The proposed programme is designed to train independent, innovative scientists who can develop and use quantitative techniques to advance genomic medical research. The first year comprises taught modules together with two research rotations. It culminates in the choice of the three-year research project that will allow each student to develop and execute a coherent body of research that combines quantitative methods with direct involvement in medical research. An important feature of this project is that all students will have two supervisors, one from a mathematics, engineering or other quantitative science background, and the second from a genetics or genomics biomedical background such as from the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, and theCancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute.

Year 1

A combination of course work, two research rotations and a series of intensive half-day meetings will develop core skills and techniques and identify project areas and supervisors.

Choice of taught modules

To identify the needs and interests of individual students, each student will meet with the course directors in order to decide an appropriate set of modules to take. Students will take approximately 8 modules in the first 8 months of the programme according to their specific needs.

Modules will be chosen from courses listed below

• CCBI MPhil in Computational and Systems Biology
• Master in Mathematics
• MPhil in Epidemiology
• Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute course in Genomic Technologies

Rotations

Each of the two rotations will involve a well-defined research project lasting eight weeks.

Choice of research project

PhD project selection happens towards the end of the second rotation, to allow projects to begin at the start of Year 2. Students will be encouraged to be proactive in shaping their projects through discussions with prospective supervisors. Students will write a proposal for their chosen project.

Years 2-4

Once students have started their research projects they will be assessed annually by two other members of the supervisor pool. At the end of their first year of research (end of year 2) this assessment will take the form of an oral examination of substantial report, successful completion of which will lead to the student’s registration for a PhD. At the end of year 3, they will submit and discuss a plan for their fourth and final year, outlining a timetable of the remaining research activities and a skeleton outline of their thesis.

Support

This PhD Programme will award fees to students at the University of Cambridge graduate home rate, college fees, research expenses and some travel and training costs.

We have limited funds to support non-EU students and you will be notified in the first round if you are to be considered for these funds.