Online Courses Handbook 2003

Doctor of Philosophy

Introduction
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) candidate should uncover new knowledge either by the discovery of new facts, the formulation of theories or the innovative re-interpretation of known data and established ideas. The thesis research will be a program which is practically oriented and useful in developing an effective understanding, providing for the application of solutions to real world problems. Subject to and in accordance with Curtin's Higher Degree by Research Regulations for Doctoral Degrees, a Doctor of Philsosophy (PhD) degree shall be awarded for a thesis as defined in regulations or a combination of a thesis and coursework in which the coursework component does not exceed one third of the total doctoral degree program. In all cases the thesis must in the opinion of the Examiners be a substantial original contribution to the knowledge or understanding of any field of study and demonstrate the capacity of the candidate to conceive, design and carry to completion independent research.

Duration and Availability
A candidate may enrol in a Doctor of Philosophy either full-time or part-time. Enrolment shall be continuous with the exception of periods of Leave of Absence as approved by the Divisional Graduate Studies Committee. The minimum course duration is four years full-time or equivalent part-time. Commonwealth funded places may be available as well as fee paying places. The time limits shall be adjusted for approved periods of Leave of Absence.

Additional Course Expenses
Thesis preparation and binding, and other costs as normally covered by doctoral students. Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Further Information
Further information concerning doctoral research can be obtained at http://www.research.curtin.edu.au/ and for research graduate studies http://www.research.curtin.edu.au/graduate/graduate.html at Curtin University.

Special Note
Curtin's Higher Degree by Research Regulations for Doctoral Degrees will apply in respect of enrolment, candidacy, the thesis committee and the examination process. For further information please refer to the General Information section of the front of this Handbook. A candidate shall comply with these Regulations as from time to time amended or remade except that, where the University Graduate Studies Committee is of the opinion that any candidate has been or may be adversely affected by a change in the regulations since initial enrolment, the candidate may be permitted to continue under such regulation or regulations in force at any time during the period of candidature and on conditions the Committee may prescribe. The above study package code is for publication purposes only. Specific Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) course codes can be obtained from the Office of Research and Development or from Divisional Graduate Studies Officers.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit