The course will equip its graduates with a wide range of skills and knowledge. They will receive training in research and the ability to conduct independent research. They will have gained research experience through having planned, executed and evaluated an original investigative piece of work through a major dissertation. They will develop the ability to critically appraise scientific literature and to present research data at conferences and seminars. They will cultivate their intellectual skills and develop their transferable skills. By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake post doctoral work (research and/or teaching) or another related profession outside the University. The course is exclusively by research. The supervisor is determined during the interview process. Students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group. Students are expected to take part in their research group's weekly meetings. Most research training is provided within the group structure and overseen by their research supervisor. Students are expected to attend the Department's research seminars and also graduate courses and skills training offered by the Graduate School of Life Sciences relevant to their training. The word limit for the PhD dissertation is 60,000 words. Two copies of your soft-bound PhD dissertation must be submitted to the Student Registry. This must be accompanied by two copies of the title page, three copies of a summary/abstract, the Addresses for Examination Purposes Form, the signed Declaration Form and a completed Deposit and Copying of Dissertation Declaration Form. A viva will be carried out.