Genomic Medicine and Statistics

Genomic technologies have transformed biomedical research over the last decade and are now having significant impacts on the practice of clinical medicine. The widespread effective application of genome sequencing in the clinic requires a new generation of appropriately trained researchers able to help deliver this promise and take advantage of unparalleled research opportunities. 

Graduates from this programme frequently continue in academic research in prestigious laboratories worldwide, positions they are often able to attain based on high-impact publications generated during their DPhil study (examples include Hinch et al Nature 2011 476:170-5; Mathieson I, McVean G. Nat Genet. 2012 44:243-6; Baud et al Nat Genet. 2013 45:767-75).

Complementing this, large-scale population biobanks are bringing together extensive genomic and phenotypic information on millions of individuals, while new genome editing and single cell genomics techniques are offering novel and powerful approaches to understanding biology.

This four-year DPhil programme trains future scientific leaders who will work at the cutting edge of genomic technologies in biomedical research and who will help develop the sophisticated analytical methods to fully exploit the potential of the next generation of genomic technologies and apply these in diverse settings.

Characteristic of this are state-of-the-art experiments generating large and complex data sets, and students on this programme will undertake comprehensive training to gain familiarity with both the challenges, vagaries, and artefacts of the complicated experiments which generate the data, as well as with the strengths and weaknesses of routine tools used for data analysis. Students will use and learn approaches leveraging next generation sequencing and other technologies, including application in genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenomics, all of which are critical to the growing understanding of basic biology in normal and disease tissues. 

The programme is hosted in the interdisciplinary environment of the Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics (WTCHG), which hosts world-leading research groups in statistics, bioinformatics, genomic analysis, protein structure, and functional biology, to complement disease-focussed research. United by common interests in understanding the molecular basis of disease, researchers come from clinical and pure science backgrounds. The co-location of the WTCHG with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides unique opportunities for translation of research into clinical practice, enhanced by having the Oxford NIHR BRC Genomics Theme based within the WTCHG and the Centre for Personalised Medicine. 

Students joining the programme are drawn from very diverse backgrounds, ranging from genetics to pure maths but united by a track record of academic excellence and enthusiasm for this field. The first year of the DPhil course contains a series of taught modules covering fundamental topics within genomics, statistics, bioinformatics and epidemiology that combine theoretical and practical classes.

First-year students will also undertake a number of laboratory visits, will attend additional training and teaching sessions tailored to the needs of individual students, carry out a literature review and will undertake two short research projects. These will inform the choice of a DPhil project for the subsequent years of the programme. Students will benefit from the outstanding environment for graduate studies provided within the University of Oxford.

Applicants are advised to visit the course webpage for further information about supervisors connected to this programme.  

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a relevant biological science or quantitative subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

Substantial professional experience or a graduate qualification may be a substitute for a lower grade at undergraduate level.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to one page
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships