Research course
Biosciences and Medicine
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Entry requirements
Applicants are expected to hold a first or upper-second class degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent overseas qualification), or a lower second plus a good Masters degree (distinction normally required).
English language requirements:
IELTS Academic, 6.5 or above (or equivalent) with 6.0 in each individual category.
Months of entry
January, April, July, October
Course content
The biological and medical sciences form an extremely fast-paced area of research that’s becoming increasingly relevant in modern society. At Surrey, we aim to meet these demands head-on through our applied interdisciplinary research methodology and our collaborative practice, engaging with international researchers, industry partners and institutions. We believe in a ‘one health’ ideology, considering the societal implications of our research from the offset.
On our PhD you’ll complete research over a period of four years (full-time) or eight years (part-time). You’ll embrace a ‘bench to bedside’ philosophy, with the potential to take part in molecular and computational studies as well as clinical trials.
You’ll work alongside world-leading researchers who are published in top academic journals (such as the BMJ, Nature and The Lancet) and regularly give expert media commentaries. In the 2020 Postgraduate Research Experience Survey (PRES), 94% of our biosciences and medicine students gave positive responses regarding supervision by academic staff.
You’ll develop your scientific understanding and gain a deeper and more critical knowledge of your chosen research area. You’ll enhance your laboratory and analytical skills relevant to your project, acquire a general awareness of contemporary biomedical research, improve your independent analytical thought, presentation and communication skills, and hone your ability to solve academic and practical problems.
Depending on your research project, you’ll most likely complete extensive laboratory work to generate data that’ll underpin your final thesis. Some research areas will be primarily or entirely related to the analysis of existing scientific or clinical data sets; however, all projects will require some statistical analysis. Some projects will be entirely conducted at Surrey, whereas others will involve collaboration with UK-based or international institutions.
Current students are researching topics including:
- Combining multi-omic data analysis methods to increase understanding of key diseases, such as diabetes and cancer.
- Computational approaches to modelling biological systems.
- Developing the molecular and physiological bases of circadian rhythms, sleep, immunity and cardiovascular disease.
- Defining the nutritional value of micro- and macro-nutrients.
- Discerning host-pathogen (viruses and bacteria) interactions in health and disease.
- Dissecting the molecular basis of and innovative ways to treat cancer, especially of the prostate.
- Improving disease surveillance and health outcome measurements.
Our research investigates some of the following areas:
Bacteriology
- Leprosy
- Meningococcus
- Pathogenic E.coli
- Tuberculosis
- Various foodborne pathogens
Cardiovascular sciences
- Blood coagulation
- Cardiac cell signalling pathways
- Gene therapy
- Tissue engineering
- The role of cardiac fibroblasts
Chronobiology
- Central and peripheral clock mechanisms
- Chrononutrition
- Molecular mechanisms underlying synchronisation of rhythms by light, melatonin, and food
Clinical medicine
- Cancer
- Critical care
- Diabetes
- Laparoscopic surgery
- Primary care and clinical informatics
Exercise sciences
- Cognitive decline
- Dementia
- DNA damage and repair
- Osteoporosis
Immunology
- B cell development and function
- Macrophage function
- Peroxisomal function in the immune system
- T cell function in ageing
Metabolic medicine, food and macronutrients
- Diabetes
- Metabolic physiology
- Vitamin D, selenium and other micronutrients
Public health and food security
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Effect of cell wall polysaccharides on nutrient digestibility
- Iodine deficiency in pregnant women
- Selenium status
Sleep
- Circadian rhythms
- Mechanisms and functions of sleep
- Sleep and cognition
Statistical multi-omics
- Dissecting the genetic architecture of complex human diseases, such as cancer and Parkinson’s disease
Systems biology
- Computational modelling
- Gene regulation through protein translation
- Molecular and metabolic network analysis
Virology
- Cellular responses to viral infection
- Regulation of virus protein synthesis
- Virus morphogenesis
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PhD
- part time96 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
- full time48 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions
- admissions@surrey.ac.uk