In this course the candidates must familiarise themselves with our ongoing research themes, as there are many opportunities for them to participate in any of these. Our principal research interests relate to vascular reactivity, computer simulation of physiological function, the septic patient, and muscle function in critically ill patients. We have ongoing research programme in the area of patient safety and quality improvement. A number of areas are being addressed including safety culture, medication errors, and systems approach and consensus methodology. Much of our research is conducted in collaboration with other schools within the university. Research project themes could include: Patient safety; Health services research and patient outcomes; Hip fracture; Neurovascular effects of anaesthesia; Endothelial function and Circulation; Muscle dysfunction; Quantifying pulmonary disease states in critical illness; Computational modelling of pulmonary intervention in critical care; Computational modelling of clinical scenarios of anaesthesia; Computational pharmacokinetic investigations; Goal directed therapy in high-risk patients; Ultrasound in regional anaesthesia; Peri-operative risk and outcome.