PhD

Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disease

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: English
Local:$ 26.9 k / Year(s) Foreign:$ 49.3 k / Year(s) Deadline: Jun 30, 2024
6 place StudyQA ranking:1769 Duration:4 years

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Improved understanding of the causes and consequences of obesity, diabetes and related cardiovascular disorders is becoming increasingly important as the incidence rises worldwide.

The programme provides opportunities for multidisciplinary training in a range of approaches to studying these common disorders. The programme aims to train researchers who are able to fully exploit the power of modern molecular and cellular biology (including bioinformatics and systems biology) and of integrating these approaches with sophisticated whole-organism physiology and clinical, genetic and epidemiological science. 

The programme is administered from the Metabolic Research Laboratories, Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science. It brings together some of the exceptional expertise available in the University Schools of Clinical Medicine and Biological Sciences with that in Cambridge-based MRC Units, the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute and the Babraham Institute. Programme PIs are at the international forefront of their scientific disciplines, and provide breadth of expertise, from molecules and cells through animals to population science. This puts us in a unique position to undertake cross-disciplinary research with a translational impact on human health.

During the first (MRes) year, students develop first-hand research experience through three mini-research projects in different laboratories, attend weekly ‘hot topics’ seminars led by research leaders, receive training in specialised techniques and have opportunities to gain experience in generic and transferable skills.

At the end of the 1st year, work is submitted for an MRes degree and students select their PhD research project for years 2-4.  If successful, students enter the PhD phase of the programme as probationary students;  they will only be registered for the PhD after successfully completing an assessment exercise (report and viva) at the end of their 1st year as a PhD student. The PhD itself is examined by dissertation and viva.

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to attend and present their work at appropriate conferences and symposia and to take advantage of the numerous and varied training opportunities offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences, and careers advice from the University Careers Service. Students also organise a student symposium each year, providing hand-on experience in all aspects of organising a scientific meeting, including managing budgets, arranging catering, scheduling the day and marketing the event.

The Programme is based at the University of Cambridge Metabolic Research Laboratories in the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science. 

During the MRes year, students undertake three research placements as an introduction to different research areas. Following each  placement, students write  a short report which is assessed by members of the programme and feed-back given on presentation skills. Students also write a PhD proposal or an extended essay, which, with the rotation reports, forms a portfolio of work submitted for the MRes degree.

In addition, students attend weekly seminars and workshops covering key topics and techniques in the research area. Students may also attend relevant research seminars and  graduate courses organized within the Faculty and Graduate School (Health & Safety and Induction events are  compulsory).

Before students can enter the 2nd year, they are examined for the MRes Degree. Award of the MRes degree and decision to proceed on the PhD programme involves evaluation of all written reports and the formal project grant proposal or extended essay in a viva with an internal and external university examiner. The examiners report on the outcome of the assessment and make a recommendation on registration/progression. They can also provide feedback for the student and supervisor.

Students who are recommended to proceed then start a three-year programme of supervised doctoral research during which time they continue to be supported by the Institute of Metabolic Science (IMS), and to participate in IMS seminars and events.

   
One to one supervision

Students are supervised by the PI or a designated supervisor for the duration of their rotations in the MRes year, and will have a Principal Supervisor and Advisor for their PhD.

Seminars & classes

Teaching for the MRes involves small group teaching, student-led and tutor-led seminars, weekly seminars by external speakers during term time.

Small group teaching

In addition to lab rotations students participate in weekly 'Hot topics' sessions led by Programme PIs to raise a critical understanding of major topics and techniques in Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Biology.

Journal clubs

Students are encouraged to participate in the student-led journal club based at the IMS.

Posters

Students present a poster based on the 3rd rotation project at the annual MRL Student Symposium and receive feed-back on presentation skills.

Feedback

At the end of each rotation project, the project supervisor provides feedback on performance during the project itself. Feedback on each written report is also provided by the project supervisor and an independent assessor. 

There is also continuous oversight of student progress by the local Graduate Education Committee, and termly progress reports are placed online.

Assessment

Thesis

The PhD thesis is examined according to the existing structures of the University of Cambridge. See below for assessment of the MRes degree.

Other

Before students can enter the 2nd year of the programme, they are examined for the degree of Master of Research (MRes). Award of the MRes and decision to proceed to the PhD involves evaluation of a portfolio of work comprising research reports and either a PhD proposal or formal literature review in a viva voce examination by an internal and an external examiner. The examiners provide a report on the outcome of the MRes assessment and their recommendation on PhD registration/progression.

All students are required to undergo formal assessment by written report and viva at the end of their first year of the PhD stage of the programme. On successful completion,  the student moves from being a ‘probationary’ PhD student to being registered for the PhD, and proceeds with their PhD project.

  • Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
  • Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
  • IELTS (Academic) 7.0
  • TOEFL Internet Score 100
  • £50 application fee
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