Course summary

This is a four-year PhD programme in collaboration with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whereby students spend two years at Cambridge and two years at the NIH. This innovative programme was established in 2002. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments available in Cambridge and at NIH laboratories in the US. Students work on collaborative projects organised by co-supervisors in Cambridge and the NIH, spending two years at each institution. Students have access to all NIH facilities and are paid a stipend by the NIH, which also pays the University fees, plus flights and insurance. In Cambridge they have access to all the University resources. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge. Learning Outcomes Students develop a collaborative PhD research project, guided by their Cambridge supervisors and by the NIH mentor. At the end of their PhD course, students should:

• Have a thorough knowledge of the literature and a comprehensive understanding of scientific methods and techniques applicable to their own research;

• Be able to demonstrate originality in their application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;

• Have developed the ability to critically evaluate current research and research techniques and methodologies;

• Have self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems;

• Be able to act autonomously in the planning and implementation of research; and

• Have gained oral presentation and scientific writing skills.