Welcome & Introduction

I would like to warmly welcome all our postgraduate research students to the Department of Biology.

You are joining one of the UK's leading research-intensive biological sciences departments.

Every step of our research is carried out with the indispensable help of postgraduate students, which ensures that our research output is recognised as internationally competitive in all fields of investigation.

Our research is arranged into nine foci that use state of the art techniques and facilities to address three global challenges facing humanity:

• Health and Disease;

• Sustainable Food and Fuel

• Environmental Change

Your research efforts and new discoveries will help us to meet these challenges and in doing so, develop the next generation of research leaders.

We have around 170 research students, and we make sure we have the correct support structures in place to achieve these aims.

As a research student you will:

• have a primary supervisor who directs your research and training, and usually a supporting co-supervisor.

• spend at least 1 hour per week with your supervisor and have documented supervisory meetings every 6 weeks.

• have a Thesis Advisory Panel (TAP) consisting of one (MRes and most PhDs) or occasionally two (PhD) additional academic members of staff to monitor your progress and offer advice.

• a programme of training in research and transferable skills tailored to your needs.

The rest is down to you!

So, work hard (but sustainably) , be curious, pose questions and test hypotheses.

Challenge yourself, take advantage of new opportunities, immerse yourself in the research culture and enjoy the journey.