Cellular and Molecular Physiology PhD / MPhil / MD
Cellular and Molecular Physiology focuses on understanding how molecular and cellular processes give rise to complex physiologic functions. We have expertise in all aspects of modern physiology, ranging from the regulation of gene expression to cell, tissue and whole organism biology.
Why study with us?
Cellular and Molecular Physiology is interesting and working in the lab has taught me to be creative and independent.
Louise Thompson - Cellular and Molecular Physiology PhD student
309
academic members of staff.
359
registered postgraduate research students.
Overview
We have a long and prestigious history and are a leading international centre for research into the fundamental principles of human physiology. We're developing collaborative ways to address important physiological questions, providing vital translational links to clinicians at the bedside.
Research in this program includes study of molecular structure and function, molecular interactions and cell signalling through to complex cellular phenotypes and communications that underlie the integrated functions of the tissues and organ systems comprising higher living organisms. Research extends from molecular, biophysical and computational methods to developmental and post-genomic physiologic strategies, with model organisms ranging from bacteria and yeast, to fruit-flies, worms, mouse and man.
We particularly welcome research proposals that match those of our researchers, including:
- Cell physiology, with a focus on intracellular signalling, vesicular transport and the cell cycle
- Systems physiology, including the cancer microenvironment, gastric physiology, stem cell biology and developmental physiology
- Smooth muscle physiology, with research in reproductive physiology, ureteric microvessels, respiratory physiology and disease
- Intestinal epithelial cell biology in health and disease
- Neuronal signalling, integrating expertise in cell biology, structural biology and the use of model organisms to investigate aging, neurodegeneration and addiction
- Calcium signalling in health and disease, which is currently focused on the role of Ca2+ signalling, mitochondrial function and bioenergetics in pancreatitis and regulated secretion
- Vascular biology, including the therapeutic use of vascular stents
- Mechanisms of infection and immune cell response
- Cancer cell biology, including role of stroma/immune cell microenvironment; cancer cell invasion, migration and metastasis.
Research themes
In essence, our research is focused around a number of key research areas of expertise, each of which is related to a complementary area of clinical research or drug development.
These key research areas are:
- Cell (including stem cell) physiology
- Systems physiology
- Smooth muscle physiology
- Neuronal signalling
- Calcium signalling in health and disease
- Gastroenterology Research
- Cancer cell biology.
Other themes, including vascular biology are under development, and there are exciting partnerships developing with clinicians in cancer research, reproductive medicine, child health and pancreatic research.
Training
PhD students can take taught modules - on either a formal basis with exams taken and a record of completion generated or less formally. Commonly, students use the opportunity to upskill in areas like bioinformatics and statistics, but modules on defined areas of biology are also available. A wide variety of further development opportunities are available from the PGR Development Hub.
Facilities
The research infrastructure of the Institute of Translational Medicine is designed to give researchers access to world class facilities in the best possible environment.
Our centres, facilities and resources give us the ability to drive biomedical research from patient samples to the laboratory bench and vice versa from newly generated drug compounds into clinical trials. They provide powerful, productive collaborations between experts within the University and organisations worldwide.
- Biomedical Imaging
- Centre for Antimicrobial Pharmacodynamics
- Centre for Drug Safety Science
- Health Data Science Network
- Centre for Preclinical Imaging
- Clinical Trials Research Centre
- Harris-Wellbeing Preterm Birth Research Centre
- Liverpool Bio-Innovation Hub (LBIH) Biobank
- Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit
- MRC North West Hub for Trials Methodology Research
- North West Cancer Research Centre – University of Liverpool
- Pancreas Biomedical Research Unit
- UK Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre for Children
- Wolfson Centre for Personalised Medicine.
Postgraduate researchers also benefit from flexible access to world-class equipment and expertise through the Shared Research Facilities provided by The Technology Directorate.
Research groups
- Biomedical Imaging
- Centre for Preclinical Imaging
- Gastroenterology Research Unit
- Neuronal Signalling Group
- Regenerative Medicine Network
- Safety and Efficacy Hub
Study options and fees
The fees below reflect one year of study during the 2024/25 academic year
| MPhil / PhD / MD | Duration | UK students | International Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full time | 2-4 years | £4,786 |
|
| Part time | 4-6 years | £2,393 |
|
The fees stated in the table above exclude potential research support fees also known as ‘bench fees’. You will be notified of any fee which may apply in your offer letter.
* Please note that if you are undertaking a PhD within the Faculty of Science and Engineering the fee you pay, Band A or Band B, will reflect the nature of your research project. Some research projects incur a higher fee than others e.g. if you are required to undertake laboratory work. You will be informed of the fee for your programme in your offer letter.
^ Self-funded, full-time international students studying a PhD programme classified as Band A will receive a £2,000 reduction in their fees for the first year only.
Entry requirements
Applicants for postgraduate research study at Liverpool are normally expected to hold a UK first degree with a First Class or Upper Second Class degree classification, or a Second Class degree plus a Master’s degree. Equivalent international qualifications are also accepted, and their equivalence will be evaluated on the basis of the information provided by the National Academic Recognition and Information Centre (NARIC) as well as internal guidance based on our experience of a qualification’s suitability as a preparation for our programmes.
English language requirements
| IELTS Academic requirement - SELT and non-SELT | Overall 6.5 no band below 5.5 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT requirement | Minimum 88 overall with L 17 W 17 R 17 and S 19 |
| C1 Advanced CAE requirement | Overall 176 with no less than 162 in any paper |
| Trinity College London, Integrated Skills in English (ISE II) | ISE II with an overall pass with merit in components |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a First Language | Grade C |
| Cambridge IGCSE as a Second Language | Grade B |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Proficiency) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 3 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
| Cambridge English Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Advanced) | Overall 176 with 162 in components |
How to apply
Research degree applications can be made online. You'll also need to ensure that you have funding to cover all fees.
Applications are open all year round.
More about applying for research degrees
Before you apply, we recommend that you identify a supervisor and develop a research proposal
Find a supervisor
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Need help finding a supervisor? Contact us
- ISMIB PGR Administrator
- Email: ismibpgradmin@liverpool.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0)151 794 5455
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