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 intra-uterine 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.

An additional aspect of this work focuses on the development of blood vessels in all tissues but focusing on those in the endometrium and placenta, in healthy tissue and in ectopic endometrium and cancer. This interdisciplinary work involves complex teams of molecular and cellular biologists, anatomists, mathematicians, bioinformaticians, statisticians and clinician-scientists.

The aim of the PhD is to carry out a research project which contributes new knowledge to the field.

Learning Outcomes

During the course of this study, programme students will be expected to:

• read and assimilate relevant background information;
• formulate a clear and well-defined hypothesis;
• design an experimental strategy to address the hypothesis;
• acquire the necessary skills and carry out laboratory work;
• interpret experimental data appropriately and draw sound conclusions; and
• write a suitably detailed and formatted thesis.