Life Sciences (PhD Wellcome Programme)

More than 900 staff and research students representing no fewer than 62 different nationalities provides a genuinely global research environment in the heart of Scotland.

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee hosts a prestigious Wellcome Four-Year PhD Training Programme in Molecular and Cellular Biology. This PhD programme, supported by world-renowned experts from the School of Life Sciences, trains the next generation of scientists at the forefront of international science.

A wide range of projects are available within this programme crossing exceptional strengths grouped into 3 thematic areas:

• Molecular Microbiology, Immunology and Biological Chemistry
• Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction
• Cell Development and Signalling

The School of Life Sciences is proud of its provision of outstanding scientific technologies (Centre for Advanced Technologies) and all students on this programme will receive specialised in-course training aimed at providing the expertise to fully exploit the potential of new technologies. This includes intensive training in areas including advanced light microscopy, proteomics, genomics, data analysis, tissue culture, and cell sorting. Basic bioinformatics training is also integrated into the taught elements.

The programme is structured such that students carry out 3 rotations projects (1 in each of the themes above) in the 1st year, prior to selection of the final PhD project in years 2-4. Participation in these rotation projects allows acquisition of practical and theoretical skills in different disciplines, ranging, for example, from structural biology to signal transduction to developmental biology. Additional benefits of this programme include; participation in School-wide retreats, WT cohort specific events, participating in PiCLS- (PhD society) led events and access to a variety of generic skills training.

For students travelling from outside the UK, the International Advice Service is available to help them with all aspects of the transition. They offer confidential advice and help on matters such as immigration and visas, working during and after studies as well as community group information and links to international hospitality schemes. There is support for international families as well as arranging cultural and social events during the year aimed primarily at international students. They are based in the Enquiry Centre on Campus Green or via email. Students are represented by the University's Student Representative Council while the Students Association organises the societies, clubs and organisations outside the classroom. It is unusual because it isn't a member of the National Union of Students due to cost and political considerations. The union is based in Airlie Place, at the centre of the main campus and has a bar, nightclub and refectory on site. There are 42 clubs associated with the Sports Union at the university and these have annual award ceremonies as well as an annual Ball. A multi-million pound redevelopment saw a number of new facilities for sports around the university including the first UK gym with mp3/mp4 compatible personal viewing screens.