Engineering Biology CDT

What is a CDT, and how is it different from a DPhil programme?

A CDT (Centre for Doctoral Training) provides a year of cohort-based training for students before they begin their DPhil, extending the total duration to four years. This additional year allows students to enhance their skills, explore research areas, and connect with potential supervisors, fostering a supportive community. This type of programme is greatly beneficial to those students who have not yet chosen a research focus area. 

Course Structure

The course content can be found in full here: Engineering Biology (EPSRC and BBSRC CDT) | University of Oxford. A brief overview of the course:

Year 1 is split into three parts:

  1. Induction and Foundation training (four weeks, before Christmas)
  2. Specialised training (six weeks, before Christmas)
  3. Research Projects (two terms, after Christmas)

Years 2 to 4

  • Develop one of the two short projects into a substantive DPhil project

Overall, the programme emphasises interdisciplinary training, collaborative research, and industry engagement.

Key Research Areas

The two short research projects (one of which will develop into the main DPhil project) will aim to align with the four major research areas:

  1. Robust methods for bioengineering;
  2. Rational biomolecular & biosystems design;
  3. Evolution-guided biodesign; or
  4. Digital cells & AI.

Our graduate students have access to the University's large selection of resources, from libraries and museums, to digital resources and IT services. 

There are central facilities for nanoscale characterisation, flow cytometry, microscopy and genome engineering. Members of the department also have access to a wide range of shared facilities, including proteomics, imaging, structural biology, genomics, 3D printing and bioprinting, and drug-discovery. Training and support is available for use of all these resources. A list of potential supervisors at Oxford can be found here. New supervisors can and will be added as the programme develops. 

Studying at Oxford

The University of Oxford is known worldwide for its excellence in teaching, research, and societal contribution. The university seamlessly blends its rich history and tradition with modern, innovative approaches, securing its position as a leader in higher education. 

Founded over 100 years ago, the Department of Engineering is at the forefront of research, using a mixture of theory and experiment to develop new scientific discoveries. 

More information on the Centre and how to apply is available here: Engineering Biology (EPSRC and BBSRC CDT) | University of Oxford.