The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a University-wide degree that involves an intense period of supervised study and research culminating in the submission of a thesis. The degree is awarded to candidates who, through original investigation, make a distinct and significant contribution to knowledge in their field of specialization. The PhD provides an opportunity for graduates to acquire high-level research skills and substantially deepen their knowledge in an area of science. Students work under the guidance of a supervisor who is a full-time academic staff member of the faculty. Students may be required to take a prescribed subject in research methodology or any other subject deemed necessary by their principal supervisor. Course aims Students acquire research skills and deepen knowledge in their chosen area of science or mathematics. Research in UTS Science is organized into university research strengths, centers and faculty research teams based within its two schools: the School of Life Sciences and School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. These research groups conduct world-leading, focused research in area that includes environmental science. UTS: Science is a world-class research intensive faculty with a growing reputation for its research quality and impact across a wide range of disciplines. The faculty contributes over 40 per cent of UTS's total research activities, and achieved excellent results in the last Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) report: Ranked 'well above world standard' for its environmental science and infectious diseases research programs Careers Graduates can find careers in academia, as a researcher, research fellow, research associate and an expert in their chosen area of research.