University of Cambridge Postgraduate Student Handbook 2021-2022, Exercises of Clinical Medicine

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School of Clinical Medicine Student Handbook

Contents

Welcome Message from the Director of Postgraduate Education

“I am delighted you are joining one of the postgraduate degree programmes based within the School of Clinical Medicine. Please accept my warmest congratulations on this achievement. I hope that your time here will be truly inspirational and will help to ensure your future career success; our students are sought after by employers in clinical medicine, industry, academia and other sectors.” The University of Cambridge has around 20,000 students, 7,500 of whom are postgraduate students and approximately 2,000 of whom are studying for a degree within the Life Sciences; either here within the School of Clinical Medicine or within the School of Biological Sciences. The School of Clinical Medicine on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, where the majority of you will now be based, offers some of the very best research facilities, excellent teaching and opportunities for interaction across a wide spectrum of subjects from biomedical statistics and big data to genetics, epidemiology, from global health and health services research to world-class cell and molecular biology. The bar is set very high at the University of Cambridge and a lot will be expected of you. However, with commitment and motivation, you can expect to achieve high rewards in terms of immense personal satisfaction and a career enhancing curriculum vitae. There is a big team of people who are ready to support you including administrative and academic staff within your Department or Institution, the School’s Postgraduate Education and Clinical Academic Training (PECAT) office, and your own College. In Spring 2020, many of our laboratories closed temporarily due to COVID-19, and most staff and students transitioned to working from home where possible. Many safety measures have since been implemented to enable laboratories to continue to operate, although at the time of writing many laboratories are still working below full capacity, and some home- working continues, particularly for tasks that do not need access to the bench. As we are based on a hospital site, a high priority is to minimise infection risks for staff, students and other users of the campus, including patients and the public. Much work has gone into developing high quality teaching materials and resources that can be delivered remotely and

flexibly, depending on ongoing guidance. We strongly hope that any continuing restrictions will not impact on your enjoyment of the course. I hope that you maximise this opportunity for postgraduate study in the School of Clinical Medicine, and both enjoy your time here and thrive in the Cambridge environment. Fiona Gribble Professor of Endocrine Physiology and Director of Postgraduate Education, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge

Postgraduate Operations Committee

The Postgraduate Operations Committee has oversight of quality assurance and implementation of best practice; communications and information, sustainability of the academic mission, consistency of the student experience and support for staff, courses and programmes, across all departments and institutes within the Clinical School. It is chaired by Professor Fiona Gribble, the School’s Director of Postgraduate Education.

Postgraduate Education and Clinical Academic Training

PECAT has a broad remit which includes: the co-ordination of research training programmes for clinicians on an integrated academic training pathway; administration of a number of University postgraduate programmes; and oversight, through the Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, of postgraduate student progress and processes across the numerous different University departments and institutes which exist within the School of Clinical Medicine.

The Degree Committee for the Faculties of Clinical Medicine & Veterinary Medicine

The Committee encompasses academics from within the Faculties of Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and reports to the Postgraduate Committee. This Committee is responsible for:

• Recommending candidates for admission to courses;
• Monitoring students' progress;
• Approving continuation after a probationary period of research for the PhD;
• Approving candidates for PhD degrees;
• Approving candidates for MPhil and MRes degrees;
• Appointing Supervisors and Examiners.

Postgraduate School of Life Sciences..............................................................................................

The Postgraduate School of Life Sciences is a strategic partnership between the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Clinical Medicine. It facilitates the operation of certain joint PhD programmes and promotes the educational and career needs of postgraduate students and early career researchers in the Faculties of Biology, Clinical Medicine and Veterinary Medicine and their affiliated institutes. Induction In order to ensure that new students are provided with all the information required to successfully complete their course of study, a number of induction events are arranged. The Student Registry’s website for students, which contains comprehensive information for students at Cambridge, is at: http://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/

CLINICAL SCHOOL INDUCTION An induction event is held twice a year in the Clinical School; in the Michaelmas and Lent Terms. This provides an opportunity to hear talks by academic representatives of the School of Clinical Medicine and other University members aimed at drawing your attention to some key aspects you should be aware of as a postgraduate student; such as Research Governance and Integrity, Medical Library, Equality and Diversity, Student Wellbeing, and Researcher development. It also provides an opportunity to meet other students and to discover more about the facilities available in the School building. POSTGRADUATE OF SCHOOL OF LIFE SCIENCES ONLINE INDUCTION Online induction training is provided by the Postgraduate School of Life Sciences, via Moodle, the University’s Virtual learning environment. If you do not receive notification that you have been enrolled on this course, or if you cannot see it within your Moodle account, please speak to your departmental postgraduate administrator in the first instance. UNIVERSITY POSTGRADUATE SAFETY COURSE All postgraduate students are required to attend the Postgraduate Safety Course, unless they are excused following a request by their Head of Department. Details of the course are sent directly to students, and are available at https://www.safety.admin.cam.ac.uk/training/postgraduate-safety- course COLLEGE INDUCTION EVENTS, INCLUDING MATRICULATION You should be aware that your College may also expect or require you to attend induction events. Course Structure & Timetable COURSE AIMS, STRUCTURE AND KEY CONTACTS Please contact your Department for further information on this area. ASSESSMENT

First Year Assessment for PhD Candidates

On joining the University of Cambridge, all postgraduate students and Clinical Fellows who are PhD candidates are required to successfully complete an initial probationary period before they are registered for the PhD degree. This is to ensure that the study you have embarked upon suits you and that you are making satisfactory progress. This involves undergoing a First Year Assessment. The purpose of the first year assessment is to provide evidence of your suitability for registration for a PhD and involves the submission of a first year report, followed by a viva with two independent assessors. Since the first year report involves the production of a piece of scientific writing it is an opportunity for you to reflect upon the progress and direction of your research. The assessors will submit a report on the viva and make a recommendation to your Supervisor and Department as to

and send this to the Degree Committee at the same time as your Intention to Submit Form or as soon as possible thereafter. Reasonable Adjustments If you wish to notify examiners of any disability or request adjustments on account of such disability for your viva voce examination, you can do this via your Degree Committee by completing and submitting a Voluntary Disclosure Form, which can be downloaded from the following link: https://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/examinations/graduate-exam- information/submitting-and-examination/phd-msc-mlitt/oral Once you have submitted the form, your Degree Committee will contact the University’s Disability Resource Centre (DRC) who will advise the Degree Committee on the appropriate course of action. The information provided on the voluntary disclosure form will be kept confidential and will not be used for any other purpose. ASSESSMENT & EXAMINATION (RESEARCH COURSES) Once your thesis has been submitted, the Degree Committee will formally appoint the examiners/assessors and send them all relevant material. It is the responsibility of the Internal Examiner to arrange the date and venue for the viva exam (oral exam) at which you will be asked questions on your thesis and the general field of your research.

PhD

Following the viva exam, your Examiners will make a joint recommendation to the Degree Committee. The Degree Committee will consider the recommendation at their next meeting and then the Student Registry will contact you directly to confirm the outcome of the Degree Committee’s deliberations. You will be sent a copy of your examiners’ reports which should include details of any corrections you may be required to make to your thesis. Further details about what to expect at the viva and the possible outcomes following the viva examination are available at www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your- course/examinations/graduate-exam-information/submitting-and-examination/phd-msc-mlitt/oral

MPhil by Research

Once you have been examined for your degree, reports and marks are sent to the Degree Committee for consideration at their next meeting. The Degree Committee will send you a letter/email to confirm their decision and any further action you need to take. It is your responsibility to keep your mailing addresses on CamSIS up to date, which can be done via your CamSIS Self Service account. There are a number of possible outcomes, following the viva examination:

• You will be approved for the degree without correction;
• You will be approved for the degree subject to minor corrections, which must be completed within 3 weeks of notification by the Degree Committee;
• You will be approved for the degree subject to more substantial corrections, which must be completed within 6 weeks of notification by the Degree Committee;

• You will be allowed to revise and resubmit your thesis for examination, which must be completed within 10 weeks of notification by the Degree Committee;
• You will not be approved for the degree. CURRICULUM, MODULES ETC. Please contact your Department for further information on this area. SUBMITTING YOUR THESIS (TAUGHT COURSES) Please contact your Department for further information on this area. ASSESSMENT & EXAMINATION (TAUGHT COURSES) Please contact your Department for further information on this area.

The UIS services are described at https://help.uis.cam.ac.uk/new-starters/it-for-students/student-it- services. This also provides information on how to obtain free copies of MS Office for students to install on their personal devices. Biomedical Campus Facilities The Biomedical Campus has a range of facilities for catering, leisure and fitness. At the time of writing (June 202 1 ), access to some facilities is still reduced because of COVID-19. FOOD AND DRINK The Postgraduate Lounge in the Clinical School was refurbished in 2017, and is open to staff and students from across the school. A lunchtime cafeteria provides hot drinks, sandwiches and cooked lunches Monday-Friday, and tables and microwave ovens are available for those who wish to bring their own food. A side room can be booked by postgraduate students for meetings and events. Addenbrooke’s Hospital has a number of public catering facilities. The majority of these are located in the concourse, close to the main entrance, with additional facilities at either end of the building in the Outpatients area and in the Addenbrooke’s Treatment Centre Many larger departments and institutes have catering facilities, most of which are only accessible to members of that department and their guests. FRANK LEE LEISURE & FITNESS CENTRE The Frank Lee Centre offers a range of leisure activities, including a swimming pool, tennis and squash courts and a gym. Membership is open to all those who work on the Biomedical Campus, but the centre is not affiliated to the University, and does not offer student discounts. Access to the bar and restaurant facilities is available to non-members for a small entry fee. Student Support & Welfare There are a number of mechanisms to provide formal and informal support to postgraduate students on both academic and pastoral matters. Whether you have serious personal or scientific problems or are simply unsure how best to proceed, we encourage you to use the knowledge and experience of those around you to find a solution. ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Principal Supervisor

All PhD students have a Principal Supervisor, who is appointed by the Degree Committee to direct and assist you in your research.

Second Supervisor

If your research is inter-disciplinary or is in a field where group work is the norm, a second supervisor may be appointed to provide day-to-day support.

Cambridge Supervisor

This role is only required if the Principal Supervisor is not employed by an English HEI or Cambridge College, and generally applies to the University Partner Institutes.

Postgraduate Advisors

If you are studying for a PhD, your Department will appoint an Advisor for you. Your Advisor will be able to bring sufficient expertise to your Supervisory Team to act as a second point of contact for you for academic advice (after your Principal Supervisor).

Postgraduate Education and Clinical Academic Training Section

The Postgraduate Education and Clinical Academic Training section can provide support regarding any student matters related to University academic processes or to matters that concern the Degree Committee. This includes leave to work away, intermission, and notification of your intent to submit your thesis. Most matters can be dealt with via your CamSIS self-service account, but PECAT is available to help with any queries that arise.

Departmental Postgraduate Administrators

Postgraduate Administrators within your department or institute are the first port of call for matters within your department. Please contact your Department for further information on this area.

Self-Evaluation

Around the middle of the Michaelmas Term, you will be invited to complete a self-evaluation process within the CamSIS system. This is an opportunity to inform your Supervisor, Department, Degree Committee and College Postgraduate Tutor how you are progressing and to raise any issues. This process was established to enable the early detection and resolution of any problems or difficulties postgraduate students might be facing, and to facilitate a dialogue between Colleges and Departments regarding each postgraduate student. STUDENT WELFARE & PASTORAL SUPPORT While it is hoped that your time at Cambridge will be an untroubled one, there may be occasions when you need additional help and support.

College Tutors

All students in Cambridge have a College Tutor who has general oversight of student welfare, with regard to academic, administrative and pastoral care, see: https://www.studentwellbeing.admin.cam.ac.uk/college-pastoral-support/tutors

Mentors

Mentors are named points of contact for staff and students; they may be approached for confidential advice and support for issues other than academic progress.

fitness to study, the University acts within a particular procedure, detailed at http://www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/so/2018/chapter02-section28.html If you are a matriculated student, your College may use its own Fitness to Study Procedure. However, the University's Procedure can be used where the College Procedure is not appropriate, or a student does not have a College.

Complaints and Appeals

Most problems or complaints can be resolved quickly and efficiently with the support, involvement or intervention of University staff or your College Tutor. You may also seek independent advice from the Students’ Union Advice Service. You are expected to exhaust all avenues of early informal resolution before initiating any formal complaint, review or appeal processes. In the first instance, you should consult and seek the advice of appropriate departmental members of staff. The officer responsible for receiving student complaints for the Faculty of Clinical Medicine is the Director of Postgraduate Education. The deputy responsible officer for student complaints in the Faculty of Clinical Medicine is the Secretary to the Degree Committee (Mrs Elizabeth McIntyre). The Office of Student Conduct, Complaints and Appeals (OSCCA) provides procedural advice, case handling and oversight of a number of student procedures including: complaints and the review of examination results. Information concerning the Student Complaint Procedure is at: https://www.studentcomplaints.admin.cam.ac.uk/student-complaints Information concerning the Examination Review Procedure is at: https://www.studentcomplaints.admin.cam.ac.uk/examination-reviews Important Information ACADEMIC INFORMATION

University Regulations on Plagiarism............................................................................................

Plagiarism is defined as submitting as one's own work, irrespective of intent to deceive, that which derives in part or in its entirety from the work of others without due acknowledgement. It is both poor scholarship and a breach of academic integrity. Examples of plagiarism include copying (using another person's language and/or ideas as if they are a candidate's own), by:

• quoting verbatim another person's work without due acknowledgement of the source;
• paraphrasing another person's work by changing some of the words, or the order of the words, without due acknowledgement of the source;
• using ideas taken from someone else without reference to the originator;
• cutting and pasting from the Internet to make a pastiche of online sources;

• submitting someone else's work as part of a candidate's own without identifying clearly who did the work. For example, buying or commissioning work via professional agencies such as 'essay banks' or 'paper mills', or not attributing research contributed by others to a joint project. Plagiarism might also arise from colluding with another person, including another candidate, other than as permitted for joint project work (i.e. where collaboration is concealed or has been forbidden). A candidate should include a general acknowledgement where he or she has received substantial help, for example with the language and style of a piece of written work. It is every student's responsibility to:
• Read, and ensure that you understand, the University-wide Statement on plagiarism (see http://www.plagiarism.admin.cam.ac.uk) which defines plagiarism and the forms that it can take. The statement follows the Regulations for discipline in Statutes and Ordinances.
• Familiarise yourself with guidance issued by your faculty or department which outlines the referencing techniques and other academic conventions that you will be expected to adhere to. This will be given to you in your handbook or other induction materials, but if you are in doubt ask your Director of Studies or Tutor.
• Ensure that you always follow these conventions, and ask for clarification or support if you need it from your Director of Studies or Tutor. If in doubt about any aspect of academic integrity it is always best to seek clarification at an early stage.

Postgraduate Feedback and Reporting System (PFRS)

The PFRS system is the means by which Supervisors record and report the progress of their postgraduate students. Your Supervisor will complete a report on a termly basis, and this will be reviewed by your department, College, and the Degree Committee. Completed reports and reviews are available to students.

Terms of Study

University statutes require all students to complete a minimum number of terms of study, three terms for an MPhil degree and nine for a PhD (different requirements apply to part-time students). Details of these requirements can be found at www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/new- students/manage-your-student-information/graduate-students/terms-study

Leave to Work Away (research courses only)

As a postgraduate research student you are expected to be in residence in Cambridge working on your research throughout the year. You do not have breaks between terms or a long summer break. You are entitled to take holiday at times agreed with your supervisor, provided that these do not exceed 8 weeks in a given year. If you need to work away from Cambridge, you should apply via CamSIS (Self-Service Page/Apply for Things/Application Forms) at least 2-3 months before you go. You will need to upload a Risk Assessment in support of your on-line application. Forms can be obtained from your Postgraduate Administrator. Leave to work away is not required for holidays, conferences or other short trips of under 2 weeks’ duration. Full details are available at www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/graduate-study/your- student-status/work-away-cambridge

within the college teaching, learning and working environment will normally be dealt with under the appropriate college procedure.

Student Feedback

The University subscribes to a national postgraduate student survey, the annual Student Barometer. You will be sent details of the survey by email, and the Clinical School encourages you to participate.

Researcher Development

Researcher Development, at its heart, encompasses all the learning and development that you experience and acquire during your time in Cambridge. It provides you with the skills you need right now for your current work, as well as for your future, whatever that might look like To help you navigate your way through all the Researcher Development training opportunities available at Cambridge, Researcher Development have designed a “Getting Started”” module, which can be found on the Researcher Development website (www.rdp.cam.ac.uk). You will asked to take the skills analysis survey, which will allow you to design a personalised researcher development plan for your first year. To provide further support, if you need it, the Researcher Development team have recommended a number of modules that will help you to develop foundation skills in Researcher Development over the course of your first year, which can also be found in the “ Getting Started ” module. Other RD Opportunities The Postgraduate School of Life Sciences also runs specific events for life scientists throughout the year. For further details please see https://www.rdp.cam.ac.uk/. There is a one-to-one consultation service available for all PSLS members. GENERAL

University and Public Lectures

Members of the University are entitled to attend any undergraduate lectures (but not seminars or practicals) taking place across the University, see the timetable at: timetable.cam.ac.uk/.

Clinical School Equality Champions Network

The Clinical School has had Equality Champions in every department since 2011. The Equality Champions have been instrumental in increasing awareness of the School’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme by promoting Athena SWAN and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion matters throughout the school. With the growth of the Clinical School in recent years we are looking to recruit additional Equality Champions, including Postgraduate Student representatives, in each department. Please consider becoming an Equality Champion. The time commitment is small and you will find yourself part of an active community of individuals who are committed to promoting good practice and a better working environment for all. Equality Champions meet once a term to support one another and share experiences. If you would like to join our friendly network please contact Nakita Gilbert (csdiversity@admin.cam.ac.uk), Equality and Diversity Coordinator. More information about the Equality Champions Network and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the Clinical School can be found on the School’s Athena SWAN website: athena-swan.medschl.cam.ac.uk

Travel within Cambridge

Cambridge is a flat and relatively compact city, and most journeys within the city can easily be completed on foot or by bicycle. There is information at www.camcycle.org.uk/resources/training/ regarding training for adults who are new or nervous cyclists. A frequent bus service, ‘U’, runs from the North-West Cambridge (Eddington) Madingley Road Park and Ride to the Biomedical Campus via the West Cambridge site, town centre and the station. Tickets are half-price for staff and students on production of a University card.

Car Parking

There is no dedicated car parking facility for students on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. Students should note that the University prohibits students from keeping cars in Cambridge without written permission. Refer to your College tutor or to www.proctors.cam.ac.uk/motor-proctor for further information.

Healthcare in the UK

The National Health Service (NHS) is the UK’s state healthcare system providing a wide range of health care services including appointments with a doctor, hospital treatment and dental care. You should register with a doctor as soon as possible after your arrival in Cambridge; your College will give advice on this. International and EEA students should read the information on the University’s International Students’ website at: https://www.internationalstudents.cam.ac.uk/arriving/healthcare-uk International students on a Tier 4 visa will be subject to an immigration health surcharge, which will enable them to access NHS healthcare free of charge. European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals should check online for up to date guidance: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-for-eu-and-efta-citizens-visiting-the-uk

First Aid

Please contact your Department for further information on this area.

Data Protection

Please see the following webpages for information about how the University will use your personal information whilst you are a student at the University of Cambridge: https://www.information-compliance.admin.cam.ac.uk/data-protection/general-data