Evolutionary Biology

Overview

In the biomedical sciences, comparisons of model organisms to humans, emergence of antibiotic resistance, or the identification of pathogen strains from molecular information all concern evolutionary processes. 

Therefore, evolution is of central importance for most areas of the life sciences.

Research in evolutionary biology covers a wide range of questions about evolutionary patterns and processes in microbes, plants and animals. 

Particular strengths are evolutionary genetics and genomics, phyologenetics, behavioural ecology and evolutionary developmental biology.

The breadth of research topics is reflected in a diversity of state of the art techniques used, such as genome sequencing, epigenomics and CRISPR-Cas9, but also field, bioinformatics and transcriptomics research.

About our PhD and MPhil degrees

PhD/MPhil Evolutionary Biology programmes at The University of Manchester are based on individual research projects that last three to four years (PhD) or one to two years (MPhil), working with a specific Primary Supervisor and Co-Supervisor(s).

Applicants are specifically matched with a Primary Supervisor and individual project based on their research interests and background.

Training and development

All of our postgraduate research students attend the Doctoral Academy Training Programme delivered by the Centre for Academic and Researcher Development (CARD).

The programme provides key transferable skills in areas such as commercial awareness, academic writing and public engagement. 

This training equips our postgraduates with the tools to progress beyond their research degree into influential positions within academia, industry and consultancy.

The emphasis is on enhancing skills critical to developing early-stage researchers and professionals, whether they relate to effective communication, disseminating research findings and project management skills.