Master of Industrial Research (Chemistry)
Course code: MR-IRCHEM
2 years full time / 4 years part time
Expected candidature is 1.5 years full time (or part time equivalent)
Flexible
See How to apply
Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) places available
Flexible
See How to apply
AUD $58,976 (2026 indicative first year fee)
Course structure
Overview
Course structure
The Master of Industrial Research (Chemistry) is a 200-point course, made up of:
- An industry-based research project (150 points)
- Coursework core and elective subjects (50 points).
The research project will be conducted within industry laboratories, supervised by staff from the Faculty of Science and from the industry partner. You’ll produce a project proposal and a final research report/thesis, and deliver a seminar on your findings.
You’ll select your elective subjects from a wide range on offer, ranging from chemistry, business, statistics, modelling, ethics and scientific communication.
Available projects
Project 1: CSL Pty Ltd
Advancing O-Glycan Characterisation Techniques for Biotherapeutic research and development
N- and O-Glycans are complex carbohydrates attached to proteins and lipids that play crucial roles in biological systems. O-linked glycans, in particular, are essential for protein function, stability, and cell signalling. Their structural diversity and biological significance have made them a focal point in biotherapeutic research, especially for the development and quality assurance of protein-based drugs. However, the analysis of O-linked glycans remains a significant challenge due to their structural complexity, heterogeneity, and the lack of robust analytical reagents and methods.
This project aims to build on existing procedures and develop novel sample preparation methodologies to effectively release and analyse the O-glycans using enzymatic and nonenzymatic methods, followed by labelling with a fluorophore for quantitation and mass spectrometry-based methods for identification.
Location: CSL Laboratories, Melbourne CBD
Project 2: Agilent Technologies Pty Ltd
Human Biomonitoring of PFAS in an Indigenous Australian Community
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants of global concern due to their bioaccumulation, long biological half-lives, and associations with adverse health outcomes. While PFAS contamination has been documented across Australia, high-quality human biomonitoring data for Indigenous communities remain extremely limited, particularly studies that integrate environmental, dietary, and biological exposure pathways. During this project we will establish a community-centred PFAS biomonitoring study within an Indigenous Australian community.
The study will integrate measurements of PFAS in drinking water, locally sourced food and seafood, environmental samples, and human blood, providing a holistic assessment of real-world exposure pathways.
Location: University of Melbourne, Parkville
Intended learning outcomes
Intended learning outcomes can be found on the Career Outcomes page.