The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine is a collaborative program between the University of Bristol, the University of Cardiff, and the University of Warwick. The CDT aims to train a new generation of scientists who can apply synthetic chemistry techniques to solve key biological and medical challenges.
The program provides students with comprehensive training in the principles and techniques of synthetic chemistry, alongside a deep understanding of the biological and medical contexts in which this chemistry can be applied. The CDT offers a four-year program, which includes an integrated MSc in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine, followed by a three-year PhD.
Students will undertake interdisciplinary research projects that aim to address some of the biggest challenges in biology and medicine, including drug discovery, vaccine development, and the design of new materials for medical applications. The CDT also provides a range of additional training opportunities, including transferable skills training, professional development workshops, and opportunities to work with industry partners.
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine is supported by a range of industrial partners, including pharmaceutical and biotech companies, who provide additional resources and support to students, helping them to develop their skills and build their networks within the industry.
Course Full Form | Synthesis for Biology and Medicine Epsrc Centre for Doctoral Training |
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Course Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility Criteria | Master in relevant Subject with 55 % marks |
Application Process | Online / Offline Mode |
Examination Type | Sem./ year |
Admission Process | Merit Base And Entrance Base |
Job Profiles | Principal Investigator, Research Technician, Project Manager, etc. |
Here are some highlights of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine:
Interdisciplinary research: The program offers a unique opportunity to work on interdisciplinary research projects that integrate synthetic chemistry with biology and medicine. This provides students with a broader understanding of the challenges faced by these fields and equips them with the skills to develop innovative solutions.
Comprehensive training: The program offers a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of synthetic chemistry, from fundamental principles to advanced techniques. Students also receive training in biological and medical contexts to ensure they have a deep understanding of the applications of their research.
Industry partnerships: The CDT is supported by a range of industrial partners, including pharmaceutical and biotech companies, providing students with access to real-world problems and opportunities to work with industry professionals.
Professional development: The CDT offers a range of additional training opportunities, including transferable skills training, professional development workshops, and opportunities to present at international conferences, helping students to develop the skills needed to succeed in academia or industry.
MSc integrated program: The CDT offers an integrated MSc in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine, which provides a solid foundation for PhD research and ensures students are well-prepared for their research projects.
Collaborative environment: The CDT brings together students and researchers from three leading universities, creating a collaborative environment where students can benefit from the expertise of a range of academics and researchers.
There is no specific entrance exam for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine. Applicants are instead evaluated based on their academic record, research experience, and personal statement.
To be eligible for the program, applicants must hold, or be expected to obtain, a first or upper-second-class honours degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field. Additionally, applicants should have a strong interest in synthetic chemistry and its applications in biology and medicine. International students may also need to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.
The program is four years in total, with an integrated MSc in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine followed by a three-year PhD.
Applicants are selected based on their academic record, research experience, and personal statement. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, where they will be assessed based on their motivation, research potential, and fit with the CDT's research goals.
Applicants must submit an online application through the CDT's website, which includes a personal statement, academic transcripts, and two references. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview, which may take place in person or via video conference.
Overall, the application process for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine is competitive, and applicants should demonstrate a strong academic record and research potential in order to be considered for the program.
The application form for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine can be found on the CDT's website. The application process typically involves submitting an online application form, academic transcripts, two references, and a personal statement outlining the applicant's research interests and motivation for applying to the program.
The fees for the program vary depending on the applicant's fee status (UK/EU or international) and are subject to change each year. For the academic year 2022/23, the fees are £4,560 for UK/EU students and £24,900 for international students. These fees cover both the MSc and PhD portions of the program.
The program is designed to provide comprehensive training in synthetic chemistry, alongside a deep understanding of the biological and medical contexts in which this chemistry can be applied. The MSc portion of the program includes core modules in synthetic chemistry, molecular biology, and medicinal chemistry, as well as elective modules in areas such as drug discovery and materials chemistry. The PhD portion of the program involves undertaking a research project in collaboration with a research supervisor, with regular meetings and progress reports.
Core Concepts in Chemistry:
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Biology Fundamentals:
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Medical Sciences:
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Interdisciplinary Topics:
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Synthetic Methods and Techniques:
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Biomedical Applications:
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Research Skills and Techniques:
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Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research:
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Professional Development:
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Specialized Workshops and Seminars:
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Practical Training:
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Optional Elective Courses: Depending on individual interests and career goals, students may have the opportunity to choose elective courses in specialized areas such as computational biology, bioinformatics, or advanced instrumentation techniques. |
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine is a fully funded program, which means that successful applicants will receive a stipend to cover their living expenses for the duration of the program. The stipend for the academic year 2022/23 is £15,609 per annum, tax-free. After completion of the program, graduates are well-positioned for careers in academia, industry, or government research organizations, with potential roles in drug discovery, materials science, or biotechnology.
Principal Investigator (PI):
Postdoctoral Researcher:
PhD Student:
Research Technician:
Bioinformatician/Computational Biologist:
Project Manager/Administrator:
Industry Liaison Officer:
Outreach and Engagement Coordinator:
Graduates of the program will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience to make a significant contribution to the development of new medicines and technologies that can improve human health and wellbeing. Potential career opportunities include:
The EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Synthesis for Biology and Medicine is a collaborative program between the University of Bristol, the University of Cardiff, and the University of Warwick, all of which are highly regarded research institutions in the UK. Other top universities in the UK for chemistry and related fields include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
Q.1 - What is the procedure for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.