The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has two broad areas of research activity. The first covers the use of large population databases to identify key predictive features associated with human pregnancy. Research is also focused on perinatal control of maternal and fetal smooth muscle contractility, clinical research interest in predicting pregnancy complications such as intrauterine growth restriction, preterm labour and perinatal death.The second major area focuses on the cellular and molecular aspects of the growth of the placenta and its interaction with the endometrium. This includes a detailed investigation of the immune dialogue occurring between the fetal and maternal compartments. Genetic and epigenetic modulation of placental function is also a key area within this field. Modern genomic methods are utilised in both human and genetically manipulated animal models.The aim of the MPhil is to carry out a research project which contributes new knowledge to the field.The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:to give students with relevant experience at first-degree level the opportunity to carry out focused research in the discipline under close supervision andto give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.By the end of the programme, students will have:a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own researchdemonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their fieldshown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologiesdemonstrated some self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research.