We are an internationally-recognised centre for pioneering research into genetics with specific expertise in patterns of human inheritance, identification of genetic determinants of human diseases, cancer genetics, circadian rhythms and microbial pathogenesis. Our renowned research includes the discovery by Professor Sir Alec Jeffreys of the technique of DNA fingerprinting and, more recently, for the identification of the bones of Richard III. We are proud of our cross-organism approach, which emphasises the fundamental importance of genetics as a common language for understanding the biology of organisms as diverse as bacteriophages, bacteria, yeast, fruit flies, insects, plants and humans.We offer PhD and MPhil supervision in Genetics in areas compatible with the research interests of our academic staff including:Behavioural GeneticsGenetic Variation, Mutation, and EvolutionMedical GeneticsMicrobial Genetics and PathogenicityPlant Biodiversity, Cell and Molecular GeneticsTo be awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy, the research student must satisfy the examiners by means of a thesis which demonstrates a satisfactory record of research, a broad knowledge and understanding of the field of study and associated research techniques, and shows that these have been successfully applied. The thesis must present evidence of a critical survey of knowledge in the discipline but does not need to make a distinct and original contribution to knowledge of their discipline or to be of publishable quality. For research students registered for the degree of MPhil and who will submit a practice-based thesis, both the critical/reflective component and the practice component of the thesis must form a coherent whole which meets the requirements for the award of the degree.