Bioinformatics and Systems Biology
PhD Programme

Aim of this PhD programme

The aim of this PhD programme is to give students a strong interdisciplinary training with both numerate (e.g. mathematics, statistics) and biological (e.g. experimental laboratory work) research experience and joint supervision from different disciplines.

Interdisciplinary researchers need time and space to learn the mindset and background knowledge of multiple scientific fields. Therefore, the PhD programme is designed as a 4-year programme. Students will be assigned an initial project, which is co-supervised by supervisors from two very distinct disciplines. In the first nine months, they will complete a number of taught courses, tutorials and workshops. They will also complete 3 months research experience in each of the supervisor’s laboratories, physically re-locating to ensure complete immersion within each research group.

At the end of nine months the student and their PhD graduate studies supervisors will review options: continue with existing project and two supervisors, or alter project, with the option of changing supervisory team. The programme is implemented within the UCD structured PhD programme.

Structured programme

• Basic biology for those from a numerate background (2-week intensive course)
• Semester 1: Introduction to
  • bioinformatics sequence and data handling and analysis
  • statistical modelling in bioinformatics (R)
  • mathematical modelling of systems biology data (Matlab)
• Semester 2: Introduction to biological databases (emphasising both biological content and computational technology)
• Research seminar series (throughout years 1-2)
• Journal club interdisciplinary tutorials (throughout years 1-2)
• Large range of optional taught modules tailored to PhD student’s needs.
• Transferable skills programme
• Work experience in academic labs abroad, or in companies.