Programme Structure

The programme will integrate general research training and transferable skills development and adopt an interdisciplinary approach to study immunology in health and disease. Training will commence in year 1 with a dedicated 2-week workshop Introduction to Advanced Research Skills, encompassing, Learning Needs Analysis, Academic Integrity, Time Management, Working with your Supervisor, Research Etiquette, Good Laboratory Practice and Critical Appraisal of Literature.

Training continues with a week of Research Skills for Biomedical Sciences, covering hypothesis generation and biostatistics, followed by Quantitative Cell Biology using Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, R coding, RNA-Seq analysis of tissue and single cells, data visualisation, clustering and dimensionality reduction, proteomic analysis and protein interaction networks. These complementary courses give students a strong background in data analysis.

Additional courses accessible to students, to augment their skill-base, include Artificial Intelligence, Genomics Medicine and Bioinformatics and Systems Biology. Students will also have access to courses in imaging provided by our Biomedical imaging unit, covering advanced light and electron microscopy with image analysis training in ImageJ/Fiji/Amira.

The programme will support students in designing their multidisciplinary training needs, from registration to graduation, monitored by the Faculty Graduate School. Individual training will be based on a “needs analysis” that is reviewed during progression and confirmation reviews (Figure 1) to allow generation of a flexible development plan where the student accesses research and transferable skills training opportunities throughout their tenure.

Training Modules

Induction: 2-week Advanced Research Skills introduction in Learning Need Analysis, Academic Integrity, Time-Management, Good Laboratory Practice, and Critical Appraisal, followed by “Research Skills for Biomedical Sciences” covering hypothesis generation and biostatistics Training in Quantitative Biology: 5 weeks of training with 5 one day expert-led courses, encompass R-coding, RNASeq of tissue and single cells, data visualisation, …

Year 1

Throughout Year 1 of the programme students have an opportunity to acquire skills in laboratory based and quantitative methodologies (see overview of programme in Figure 1 and training modules). The extensive training incorporates all aspects of the excellent immunology on offer throughout the University under a single umbrella to foster closer interactions for stimulating new …

Year 2-4

In years 2 and 3, further relevant experience will be gained, for example in NMR/crystallography, protein modelling, in vivo models, microfluidics, biomedical devices, RNAseq and proteomics. Annual networking and development opportunities include Research Away Days, Key Messaging courses, Public Engagement activities, Careers Events and Enterprise Days. Presentation skills and leadership will be further strengthened through …

Placements

To enhance project development, we will support students and supervisors to utilise short research focussed placements in either year 2 or 3. Additional supervisor engagement from the partner organisation will ensure placement success, with documentary evidence summarising progress. Importantly, we will also offer post-thesis-submission placements to provide flexible professional opportunities and raise employment prospects. These …