This PhD course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Chemistry in Cambridge aims to support fundamental science of the highest quality in a first class physical environment. The Department includes a large number of internationally recognised research groups covering an exceptionally broad spectrum of chemical science ranging from molecular biology to geophysics. Our enthusiastic research culture embraces new challenging areas, including strong collaborations with other academic disciplines and institutions, while maintaining a powerful presence in the traditional core areas of chemistry. Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group, supervised by one of our academic staff, in one of the following areas of Chemistry: Biological; Materials Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; Synthetic Chemistry or Theory, Modelling and Informatics. 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; demonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research and followed a comprehensive transferable skills training programme to develop skills and attributes for future careers.