Teaching
There is no formal teaching. However, students are expected to be inducted to their host PhD department and follow the advice and guidance and fulfil any requirements set.
The programme requires regular three-way meetings between the Cambridge PI, the NIH mentor and the student, conducted by telephone, Skype, Zoom, MS Teams or face-to-face. The University requires termly progress reports to be made online, and these are available to students.
| One to one supervision |
The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. The programme requires regular three-way meetings between the Cambridge PI, the NIH mentor and the student, conducted by telephone, Skype, Zoom, MS Teams or face-to-face. The University requires termly progress reports to be made online, and these are available to students. |
|---|---|
| Seminars & classes |
Lasker Lessons in Leadership Seminar Series is supported by the International Biomedical Research Alliance. Students are expected to attend, contribute to, or watch recordings of the seminars. Visit the Lessons in Leadership page on the Lasker Foundation website for more information. |
| Lectures |
As required by the host department. |
| Practicals |
As required by the host department. |
| Small group teaching |
As required by the host department. |
| Journal clubs |
As required by the host department. |
| Literature Reviews |
As required by the host department. |
| Posters and Presentations |
The programme hosts an annual research workshop at either the NIH, Oxford or Cambridge to allow a platform for students to present their research to date. All students are expected to attend. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Entirely Research
|
Feedback
Students should expect to receive ongoing feedback from all supervisors and NIH mentors involved in their research project. This could take place during one-to-one meetings or during lab meetings. In addition, students can expect to receive a written online report each term.
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 NIH requires a yearly report from each scholar. The programme requires regular three-way meetings between the Cambridge PI, the NIH mentor and the student, conducted by telephone, Skype, Zoom, MS Teams or face-to-face.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
The PhD is examined by thesis (maximum of 60,000 words) and viva with two examiners, usually held in Cambridge.
Details of the process vary between departments and students should contact their departmental postgraduate administrator for further information.
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. Details of the process varies between departments and students should contact their departmental postgraduate administrator for further information
If successful, the student moves from being 'probationary' to being formally registered for the PhD and can proceed with their project.
The funder (NIH) requires an annual report submitted to the NIH directorate and requires the student to remain in good standing with the programme.