Cell Biology MPhil – (M.Phil.)

The MPhil is a one-year research degree where students get the opportunity to study a specific research project. The MPhil degree can act as a stand-alone degree for applicants who would like to gain experience in a specific area, or can be linked to a PhD programme. Rather than register on a direct entry 3 or 4 year PhD, some postgraduates may first register on a one-year MPhil programme. Subsequently students may then wish to transfer on to a full PhD programme with a further 2 or 3 years of study.
Advances in cell biology are at the cutting edge of biological research. The Faculty has considerable breadth and expertise underpinned by state-of-the-art facilities in confocal, electron and light microscopy. Much of the research carried out is focussed on understanding the molecular basis of cell division, organelle biogenesis and protein targeting, differentiation, adhesion and secretion. These investigations are carried out using a diversity of model animal, plant and microbial systems such as: Drosophila, Caenorhabditis elegans, Xenopus, Arabidopsis thaliana, E. coli and yeasts along with mammals, parasites and crops. Examples of research programmes include:
Cytoskeleton & Control of the Cell Cycle
Molecular Mechanisms of Chromosome Segregation
Mechanisms of DNA Repair
Animal and Plant Apoptosis
Palate & Epidermal Development
Protein Targeting
Translocation & Secretion
Adhesion & the Extracellular Matrix
Vascular Development in Plants
Ultrastructure of Eukaryotic Microbes & Fungi
Host Immune Responses