The degree of Master of Science in research requires a minimum of three academic sessions of full-time study and preparation of a written thesis. The length of a Masters research thesis normally should not exceed 75,000 words of text. Once completed, the thesis is reviewed by members of the Australian and International Scientific Academic community.<br><br>The Masters by Research degree programs within the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences (BABS) provide the highest level of training in key areas of scientific research. Students work on an independent research project encompassing the broader interests of one of the research teams within the School. In the early stages of the program, students receive close supervision and guidance in the management of their project. In the later stages, however, students are encouraged to exercise initiative, demonstrate originality and work independently. UNSW boasts world-class researchers in the field of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics. Using a wide range of cutting-edge molecular and bioinformatic tools, our researchers facilitate collaborative research efforts to understand and combat genetic disease, metabolic disorders and cancer. Members of this research area are responsible for the establishment and running of two major centers in the School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, the Ramaciotti Centre for Gene Function and Analysis offering expertise in next-generation sequencing and microarray technology, and the NSW Systems Biology Initiative building capabilities and expertise in bioinformatics for genomics and proteomics.