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Teaching
The initial training and PhD project selection period will span the first six months, and will focus on development of knowledge and skills that prepare the student for the PhD project. This will include a module on Applied Nanoscience, integrating lecture materials with advanced practicals and data analysis techniques, a module on System Integration for Experimentalists and by two short research projects. An additional module on Innovation for Scientists will help broaden the students’ perspective beyond core scientific research.
The first short project, the ‘mini’ project, will be selected for the student by the course organisers, in order to expand their research horizons. The second short project, the ‘midi’ project, which is linked to the PhD, will normally be chosen by the student from a list of approved proposals.
Continued personal and professional development, mostly undertaken as a cohort, approximating 10 days FTE on average per year, will continue beyond the initial six-month training period. During this period students will also be encouraged to take advantage of the many specialised lecture series and seminars that take place in participating departments, to help them continue to enhance their learning alongside their own research.
| One to one supervision | The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. For the initial training and project selection period, all students are assigned one of the Course Directors as a Principal Supervisor, who will oversee the allocation of supervision for individual students’ projects. During the PhD phase, the supervisory team consists of the Principal Supervisor (normally referred to as the supervisor), a Secondary Supervisor from a different department or discipline, and an Academic Adviser. |
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| Seminars & classes | Industry and other seminars organised by the NanoDTC [approximately 4 hours termly] |
| Lectures | Specialist lectures offered as part of modules during initial training period; further lectures available via participating departments [average 8 hours per week in first two terms and occasionally thereafter] |
| Practicals | Broad range of practical training in initial six months [approximately 20 hours per week in first two terms] |
| Small group teaching | Two group projects with three project review and feedback sessions for each |
| Journal clubs | Weekly in first two terms, fortnightly thereafter |
| Literature Reviews | Conducted as part of short research projects, first year report and thesis |
| Posters and Presentations | One annual poster session |
Placements
Opportunities are available for industrial mentorships and internships in a variety of partner companies.
Feedback
Students are provided formative feedback as part of each of the three modules taken during the initial six-month training and project selection period. The reports for the mini and midi projects are assessed by an independent reviewer in addition to the project supervisor, and their combined feedback is shared with the student after moderation by the Course Coordinator.
Feedback is also provided as part of the ‘first-year’ assessment exercise, which involves submission of a report followed by a viva. This critical checkpoint establishes each project’s viability and each student’s ability to complete the PhD successfully. Students are also provided written feedback through termly reports on the CamSIS system.
In addition to the above, student feedback and discussion will be solicited on a regular basis, including an ‘open door’ policy, inviting feedback at any time in any form to Course Directors and the Course Administrator, plus during the external advisory board review where board members explicitly invite open, frank discussions on student experiences without the presence of the course organisers.
One student representative will be elected by the student body per cohort, to represent student concerns, in discussion with the programme director and course organiser, as well as acting as representatives during course management committees.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
Examination is by submission of a thesis for examination for the PhD degree. The thesis is typically no more than 60,000 words, but word limits and requirements are set by the Degree Committee of the Department in which the PhD project is based. The thesis is examined by two examiners and includes an oral examination on the thesis and the general field of knowledge within which it falls.
Other
The three taught modules and two short research project reports will be assessed formatively and feedback will be provided to the student, as well as to their supervisor.
All PhD students are probationary in the first year. A first-year assessment, comprising a written report, and an oral examination, with two assessors, during Term 5 (or part-time equivalent), will provide a critical checkpoint of the student’s progress and determine registration for the PhD.