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.
The objectives of this program are to train students to conduct research in bioengineered plant cells and systems, and to apply engineering biology to the application areas of clean growth, environmental solutions and food systems. Students will follow a programme that includes research and personal and professional development via training in specific (technical) and generic (transferrable) skills. In the final assessment, candidates will be assessed on their thesis and by oral examination. They will demonstrate attainment of higher education qualification at level 8 on the FHEQ (Doctoral degree) via the creation and interpretation of new knowledge, original research that extends the forefront of the discipline, and demonstration of the ability to conceptualise, design and implement research projects.
Learning outcomes
The primary outcomes from successfully completing a PhD include expertise in:
· Specialist training in experimental or theoretical methods
· An ability to analyse relevant literature and apply it to the development of innovative research
· Capacity to develop and apply data abstraction and analytical procedures with an appropriate level of statistical validation
· Independence in designing and conducting original research and preparing that data in a format suitable for publication in peer-reviewed journals
· Enhanced organisational skills in terms of time management, good laboratory practices, safety and planning a specific programme of research
On completion of their PhD, students will be well-prepared to undertake additional independent research in their existing research field or by applying their expertise and understanding in a new field. Graduates will have a good grounding in the collation and organisation of research for reports or peer-reviewed papers and will be prepared for a career in academia or in other fields such as industry or policy.
Open Days
The University hosts and attends fairs and events throughout the year, in the UK and across the world. We also offer online events to help you explore your options: Discover Cambridge: Master’s and PhD study webinars - these Spring events provide practical information about applying for postgraduate study. Postgraduate Virtual Open Days - taking place in November each year, the Open Days focus on subject and course information. For more information about upcoming events visit our events pages.
Departments
This course is advertised in the following departments: