Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Science
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medical Science
Medical research plays an important role in enhancing our knowledge of human health, diseases and medicine. The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences conducts discovery, translational and clinical research focused on healthy ageing and chronic diseases. This is an interdisciplinary course that brings together clinical and basic researchers from across…
Categories
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Medical research plays an important role in enhancing our knowledge of human health, diseases and medicine. The School of Health and Biomedical Sciences conducts discovery, translational and clinical research focused on healthy ageing and chronic diseases.
This is an interdisciplinary course that brings together clinical and basic researchers from across the health and biomedical science disciplines including, but not limited to, Biomedical Science, Laboratory Medicine, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, Physiotherapy and Medical Radiations.
Research strengths in medical science
We have research strengths in various areas of medical science, including the following:
Respiratory health and disease: We have a strong focus on respiratory care, integrating fundamental discovery of disease mechanisms (including comorbidities), translational research and technological innovation to develop new therapeutic strategies for people afflicted by lung diseases, and those suffering the long-term consequences of respiratory infections.
Cancer: We employ a multidisciplinary approach to precision cancer medicine that integrates cellular, molecular and genetic insights with immunotherapy, nanotechnology, vaccines and medical radiations for diagnosis and treatment.
Neurological disorders and diseases: By studying the intricate workings of the central and enteric nervous systems during development and across the lifespan, our research aims to unravel the complexities of neurological disorders and the origins of cognitive and behavioural abnormalities.
Translational immunology and infectious diseases: We have a broad interest in the mechanisms of immune protection, immune evasion, vaccine development, antimicrobial therapies, and the impact of host-pathogen interactions, particularly chronic inflammation, on healthy ageing and chronic disease.
Pharmacology, drug development and delivery: Our research aims to discover new drug targets, design new drugs and immunotherapies, improve existing therapeutics, and develop innovative delivery methods, including nanotechnology, to enhance drug efficacy, safety and patient adherence.
Prenatal origins of health and disease: We are investigating how early-life experiences, both in utero and during the prenatal period, can contribute to the development of diseases and conditions later in life.
Career
As a graduate, you will be highly sought after for a research or research-related career (including senior leadership and management positions) in various health and medical sectors, such as the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, government and public health, medical radiations, hospitals, universities, and research institutes.
Expected career pathways for graduates of this degree include:
- research and academic positions in universities, hospitals and research institutes
- pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry roles in research and development, clinical trials coordination, quality control, regulatory affairs, medical science liaison, medical affairs or leadership and management
- government and public health careers, investigating public health issues, epidemiology and health policy, and contributing to evidence-based decision-making.
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Since its establishment in 1887, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology University (RMIT) has been meeting the needs of the community surrounding it. Originally a Working Men’s College, RMIT showed its flexibility during World War Two, training over 20,000 servicemen in communications to help with the war effort.Now, it is a true pioneer in international education, championing cross-border study opportunities with campuses in various countries. Granted formal university status in 1992, RMIT is ranked 21st in the world for universities that are less than 50 years old.RMIT is the largest higher education institution in Australia, currently with more than 82,000 students. With nearly 20% of those students coming from overseas, it is a university that truly welcomes diversity and is a melting pot of different cultures. RMIT has three campuses in Vietnam, a European hub in Barcelona, an office in Indonesia, and partners with 200+ institutions in 42 countries to provide study opportunities worldwide.
