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Creating the bioscientistsof the future

PostgraduateResearch PhD

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Welcome to the Graduate School for the School of Biological Sciences

Starting postgraduate research is both exciting and challenging. You have the freedom to study independently for the first time, with the opportunity to set your own timetable and agenda. We can provide you with plenty of advice and support on your way to a successful postgraduate research degree. You will work with a personal supervisor, who will help you to draw up a personal development plan to make sure you are well equipped for the challenges ahead. To help you make the most of your time in the Graduate School, we provide a series of introductory seminars and courses to give you a good grounding in the tools you will need. This support continues throughout your PhD, with subject-specific training and essentials you will require in your future career.

Modern research is based upon international collaboration both formal and informal, and we aim to offer you the the opportunity to travel during your PhD. Meeting scientists from all over the world, whether through presenting your own work at national and international conferences or by working in partner laboratories gives you the chance to become part of our scientific research community. With all that knowledge to gain, life at the Graduate School will always be interesting!

We look forward to welcoming you.

Dr Neil Smyth, Director Dr Lorraine Williams, (Deputy)

clockwise from top left:

Evaluating protein structure in the NMR suite; 3-D neuronal cultures, courtesy of Joanne Bailey; Confocal microscopy to study membrane transporter localisation; Understanding how leg movements are produced and controlled by neural networks using locusts, courtesy of Professor Phil Newland; Researching plant/insect interactions in the Insectary; Jaguar conservation in Belize, courtesy of Rebecca Foster

Front cover: Colony of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria recovered from a biofilm, courtesy of Susanna Sherwin. This image won the Biomedical Imaging Unit Micrograph Competition.

Contents

The Graduate School 2

Studying in Southampton 3

Career prospects 4

Research areas 5

Cellular and Molecular Biology 6

Ecology and the Environment 8

Neurosciences 10

The postgraduate view: Cellular and Molecular Biology 12

The postgraduate view: Ecology and the Environment 13

The postgraduate view: Neurosciences 14

International students 15

How to apply 16

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What does the Graduate School offer?• Anexcellentsupportedenvironment

for postgraduate study and personal development

• Astimulatingprojectinoneofourmajor research themes

• Aprogrammethatprovidesanintegrated series of training modules, supervised by our world-class scientists, with the opportunity to develop your scientific expertise, professional and personal skills

• NetworkingopportunitiesatUKandoverseas conferences and seminars, as well as a lively postgraduate social club within the Faculty

• Agoodgroundinginvitalsubjectssuchasbioethics, lecture presentation, securing scientific funding and report writing.

The Graduate SchoolOur aim is to support postgraduate students in a challenging research environment, encouraging them to develop their individual skills in pursuit of a successful scientific career.We pride ourselves on our strong track record of postgraduate research students, with an excellent record for thesis submission.

The Graduate School team The Graduate School Committee is made up of academic staff with interests that span the research themes, a dynamic administration team, as well as our postgraduate representatives. The Committee is responsible for postgraduate admissions in the Graduate School, co-ordinates the Graduate Training programme and is responsible for monitoring the progress of students throughout the programme. The Graduate School co-ordinates all information pertaining to postgraduate study.

Contact us

www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate

sbsgradi@soton.ac.uk

+44 (0)23 8059 4397

The Graduate School team

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Studying in SouthamptonThe School of Biological SciencesThe School is an international and world-leading centre for bioscience research. In the first major assessmentofUKresearchqualitysince2001,theResearchAssessmentExercise(RAE)hasconfirmedthe reputation of the School of Biological Sciences as a centre for internationally excellent research, puttingusamongsttheUK’sleadingbiologicalresearch departments.

AmajorcomponentoftheUniversityinvestmentprogramme is the new life sciences building, to be completedontheHighfieldcampusby2010.Thiswill provide a purpose-built home for the School and create a scientific focal point for researchers from acrosstheUniversityandotherexternalorganisations.

Research activities in the area of biological sciences are rapidly expanding. The search for answers to the fundamental problems of human health and environmental change is especially important to us. The School is recognised for its proteomics facilities and we work closely with the Schools of Chemistry, Medicine,andEngineeringandComputerSciences.

The University of SouthamptonTheUniversityhasaworldwidereputationforinnovative research and teaching excellence. We are proud of our distinguished academic history. Since thegrantingofourRoyalCharterin1952,wehave

built on these firm foundations to become a forward-thinking, progressive institution, prizing innovation and encouraging entrepreneurial endeavour in our students.

The city and surroundingsSouthampton is a thriving, modern city, steeped in historyandculture,andisoneofsouthernEngland’stop leisure and cultural destinations. With its bustling marinas and relaxing parks, international shopping outlets and modern restaurants and bars, Southampton is a great place to live and work.

The city offers a vibrant mix of recreation, culture and entertainment – from restaurants, cafés, bars and nightclubs, to cinemas, sports facilities, internationally acclaimed arts venues and one of the UK’stopshoppingcentres.Thecountrysideisneverfar away – Southampton Common, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, is next to our Highfield campusandtheNewForest,theJurassicCoastandthe Isle of Wight are all within easy reach.

Uni-link buses connect the airport, coach and train stations.ThereareexcellentlinkstoEuropeviacross-channel ferries from Portsmouth and Poole, and Southampton and Bournemouth International AirportshavefrequentflightstoEuropeancitiesandholiday destinations.

AllthatandwehaveoneofthebestclimatesintheUK,withmoresunandlessrain!

Southampton at night

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Architect’s impression of the new life sciences building

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Career prospects

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Choose the School of Biological Sciences for your postgraduate studies and you will be well on your way to a successful career. Our students aspire to be world-class scientists, and our successful postgraduates follow a variety of occupations. These include positions in:

• academia

• management

• biosciencesresearch

• foodandpharmaceuticalindustry

• biotechnology

• agriculture

• civilservice

• scientificjournalism.

FormerpostgraduateKatieCruickshanks(belowleft)monitorsbutterfliesandtheirhabitatsforButterflyConservation in Dorset. She obtained a first class honours degree in Biology with Oceanography at Southampton, then decided to continue her studiesherewithaPhDinEvolutionaryEcology.“SouthamptonUniversitysetmeupreallywellformychosencareer”,shesays.“Althoughitseemsalongtime to study, a PhD really pays dividends in the end.”

FellowformerpostgraduateLeighFelton(belowright)nowworksinresearchatGlaxoSmithKline,investigating potential treatments to combat asthma and allergies. “I took full advantage of all the courses on offer to postgraduate students to help thempreparefortheworldofwork,”hesays.“I’mconvinced that played a major part in landing my present job.”

For the full interviews, go to: www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate/interviews.php

We have links with major companies and our postgraduates have gone on to work in varied roles, such as wildlife researcher, ecological consultant, industrial scientist and university professor.

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Research areasOur three major research themes address the fundamental challenges of human health and environmental change.

Cellular and Molecular Biology (see pages 6-7 for more details)

Biomembranes

Control of gene expression

Developmental biology

Microbiology

Molecular evolution and bioinformatics

Molecular structure and function

Plant cell and molecular science

Signalling

Ecology and the Environment (see pages 8-9 for more details)

Behaviour and ecophysiology

Biodiversity

Chemical ecology

Evolutionarybiology

Pathogens, parasites, evolution of immunity

Plant responses to stress

Responses to environmental change

Population growth and persistence

Sustainable environmental management

Neurosciences (see pages 10-11 for more details)

Developmental neurobiology

Integrative analysis of neural/synaptic function

Neurodegeneration

Neuroinflammation

Synaptic function and plasticity

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Below: Mouse blastocyst immunostained to show

tight junctions at cell borders

Above: Ancient yew trees can postpone

the onset of senescent aging, photo courtesy

of Dr Patrick Doncaster

Left: Drosophila brain. Drosophila is used to understand nervous

system function in health and disease

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Cellular and Molecular BiologyWe have a diverse and successful group of research staff working on different systems seeking to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlie basic biological processes. These include those concerned with disease, development, nutrition and environmental problems.

Below: Evaluating protein structure in the NMR suite

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Developmental biologyWe host a strong developmental biology group which employs key developmental models including mouse, Drosophila and C. elegans, and tissue and cell lines.

The main areas of research areas are: cellular signalling; epithelial differentiation; neurogenesis; transcription factor activity; foetal programming; and epigenetics. Much of our work links basic mechanisms with applications in clinical medicine and the causes and consequences of human diseases. We have strong research collaborations with the School of Medicine studying the mechanisms that underlie foetal programming.

Molecular structure and function The increasing sophistication of cell biological studies constantly generates new opportunities and challenges for the understanding of protein and nucleic acid structure and function in a biological context.

Physical and engineering scientists are looking at biomolecules as substrates and to develop novel materials. We are well equippedforstructural(X-rayandNMR)and biophysical studies of proteins and nucleic acids. This supports a number of research programmes in membrane protein and lipid biophysics; enzyme structure

and catalytic mechanisms; recognition of fibrillar proteins; and proteins that modulate cell-cell interactions as well as cell signalling.

Plant biology Plant biology is a thriving area of research at Southampton with emphasis on genetic and molecular techniques. These answer fundamental and applied questions relating to plant function and development, and the responses of plants to biotic and abiotic stress in a changing environment. We use functional genomics supported by biochemical, molecular, physiological and ecophysiological analysis of plant tissues.

Keyareasofresearchare:membranetransport proteins involved in the acquisition and distribution of nutrients; trees as sources of renewable, carbon-neutral energy; defences against disease-causing organisms and vectors; light regulation of development; and plant function in relation to the environment, particularly to changes in nutrients, light, CO2,heavymetals,ozoneandpathogens.

Cellular and M

olecular Biology

Below left: Cellular localisation of GFP-

tagged Ca-pumps, photo courtesy of

Dr Malcolm East

Below right: Selecting transgenic

Arabidopsis plants transformed

with heavy metal transporter, photo

courtesy of Dr Lorraine Williams

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Ecology and the EnvironmentOur research scientists are investigating fundamental ecological processes within the general theme of adaptation in a changing environment. We investigate the creation, persistence and management of biodiversity at the levels of genes, species, communities and ecosystems and how ecological and environmental processes interact.

Below: Investigating poplar trees as a source of renewable energy

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We apply our expertise to developing general ecological principles and solving environmental issues that are relevant to society today. Our base in ecology and environmental biology allows us to investigate key applied issues, such as the impact and mitigation of climate change; GeneticallyModifiedOrganisms(GMOs)in the wider environment; crop science; and the sustainable use of natural resources including farmland management.

ThethemealsoincludestheEnvironmentalHealthcareUnitwhichfocusesonmicrobialgrowth on surfaces, particularly in high species diversity biofilms.

Our work in cellular and molecular biology is examining the functioning of plants in relation to the environment. This includes plant responses to abiotic and biotic stresses including heavy metals, drought, elevatedCO2andpathogens.Weareparticularly interested in the use of plants for renewable energy and in the potential for improving nutrition.

Ecology and the E

nvironment

Current research areas• Individualbehaviourandecophysiology

• Populationgrowthandpersistence

• Effectsofmetapopulationstructureon genetic diversity and population persistence

• Ecologyandevolutionofimmunitytoparasitism and disease

• Speciesco-existenceandlocaldiversity

• Globalpatternsofspeciesdiversity

• Phylogeneticpatternsofspeciesdiversification

• Plantpathogen,plant-insectandtritrophic interactions

• Plantresponsestoclimatechange,thelight environment and nutrient status.

Below left: single colonies of

Pseudomonas aeruginosa mutants

growing on agar plates, courtesy of

Susanna Sherwin

Below right: Bombus terrestris

queen and workers in artificial nest,

courtesy of research partners

Lorenzo Zanette & Sophie Miller, UEA

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NeurosciencesMultidisciplinary research in this rapidly expanding, vital and exciting area is co-ordinated through the Southampton Neuroscience Group (SoNG) which includes both basic and clinical scientists.

Below: Studying neuronal specimens

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There is growing evidence of similarities in the molecular and cellular mechanisms of nervous system function across a range of different organisms. We are developing this knowledge by investigating the properties of excitable tissues from nematodes, insects and mammals. Research on each of these organisms is directed towards understanding nervous system function in health and disease, and utilises information from the genome mapping of key species suchasnematodes,fruitfliesandmice.

Through this research, we have achieved new insights into diseases associated with protein misfolding and aggregation, such asAlzheimer’s,Huntington’sandpriondisease, and disease states such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.

Central research themes• Neurodegeneration

• Neuroinflammation

• Integrativeanalysisofneural/synapticfunction

• Developmentalneurobiology.

Neurosciences

Current research areas• Neuronalsignalling,energeticsand

survival

• Cellularandmoleculardeterminantsofneuronal signalling

• Molecularmechanismofneurodegenerative diseases

• Chemoreceptionininsects,modulationof sensory input to neuronal networks

• Molecularmechanismsofsynapticfunction and dysfunction

• Functionalandevolutionarycausesofextraordinary life spans

• Experimentalneuropathology,inflammationinthecentralnervoussystem

• Modellingneurodegenerativediseasesin Drosophila

• Neuroimmunology

• Mechanismsofproteinmisfolding,neuronal dysfunction and death. Below left:

Visualizing the cytoskeleton of a glial cell from the

brain

Below right: C. elegans

expressing green fluorescent protein in body wall muscle

cells

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The postgraduate view: Cellular and Molecular Biology

Helen always liked doing practical things, and never wanted a desk-bound job. AtschoolinSussexshechoseBiology,ChemistryandPsychologyatALevelwithEnglishatASlevel,andthenwentontodo a first degree in Biochemistry at the UniversityofSouthampton.

Helen enjoys talking to people, sharing ideas and asking opinions, a quality she thinksisessentialforascientist.“I’ma social person,” she says “and I think communication is very important to ensure you get different perspectives.” She is on the committee of the Life SciencesPostgraduateSociety(LSPS),and helps organise social evenings like the Christmasparty,theFaculty’spostgraduateconference and events such as the recent inter-university symposium.

“I’malsoamemberoftheBiochemicalSocietyEducationCommittee,whichmeetsfourtimesayear,”sheexplains,“andI’mworking with the Society to help create an online book of resources for school students.”

With all these extra-mural activities, Helen still finds enough time for her research. “My supervisor obtained a grant from the British Heart Foundation for my current

Postgraduate passes on her passion for scienceAs a postgraduate doing cell research at the School of Biological Sciences, Helen Watson not only works on a cutting-edge scientific project, but also collaborates with local schools, presents workshops, travels to conferences, organises events and still finds time for a social life.

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research on protein targeting and protein trafficking – finding out how proteins get to the right points in cells,” she explains. “My research could be of use, for instance, if gene therapy is eventually used to treat heartdisease.”Nowinthethirdyearofherpostgraduate study, Helen has been to two international conferences, paid for by her funding body.

Demonstrating work in undergraduate practicals at the School of Biological Sciences is not only a great way of improving her scientific knowledge and teaching skills, but is also a useful source of additional income and helps supplement the stipend, which Helen says is plenty enough to live on.

Andherfutureambitionsareclear:“Idefinitely intend my future career to be in science, either in a university or research institute,” she says.

For the full interview, go to www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate/interviews.php

Helen (right) demonstrating to undergraduates

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The postgraduate view: Ecology and the Environment

Rebecca Foster and Bart Harmsen, who have been in Belize several years, are dedicated to life in the jungle. The couple met in Oxford on a project radio-tracking mink. Rebecca, who is just completing herPhDinJaguarEcologyattheSchoolof Biological Sciences, did her first degree at Oxford in Biology, then took a Masters there in Integrative Biosciences.

Bart enrolled as a PhD student at the School ofBiologicalSciencesin2003,andwasoffered funding for his fieldwork studying jaguars and their habitat in the Cockscomb Basin, a vast natural reserve within one of the largest areas of continuous rainforests left in the world. Rebecca joined Bart when she obtainedfundingforherstudiesfromtheUS-based Wildlife Conservation Society and the UKNaturalEnvironmentResearchCouncil.

Their previous studies on ecological projects helped them get to where they are today. They worked as assistants on a university project on British mammals, and did voluntary work in animal handling. “Our previous experience and hard work helped us get the funding for our current projects,” says Bart.

Rebecca and Bart’s Big Cat DiaryStudying jaguars in Central America for your PhD sounds pretty exciting. But before any would-be wildlife scientists rush to apply, they need to think about all the hard work in the tropical heat, the biting insects, and the logistical difficulties of living far from civilisation!

Therearearound600jaguarsintheBelizeanjungles, and the group that Bart and Rebecca are studying live in the populated regions of the Mayan Mountains Massif. But their habitat is threatened by logging, citrus plantations and cattle grazing, and by immigrants from Guatemala, who clear the forestsforfarmland,killingthejaguar’sprey.

Life in the forest can be difficult but the workisrewarding.Usingnightcamerasto photograph and count the number of jaguars in the area and monitor their movements,thecouplehaven’thadmanyactual sightings as jaguars are so shy. But working on other projects means that they can often get closer to big cats.

Bart has now taken up a job with Panthera, who paid for much of the work done by the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the couple have recently received funding to work in a proposed corridor for jaguars from the north to the south of the country. “We hope to gather enough data to ensure that this corridor is legally protected,” says Rebecca. “Then we will really feel that Belizean jaguars have a safer future.”

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Rebecca and Bart in Belize

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The postgraduate view: Neurosciences

Chris has always been fascinated by the problems of disease ever since one of his teachers at school in Wales shared his enthusiasmabouthowcellsfunction.AfterdoingBiology,MathsandChemistryatAlevel,withEnglishLiterature(alwaysusefulwhenwritingreportsandtheses),Chrisfound himself studying for a Biochemistry degree at Oxford followed by an additional year doing a Masters.

He was particularly interested in classical genetics, mapping mutations and transferring the concept to modelling human conditions, so he then looked around for a university where he could continue his interest in studying disease and decided Southampton would be the ideal choice. He now has four years of funding for his studies.

MuchofChris’sworkcentresaroundDrosophila,orthecommonfruitfly,andits larvae. “Recent research suggests that one of the first processes to go wrong in diseasessuchasAlzheimer’sisthetransportof materials along the cells of our nervous systemandbrain,”hesays.“Fruitflycellstructure is similar to the human version andasthewholelifecycleoftheflyisonly12days,studyingthelarvaeisanidealway

Learning to flyFew people other than scientists realise the essential part fruit flies play in our knowledge of disease. But to postgraduate Chris Sinadinos and other neuroscientists at the School of Biological Sciences, these tiny flies are an integral part of research into neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntingdon’s and Alzheimer’s.

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of viewing this process rapidly in a real biological environment. We can learn more about how it happens, the particular molecules involved, and even screen for drugs that could possibly be used eventually in human trials.”

Chris intends to complete his thesis by Summer2010andmaypossiblydoapostdoctorate qualification or go into teaching. “I enjoy doing demonstration work with undergraduates,” he says, “and I have visited schools talking about my research”. He is also looking further afield. “It’saninternationalcommunitysothereare lots of possibilities, including working inthebiotechindustryintheUnitedStatesorEurope,”hesays.

Whateverhappens,thetinyfruitflyanditslarvaewillhaveplayedahugepartinChris’sunderstanding of disease. “Who knows?” hesays,“perhapsacureforHuntington’sorAlzheimer’slieswrappedinsidethem,waiting to be unearthed by hard work and an appreciation of the many similarities between creatures great and small!”

For the full interview, go to www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate/interviews.php

Chris inspecting his fruit flies

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International studentsThe University of Southampton is a truly international institution with a global reputation for excellence in cutting-edge research. Students from more than 100 different nations study here and our network of university partnerships spans the globe.

English language qualification

In accordance with University regulations, international students whose first language is not English must provide evidence of the ability to communicate in English by offering one of the recognised tests in English (minimum requirements are an IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL 580, CBT 237 or iB-TOEFL 92) or they should supply evidence that they have undertaken formal study in English at an institution that teaches award bearing programmes in English.

This is applicable to all overseas students except those from countries named by the University as being exempt from testing. English Language lessons are provided if required.

We are among the top 100 universities in the world according to the Times Higher World University Rankings 2007 and ranked 12th of the UK’s leading universities in The Sunday Times University Guide published in October 2008.

WehaveathrivingEUandinternationalcommunitywithstudents from around the world and as an international recruiter, we aim to make our entry and admissions procedures straightforward. We offer a number of scholarships for international postgraduates and provide adviceonallaspectsoflivingintheUK.Fornon-EUstudents,wearealsooneofthefewUKuniversitiestoguaranteeyouaplace in halls of residence for the full duration of your studies.

We offer a wide range of services to help you adjust to your newlifeattheUniversity,includingtwospecialistacademicadvisors to support you in your studies.

Contact the International Office for more information: www.southampton.ac.uk/international

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One of our international postgraduates explaining aspects of cell biology to undergraduates

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How to apply

Entry requirements Upper second-class honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject

Duration3–4 years (full-time); up to 6 years (part-time)

Assessment:MPhil/PhD thesis, viva voce, transferable/research skills portfolio

Start date:October 2009 (but possible throughout the year)

Intake:30

Applying:University application form with transcripts

Closing date:None, but studentship deadlines may vary

Funding:BBSRC; EPSRC; MRC; NERC; Wellcome Trust; research council-funded studentships are available from February onwards

Fees:UK/EU (2008/9) full-time £3,300, part-time £1,128; international (2009/10) full-time £13,885

Careers:Academia; management; research in biosciences (including medical and environmental), agriculture, the food industry; the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and allied industries; research institutes; scientific journalism

Find out more at www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate

To applyCall, email or contact us through the website, quoting PostgraduateAdministration:

Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 4397

Email: sbsgradi@soton.ac.uk

Web: www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate

Fees and fundingTuition fees vary according to the type of programme you choose. Fees charged to full-time international students from outsidetheEUincludethefullcostoftuition,examinations,Students’Unionmembershipandresearchsupportexpenses(whereapplicable).

Funding opportunities Many studentship opportunities become available during the year. The majority of these studentships are backed by Research Councils and charitable trusts. Collaborative studentships are also been obtained by individual members of academic staff through their relationships with industry. Details of these studentships will be announced on the Graduate School website as they become available: www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate.

EnquiriesAllenquiriesrelatingtoadmissiontotheMPhil/PhDResearchProgramme in the School of Biological Sciences should be directedtoourPostgraduateAdmissionsCoordinatoratsbsgradi@soton.ac.uk.

clockwise from top left:

The city benefits from its coastal location, photo courtesy of Andy Vowles; the nearby New Forest National Park; there is

an active social life at the University; the grounds of Highfield campus in summer; Christmas in Southampton city centre

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Disclaimer

This brochure is prepared well in advance of the academic year to which it relates, and the School of Biological Sciences offers the information contained in it as a guide only. Whilst we make every effort to check the accuracy of the factual content at the time of printing, some changes may have occurred in the interval between publication and the start of the relevant academic year. You should therefore not rely solely on this brochure and should go to the School website – www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduate/index.php – for up-to-date information concerning course fees, course content and entry requirements for the current academic year. You should also consult the University’s prospectus or go to www.soton.ac.uk/inf/termsandconditions.html for more specific details of the limits of the University’s liability in the event of changes to advertised courses or programmes and related information.

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www.sbs.soton.ac.uk/graduatesbsgradi@soton.ac.uk

+44 (0)23 8059 4397