Research degrees
PhD and MPhil
Students interested in a MPhil or PhD in Biosciences will have access to top quality supervision and rigourous research training. Students also benefit from close interaction with the School of Biosciences in the UK. This opportunity enables students to tap into the expertise and facilities at both campuses.
Research within the School of Biosciences focuses on the development of biotechnology for the production, improvement and conservation of plants and their products for mankind's needs. Traditional and molecular approaches are being used in plant/crop improvement programmes for economic crops such as oil palm, and for underutilised and novel crops, which have potential to augment food supplies and to provide additional revenue in developing countries.
Possible research topics include:
- use of molecular markers to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of genetic improvement in tropical crops
- underutilised crops
- plant-pathogen interactions
- fungal genetics
- food microbiology
- biological control of crop pests and diseases
- mass production of selected local plants using tissue culture technology
- control and expression of morphogenesis in the cloning of plants
- post-harvest physiology/technology
- sustainable crops
- development of vaccines in plant systems
- plant transformation
- molecular approaches to understand the genetics of agronomic traits in crop plants
- molecular genetic analysis and their application in crop improvement programmes
- studies on potential anticancer, bactericidal and immunomodulating properties of plant extracts
- development of combinatory anticancer treatment using cancer gene therapy and plant extracts
- nutritional and functional characteristics of tropical crops
Entry requirements
A bachelor's degree with first or second class Honours (or equivalent) or MSc in an agricultural, biological or other relevant science from a university recognised by The University of Nottingham.
English language requirements
Except with the special permission of the relevant academic board, applicants whose native language is not English must fulfil one of the following conditions:
- a British Council IELTS average final score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.0 in each element, achieved no more than 2 years prior to admission.
- a TOEFL paper-based test score of 550 or computer-based test score of 213, including in either case a minimum score of 4 in the Test of Written English, achieved no more than 2 years prior to admission
- equivalent qualification as accepted by the School of Biosciences
For students who need to improve their English language skills before beginning a degree course, the Centre for English Language Education offers Pre-sessional Language Courses which are open to all students.
Applications
For information about applying for a MPhil or PhD please visit our
application pages.
