Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at MUARC

Whatever your area of study the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) has a PhD project of interest to you.

About MUARC

MUARC is a multi-disciplinary research group at the leading edge of research into accident and injury causes and prevention. The Centre is a world leader in its field, and is the largest accident and injury prevention research facility in Australia and the region. A particular strength is addressing research questions of direct relevance to prevention, and the translation of the research outcomes into prevention policy and programs. MUARC is an independent centre located on the Monash University Clayton Campus. It has well established links with the Faculties of Engineering, Science and Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, with a number of staff holding joint appointments.

PhD program at MUARC

MUARC provides facilities for postgraduate research work leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) by thesis. The aim of the PhD program is to provide advanced multi-disciplinary training in the research and prevention of accidents and injuries. Candidates may also pursue their studies through relevant University departments with MUARC co-supervision, and be located at the Centre.

The PhD program has two components.

1. The major component consists of research work presented in the form of a thesis, in accordance with Monash University guidelines.
2. The minor component is a study program, which is designed to provide incoming students with the necessary skills to complete a PhD at MUARC. The program will:

• provide a basic understanding of the field of accident and injury prevention, which prospective students would not have obtained in undergraduate studies
• provide exposure to issues beyond the thesis topic
• foster an environment of inquiry
• support the development of critical analysis skills.

Your research topic will be developed in consultation with your supervisor. Students are especially encouraged to apply the philosophies and approaches of more than one discipline to their PhD research. The study program is planned on an individual basis and is tailored to the interests and needs of the student. The total amount of time devoted to the minor component should not exceed 10% of the candidature, equivalent to approximately 16 weeks. Topics which may be covered in the study program include:

• multidisciplinary perspectives on accident and injury research
• evaluation of accident and injury programs
• systems safety and safety management
• theory of accident and injury prevention
• analysis and prediction of the distribution of injuries and accidents
• economics and safety
• history and philosophy of safety and injury prevention
• statistics/bio-statistics
• human-in-the-loop simulation
• research methods (1): observational epidemiological methods
• research methods(2): survey research and questionnaire design
• in depth investigations in injury research and prevention
• the application of physics and engineering principles in injury research
• injury prevention and social inequality
• the role of human factors in road safety