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Postgraduate Study

2 course(s) offered in the Department of Biochemistry

Biochemistry - PhD

Students are based in a research group and undertake a research project agreed with the principal investigator (supervisor). Each student also has additional mentorship support from an academic advisor and a Postgraduate Thesis Panel. Although no formal, examined coursework exists, the student's progress is assessed at various stages. The most important is the First-Year Assessment, which comprises submitting a thesis report and an oral examination assessed by two examiners. Registration for a PhD is only possible following a satisfactory outcome from the First-Year Assessment. In their second year, students present their research work in poster form. In the third year, students present their work in a talk given to the whole Department.

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Biological Science (Biochemistry) by thesis - MPhil

The Department offers a one-year full-time MPhil programme by research leading to the Master of Philosophy in Biological Science (Biochemistry). This is also available as a part-time option over two years.

The Department is also involved with the management and delivery of two pathways (Biomolecular Science and Cell Science) in the new MPhil in Biological Sciences, which includes both taught and research components.

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5 course(s) also advertised in the Department of Biochemistry

Antarctic Studies - PhD

From the British Antarctic Survey

This PhD course takes place under the joint supervision of a research scientist at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and a University supervisor. Students may be based at BAS but will be registered for their degree with one of the partnering departments: Archaeology, Plant Sciences, Zoology, Earth Sciences, Geography and Scott Polar Research Institute, Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Computer Science and Technology, and Biochemistry.

BAS welcomes enquiries from those interested in higher degrees in earth science subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and related areas.

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Biological Sciences BBSRC DTP - PhD

From the School of the Biological Sciences

The Cambridge Biosciences DTP is a four year fully-funded PhD programme that aims to create highly skilled and employable people. The programme offers training across 23 University Departments/Institutes and 3 Partner Institutes providing access to a wide range of research areas related to the strategic themes of the BBSRC. We offer two types of DTP studentships:

  • Targeted

  • iCase

During the programme, DTP Targeted students will undertake two ten-week rotations in different labs before commencing their PhD. They will receive training in a variety of areas including but not limited to statistics, programming, ethics, data analysis, scientific writing and public engagement. Students will also undertake a 12-week internship (PIPS).

iCase students are not required to undertake rotations but may do so if they feel that this training would be useful. They must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months and a maximum of 18 months.

Students will be expected to submit their thesis at the end of the fourth year.

Part-time study, whilst not the norm, may be viable, depending on the project, and will be considered on a case by case basis so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.

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National Institutes of Health Oxford/Cambridge Programme NIH Ox/Cam - PhD

From the Department of Medicine

This innovative programme was established in 2002 as a collaboration between the University of Cambridge and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. Its aim is to train outstanding students in biomedical research, taking advantage of the excellent research environments in Cambridge and 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 by the NIH. The PhD is awarded by the University of Cambridge.

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Planetary Science and Life in the Universe - MPhil

From the Institute of Astronomy

The MPhil in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe is a 10-month cross-departmental programme delivering outstanding postgraduate level training in the search for life’s origins on Earth and its discovery on planets beyond Earth.

The course structure has been designed by leading scientists to provide students with the theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and transferable skills required to undertake world-leading research in Planetary Sciences and Life in the Universe. Graduating students will be equipped with the discipline specific-specialisations and skills of a masters course, whilst gaining understanding in how the core areas that bridge PSLU fields form the cross-disciplinary foundation of this exciting new frontier.

Graduates of the course will gain valuable skills rooted in the study of the physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology of planetary science and life in the universe. Transferrable skills training is delivered through the three group-based projects running over the year: these provide a unique opportunity for students to gain experience of leadership, collaboration, and written and oral communication. The training provided will be an outstanding foundation for PhD research in planetary science, exoplanetary science, Earth system science, planetary astrophysics, astrobiology and allied disciplines, or for the wide range of careers where analytical skills, excellent communication, and experience of leading collaborations are key.

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Plant Biosystems Design (Plant Sciences) BBSRC DFA - PhD

From the Department of Plant Sciences

Plant Biosystems Design is jointly administered by the Universities of Bristol, Cambridge and York, and the John Innes Centre. It aims to catalyse interdisciplinary partnerships and drive innovation in the application of engineering principles to plant biology and biotechnology. Research projects will develop knowledge, talent and technologies to provide sustainable access to plant products, optimise crop performance and drive novel applications of plants through rational engineering. The interdisciplinary nature and focus of the course align to the UK’s National Engineering Biology Programme. We offer two types of studentships: standard and iCASE. Standard studentships are supervised by academic researchers while iCASE studentships are co-supervised by an Industrial Partner. All students must undertake a placement which lasts a minimum of three months. This placement does not need to occur in one single continuous period. iCASE students must undertake a placement with their Industrial Partner for a minimum of three months.

A PhD in Plant Biosystems Design takes four years of full-time study to complete (or equivalent part-time) and consists of research and training courses under academic supervision. All students will attend an annual three-day residential training retreat. Students will develop a deep theoretical and practical understanding through research into aspects of Engineering Biology in plant cells and systems, augmented by training courses delivered within the University of Cambridge’s School of Biological Sciences, or in cohort training delivered by Universities of Bristol, York and the John Innes Centre. Students will be trained to apply the engineering principles of problem-driven research, standardisation, and iterative design-build-test-learn processes that incorporate simulations and modelling. Training will include computational modelling, data science, genetic logic and circuit design, protein design, entrepreneurship, and responsible innovation. These specialist training will be underpinned by training in data-management, statistics, personal development, project management, research integrity, health and safety, wellbeing, writing a thesis, and how to give effective scientific presentations.

Full-time PhD students must submit a thesis for examination by the end of their fourth year of study.

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Department Members


Professor Eric Miska
Head of Department

  • 55 Academic Staff
  • 110 Postdoctoral Researchers
  • 87 Graduate Students
  • 69 Undergraduates

http://www.bioc.cam.ac.uk/

Research Areas

  • Chemical biology and drug design
  • Disease biology
  • DNA and chromatin biology
  • Molecular microbiology
  • Plant biochemistry and bioenergy
  • RNA biology
  • Signalling and trafficking
  • Stem cell biology
  • Systems biology