| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The program integrates interdisciplinary approaches from molecular biosciences and bioengineering, covering areas such as biomaterials, protein engineering, and stem cell differentiation. Graduates pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and industry, specializing in cell engineering and related fields.
Program Outline
Postgraduate Research Opportunities A-Z: Cell Engineering
Degree Overview
The University of Glasgow's Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment offers a postgraduate research program in Cell Engineering, focusing on applying knowledge gained from research to address key issues affecting (stem) cell biology. The program aims to help students understand how cells respond to their environment by exhibiting changes in behavior, differentiation, metabolism, and various aspects of development.
Objectives:
- To foster education and training in research on microenvironments to investigate and instruct cellular behavior, including but not limited to stem cell differentiation.
- To provide students with advanced knowledge and research skills in cell engineering, encompassing topics such as protein folding in the secretory pathway, regulation of membrane traffic, control of cell cycle, cytokinesis, compartmentalisation of cellular signalling, and cell engineering.
- To prepare students for research careers in academia or industry, specializing in cell engineering and related fields.
Program Description:
This research program adopts an interdisciplinary approach across the School of Molecular Biosciences and the Bioengineering Group in the School of Engineering, integrating various disciplines such as biomedical engineering, protein engineering, biochemistry, molecular biology, biophysics, polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics), biomaterials, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, and cellular imaging of biological functions.
Specific areas of interest:
- Bioengineering the microenvironment
- Engineering approaches to control gene expression
- Bio-engineered interfaces
- Biomaterials, scaffolds, and 3D printing
- Protein structure and function
- Protein engineering and application
- Cell sorting and characterization
- Stem cell maintenance and differentiation
- Nanoparticles for theranostics
Specific areas of application:
- Bone repair
- Nerve repair
- Sourcing of rare cells
- Blood Brain Barrier
- Mesenchymal stem cell niche
- Hematopoietic stem cell niche
Outline
Structure:
The program offers two research degree options:
- PhD: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time (individual research projects tailored around the expertise of principal investigators)
- MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time (research-based program focusing on specific research areas)
Integrated PhD:
The program also offers an integrated PhD option, allowing students to combine master's level teaching with their chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format. This option is particularly beneficial for international students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding as they do not require separate visas for each program stage.
Course Schedule:
Year 1 (Integrated PhD):
- Taught masters level modules focused on research methods, laboratory skills, and critical evaluation of research data.
- Completion of these modules with required grades is necessary to progress to the chosen PhD research project.
Years 2, 3, and 4 (PhD):
- Dedicated research/lab work focused on completing an examinable piece of independent research in Year 4.
Year 5 (PhD):
- Thesis write-up.
MSc (Research):
- One year of dedicated research/lab work culminating in a written thesis.
Assessment
Assessment methods and criteria for the program may vary depending on the specific research project and chosen degree option.
Teaching
The program is taught by experienced faculty members specializing in cell engineering and related fields. The teaching methods incorporate a blend of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision, providing students with diverse learning experiences and opportunities for interaction with faculty and peers.
Careers
Graduates of the program pursue careers in various sectors, including academia, research institutions, and industry. Common career paths include:
- Postdoctoral research associates
- Scientists in research-intensive companies
- Research and development managers
- Lecturers and professors in universities
Other
- The program has strong national and international connections with academic and industrial collaborators, providing opportunities for students to participate in collaborative research projects and gain valuable international experience.
- The program offers an extensive range of state-of-the-art research facilities, including core facilities in fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis, cell imaging and biophysical techniques, protein characterization, mass spectrometry, and next-generation sequencing.
- The program provides a supportive and stimulating environment for postgraduate students, with dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors, and pastoral support.
