Course summary

DPhil The DPhil in Biology is a research-based course focused on original projects in areas such as fieldwork, lab experiments, data analysis, or theoretical biology, with training in research and professional skills. As a doctoral student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted within one or more of the existing research groups. You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the doctoral training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division. Doctoral research projects can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory, but in all cases must be original and rigorous, leading to publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The majority of your time will, therefore, be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities. You will be part of a vibrant educational research community that includes an active set of doctoral student-led events, seminars and workshops. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss your work in progress with your supervisor, other faculty members and peers, informally day-to-day and by attending a variety of seminars and workshops in the department and at conferences elsewhere. The department has a friendly graduate community which provides a welcoming network to new students. The graduate student community offers a supportive environment, both social and scientific, allowing new graduates to develop into well-rounded and confident scientists. Graduates are a valued part of the department's research community and their work is showcased annually at the departmental Graduate Symposium. MSc This programme offers advanced training in the latest research approaches in support of independent research that you will be conducting in your chosen field of biology, giving you the preparation and expertise required to bridge the gap between a taught degree and a DPhil/PhD or employment. You will be expected to develop an original research project under the guidance of your academic supervisors and normally on a topic related to their areas of expertise. Research projects must be original and rigorous, and can be based on fieldwork (sometimes in remote places), laboratory experiments, analysis of existing data sets, or mathematical theory. The majority of your time will be spent in independent self-directed research and will involve a mixture of experimental, computational and observational activities. As an MSc by Research student, your primary focus will be your research, which will be conducted with one or more of the existing research groups. Depending upon your research, you may work with different research groups within the Department of Biology and with collaborators in other departments or institutions. You will be part of a vibrant educational research community that includes an active set of graduate student-led events, seminars and workshops. You will have the opportunity to present and discuss your work in progress with your supervisor, other faculty members and peers, informally day-to-day and by attending a variety of seminars and workshops in the department and at conferences elsewhere. In addition, you will be encouraged to make the most of the graduate training and research methods provision available across the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division.