The MPhil in Biological Sciences (PDN) is a full-time research degree. Students also attend relevant lectures and seminars and participate in skills development training activities organised by the department and the Graduate School of Life Sciences. The main aims of the course are:
- to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under close supervision; and
- to give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.Ê
Students usually start their project in October and submit a dissertation of not more than 20,000 words by the end of August. We also accept students to start in January and April.
Full information on potential supervisors and research projects can be found on the Graduate Education page on the department website. Contact potential supervisors in the first instance, sending your CV and the names of two referees. General enquiries concerning graduate opportunities within the Department of PDN can also be directed to gradinfo@pdn.cam.ac.uk. Initial enquiries should be made as early as possible.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the MPhil, students will have:
- a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
- demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
- shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies; and
- demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.
