Integrated PhD Biomedical Science

The programme is 1 year MRes + 3 year PhD. In year 1 you will choose three rotation projects in research groups, alongside taught modules and practical training. In years 2-4 you undertake your PhD, usually developing one of your rotation projects. 

The first year is modular in structure and leads to the qualification of Master of Research (MRes). A total of 90 ECTS credits must be successfully completed during this year, which will consist of the three Research project modules, the modules in Quantitative Cell Biology and Research Skills for Biomedical Science 1 and 2, which makes 80 ECTS for the core modules, alongside a minimum of 10 ECTS on the thematic optional modules. Each of the three Research Project modules (A, B and C) will typically be performed with a different supervisor in a different research laboratory.

The Research Skills for Biomedical Science-1 (RSBS-1) module uses a combination of taught and practical sessions to introduce students to the core concepts underlying statistical analysis and study design supporting students in handling their own data and critically appraising data. In RSBS-2, students will build on their learning in RSBS-1 and develop a research proposal for their substantive PhD project in years 2-4.

In the Quantitative Cell Biology module students are introduced to a range of techniques and core concepts through a series of facilitator-led workshops focusing on key technologies including genomics and genetic disease, bioinformatics analysis of “omics” datasets (RNAseq, microarray), high throughput and high content screening strategies and deriving clusters, networks, pathways and models from large datasets. Integral to these workshops will be a mix of facilitator and peer to peer learning sessions. This module will also be attended by students from Queen Mary University London (QMUL), who will be taught and assessed by the University of Southampton as part of the Medical Research Council Doctoral Training Partnership (MRC DTP) that exists between the two institutions.

In the thematic optional modules students will deepens their thematic and specialist knowledge and develop the skills required to understand and critically interpret research findings.

• Immunity & Infection
• Cancer Immunology
• Systems Neuroscience
• Neurodegenerative disease
• Biofilms and Microbial Communities
• Biomedical parasitology
• Methods and Analysis of Global Health Trends and Differentials
• Population and Reproductive Health
• Communicable Disease Control

In the three research projects(A-B-C), students will be introduced to a range of laboratory skills gaining valuable practical experience of research methodology, experimental design, data interpretation and scientific writing. Students will also present work from one of their projects at a programme away day jointly held with our MRC DTP partner QMUL.

On completion of the MRes and successful completion of the PhD competence reviews, students will enter Year 2. During years 2-4 students will conduct their PhD research project under the supervision of a supervisory team, which consists of independent supervised research into a subject of their choice with the purpose of making a unique and significant contribution to knowledge and understanding, including being encouraged to produce articles and papers for publication. Students will be expected to complete a 75,000-word thesis based on a three-year research project normally with one of the supervisors from the three short research projects undertaken in Year 1.