DPhil in Molecular Cell Biology in Health and Disease

University of Oxford

About the course: You will spend up to four years in one of the department's many research groups, working on a project supervised by the group's principal investigator. During this period you will have the opportunity to take part in the comprehensive training programme organised for graduate students.After a very short induction period of one or two weeks, during which some basic training is provided, you will start a research project in your supervisor’s laboratory. There are a number of key stages in the research programme. Within a month of starting, you will meet with your supervisor and graduate advisor to finalise your project and agree on an initial programme of research. Within the first three months, you will complete an analysis of your training needs with your supervisor. Within the first six months you are expected to complete a literature review on a topic relating to your area of research. After one year you will apply to transfer to DPhil status. (See Assessment: ) You will apply to confirm your DPhil status by the end of your third year. (See Assessment: ) The final stage is submission of your DPhil thesis, which needs to be done within four years.Most laboratories have weekly meetings where members present and discuss their research results with other members of the laboratory. You will also regularly present your work in progress seminars, which are attended by other research groups working in related areas. Further support is available from your college advisor. Assessment: There are two formal Assessment: s that need to be passed before you are able to submit your DPhil Thesis. In Oxford all research students start out holding probationary research student (PRS) status.You need to transfer to DPhil status within 4 terms (about 15 months). To do this you write a report describing your research to date and plans for the future. This will be assessed by two independent experts, who interview you as part of the process.You need to confirm your DPhil status within 3 years. This involves writing a short progress report and thesis outline and giving a presentation. The application is assessed by two experts. The final stage is submission of your DPhil thesis, which needs to be done within four years. This is assessed by two experts in the field, one of whom is external to Oxford. The Assessment: includes an interview or viva.

University of Oxford