About CiC | Chemistry in Cells

The Chemistry in Cells DPhil Programme

The Chemistry in Cells (CiC) 4-year DPhil Programme provides training for physical/chemical-sciences graduates to develop and apply quantitative physical science techniques to research at the interface with biomedicine. A highly multidisciplinary programme with collaborators at the University of Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute, The Rosalind Franklin Institute, GSK, Janssen and Merck, Sharp & Dohme (MSD UK), the course provides:

Fundamental training in biology, biochemistry, drug discovery.
Practical and theoretical research skills in computer programming, statistics and quantitative chemical biology.
Career development training in communication, presentation, writing/reading interdisciplinary literature.
Engagement with research in an industrially-relevant context.
A framework for the development of highly innovative multidisciplinary DPhil projects.

Bespoke training is given in cutting-edge chemical and physical science approaches to develop technologies that will underpin research across the spectrum of front-line cell biology and biomedical science, addressing diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s Disease and metabolic disorders including diabetes. It is currently impossible to accurately and directly quantify interactions of molecules, and their consequences, in the complex physiological settings relevant to diagnosis and treatment of disease. To address this unmet need, students undertake research projects with the aim to harness such approaches.

As part of the project, CiC DPhils are required to have a biomedical supervisor and physical sciences supervisor - these collaborations have already been formed to produce the projects. CiC students will have a chance to review the projects and make their choices during the first term of the first year after informal meetings and sessions with the supervisors during a ‘project week’.

The Springboard phase is designed to orientate students in the labs of the physical and biomedical supervisors and to begin to receive the initial training in some techniques. Plans for the substantive DPhil can be made during this phase. There is flexibility during the initial stages of the programme to allow students to make informed decisions about their projects.

Module Overviews

Molecules, Cells and Systems:

This module introduces core concepts in molecular and cell biology for graduate students with a background in physical sciences. Over the course of the module we introduce the building blocks of life and discuss how they interact to support processes such as replication, metabolism, signal transduction and the immune system. The course is taught through a combination of lectures, problem-solving exercises, discussions and independent study. Topics covered include: cell biology, DNA, replication, transcription and translation, protein structure and trafficking, signal transduction, metabolism, molecular genetics, epigenetics, neuroscience, immunology, cardiovascular science, cancer, and methods used in molecular biology and structural biology research. (Duration: two weeks)

Quantitative Chemical Biology:

This module provides an overview of a range of quantitative chemical biology techniques, tools, and statistical analyses used to study and manipulate biological systems. (Duration: two weeks)

Computational Approaches for Chemical Biology:

This module is delivered in collaboration with our industrial collaborators and provides an overview of computational techniques, including coding and machine learning applied to biological questions. The module comprises a mix of lectures and activities-based workshops. (Duration: one week)

Contemporary Probe and Drug Discovery:

With a mixture of lectures and workshop activities, this module focuses on the principles and modern practise of probe and drug discovery and development. The first week is devoted to the fundamentals of medicinal chemistry and how they impact the process of probe and drug discovery. The second week explores more advanced concepts with case studies focusing on key emerging areas in drug discovery, generating thought-provoking ideas and activities. Some material and interactive sessions are delivered by scientists from our industrial collaborators including GSK and Merck. (Duration: two weeks).

Introduction to Experimental Bioscience:

This course is intended for students with a background in physical sciences, who have little experience with wet-lab biological and/or biochemical research. The course provides a hands-on introduction to experimental techniques used in molecular and cellular biology, including DNA and protein extractions, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and Western blotting. The course will offer insight into the biological processes underlying the different techniques, training in experimental record-keeping, intellectual property, insight into the factors affecting experimental design, data generation and analysis, bioinformatics and data presentation. This is primarily a lab-based course and students are expected to maintain a high quality lab book throughout the module. (Duration: two weeks)

Life Skills for Scientists:

This module provides training in transferable skills, resilience (including dynamics of working in multidisciplinary labs, managing complex relationships), equity, equality diversity & inclusion, EEDI), communicating your science and public engagement, and exploration into diverse career opportunities. This module includes sessions delivered by representatives who work in different careers (e.g. publishing, IP, teaching, industrial research, policy, academia). (Duration: one week).