Quantum Biology

Overview

Why choose this programme

Recent research suggests that quantum mechanics appears to play an important role in many biological processes, such as photosynthesis, enzyme action and mutation. This emerging and exciting discipline – known as quantum biology – could hold the key to new approaches in solar energy, drugs and diagnostics. It might even improve our understanding of how the brain works. It’s also shedding light on the conceptual foundations of quantum theory.

As well as standard biological and physics resources, the students in the Quantum Biology programme of the University of Surrey have access to advanced spectroscopy, ion beam proton irradiation, nanotechnology and mass spectrometry facilities within our Advanced Technology Institute (ATI), plus additional facilities at our partner institute, the National Physical Laboratory (NPL).

The University has a strong reputation for PhD training and we’re currently home to more than 1,000 postgraduate researchers and nearly 450 supervisors, working together across over 170 research areas. The most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF) in 2014 rated 84 per cent of our research output as world-leading or internationally excellent.

We also have an excellent graduate employability record, and the collaborative, interdisciplinary and industry-relevant nature of our research means you’ll make contacts, gain skills and get practical experience that will give you an edge with employers.

What you will study

Our PhD in Quantum Biology gives you the opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary research programme in a theoretical or experimental area of the discipline. Depending on the availability of studentships, you could explore a topic such as photosynthesis, molecular mechanisms of mutation, enzymes, olfaction, nanobiotechnology or synthetic biology.

As a PhD student, you’ll become part of Surrey’s QB-DTC, putting you at the heart of a community of academics, postdoctoral researchers and guest scientists. In the first year, you’ll embark on a training programme of interdisciplinary seminars. These workshops are designed to ‘fill in the gaps’ in physics for biologists and in biology for students from a physical science or mathematics background.

You’ll be co-supervised by academics who are experts in their areas of research and they’ll guide you through your PhD. These academics are from a range of University departments, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computing and Biosciences, as well as the ATI. They’ll help you define the objectives and scope of your research, and help you learn the experimental, theoretical and computing skills you’ll need to complete your research. You’ll normally meet with your supervisors every week or every other week. 

After your first 12 months, you’ll complete a confirmation report, which will be assessed by independent examiners. Your PhD will be assessed overall by a written thesis after you’ve studied for at least three years.

Throughout your studies, you’ll have regular opportunities to meet other PhD students, academics and staff at our informal postgraduate research forum meetings, and to get involved in socials and other events.