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 (15 July 2024 - 18 June 2025) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $4,137.25 |
| 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.
- Paper Structure
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)
- Teaching Arrangements
Journal Clubs and Seminars in the Department.
Journal Club is held on Tuesdays 1-2 pm and is a forum for postgraduate students to present their research and discuss relevant research articles.
Departmental Seminars are held on Thursdays 1-2 pm in 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
Timetable
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 (14 July 2025 - 17 June 2026) (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for 2025 have not yet been set |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Limited to
- MSc
- Contact
Course co-ordinator: Professor Paul Smith (paul.smith@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 on Tuesdays 1-2 pm and is a forum for postgraduate students to present their research and discuss relevant research articles.
Departmental Seminars are held on Thursdays 1-2 pm in 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)