Overview
Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master’s degree by papers and thesis.
Preparation of a thesis proposal/preliminary thesis research. Normally taken by students in the papers year for a Master’s degree by papers and thesis.
This 40-point paper is designed to introduce two-year MSc students to laboratory research from the commencement of their MSc studies. The results are presented in a brief written report and an oral presentation at the end of the first year. A passing mark in PHAL 495 at a B+ grade or better is required to advance to the thesis-only year of the two-year MSc degree programme.
The aim of this paper is to give the MSc student the skills needed to conduct research in their fifth year. This is a self-directed paper in which the student will prepare for their MSc thesis year.
About this paper
| Paper title | Master's Thesis Preparation |
|---|---|
| Subject | Pharmacology |
| EFTS | 0.3333 |
| Points | 40 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Full Year
(On campus)
1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 18 June 2027) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,648.54 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MSc
- Contact
Course Co-ordinator: Professor Michelle Glass (michelle.glass@otago.ac.nz)
- Teaching staff
Academic staff from the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology.
- Teaching Arrangements
Journal Clubs and Seminars in the Department.
Journal Club is held weekly and is a forum for postgraduate students to present their research and discuss relevant research articles.
Departmental Seminars are also delivered during most weeks of the semester.
Attendance at Journal Club and Departmental Seminars is MANDATORY for ALL PHAL 495 students and is recorded. If you are not able to attend a session, you must contact the course co-ordinator in advance or you will lose part of the attendance mark.
- Textbooks
- Textbooks are not required for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
- In the paper the student will gain skills in:
- Oral scientific presentation
- Laboratory research skills
- Researching the literature
- Formal scientific writing
- Assessment details
General Requirements:
- One Journal Club presentation of a published article in first semester (5% of mark)
Requirements specific to the student's research project:
- One Literature Review (35% of mark)
- Lab-based research and formal write-up (mini thesis) (50% of mark)
- One presentation of lab work in second semester (10% of mark)