Teaching
This is a research-based course. Non-assessed events in which students are expected to participate include oral and poster presentations on their research, the Biological Anthropology seminar series, and attendance at research and professional skills sessions, laboratory sessions and individual meetings with the course director. Students are encouraged to attend any lectures which may be relevant to their area of research.
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding teaching and examination of MPhil degrees.
| One to one supervision |
Students receive one-to-one supervision on their research project; these are scheduled as and when required and feasible. Students are encouraged to attend relevant seminars, and participate in post-seminar informal discussions with academic staff and other students. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
The MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science does not have a teaching component in the form of lectures or seminars. However, students are strongly encouraged to attend the MPhil Research Skills seminars, and the Biological Anthropology seminar series that take place once a week during term, and any other seminars relevant to their study. |
| Lectures |
None required, but students are free to attend any lectures in the Department. |
| Practicals |
None required, but students are encouraged to attend any practicals associated with courses that would enhance their methodological and technical skills. Students should approach the relevant course coordinator for permission, as these sessions may have restricted-size classes |
| Journal clubs |
Journal clubs are normally student-driven and organised around particular interest groups. Students are encouraged to organise them, and to invite other students and researchers to participate. |
| Posters and Presentations |
To develop their science communication skills, students are expected to give two presentations about their research, one in the form of a poster, and the other as a short powerpoint presentation. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
|
Feedback
Students can expect to receive termly online progress reports. Supervisors or module coordinators may provide additional written or oral feedback on assessed work.
Students are invited to group meetings throughout the year to discuss progress and concerns in order to address issues as and when they arise.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The thesis is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to formulate a thesis project, carry out research and write it up. Students may choose between two alternative formats for their thesis:
either in the form of a thesis of not more than 30,000 words in length, or
in the form of at least two research articles. It is not compulsory for these articles to be submitted for publication in an academic journal, this should be decided in conjunction with the supervisor. Depending on the content and length of the articles, students may be required to submit supplementary work such as a literature review or additional analyses. The combined work should not exceed 30,000 words.
The MPhil is assessed via a thesis and a subsequent oral examination (viva). The initial submission deadline is approximately 10 months after the start date. The dissertation is then examined in a viva. An outcome of this may be that the examiners request that students make corrections or amendments to their thesis. These can take several weeks to complete. The thesis shall provide evidence to satisfy the examiners that a candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspectives of the subject.
Essays
The MPhil in Biological Anthropological Science is assessed solely on the basis of a thesis.