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Teaching
The MPhil programme offered by the Department of Clinical Biochemistry in the Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL) is a supervised, laboratory-based research course (usually 1 year), with each student conducting their MPhil project under the direction of their principal supervisor. The course is entirely by research.
Students should expect to receive regular supervision from their principal supervisor, ideally at least once a month, and formal feedback each term.
Students also attend regular lab meetings and will present their work at the annual IMS-MRL student symposium.
The Code of Practice provides University guidelines for research students.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. Students are expected to have regular meetings with their supervisor. In addition, students are assigned an adviser who is a second point of contact for academic advice. Students should expect to receive online reports at least termly and will have regular meetings with their supervisor who will provide feedback and advice.
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| Seminars & classes | Students are expected to attend weekly departmental seminars and the "hot topics" and techniques sessions organised for all first-year students at the Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL). |
| Practicals | This is a research-based MPhil. There are no set practicals but students are expected to undertake a minimum of 40 hours/week of research for at least 44 weeks/year or the pro-rata equivalent if registered for a part-time MPhil. |
| Journal clubs | Students are encouraged to attend and present at the Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL) student journal club. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students are expected to participate in, and present their work at lab group meetings. All MPhil students are expected to present a poster at the annual Institute of Metabolic Science - Metabolic Research Laboratories (IMS-MRL) student symposium. |
Feedback
Students should expect to receive regular feedback on experimental progress and feedback during writing the MPhil thesis from their principal supervisor. Termly progress reports are made by the supervisor and uploaded on an online reporting system which is accessible to students. Feedback on poster presentation is provided following the annual student symposium.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The MPhil in Medical Science is examined by thesis and viva. The thesis must be no longer than 20,000 words in length, exclusive of tables, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices, and must satisfy the examiners that the candidate can design and carry out an original investigation, assess and interpret the results obtained, and place the work in the wider perspective of the subject.
The examination shall include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.