Clayton campus

Seminars & social events - semester 2, 2009

MPA social events

MPA sponsored seminars

Library

• Hargrave-Andrew Library

• Sir Louis Matheson Library

• Law Library

exPERT research seminars

• exPERT IP

• exPERT IT

• exPERT statistics

• exPERT replay

Faculty based - Arts

Faculty based - Engineering

MPA social events (Clayton)

Postgraduate orientation coffee club

Missed orientation?  Don’t despair.  Come along to one of the MPA orientation coffee club sessions to find out everything you need to know about being a postgraduate at Monash.  Staff from the Monash Postgraduate Association, local and international postgraduates will be there to meet and greet you.  This is a fantastic opportunity to make new friends and find out what’s on offer for you around Monash.

Date:Thursday 23 July

Free lunch: fish and chips

Come along to meet new postgraduates or catch up with old friends over a free lunch.

Date:Tuesday 11 August

Free lunch: Asian

Yes, more free food! Tear yourselves away from that computer to experience the variety of cuisine that Asia has to offer.  Meet new postgraduates or catch up with old friends.  Vegetarian and halal catered for.

Date:Thursday 8 October

Free Lunch: The great Aussie BBQ   

The most popular event on the MPA calendar. This free BBQ lunch provides you with an opportunity to meet and greet new and current postgraduates in a social environment. Vegetarian and halal catered for.

Date:Thursday 22 October, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue:Sports and Recreation BBQ area, Bldg 1, Clayton
Book

Don't forget to print out and bring your confirmation email - it is your entry ticket!

Coffee Clubs

Don't forget we hold fortnightly coffee clubs during semester (see right hand column).

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MPA sponsored seminars (Clayton)

Postgraduate study for students from a non-English speaking background (IL/LS)

This workshop will focus on academic survival strategies, including time management, active participation in classes and strategies for listening and note-taking. It also considers different learning styles and how to utilise them in your studies.

Date: Wednesday 22 July, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Academic writing for students from a non-English speaking background (IL/LS)

This workshop will outline linguistic, structural and stylistic elements of academic writing, including the use of voice, effective transitions and editing strategies

Date: Tuesday 28 July, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

What can a thesis writing group do for you? (IL/LS)

A writing group can help research postgraduates overcome the isolation of thesis writing, and improve productivity. This session will offer guidelines for setting up and running such a group. Writing group participants will talk about their experiences

Date: Tuesday 4 August, 12:00 – 1:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Self and Wellbeing (HWD)

Wondering how to balance the challenges in your workload?  Find yourself time poor, stressed and out of kilter!  Shyama Fuad, Psychologist from Health Wellbeing & Development will present a seminar to help you develop some insight into what hinders a balanced lifestyle.  The session will identify thoughts and behaviours that impede your wellbeing, and suggest strategies to help you develop a more meaningful lifestyle.

Date:Tuesday, 4 August, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Venue:MPA Seminar Room 1- 51, 1st Floor, Campus Centre, Bldg 10, Clayton
Book

Efficient reading strategies (IL/LS)

This workshop will look at how to cope with the demands of your reading load. It will review strategies for more efficient reading, including skimming and scanning, use of the textual apparatus, purposeful reading and other time saving hints.
Date: Wednesday 5 August, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Essay writing for postgraduate coursework students (IL/LS)

Suitable for students who may not have written an essay for a long time, or who were not satisfied with what they produced. Key issues covered include writing for the reader, structuring an essay, adopting a critical perspective and developing an argument

Date: Tuesday 11 August, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Interview Skills (ECD)

This session gives practical advice to help you prepare for interviews, present as a professional and deliver responses with confidence.  The opportunity to practice your skills is available to interested participants.

Date:Thursday 13 August, 12:00 – 1:30pm
Venue:to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

Critical reading techniques (IL/LS)

This session focuses on the critical reading skills necessary for postgraduate study, including techniques for questioning and evaluating what you have to read and suggestions on how to approach a text in a critically aware way. Includes a practical exercise to consolidate learning.

Date: Wednesday 19 August, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Writing literature reviews in technical disciplines (IL/LS)

Many researchers struggle to maintain their own ‘voice’ when writing literature reviews in technical fields.  In this workshop participants will analyse sample reviews to identify how to present their material to best serve their own purpose.

Date: Friday 21 August, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Group Study Room 2, Hargrave-Andrew Library, Bldg 30, Clayton
Book

Using sources in your writing for postgraduate coursework students (IL/LS)

Focussing on a range of examples, this general session explores common difficulties and queries regarding the use and integration of sources in postgraduate writing and the avoidance of plagiarism.

Date: Wednesday 26 August, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Academic presentations (IL/LS)

The workshop will look at strategies to deliver an effective presentation in an academic setting.  Areas for discussion include audience awareness, body language, use of voice, visual aids and how to manage questions and feedback constructively.

Date: Wednesday 2 September, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Are your PowerPoint slides useful? (IL/LS)

This is a workshop on how to design and use PowerPoint slides effectively to enhance and support seminar presentations.  Bring along a USB stick and your laptop. This session is designed for postgraduates who have a working knowledge of PowerPoint software and need to focus on how to create effective PowerPoint slides.

Date: Wednesday 9 September, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Writing research proposals in the humanities and social sciences (IL/LS)

All researchers need the ability to write effective research proposals. Learn how to structure a proposal and write convincingly about the importance of your project. Examples used will be from the humanities and social sciences.

Date: Tuesday 15 September, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Matheson Conference Room, Bldg 4, Clayton
Book

Postgraduate Arts/Humanities careers forum (ECD/MPA)

The 2009 Postgraduate Careers Forum will bring together postgraduates and potential employers in an informal setting. Presenters at this forum will share their insights into how knowledge and skills gained in arts/humanities disciplines are relevant  to a range of occupations.  Receive tips on preparing yourself for employment.  This forum includes the opportunity to network with presenters over refreshments. An event not to be missed.

Date: Thursday 17 September, 5:30-7:30pm
Venue: Main dining room, Monash Club, Clayton
Contact: Lynda Rohan
Book

Writing research proposals in technical disciplines (IL/LS)

All researchers need the ability to write effective research proposals. Learn how to structure a proposal and write convincingly about the importance of your project. Examples used will be from technical fields.

Date: Friday 18 September, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Group Study Room 2, Hargrave-Andrew Library, Bldg 30, Clayton
Book

Meditation / Breathing (HWD)

For those who would like to know more about meditative practices, Shyama Fuad, Psychologist from Health Wellbeing & Development will give you on overview of: types of meditation, breathing techniques, and the observing self. This session will explore ways in which you can enhance your concentration, minimise reactive tendencies and manage distractions.

Note change of date

Date: Monday 28 September, 11:00am – 12:30pm
Venue:MPA Seminar Room 1- 51, 1st Floor, Campus Centre, Bldg 10, Clayton
Book

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Library (Clayton)

Hargrave-Andrew Library

Located in building 30 on the Clayton campus, the Hargrave-Andrew Library supports the faculties of Science, Engineering, Information Technology and Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences.

The Library has subject specialist librarians who offer expert advice on finding and using information resources. You can make an appointment with your contact librarian to discuss your information research needs or ask at the information desk.

Orientation information sessions

These introductory sessions provide an overview of the Library’s resources and services for postgraduate students.

Dates: Wednesday 22 July, 10:00 – 11:00am or Thursday 23 July, 2:00 – 3:00pm
Venue: Training Room 2, Hargrave–Andrew Library
Book or call 9905 5054

Introduction to EndNote

EndNote software helps you manage citations, references and create bibliographies. These hands-on sessions will cover creating an EndNote library, transferring records from a database into an EndNote Library; and applying and editing EndNote styles to a bibliography.

Dates: Wednesday 29 July, 9:00 – 11:00am
Venue: Training Room 2, Hargrave-Andrew Library
or
Thursday 30 July, 1:00 – 3:00pm
Venue: Training Room 1, Hargrave-Andrew Library
Book or call 9905 5054

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Sir Louis Matheson Library

Located in building 4 on the Clayton campus, the Matheson Library supports the faculties of Arts, Education, Business & Economics.

Introductory workshop for new postgraduates

Acquire an overview of Library services and gain practical experience in searching both electronic databases and Monash University Library Catalogue effectively, followed by an optional tour of the Library.

Dates: Wednesday 15 July, 2:00 – 4:00pm or Thursday 16 July, 10:00am – 12:00noon or Monday 20 July, 2:00 – 4:00pm or Tuesday 21 July, 10:00am – 12:00noon
Venue: Training Room 2, Matheson Library
Book or phone 9905 5054

EndNote for Education postgraduates

EndNote software is used for managing references and creating bibliographies. In this hands-on session, discover how to create and use an EndNote library of references and to use the references in Microsoft Word. Records downloaded during the session will be from Education-related databases. The session is for PCs but principles can be applied to Macs

Date:Thursday 16 July, 2:00 – 4:00pm or Tuesday 4 August, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Venue: Training Room 1, Matheson Library
Book or phone 9905 5054

EndNote for Arts and Business & Economics postgraduates

Discover how to use EndNote to organise your citations or references and to create bibliographies automatically.  Learn how to build an EndNote library both manually and by importing references from Library Databases. Work with citation styles and apply an appropriate style in Microsoft Word.

Dates: Friday 17 July, 2:00 – 4:00 pm or Monday 20 July, 11:00am – 1:00 pm or Wednesday 22 July,  5:30 – 7:30pm or Friday 24 July, 2:00 – 4:00pm or Monday 27 July, 11:00am – 1:00pm or Monday 3 August, 2:00 – 4:00pm or Friday 7 August, 11:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: Training Room 2, Matheson Library
Book or phone 9905 5054

Finding theses in the humanities and social sciences

The library can purchase theses or borrow from other institutions to support your research Discover how to identify theses in Australia, Britain and North America via catalogues and databases.

Date: Wednesday 22 July, 11:00am – 12:00 noon
Venue:Training Room 2, Matheson Library
Book or phone 9905 5054

Using microfilm and microfiche collections for research

Search the library’s research collections of microfilm and microfiche.  Use the microfilm scanners. Learn to digitise microfilm pages, print and download images.

Date: Wednesday 26 August, 10:00am – 12:00noon
Venue:Training Room 1, Matheson Library
Book or phone 9905 5054

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Law Library

Located in building 12 on the Clayton campus, the Law Library supports teaching and research in the Faculty of Law, the Department of Business Law & Taxation and other areas where law is the subject of teaching and research.

Research consultations and specialist training sessions in using law databases and EndNote are available upon request.  Email your request for an appointment or ask at the information desk. Seminars on academic learning skills to help you get the best results, including for assignments, are available at the Law Chambers on Thursdays - click here for details. Book using the online class booking system.

Law Library staff run legal research classes and legal writing skills sessionsas part of the units Australian Legal System, Legal Research and Communication and Legal Research and Problem Solving (JD). . For higher degree students, a detailed guide to Resources and Services in the Monash Law Library is available in Appendix 1 of the Law Faculty's Postgraduate Research Students’ Handbook.

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exPERT (Clayton)

exPERT seminars are designed to meet the needs of research postgraduates.

exPERT IP

Introduction to intellectual property and copyright

This is a two hour seminar with speakers from Monash Commercialisation, the Library Corporate Services, and an independent law firm.

Date: Tuesday 29 September, 4:00 – 6:00pm (Sign in at 3:45pm)
Venue: Lecture Theatre S 12 Building 25, Clayton
Book

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exPERT information technology

e-Research and collaboration tools for HDRs

e-Research utilises cutting-edge IT technology for faster, better, more secure and more creative research. The Monash e-Research Centre (MeRC) will outline the various services they have to enhance your research project. Collaboration Tools for research will be fully demonstrated and participants of this session will be made registered users.

Venue: Clayton and Caulfield
Book

Create a research data management plan

Research data management is a key part of any research project, including a PhD. By the end of this interactive session, you will have created a personal data management plan that will help you to better organise and more securely store your data. Topics covered include: using existing data, storage and backup, data transfer, choosing file formats and standards, ethical and legal protocols and how they relate to data, publishing and disseminating data and long-term preservation and re-use.

Date:to be confirmed
Venue:to be confirmed
Book

MS Word 2003 fundamentals for thesis writing

This is a hands-on workshop and will introduce you to the features of MS Word to help you manage your thesis writing efficiently. It will cover efficient text entry techniques, use and management of styles, controlling page formatting through the use of section breaks, creating tables, captions, inserting pictures and graphs, how to create drawings and an introduction to equation editor.

Prescribed material: Basic knowledge of computers, file management and word-processing is required for this workshop.

Date: Thursday 16 July, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

MS Word 2003 Advanced for thesis writing

This is a hands-on workshop for experienced users of MS Word who are starting to write their theses. This workshop will cover using templates, using a master document, creating a table of contents, automatic cross-referencing and alternatives to master document.

Prescribed material: Participants should have completed MS Word Fundamentals for thesis writing or have similar knowledge. It is expected that participants will have an understanding of MS Word styles and know how to create and use them.

Date: Thursday 16 July, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

MS Word 2007 fundamentals for thesis writing

This is a hands-on workshop and will introduce you to the features of MS Word to help you manage your thesis writing efficiently. It will cover efficient text entry techniques, use and management of styles, controlling page formatting through the use of section breaks, creating tables, captions, inserting pictures and graphs, how to create drawings and an introduction to equation editor.

Prescribed material: Basic knowledge of computers, file management and word-processing is required for this workshop.

Dates: Thursday 23 July, 10:00am – 1:00pm or Thursday 20 August, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

MS Word 2007 advanced for thesis writing

This is a hands-on workshop and will introduce you to the features of MS Word to help you manage your thesis writing efficiently. It will cover efficient text entry techniques, use and management of styles, controlling page formatting through the use of section breaks, creating tables, captions, inserting pictures and graphs, how to create drawings and an introduction to equation editor.

Prescribed material: Basic knowledge of computers, file management and word-processing is required for this workshop.

Dates: Thursday 23 July, 2:00 – 5:00pm or Thursday 20 August, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

Endnote for thesis writing

This hands-on workshop will take participants through the bibliographic database tool, Endnote. A working knowledge of computers is needed for this workshop. Participants will be instructed on how to: create and manage a library; import databases; and create a bibliography using required styles.

Dates: Monday 10 August, 10:00am – 1:00pm or Monday 10 August, 2:00 – 5:00pm or 23 September, 10:00am – 1:00pm or Wednesday 23 September, 2:00 – 5:00pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

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exPERT statistics

Software packages for statistics

Excel, SPSS and R: advantages and disadvantages; SAS, Minitab, S-plus, Stata etc; specialist packages: time series, structural equations etc; getting data ready for packages; transferring data between packages; producing publication quality graphics; how to get access to packages at Monash.

Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

Multivariate analysis

Content: Multivariate graphics; Multivariate ANOVA; Factor analysis; Principal components analysis; Correspondence analysis.

Date: to be confirmed
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

Experimental design 2

Numerical methods of analysing data from experiments; ANOVA; Main effects and interactions; Repeated measures.

Date: Tuesday 21 July, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

Regression 1

Simple linear regression Basic model and assumptions; Importance of residual plots; Checking assumptions, tests for lack-of-fit; Software.

Date: Tuesday 11 August, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

Regression 2 (including logistic regression)

Multiple linear regression; Does the model make sense?; Transformations and outliers; Choosing the predictor variables; Collinearity; Software.

Date:Tuesday 25 August, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

General linear model and ANCOVA

Structure of linear models; Factors and co-variates; Fixed and random factors; Analysis of variance; software.

Date: Tuesday 8 September, 2:30 – 4:30pm
Venue: to be confirmed, Clayton
Book

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exPERT replay

Completing your thesis on time

Pre-recorded DVD. Some argue that the ultimate success or otherwise of a research project is determined in that first vital year of candidature. Speakers discuss strategies for getting on track and keeping there. The development of a well-focused research proposal, progress in the literature review, negotiation of a schedule of regular and structured meetings with your supervisor and a timeframe for completion will be covered.

Dates: Monday 20 July, 2:30 – 4:00pm or Monday 14 September, 2:30 – 4:00pm or Monday 9 November, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Venue: Seminar and lounge room, ground floor, Bldg 3E, Clayton
Book

Confirmation of candidature

Pre-recorded DVD. All postgraduate research students commencing from 2003 are initially enrolled on a probationary basis, and have their candidature confirmed after 12 months. Representatives from the Faculties of Business and Economics, and Arts explain this process. An absolute “must see” seminar for all recently commenced postgraduate research students.

Dates: Monday 3 August, 2:30 – 4:10pm or Monday 28 September, 2:30 - 4:10pm or Monday 23 November, 2:30 – 4:10pm
Venue: Seminar and lounge room, ground floor, Bldg 3E, Clayton
Book

Relating to your supervisor

Pre-recorded session. Watch the DVD of this very popular exPERT Session. Original seminar description below. The quality and success of a student's educational experience is strongly dependent on their relationship with their supervisor or supervisors. This workshop provides the opportunity to explore aspects of this relationship. During this session, speakers will draw upon their own experiences to discuss what expectations supervisors have of their research students and what rights and responsibilities a student has with regard to establishing and maintaining good supervisory practices. Potential difficulties can arise within a supervisory relationship, so this session also provides strategies that students can use to overcome problems.

Dates: Monday 17 August, 2:30 – 3:35pm or Monday 12 October, 2:30 – 3:35pm
Venue: Seminar and lounge room, ground floor, Bldg 3E, Clayton
Book

Building a thesis

Pre-recorded DVD. Professor Phillip Nagley has supervised PhD students for more than 30 years and has helped more than 30 students to successful completion. He will provide a structured, staged approach to preparing a thesis for the PhD (or similar research degree). Stages include an overview of each chapter through to the final steps to submission.

Dates: Monday 31 August, 2:30 – 4:00pm or Monday 26 October, 2:30 – 4:00pm
Venue: Seminar and lounge room, ground floor, Bldg 3E, Clayton
Book

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Faculty based

Faculty of Arts (Clayton)

‘Tricks of the Trade’ is a series of free seminars dedicated to the needs and interests of postgraduate research candidates in the humanities and social sciences. All research candidates in the Faculty of Arts are welcome to attend. Bookings will be required.

Information, updates and audio recordings are available here.

Inquiries to Claire Crewe on 990 55447 or by email.

Welcome and information evening

This session provides an overview of research candidature as well as a chance to meet other postgraduate researchers. Learn about the services offered by ARGS, MPA and AALLU as well as other resources that can make your research candidature a more productive experience.

Date: Thursday 23 July, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Venue: Room SG01, Building 11, Clayton
Book by email.

Optimising the student-supervisor relationship’

The relationship between student and supervisor is a fundamental component of research degree candidature. What can you expect from your supervisor/s? How does the relationship change over time? Who can you approach if problems arise in this area?

Date: Tuesday 4 August, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email.

The flow of a thesis

This seminar provides guidance on the process of preparing and presenting a thesis. Including elements of the thesis and how the thesis should be structured for different disciplines within the humanities and social sciences

Date: Tuesday 11 August, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email

Getting published

Information on how to get published during candidature and resources at your disposal such as the GRiP program.

Date: Tuesday 18 August, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email.

Networking strategies

Helpful hints for networking with students and academics from other universities and how to use this to your advantage when pursuing an academic career..

Date: Tuesday 25 August,  1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email

Getting published, interviewing & fieldwork and networking strategies

Information on: how to get published during candidature and resources at your disposal such as the GRiP program; successfully conducting interviewing and fieldwork during candidature; networking with students and academics from other universities and how to use this to your advantage when pursuing an academic career.

Date: Thursday 3 September, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Venue: Room SG01, Building 11, Clayton
Book by email.

Meeting conference expectations

Tips on how to write an abstract for a conference proposal and getting the most out of your attendance at a conference.

Date: Tuesday 15 September, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email

Applying for ARC grants

Advice on how to complete an ARC application and tips on how to make your application successful from a recent successful ARC applicant.

Date: Tuesday 22 September, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email.

Thesis writing & examination

Tips on how to get your thesis finished and what examiners look for when examining a thesis.

Date: Tuesday 6 October, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Venue: Room L4, Building 12, Clayton
Book by email.

Applying for ARC grants & thesis writing and examination

Advice on how to complete an ARC application and tips on how to make your application successful from a recent successful ARC applicant. Tips on how to get your thesis finished and what examiners look for when examining a thesis.

Date: Thursday 15 October, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Venue: Room SG01, Building 11, Clayton
Book by email.

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Faculty of Engineering (Clayton)

Academic language and learning support for Research Students

The Faculty of Engineering has an academic support lecturer, who assists research students to develop the skills to report their research. Teaching is provided on communicating research in proposals, literature reviews, research papers, reports, presentations and the thesis. There are classes and individual tutorials. Click for details of the current program.

Individual tutorials

Tutorials are provided for students in need of intensive support. Please make an appointment with Jane Moodie,, Research Student Academic Support Lecturer on l 99055488 or email

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