information for current students

Director of Postgraduate Studies
A/Prof. Louis Rendina
(p) +61 2 9351 4781
rendina@chem.usyd.edu.au

Postgraduate Coordinator
Dr Chiara Neto
(p) +61 2 9351 2752
c.neto@chem.usyd.edu.au

Postgraduate Administrator
Robyne Chamberlain
(p) +61 2 9351 3328
robyne.chamberlain@sydney.edu.au

• Chemistry Induction Presentation

• Graduate Studies Handbook

• Dean of Graduate Studies

• Head of School Signature

• Resources Provided by the School of Chemistry

• Length of Candidature

• Scholarships

• Supervision

• Formal Requirements for all Students

• Assessment of Progress on Candidature

• Upgrade of MSc Candidature

• Extensions/Suspensions/Leave of Absence

• Seminars

• Your Thesis - presentation and examination

• Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

• Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS)

• Travel/Conference Travel Grants

• Insurance Cover for Travel and for Research Work carried out off-campus

• SUPOC : Sydney University Postgraduates of Chemistry

• SUPRA : Sydney University Postgraduate Representative Association

• Forms

• Funding for Postdoctoral Fellowships

• Where to Get Help/Advice

Graduate Studies Handbook

All the formal requirements regarding your candidature may be found in the University's Graduate Studies Handbook. This booklet summarizes formal requirements PhD, HECS, fees, part-time studies, time away, suspensions, examination, supervision etc.

Dean of Graduate Studies (DOGS)

The Dean of Graduate Studies serves as a focus for all postgraduate research and coursework activities across the University. The DoGS office works closely with Deans, Associate Deans (Postgraduate Studies), Heads of Schools/Departments, Postgraduate Coordinators, Supervisors, SUPRA and Postgraduate Students. Information on Induction Sessions run by the University can be found at the DOGS website.

Head of School Signature

All forms regarding scholarships or any aspect of your candidature that ask for a Head of School/Department signature are to be signed by Professor Harrowell who acts for the Head of School in postgraduate matters.

All forms requiring a signature should be given to Kate Woods (Front Office) who will arrange to obtain the necessary signatures.

The School keeps copies of all documents regarding candidature on file.

Resources Provided by the School of Chemistry

Postgraduates have free access to the following facilities for research purposes:

Photocopying
Facsimile
Phones
Mailbox
Stationery : laboratory books, overheads and computer diskettes only
Paper, toner, printers etc as required for research and production of thesis.
Scitech Library
Swipe card access to School 24 hrs day (subject to obeying Safety Regulations)
Common room with hot water, microwave and general facilities (Room 147)
Lockable areas (office/locker) for personal belongings
Basic glassware, equipment, chemicals and instrument access required for research
Email account on School server
Internet access (research only – usage monitored)
Access to shared personal computers for basic word-processing and accessing email/internet
Laboratory space, workstations, office space as appropriate

Length of Candidature

In the Faculty of Science, candidates are given a maximum of 8 semesters (4 years) to complete a PhD and 4 semesters (2 years) to complete an MSc degree. Submission of a PhD thesis is possible after 6 semesters (or earlier with permission). A number of students in recent years have submitted in under 3.5 years.

HECS : currently exempt for 8 semesters PhD (full-time); 4 semesters MSc (full-time). The HECS liability is calculated per semester where the census dates are 31 March and 31 August each year. Thus, if, for example, you submit your thesis in October, you are still liable for a full semester.

The School is not funded after 4 years and postgraduate places and funds are allocated on the basis of completions in 4 years. There is a University-wide effort to ensure that all postgraduate degrees are complete within 4 years.

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