Monash Undergraduate Research Projects Abroad (MURPA)
The UCSD PRIME Program acted as the inspiration for MURPA. This video demonstrates how PRIME has affected the lives of 50 UCSD undergraduates.
The Faculty of Information Technology is delighted to announce an opportunity for Monash undergraduate students studying computer science, software engineering, information technology or related areas to undertake an 8-week summer semester international research project at the prestigious University of California, San Diego (UCSD).
In 2009 up to five Monash students who will have completed at least 24 points of third year computer science or software engineering units will be awarded a MURPA package comprising:
A travel grant to support flights and accommodation in San Diego
Supervision and mentorship by a Monash researcher;
Supervision and research facilities provided by UCSD researchers;
A MURPA unit on your academic transcript (not for credit, but free of charges);
This fantastic opportunity to work with world-renowned Monash and UCSD professors on cutting edge research projects provides a unique chance to experience life in a leading international research laboratory. You will gain recognition on your academic transcript that will significantly enhance your career prospects and be considered favourably should you choose to undertake a postgraduate research career. Supporting this programme is a unique international research seminar series run in 1st semester 2009 where leading UCSD professors will present their latest exciting research projects to Monash students and staff via high definition interactive video technology. This MURPA seminar series will introduce potential MURPA students to the UCSD projects, and allow students to meet the professors with whom they would work on their research projects.
Preference will be given to students who are planning to return and enrol in an honours degree in 2010.
MURPA is supported by:
Monash Faculty of Information Technology
Monash e-Research Centre
Monash Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International)
Monash Abroad.
MURPA information for students
Eligibility. Students must:
have completed at least 24 credit points of third year computer science, software engineering or technically oriented IT units by the end of 2009;
be enrolled full time at Monash University in 2010 studying computer science, software engineering honours, or another relevant honours track or masters(minor thesis);
have participated in the MURPA international research seminar series in first semester 2009 and completed an evaluation of the research seminars and a research proposal that specifies the research area of interest to you and the professor with whom you wish to work.
Obligations. MURPA students must:
be responsible for travel, visa and accommodation in San Diego;
undertake the research programme agreed with their UCSD supervisor;
produce a written research report and make a research presentation describing their research project, its results, and how they benefited from the MUPRA programme;
agree to assist in promoting the MURPA programme to students in 2010;
be enrolled in a Monash University degree during the MURPA project and in 2010.
complete a Monash Abroad application form.
Support. MURPA students who fulfil their obligations are entitled to:
Travel and accommodation support;
Additional Monash Abroad support of $1000;
advice on travel and visa arrangements (if necessary) from Monash Abroad;
emergency and other assistance from Monash Abroad;
advice and support from a Monash MUPRA research mentor;
Selection. Students will be selected for MURPA based on:
meeting the eligibility requirements;
academic merit during undergraduate studies;
attendance and participation in the MURPA international research seminar series;
the quality and commitment shown by their research proposal;
an interactive video interview with their desired UCSD research supervisor;
evaluation by Monash MURPA research mentors.
Visa.
Students who are Australian citizens can enter the USA on a visa waiver but you will only be able to remain in the USA for a total of 90 days, including any personal travel you undertake before or after your MURPA project.
If you want to stay longer you will need to apply for a B2 Visitor Visa at the US Consulate-General in Melbourne before you leave. This will involve a personal interview at the Consulate.
Students who are citizens of other countries may not be eligible for a visa waiver and may have to apply for a B2 Visitor Visa even for a stay of less than 90 days.
