Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Structural Biophysics (PhD/MPhil)

Programme Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for post doctoral/lectureship positions in biology, biophysics, biochemistry, computing and vision science, and also for research positions in industry and the Health Service, scientific informatics, science writing.

Special Features

• International centre of excellence for structural and biophysical studies of the cornea and lens and their components, including collagen and fibrillin.
• Responsible for a number of discoveries that have had an impact in both the scientific and the lay communities, receiving press and TV coverage.
• Supported by grants from the MRC, EPSRC, BBSRC, Wellcome Trust, Royal Society and several other industrial and charitable sources.

Programme Description

An MPhil or PhD by research at the School of Optometry and Vision Sciences is based around a specific, well-defined research topic. All students have regular meetings with their supervisory team, as well as an advisor who is not directly involved with the project, and is able to objectively monitor the progress of the research, and to provide independent guidance. In addition to the core research topic, the School provides a diverse programme of transferrable skills training, which complements the University Graduate College Programme.

Research Areas

• Understanding corneal transparency and the structural causes of its loss.
• The role of proteoglycans in the development of corneal transparency.
• The ultrastructure of the cornea and limbus in relation to corneal shape and function.
• Collagen and fibrillin in ocular tissues.
• Structure function relationships in zonular filaments.
• Extraocular muscles.
• Ultrastructural changes in pathological corneas.
• Ageing and glycation in ocular tissues.
• Structure, transparency and ageing of the lens.
• Wound healing following ocular surgery.

Skills Acquired

This course aims to provide the graduate with a skillset which will advance them towards the goal of becoming an independent researcher. In addition to research project specific skills, graduates can expect to develop transferrable research skills in areas such as study design, statistical analysis, scientific writing, research governance and ethics, and presentation of research findings. The School seminar series provides the opportunity for graduates to widen their general understanding of Vision Research. There are also opportunities to develop teaching skills, through supervision of the undergraduate course, and the University Graduate College provides courses addressing diverse aspects of generic skills training, such as computing skills, time management, rapid reading, and careers planning.

Career Prospects

Those who successfully gain their research degree generally find employment commensurate with their academic achievement within six months of graduation. Positions include postdoctorate or lectureships within Universities, senior appointments within NHS Trusts, professional service appointments within major optometric companies, pharmaceutical, and other industry employment such as Novartis, Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Entry Requirements

Suitable for graduates in biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, optometry, mathematics or any relevant scientific discipline.

A First or Upper Second class UK Honours degree, or equivalent is required.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

Next intake: The University has four entry points for research degrees; 1st October, 1st January, 1st April or 1st July

More information

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