masters requirements.

Schedule A

Anthropology, Archaeology and Sociology
Earth Sciences
Information Technology
Marine Biology and Aquaculture
Mathematical and Physical Sciences
Pharmacy and Molecular Sciences
Tropical Biology
Tropical Environment Studies and Geography

DEGREES, CERTIFICATES IN ENGINEERING

1.  Definitions

For the purpose of these Requirements the following definitions apply:

Discipline — a major area of study capable of identification and of being systematically developed in courses of university undergraduate and graduate study.
Examiner — a person who marks examination papers, theses, dissertations or project reports.

2.  Entitlement to enrol and attend

Any person who is not proceeding to a degree may enrol for any subject with the approval of the Head of School of Engineering and on completing the subject is entitled to receive an official statement to that effect on application to the Registrar.

3.  Saving clause

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in these Requirements the faculty may in any case in which it may deem it appropriate to do so, dispense with or suspend any condition of or prescription by these Requirements.

4.  Extension of candidature

A student’s period of candidature may be extended by the faculty on the recommendation of the Head of School.

5.  Credit

The Dean, on the recommendation of the Head of School, may give a student credit towards a postgraduate award for subjects completed at this or another University or institution of higher education approved by the faculty.

6.  Continuing education

The coursework requirements forming part of these awards may, where appropriate arrangements have been made and with the recommendation of the Head of School, be completed as part of a program of continuing education at the University.

MASTER OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE

1.  The degree of Master of Engineering Science is predominantly a research degree. When awarded for a combination of research and coursework the program shall comprise 24 units, a maximum of eight of which can be coursework.

2.  Entry requirements

To qualify for admission to candidature an applicant shall have completed the requirements for:

2.1  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours with either Class I or Class II division A Honours; or
2.2  the degree of Bachelor of Construction Management with Honours with either Class I or Class II division A Honours; or
2.3  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours with Class II division B Honours together with a minimum of two years of professional or research experience approved by the Executive Dean on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Engineering; or
2.4  the degree of Bachelor of Construction Management with Honours with Class II division B Honours together with a minimum of two years professional or research experience approved by the Executive Dean on the recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Engineering discipline; or
2.5  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering together with a satisfactory performance in the Postgraduate Diploma of Engineering program; or
2.6  a qualification from another faculty or institution accepted by the faculty as equivalent to Requirements 2.1 to 2.5; or
2.7  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering or its equivalent and shall have passed such qualifying course as may be determined by the faculty on the recommendation of the Head of the appropriate Engineering discipline.

3.1  Course of study

Each student for the degree shall follow a course of advanced study and/or investigation, attend lectures and tutorial classes and carry out laboratory work in accordance with the coursework plan approved by the Head of the appropriate Engineering discipline.

3.2  For the research component, each student shall carry out, in the Engineering laboratories or elsewhere, a program of investigation and research as required by the student’s supervisor(s).

4.  Duration

Each student shall complete the requirements for the degree, either full-time in normally not less than one year nor more than two years, or part-time in normally not less than two years nor more than four years.

5.1  Assessment

Each student shall submit reports and pass examinations as prescribed from time to time by the Head of the appropriate Engineering discipline.

5.2  Each student shall submit a thesis embodying the results of the research conducted in accordance with Requirement 3.2.

5.3  The original and two copies of the thesis shall be submitted to the Registrar.

5.4  The Head of the appropriate Engineering discipline shall advise the Registrar in writing of the names of not less than two examiners, at least one of whom shall be external to the University. The student’s supervisor shall not be an examiner.

6.  A student who has fulfilled the conditions prescribed in Requirement 5 and has satisfied the examiners shall be eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Engineering Science.

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

1.  The degree of Master of Engineering is a professional award for postgraduate study which can be obtained by assessment of work undertaken in professional practice.

2.  Entry requirements

To qualify for admission to candidature an applicant shall have satisfied the conditions specified in the Degree of Master of Engineering Science Requirement 2 above or shall have completed the requirements for:

2.1  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering with Honours with Class II division B Honours; or
2.2  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering, together with a minimum of two years of professional or research experience approved by the Dean on the recommendation of the Head of the School of Engineering; or
2.3  a qualification from another faculty or institution accepted by the faculty as equivalent to Requirements 2.1 to 2.2; or
2.4  the degree of Bachelor of Engineering or its equivalent and shall have passed such qualifying course as may be determined by the faculty on the recommendation of the Head of School.

3.  Professional Practice Degree

This degree program shall comprise 24 units of design/development project work.

4.  Each student shall submit evidence satisfactory to the Head of School that proficiency has been acquired in that branch of Engineering in which the material is being presented for examination.

5.  Course of study

Each student for the degree shall carry out in industry a research, design or development project in accordance with a plan approved by the Head of School.

6.  Duration

Each student shall enrol annually for a period of not less than two years nor more than five years.

7.1  Assessment

Each student shall submit:

7.1.1  a thesis or written report; or
7.1.2  original designs of engineering work with which the student has been connected in a responsible capacity, such designs being accompanied by all necessary calculations and specifications; or
7.1.3  published work in Engineering or such unpublished work in Engineering as the candidate deems appropriate, or both.

7.2  No student may submit for examination, work in respect of which the student has already qualified for a degree in any university or, without the permission of the faculty, work which has previously been submitted for any such degree.

7.3  The original and two copies of the material required under Requirement 7.1 shall be submitted to the Registrar.

7.4  The Head of School shall advise the Registrar in writing of the names of not less than two examiners, at least one of whom shall be external to the University. The student’s supervisor shall not be an examiner.

8.  A student who has fulfilled the conditions prescribed in Requirement 7 and has satisfied the examiners shall be eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Engineering.

MASTER OF ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT

1.  The degree of Master of Engineering Management program shall comprise 36 units of study including 30 units of coursework and six units of project work.

2.  Entry requirements

To qualify for admission to candidature, an applicant shall have satisfied the conditions specified in Master of Engineering Science Requirement 2 or Master of Engineering Requirement 2.

3.1  Course of study

Each student for the degree shall follow a course of advanced study and investigation, attend lectures and tutorial classes and carry out other work in accordance with a plan approved by the Head of School of Engineering.

3.2  Each student shall carry out an engineering management project or investigation as required by the student’s supervisor(s).

4.  Duration

Each student shall complete the requirements for the degree, either full-time in normally not less than one year nor more than two years, or part-time in normally not less than two years nor more than four years.

5.1  Assessment

Each student shall submit reports and pass examinations as prescribed from time to time by the Head of School.

5.2  Each student shall submit a report on the engineering management project or investigation as set out in Requirement 3.2.

5.3  The original and two copies of the report shall be submitted to the Head of School who will nominate an examiner who shall not be the student’s supervisor.

6.  A student who has fulfilled the conditions prescribed in Requirement 5 and has satisfied the examiner shall be eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Engineering Management.

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF ENGINEERING

Candidates should have the equivalent of a level 1 science/engineering mathematics background.

To qualify for the award a student must normally have completed subjects of a minimum total value of six units in accordance with these requirements. The normal time for completion of the subjects is one or two semesters.

For all Majors containing subjects from levels higher than level 1 of the Bachelor of Engineering degree, approval of the Head of School must be obtained.