This is a one-year research programme which is assessed by a written dissertation and by an oral examination. It is suited to those who wish to pursue research at a level beyond that of an undergraduate degree and will give a good basic training in laboratory work. It is not suitable for candidates who wish to undertake a masters degree with major and examined course components in order to enhance their undergraduate training. The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims 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. In addition to the research training provided within the Department, as part of the Graduate School of Life Sciences students will have access to courses to widen their experience and to enable them to acquire generic skills. By the end of the programme, 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.