Postgraduate research 

Systems Biology PhD/iPhD/MSc (Research)

An illustration depicting a cancer cell attached to tissue within the body

Systems biology emphasises a multi-level, integrative approach to understanding how living organisms work. With our close links to the polyomics facility, we apply a full range of post-genomic technologies to aid our understanding.

  • PhD: 3-4 years full-time; 5 years part-time;
  • MSc (Research): 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time;
  • IPhD: 5 years full-time;

Research projects

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Decoding Temporal Windows for Mitochondrial Intervention Across Species Using Data-Driven Approaches (available as IPhD)

Supervisor: Alberto Sanz

MSc choices: Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Immunology & Inflammatory Disease, Medical Genetics & Genomics, Precision Medicine.

Project description

Mutations in genes encoding mitochondrial OXPHOS components often cause devastating diseases. Paradoxically, lifespan can be extended in worms, flies, and mice by partially impairing mitochondrial function. Why this occurs remains poorly understood. The Sanz laboratory has revealed that the timing of mitochondrial dysfunction is critical—similar interventions produce opposing outcomes depending on when they are applied. This project aims to systematically identify conserved patterns that explain this temporal dependency.

We will analyse RNAseq and proteomics datasets from Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, Mus musculus, and Homo sapiens, comparing short- and long-lived species. We will assess mRNA and protein expression across tissues and developmental stages, quantifying correlations between transcript and protein levels. Using machine learning, we will identify conserved expression profiles that predict lifespan outcomes.

Guided by these insights, we will use state-of-the-art genome editing in Drosophila to modulate mitochondrial function with spatiotemporal precision, targeting specific tissues and developmental windows to generate new long-lived flies.

By uncovering the timing and location rules that govern mitochondrial influence on longevity, this work will establish a foundation for future interventions to extend human healthspan.

Techniques:

  • Data mining
  • Transcriptomics
  • Proteomics
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Machine Learning
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

References:

  1. Developmental mitochondrial complex I activity determines lifespan. Stefanatos R, Robertson F, Castejon-Vega B, Yu Y, Uribe AH, Myers K, Kataura T, Korolchuk VI, Maddocks ODK, Martins LM, Sanz A. EMBO Rep. 2025 Apr;26(8):1957-1983

  2. NLRP1 inflammasome promotes senescence and senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Muela-Zarzuela I, Suarez-Rivero JM, Gallardo-Orihuela A, Wang C, Izawa K, de Gregorio-Procopio M, Couillin I, Ryffel B, Kitaura J, Sanz A, von Zglinicki T, Mbalaviele G, Cordero MD. Inflamm Res. 2024 Aug;73(8):1253-1266.

  3. Autophagy promotes cell survival by maintaining NAD levels.
    Kataura T, Sedlackova L, Otten EG, Kumari R, Shapira D, Scialo F, Stefanatos R, Ishikawa KI, Kelly G, Seranova E, Sun C, Maetzel D, Kenneth N, Trushin S, Zhang T, Trushina E, Bascom CC, Tasseff R, Isfort RJ, Oblong JE, Miwa S, Lazarou M, Jaenisch R, Imoto M, Saiki S, Papamichos-Chronakis M, Manjithaya R, Maddocks ODK, Sanz A, Sarkar S, Korolchuk VI.
    Dev Cell. 2022 Nov 21;57(22):2584-2598.e11.

  4. Mitochondrial ROS signalling requires uninterrupted electron flow and is lost during ageing in flies. Graham C, Stefanatos R, Yek AEH, Spriggs RV, Loh SHY, Uribe AH, Zhang T, Martins LM, Maddocks ODK, Scialo F, Sanz A. Geroscience. 2022 Aug;44(4):1961-1974.

  5. Mitochondrial complex I derived ROS regulate stress adaptation in Drosophila melanogaster. Scialò F, Sriram A, Stefanatos R, Spriggs RV, Loh SHY, Martins LM, Sanz A.Redox Biol. 2020 May;32:101450. 

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Overview

Systems Biology draws on the strengths of molecular and cell biology to try to build an integrative picture of how organisms work. Implicit in the approach is big data (coming from imaging, microarray, RNAseq, proteomics or metabolomics, for which we are very well equipped), together with mathematical and computational biology to draw higher-level insights. Systems biology also works very well with genetic model organisms, such as yeast, Drosophila or Arabidopsis; or in human biomedicine.

Through their research interests in drug development, biotechnology and clinical applications, many of our project supervisors have strong links with pharmaceutical and agrochemical industry. The interdisciplinary nature of systems biology means that these highly active supervisors have international collaborations both with other Universities and industry. Funds are available through the College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences to allow visits to international laboratories where part of your project can be carried out. This provides an excellent opportunity for networking and increasing your scientific knowledge and skill set.

Research topics are allied to ongoing research within the School, the majority of which are basic science projects. A variety of multi-disciplinary research approaches are applied, including biochemistry, molecular biology, molecular genetics, materials science, polyomics (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics etc), bioinformatics, structural biology, microscopy and imaging techniques. Specific areas of interest include:

  • modelling organ specificity in the plant circadian clock
  • post-genomic insights into tissue function and control in Drosophila
  • optimising recombinant protein expression and secretion in mammalian cells
  • systems biology approaches of stress-induced plasticity of the mitochondrial intermembrane space
  • light control of local and long distance phytohormone signalling in Arabidopsis
  • quantitative systems biology of membrane transport and cellular homeostasis
  • systems biology of gas exchange and photosynthesis, from molecule to the field
  • materials and metabolomics for identification of stem cell fate modifying metabolites
  • analysis and integration of large omics datasets

Study options

PhD

  • Duration: 3/4 years full-time; 5 years part-time

Individual research projects are tailored around the expertise of principal investigators.

Integrated PhD programmes (5 years)

Our Integrated PhD allows you to combine masters level teaching with your chosen research direction in a 1+3+1 format. 

International students with MSc and PhD scholarships/funding do not have to apply for 2 visas or exit and re-enter the country between programmes. International and UK/EU students may apply.

Year 1

Taught masters level modules are taken alongside students on our masters programmes. Our research-led teaching supports you to fine tune your research ideas and discuss these with potential PhD supervisors. You will gain a valuable introduction to academic topics, research methods, laboratory skills and the critical evaluation of research data. Your grades must meet our requirements in order to gain entry on to your pre-selected PhD research project. If not, you will have the options to pay outstanding MSc fees and complete with masters degree only.

Years 2, 3 and 4

PhD programme with research/lab work, completing an examinable piece of independent research in year 4.

Year 5

Thesis write up.

MSc (Research)

  • Duration: 1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent.

English language requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

  • 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
  • IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)

  • 90 overall with Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

  • 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) 

  • 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

  • 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

  • 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

  • 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

  • Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
  • Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

  • Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

  • Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
  • Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
    • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

  • direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
  • essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
  • flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

  • Heriot Watt
  • Kingston Upon Thames
  • Middlesex University
  • Manchester University
  • Reading University
  • Edinburgh University
  • ST Andrews University
  • UCL
  • Durham.

Fees and funding

Fees

2025/26

  • UK: £5,005
  • International & EU: £31,800

Prices are based on the annual fee for full-time study. Fees for part-time study are half the full-time fee.

Irish nationals who are living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status, and Internationals with Indefinite Leave to remain status can also qualify for home fee status.

Alumni discount

We offer a 20% discount to our alumni on all Postgraduate Research and full Postgraduate Taught Masters programmes. This includes University of Glasgow graduates and those who have completed Junior Year Abroad, Exchange programme or International Summer School with us. The discount is applied at registration for students who are not in receipt of another discount or scholarship funded by the University. No additional application is required.

Possible additional fees

  • Re-submission by a research student £540
  • Submission for a higher degree by published work £1,355
  • Submission of thesis after deadline lapsed £350
  • Submission by staff in receipt of staff scholarship £790

Depending on the nature of the research project, some students will be expected to pay a bench fee (also known as research support costs) to cover additional costs. The exact amount will be provided in the offer letter.

Funding

The IPhD is not supported by University of Glasgow Scholarship/Funding

Support

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences Graduate School provides a vibrant, supportive and stimulating environment for all our postgraduate students. We aim to provide excellent support for our postgraduates through dedicated postgraduate convenors, highly trained supervisors and pastoral support for each student.
 
Our overarching aim is to provide a research training environment that includes:

  • provision of excellent facilities and cutting edge techniques
  • training in essential research and generic skills
  • excellence in supervision and mentoring
  • interactive discussion groups and seminars
  • an atmosphere that fosters critical cultural policy and research analysis
  • synergy between research groups and areas
  • extensive multidisciplinary and collaborative research
  • extensive external collaborations both within and beyond the UK 
  • a robust generic skills programme including opportunities in social and commercial training

Resources

We offer a wide range of cutting-edge research facilities that span 3 buildings, including:

  • core facilities in fluorescence activated cell sorting analysis
  • cell imaging and biophysical techniques, with NMR.
  • cutting edge microarray
  • next-generation sequencing
  • proteomics and metabolomics facilities
  • in-house informatics support

How to apply

Identify potential supervisors

All postgraduate research students are allocated a supervisor who will act as the main source of academic support and research mentoring. You must identify a potential supervisor and contact them to discuss your research proposal before you apply. Please note, even if you have spoken to an academic staff member about your proposal you still need to submit an online application form.

Supervisor search

IPhD & research projects

IPhD Option A

Applicants do not need to contact a supervisor.  You will choose from a list of IPhD projects and each project has named supervisors linked to that project.

IPhD Option B

You will submit a research proposal of approximately 1000 words.  The proposal must include:

  • a straightforward, descriptive, and informative title
  • the question that your research will address
  • an account of why this question is important and worth investigating
  • an assessment of how your own research will engage with recent research in the field
  • a brief account of the methodology and approach you will take.

Based on your proposal, your supervisor will choose an MSc programme that aligns with your research interests.

You will need to contact a supervisor prior to application, using our search to identify a suitable supervisor.

Supervisor search

Research projects

If you are seeking to apply for any research project, you can identify this within your application to the PhD programme. Please ensure that you highlight the title of the research project you are interested in on your application.

Gather your documents

Before applying please make sure you gather the following supporting documentation:

  1. Final or current degree transcripts including grades (and an official translation, if needed) – scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  2. Degree certificates (and an official translation, if needed): scanned copy in colour of the original document.
  3. Two references on headed paper and signed by the referee. One must be academic, the other can be academic or professional (except IPhD applicants, where only one academic or professional reference is required). References may be uploaded as part of the application form or you may enter your referees' contact details on the application form. We will then email your referee and notify you when we receive the reference.
  4. Research proposal (if applying for PhD or MScR), CV, samples of written work as per requirements for each subject area.
Apply now

Contact us

If you require assistance before you apply: mvls-gradschool@glasgow.ac.uk 

After you have submitted your application: Admissions Enquiries form