Information on being a postgraduate at the School

1. Confirmation & Supervisory Panel
2. Expectations and obligations
3. Resources, facilities, travel and opportunities

Confirmation & Supervisory Panel

1. Students are supervised solely or jointly by academic members of the department. Additionally, a CSP is set up within 6 weeks of commencement that oversees this process. The principal aim of the CSP is to support the student in his/her endeavour to complete a high quality research thesis in a timely fashion. It is the joint responsibility of student and supervisor(s) to ensure this occurs.
2. Students should read the School CSP procedure on the School's intranet (refer Policies & Plans). To set up the CSP, please complete the form...
   Request for CSP.pdf 10.61 kB
3. The CSP meets formally twice in the first year: at 6 months, to confirm research project, and at 12 months, for confirmation. This is followed by a follow up meeting at the end of second year. At the end of 6 months, students confirm their research project and fill out the form...
   6 month CSP.pdf 11.31 kB
   At the end of 12 months, for confirmation to occur, a student needs to ensure that the following has been carried out:
   1. Select three members of Confirmation & Supervisory Panel in conjunction with your supervisor within six weeks of commencement.
   2. Satisfy the obligations for confirmation (discuss with your supervisor).
   3. Provide a short description to the CSP of your project at the time of confirmation.
4. The SGR Confirmation Form is sent directly to the student 4 months prior to the confirmation due date – this form must be completed between 9 and 12 months after commencement. Other forms of interest to Research Higher Degree forms may be found on the SGR forms site.

Expectations and obligations

1. Guidelines and regulations regarding student & supervisor obligations are outlined in SGR PhD handbook.
2. PhD students are expected to attend research group and GOSS seminars. These play an important role in developing and fostering the research culture of the School. Additionally, PhD Students are expected to present a 20 min talk for GOSS once in their candidature as well as a 1 hour seminar upon PhD completion. These seminars should be seen as a part of your development in communication and academic research skills.
3. It is expected that postgraduates will continue demonstrating and also consider tutoring. For information on prospective tutors, down load information here.
   Tutoring Information 2007.pdf 208.65 kB
   For first-time demonstrators and prospective tutors, please register your interest on-line.
4. Upon completion of thesis, please down load the 'Exit Checklist' to ensure all paperwork concerning PhD candidature, research records, IT, email accounts, keys, refunds etc and any other obligations between the School and yourself have been met. Any belongings/computer files/email accounts left at the School after PhD submission (or after thesis candidature has lapsed), are deemed to remain the property of the School and may be disposed of/deactivated 4 months after thesis submission.
   Exit Checklist_Students.pdf 7.47 kB
5. It is expected that students follow the School's policy on Research Record Keeping relating to the retention of lab note books after completion of degree (refer to Kiosk for details)

Resources, facilities, travel and opportunities

1. The School supports a policy to supplement postgraduates with a new computer during candidature. More info on the computer program and IT security policies can be found on the School's intranet, Kiosk...
2. There are opportunities to study, give talks, go on conferences and collaborate internationally within the PhD programs. There is assistance via funding such as MATS and PORES travelling scholarships. More info...
3. Postgraduate Physics Student Society (PPSS) is a postgraduate association run by and for postgrads. More info...
4. All other relevant forms concerning request for travel, extension of scholarship, leave for overseas study etc can be found on Kiosk within the Forms section.