Chromosome and Developmental Biology

This four-year graduate programme in chromosome and developmental biology leads to the DPhil degree (PhD).

The programme aims to train future leaders in the fields of chromosome and developmental biology. Most graduates from this programme have continued in academic research in prestigious laboratories worldwide.

Participating laboratories are international leaders in the fields of chromosome regulation through the mitotic and meiotic cell cycle, the regulation of genome stability and mechanisms of DNA repair, gene/genome regulation in development, including mechanism of transcription, the role of chromatin, nuclear organisation and epigenetic pathways, RNA biogenesis and function (including non-coding RNA), regulating cell fate and pattern formation (including signalling mechanisms and stem cell biology).

Applicants are advised to visit the Medical Sciences Graduate School website for further information about supervisors connected to this programme.

The programme provides training in a wide range of biochemical, genetic and cell biological approaches specifically tailored for research into chromosome and developmental biology. A clear priority is to provide students with training and supporting infrastructure to apply advanced biological imaging/super resolution microscopy, high-throughput sequencing method (and computational genomics for data analysis), advanced proteomics and state-of-the-art genome engineering.  

During the first two months of the first year you will attend integrated advanced courses, workshops and tutorials linked to applying state of the art methodologies in chromosome and development research. Further short tutorial sessions will occur at other times during the year.

You will then undertake three 12-week projects, each in a different lab. At least one of these will involve the application of state-of-the-art methodologies detailed above. There will be opportunities to present your results both orally and in written reports.

These elements are intended to expose you to possible thesis advisers and prepare you for your doctoral work. You can then make an informed choice of your main thesis research project and submit a research proposal for years two to four.

You will be required to meet standard University milestones for progress and will be monitored formally via supervisor feedback forms submitted three times per year.

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 sciences subject.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

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).

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

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

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to three pages
  References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Standard level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships