Research Degree Opportunities in The School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences
Visit the home pages of the Institute of Health and Welfare Research (IHWR) at Robert Gordon UniversityThe Research Institutes
Research students are directed apply to the gradute schools of their suited Research Institute. The research themes of Insitute for Health and Welfare (IHWR) are most strongly associated with the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences.
School Context
Within the School there are also various active research groups offering opportunities for researchers at both postgraduate and postdoctoral level. Extensive external collaboration is undertaken with other institutions, the pharmaceutical industry and the NHS.
The Research Degrees
Through our associations with the research institutes, we offer individuals the opportunity to pursue studies in areas of interest to them which will lead to the award of degrees of MPhil or PhD. For full-time candidates, the normal period of study for MPhil is two years, and three years for PhD. For part-time candidates, the normal period of study for MPhil is three years and four to five years for PhD. However, in some cases, it is possible to complete within a shorter timescale, especially if a candidate already has a Master's degree which included some training in research.
Part-time students are expected to devote an average of at least 12 hours per week to their research.
During the first year of study, all candidates are required to submit a satisfactory proposal detailing:
- The background to the research topic and an explanation of its significance.
- An outline of research in the field already undertaken and an indication of areas still requiring investigation.
- A statement of the aims and objectives of the project.
- A summary of the methods and techniques to be used for gathering evidence.
- A timescale for the estimated completion of the research.
- (For PhD candidates) a clear statement of the originality of the research to be undertaken.
Research Infrastructure
The research laboratories in the School have recently undergone extensive refurbishment, along with the acquisition of state-of-the-art equipment. The facilities available include an extensive cell/tissue culture suite, facilities equipped for a wide range of molecular biology, biochemical, physiological and pharmacological studies, modern medicinal chemistry laboratories with NMR facilities, and dedicated research space within the Pharmacy Practice Suite
Academic Support
All research students are allocated a supervisory team (normally two individuals), which draws on appropriate experts from the University and also frequently incorporates individuals from outwith the University. A great deal of importance is placed on the relationship between the research student and his or her supervisory team, in particular the Principal Supervisor. The University encourages regular and open communication between the student and supervisory team and involves supervisors, as well as students, in the various courses, seminars and workshops run by the University's Research Office.
The Library based at St Andrew Street provides a full range of services. With a wide range of texts and journals, access through Janet to library catalogues nationwide and extensive indexing and abstracted services, the School's research students are well serviced.
Further details of the research activities within the IHWR gradute School and potential PhD projects can be found at the IHWR Gradute school website.
Informal enquiries regarding school-based research may be made to the Postgraduate Research Student Convenor.
Dr Andrew Lamb
School of Pharmacy & Life Sciences
The Robert Gordon University
Schoolhill
Aberdeen
AB10 1FR
Tel: +44 (0)1224 262526
Fax: +44 (0)1224 262553
E-mail: a.lamb@rgu.ac.uk
Potential applicants should provide an indication of which research theme they are interested in.
