Biosciences MPhil

We integrate traditional bioscience disciplines to investigate the steps from genotype to phenotype. Our research also incorporates chemistry, biophysics and eukaryotic-microbial models.

We offer MPhil, PhD and MD supervision in all of our main research areas. You will join a vibrant research community of about 100 postgraduate research students in the Institute. You will work in one of our established research groups alongside postdoctoral researchers, senior students and staff. You will be encouraged to present your work in the Institute and at scientific meetings.

Our staff are successful in attracting postgraduate funding from diverse sources, such as:

UK Research Councils, including a BBSRC Doctoral Training Partnership
Industrial CASE awards
charities
UK and international government initiatives.

Research Themes

Our research is divided into four themes, each linked to a research group.

Bacterial Cell Biology Group

The Bacterial Cell Biology Group focuses on the fundamental aspects of cell biology, biochemistry and pathogenicity of eubacteria. Together with colleagues from Computing Sciences, they form the Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology (CBCB). The CBCB is the world’s largest research centre focussed on the molecular and cellular biology of bacterial cells and bacterial cell wall biosynthesis.

Epithelial Biology Group

The Epithelial Biology Group focuses on universal organising principles that include the processes governing the specialised roles of epithelial cells.

Proteins: Structure, Function and Evolution Group

The Proteins: Structure, Function and Evolution Group is united by the common goal of seeking to understand the nature of protein:protein and protein:ligand structure/function relationships at the molecular level.

Sensing, Signalling and Expression Group

The Sensing, Signalling and Expression Group is concerned with how DNA is replicated and expressed, and how this expression can be altered by sensing change, in the environment or within the eukaryotic cell.

Placements

The Intern Scholarship Scheme provides you with the opportunity to develop your skills by working in industry, the public sector or a charity. These internships are available following submission of your thesis.

Some UK research council-funded studentship programmes, such as CASE studentships and DTP studentships, offer industrial or other work experience training as an integral part of the programme.

Our Postgraduate Student Association, the Postgraduate Network in ICaMB (PAN!C) organises an annual Careers Symposium. Guests have included speakers from industry (pharmaceutical and biotechnology), small and medium enterprises, medical charities, patent and trade mark attorneys, and national newspapers.

A number of successful spin off companies have been created by institute staff. This is testimony to our intellectual and innovative capacity, and our ability to translate biosciences research to the industrial setting.