Each student will carry out a research project in an area of Microbiology, Immunology or Virology. At the end of the year each project is written up as a thesis using a form similar to that required for publication of research data, i.e., the thesis should include a Summary of work done, an Introduction outlining the theoretical background related to the work actually carried out, Materials and Methods, Results and a Discussion of the results obtained in relation to the general background of the study. As one of the goals of the course is developing expertise in scientific writing, supervisors assist students with thesis planning and writing at early draft stages, but the final preparation and finished product is the sole responsibility of the student. The Theory component of the course does not contain a structured formal coverage of the field chosen. However, students are encouraged and assisted to extend their understanding of the area in which they are working by private study on appropriate and relevant topics.
Time management is an important issue.
At certain times of the year, formal study as part of the theory course takes precedence, while from July onwards the student will be involved full-time in research and thesis preparation. It should be understood that students are expected to reinforce both laboratory and theory aspects of their work by study outside normal working hours. Performance in all parts of the course will be assessed. A poor performance in one component cannot easily be overcome and students should ensure that they balance their efforts in the project and theoretical work.