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Teaching
In their first year, students will attend Principal Investigator-led core topic sessions which cover (i) fundamental techniques including bioinformatics, microscopy, flow cytometry, data analysis and statistics; (ii) cutting edge technologies such as the design and execution of genetic screens, new proteomic approaches and mathematical modelling; (iii) key transferable skills including communication, scientific writing, public engagement and ethics. Each PI will contribute to this teaching and small group tutorials allow for a personal flavour and flexible dynamic.
Training in scientific communication and critical thinking continues throughout the PhD including oral presentations at the annual symposium. Additional training in later years will include adopting a ‘near-peer’ mentor role and organization of internal conference including opportunities to engage with non-academic speakers and editors.
| One to one supervision | Supervision will vary from student to student depending on need and in accordance with the academic requirements of the project. However, all students can expect to interact with a member of their supervision team on a daily-to-weekly basis. Students can expect to receive direct guidance from their academic supervisor on at least a monthly basis, with more frequent guidance if required. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | Throughout their PhD all students will be expected to present their research at the CITIID seminar series and at the annual symposium. This provides an opportunity for supervisors and course organisers to monitor student progress. To aid career development and consideration of future opportunities, this symposium will include short talks from recent alumni describing their career trajectory since completing their PhD. This will be complemented by presentations by more senior representatives from non-academic career paths. |
| Practicals | There are no practicals outside the laboratory-based work. |
| Journal clubs | Supervisors will guide students on attendance at relevant journal clubs – students will generally attend around one such meeting per month. |
| Posters and Presentations | Students will be expected to give one poster presentation per year to the Department. |
Placements
The advantage of this four year program is that at the start of the PhD, students will be offered a range of topics with potential CITIID supervisors. Students choose two 3-month rotation projects in the first 6 months of the program. At the end of these two rotation projects students are able to make an informed decision about the laboratory in which they would like to undertake their main 3 year 6 month PhD project.
Feedback
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. The supervisor will provide verbal feedback more frequently as part of day-to-day supervision.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
PhD students are expected to submit a thesis of no more than 60,000 words within four years of commencing study.
The thesis is examined at a viva by one internal and one external examiner appointed by the Faculty Degree Committee.
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.
Progression within the program relies on satisfactory completion of this first year viva. The first year viva for students will take place 1 year after joining the PhD lab following rotations (i.e. 16 months after joining the program).
If successful, the student moves from being "probationary" to being registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.