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Full time | University of Cambridge | 3 years | 17-APR-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

3 years

Start date

17-APR-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

PhD/DPhil - Doctor of Philosophy

Subject areas

Genetics

Course type

Research

Course Summary

Modern genetics research seeks to provide a systems-level understanding of biology by relating genome sequence to function and phenotype. The research in the Department of Genetics covers a wide spectrum of biological problems, united by the application of genetics tools and approaches. Research themes range from understanding basic mechanisms in cell biology relating to the mechanics of division, migration and communication, through the large-scale analysis of genome regulation and epigenetic control, to aspects of population biology focused on issues of ecological and evolutionary significance.

Modern genetics has today evolved beyond its traditional boundaries to become a fundamental part of biology and medicine. The Department reflects this pervasiveness with research interests encompassing several high-impact themes, including functional genomics and systems biology, developmental genetics, epigenetic inheritance, evolution and population genetics, microbial genetics, and cell biology.

The Department of Genetics hosts between 50 and 65 postgraduate students across 25 research groups, researching a wide range of biological problems, from population genetics and ecology to the detailed analysis of genome sequence. The Department is based in a historic building on the Downing Site but has research groups located in the Gurdon Institute, Cambridge Systems Biology Centre and Sainsbury Labs as well as an impressive range of local, national and international collaborations.

PhD students in the Department will undertake three to four years of research under the supervision of one of our group leaders, where they will develop an original research question and address this through laboratory or computer-based research. Research students will develop skills in finding and assessing relevant primary literature, and produce written reviews of the literature throughout their degree and prior to the preparation of the PhD thesis.

Students will undertake specific training in their research area as well as more generic skills training over the course of their research degrees. Supervising undergraduate students is often a rewarding part of the Research student experience and opportunities through the Departments teaching portfolio and the College supervision system are widely available. Students are expected to submit their thesis by the end of their fourth year.

Modules

Thesis required of not more than 60,000 words in length, excluding figures, tables, footnotes, appendices and bibliography. The examination will include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£9,387

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£35,673

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree.