During this three-year research programme, students undertake a period of supervised research and are expected to submit a thesis for examination within their fourth year at the latest. Students also attend relevant lectures and seminars and participate in skills development activities.The course does not include a one-year master’s degree. Students are provisionally registered for the first year of study. Progression beyond the first year requires performance at a sufficient level to satisfy the Departmental Graduate Education Committee that the student is likely to complete the PhD within the expected time.The course introduces students to research skills and specialist knowledge. Its main aims are:to give students with relevant experience the opportunity to carry out focussed research in the discipline under supervision andto give students the opportunity to acquire or develop skills and expertise relevant to their research interests.In addition to the research training provided within the Department, as part of the Graduate School of Life Sciences students will have access to courses to widen their experience and to enable them to acquire generic skills.