Teaching
The course combines taught lectures (October-April), followed by a research project (April-July). There are typically three full taught modules per term, each full module consists of 24 hours of lectures / labs.
| One to one supervision |
The Course Directors are available throughout the year for individual meetings and meet with each student briefly during the first two terms to check on progress. Each lecturer is also encouraged to arrange an office hour whereby students can talk about their progress. 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 |
A fortnightly seminar is held during the first two terms on topics across Computational Biology. |
| Lectures |
Typically, 24 hours per full module, with students taking six full modules, or equivalent. |
| Practicals |
Typically two hours per module, but this varies from module to module. |
| Small group teaching |
Students can attend small group supervision sessions for full modules, typically 4 hours of supervision per full module. |
| Posters and Presentations |
Students give a 25-minute presentation on their research project as part of the formal assessment. Assessed coursework may also require students to present their work. |
| Taught/Research Balance |
Predominantly Taught
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Placements
Students undertake a mandatory research project (April to July) in either a university or industrial laboratory. The Department will compile a list of possible opportunities which students can discuss directly with the host laboratory. Where appropriate, students may request they organise their own placement for their research project, subject to the approval of the Course Directors.
Feedback
The Course Directors submit a termly report on each student's progress following a short one-on-one meeting held towards the end of the first two terms and will receive termly reports. Students may be provided with feedback as an indication of progress.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
A 15,000-word (maximum) report must be written to summarise the student's research project. An assessed oral presentation on this report must also be given.
Other
Modules are typically assessed through individual or group coursework. Assignments may involve significant computational elements. Presentations on candidates’ work may be required as part of the assessment of submitted coursework.