Clinical Biochemistry

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK 2:1 Honours Degree.

Months of entry

January, April, October

Course content

This is a research-based course. Students receive training in scientific laboratory skills and methods appropriate to the PhD project.

Students undertake a specific research project of three to four years' duration and submit a thesis which is examined for the PhD. In principle, the research project can be in any area of interest to principal investigators based in the Metabolic Research Laboratories at the Wellcome Trust-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science – view the Principal Investigators page on the Metabolic Research Laboratories website for details. Between them, groups encompass skills in genetics, cell biology, cell signalling, neuroendocrinology, bioenergetics, human and animal physiology, as well as experimental medicine and clinical trials.

Postgraduate students at the Metabolic Research Laboratories are expected to attend regular weekly Hot Topics and Technical sessions, seminars by local, national and international speakers, and are encouraged to attend appropriate training courses provided by the University Graduate School of Life Sciences to widen their experience further.

Our students have opportunities to present their work at group meetings and seminars within the Metabolic Research Laboratories as well as at conferences and symposia. Students also organise a student symposium each year, which gives valuable experience in all aspects of organising a scientific meeting, including managing budgets, arranging catering, scheduling the day and marketing the event.

Students wishing to apply for a PhD in Clinical Biochemistry at the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research (CIMR), should investigate opportunities via the Study at CIMR page on the CIMR website.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, candidates will have acquired excellent skills, experience and knowledge to undertake postdoctoral work (research and teaching) or another related profession.