PhD in Physiology, Development and Neuroscience

University of Cambridge

The Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience (PDN) offers excellent opportunities and facilities for training in research, leading to the degree of PhD (Doctor of Philosophy).

It is our aim to develop in our students the skills required to submit a satisfactory PhD thesis at the end of three or four years, or part-time over five years. To achieve this, a student will have acquired the essential skills required to design and conduct experiments (including applying for ethics approval where necessary), to analyse results, and to communicate these both in writing and orally. These skills will include those that can be transferred successfully to their choice of academic or other careers.

The PhD at the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience is achieved by supervised research and is under the jurisdiction of the Degree Committee for the Faculty of Biology. The Graduate School of Life Science also helps, by providing additional transferable skills training. Within the Department, the internal Departmental Graduate Educational Committee is responsible for all aspects of the running of the degree. A suitable project falling within the interests of the supervisor, and sustainable within the limits imposed by the facilities available in the Department, is agreed by both student and supervisor, and endorsed by the Graduate Committee at the point of admission. Each graduate student has a primary supervisor, who will supervise the main body of their research, and an adviser, who acts as a supplementary source of advice and support.

Students attend a variety of seminars given by distinguished scientists and are also able to present their research by giving seminars at our annual symposium, usually in their first and third years.