Synthetic Biology

The training programme has been created in partnership with industrial, academic and public-facing organisations and includes responsible innovation, transferrable skills and outreach activities. SynBioCDT will endow you with the necessary skills to fulfil the potential of synthetic biology and to have a strong impact in this area.

• The ability of the Doctoral Training Centre  to provide the appropriate supervision, research opportunities, teaching and facilities for your chosen area of work.
• Minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to Oxford's research and taught programmes.

The first seven months of the course are devoted to acquiring advanced theoretical and technical skills that form the backbone of synthetic biology, drawing from the engineering, mathematical, physical, chemical and biological sciences through a combination of intensive lecture courses and project work. Each taught module lasts for either one, two or three weeks and is assessed using a method appropriate to the course, for example, presentations, group assignments or assessed written work. This will be complemented with relevant research and communication skills training throughout the four years of the programme.

After completion of the taught training phase, two exploratory research projects of ten weeks duration each are undertaken, at least one of which will be in the institution to which the candidate is admitted (Oxford, Warwick or Bristol). The DPhil project then follows, also based primarily in the host institution.

The Synthetic Biology CDT will produce internationally excellent researchers with key skills desired by prospective employers in the nascent field of synthetic biology.