The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are: to give students with relevant experience the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under 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. This programme involves minimal formal teaching: students are integrated into the research culture of the Department by joining a research group. Most research training is provided within the group structure and overseen by their research supervisor, but they are also expected to attend the Department's programme of research seminars and other graduate courses and such other skills training offered by the Graduate School as is relevant to their education. Assessment is by a written dissertation and by an oral examination.