Course summary

This programme is under review and closed for applications. Closely allied with the Institute of Cell Biology, our group studies the structure and impact of biomolecules, from their atomic structure and assembly into molecular machines, to studying how molecular signals are transduced in animals and plants. We offer a combination of world-class facilities and training that sets us apart as one of the premier centres for this type of research in the UK. You’ll be supported by well-published staff who are leaders in their field and will benefit from a comprehensive programme of seminars, symposiums, distinguished visitors and social events. Our groups investigate molecular structure using techniques suchas biomolecular nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography, computational structure prediction and cryo-electron microscopy. We also cover the full panoply of methods for protein production and biological characterisation. The Institute of Quantitative Biology, Biochemistry & Biotechnology's labs are highly active in deciphering the molecular events that drive growth and development. By combining experimental and mathematical modelling approaches we are able to gain a more holistic ‘systems level’ understanding of molecular signalling. A growing area of our research is the development of technologies that combine chemical library generation with proteomics and high-speed imaging methods to allow identification of new ligand-protein interactions. Through links with the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine, we aim to make a real impact on healthcare through drug discovery projects.