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Teaching
There is no formal teaching for the course as assessment is by research only. PhD students are, however, encouraged to attend any lectures, seminars or talks which may be relevant to their area of research.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. Students will discuss this with their supervisor at the beginning of their first year. Supervisions are arranged with supervisors as needed, at regular intervals, depending on the student's requirements and stage of progress, as well as any practical constraints such as staff or student fieldwork.
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| Seminars & classes | Seminars during term as well as research group meetings are a key part of the academic life of the Department. |
| Lectures | None required but PhD students are free to attend any lectures in the Department. |
| Small group teaching | May be arranged within lab groups. |
| Journal clubs | May be arranged as small sub-discipline interest groups or weekly lab group meetings and seminars. |
Placements
Any placements would be determined on an individual basis.
Feedback
Students can expect to receive feedback throughout the term from their supervisory team in addition to reports outlining their progress on an online system. The Department also holds regular informal sessions for PhD students to allow them to discuss progress and concerns with academic staff. Students with concerns should feel free to contact their supervisors or College Postgraduate Tutor to discuss them.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The thesis topic is normally proposed by the student and then decided between the student and the supervisor, and assistance is provided on elements of methodology and analysis, as well as with the written presentation. The thesis must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out investigations, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject.
A PhD thesis in Biological Anthropology must represent a significant contribution to knowledge, with a word count of not more than 80,000 words, excluding appendices, footnotes and bibliography. After submission an oral presentation (viva) is required. The PhD is assessed solely on the basis of the thesis examination.
Other
PhD students at Cambridge are not initially registered until they have completed a period of probation. Academic progress is monitored over the course of the first year of study as students develop their projects and test their methodology (or first two years for part-time students). A report is submitted at the end of the first year (or first two years for part-time students) and is assessed by internal review prior to registration. Subsequent yearly updates are then required in order to monitor progress. The objective here is formative, aiming to assure all concerned that the PhD project is on track and to put adjustments in place where necessary. It is not a formal assessment in the sense of forming an evaluated part of the student's academic record.