There is considerable scope for individual specialization within these topics. The course is mainly taught from the Department of Zoology, but has significant input from the other Oxford Life Science deparments. Assessment involves written essays, practical notebooks, research reports, seminars and a viva voce examination. The normal closing date for applications is 28th February annually. All applicants for research degrees are admitted by the Board of the Faculty, with the status of Probationer Research Student.
Tutorials are available to first year graduate students.
The status of Probationer Research Student may be held for up to six terms, and the question of transfer from that status to that of MSc student or DPhil student will be considered towards the end of this period. Candidates wishing to transfer to DPhil student status will be required to submit written work and to be interviewed. A broad network of support is available to graduate students not only from supervisors but from Directors of Graduate Studies and heads of department. Termly meetings of the board's Joint Consultative Committee with Graduate Students provide an opportunity for students' representatives to raise more general matters for discussion. Further details of the University's requirements and provision are given in chapters 1 and 2.