Teaching
During their PhD the students are based in a research group, supported by their primary supervisor and the CIMR Postgraduate Education Committee. Along with the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which the student works, students receive further training within the CIMR in the form of postgraduate workshops concentrating on research techniques, research seminars both on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and elsewhere in the University, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights, writing a thesis or paper, and entrepreneurship. There is no formal taught and examined course work.
| One to one supervision |
Students are supervised on a day-to-day basis either by their Primary Supervisor or a designated supervisor. The number of hours of supervision will vary from supervisor to supervisor. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. The supervisor will provide written feedback to the student each term with progress reports submitted online. The feedback will relate to the progress the student has made and include a specific comment on their research project. This will be discussed with the student in advance of the submission of the report to the University. |
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| Seminars & classes |
Students can attend a variety of core principles sessions, seminars, talks and workshops within CIMR, the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and elsewhere in the University. |
| Small group teaching |
Regular lab meetings within the research group. |
| Journal clubs |
This varies according to the lab the student has chosen. |
| Posters and Presentations |
In their second year students are required to present a poster and throughout their PhD they will give research talks within CIMR and at the Research Retreat. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
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Feedback
Students receive feedback regarding their progress in the form of on-line termly reports from their supervisor.
Additional verbal feedback will be provided frequently by the project supervisor as part of the day-to-day supervision and in regular lab meetings.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The word limit for PhD thesis is 60,000, although students may request an extension up to 80,000 words. The thesis is examined by viva with two examiners.
Other
All PhD students are probationary in their first year and are required to undergo formal assessment (by written report and viva) at the end of their first year, which they must pass.
If successful, the student moves from being "probationary" to being registered for the PhD, and can proceed with their project.
In their second year, students are required to present a poster, which is assessed by their academic adviser and a CIMR PI and feedback provided.
In their third year, students are required to present a talk on their research at the CIMR Summer Symposium.
Throughout their PhD, students may give research talks within CIMR and at the Research Retreat. In addition, they can take part in events and competitions organised within the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences and the University.