PhD in Food Safety and Biotechnology

Research degrees vary in length, but typically for a PhD they are three or four years long (full-time) and double that for part-time studies. They follow an annual cycle of progress with formal panel-based appraisals of the progress, the outcome of which is typically practical and academic advice about how to overcome problems encountered and how to move to the next stage. During each year, students are expected to supplement their studies with some tailored courses, ranging from highly specific (e.g. learning to use a piece of apparatus or technique) to generic (e.g. developing oral presentation or leadership skills). Every stage is supported by the supervisory team, augmented by an independent panel of progress monitors as well as the full support of the Graduate School.

Assessment

Assessment processes for the Research Degree differ from taught degrees. Students will be expected to present drafts of their work at regular intervals to their supervisor who will provide written and oral feedback; a formal assessment process takes place annually.

This Annual Progress Review requires students to present their work in writing and orally to a panel of academics from within the School. Successful completion of this process will allow students to register for the next academic year.

The final assessment of the doctoral degree is both oral and written. Students will submit their thesis to an internal and external examining team who will review the written thesis before inviting the student to orally defend their work at a Viva Voce.

Learning Outcomes

Um diploma de pesquisa de pós-graduação envolve a realização de pesquisa independente sob a orientação de uma equipe profissional de supervisão acadêmica, normalmente usando as instalações de laboratório oferecidas em um ou mais laboratórios das equipes. Espera-se que o aluno desenvolva suas próprias ideias e aprenda os métodos necessários para testá-las empiricamente e teoricamente. Isso geralmente envolve aprender e praticar habilidades de laboratório (e/ou campo), bem como desenvolver uma sólida base teórica no assunto relevante.

Além do trabalho prático, todas as atividades de bolsa acadêmica independente, como pesquisa bibliográfica e avaliação crítica, comunicações escritas e verbais e networking acadêmico serão desenvolvidas durante um curso de pesquisa. Independência e inovação serão fortemente encorajadas, mas o aluno será apoiado por orientação de supervisão regular. Uma ampla gama de cursos também será oferecida, tanto em habilidades específicas do assunto quanto em habilidades genéricas, especialmente apoiadas pela Graduate School.

Students are encouraged to interact with one another and with members of academic staff and postdoctoral scientists to build confidence and informal learning, through a range of ‘research culture’ activities, including peer groups where students get together to discuss topical research papers, or methods, or just chat about their interests.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes alongside sterling integration with business experts help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally. Career prospects in the biological sciences are exceptionally good. To some extent, it depends on the specific topic, of course, but laboratory-based and especially quantitative skills and the proven innovation of a PhD or MPhil are highly sought after. Degrees are very much in demand, both in commercial science and public sector research and development (e.g. drug discovery and development, crop and animal improvements and welfare, sustainable agriculture and resource use, human nutrition and health, animal health, ecological management, food safety and technology, scientific communications, regulation, and many more fields).

Employment after the Course

Os graduados se tornaram cientistas pesquisadores profissionais e consultores, ou ocuparam cargos técnicos e executivos juniores no comércio e no governo.