And to get the thread back on topic...

Bluesky, this week's New Scientist has a section on what it's like to do a PhD, might be helpful for you?

Yes, yes, before anyone points it out I realise that I have mis-typed ‘criticising’ in the previous post, groan!! ;o)

[Postgrad team, any chance of an edit function?!]

Stu, check your dictionary before critising! Here are the Oxford English Dictionary definitions for 'voluntary':

Voluntary (adjective )
1. done, given, or acting of one’s own free will.
2. working or done without payment.

I liked it so I guess that makes me a geek too!

Stu, have you ever watched Bambi? Early in the film, Thumper's Mum reminds Thumper that "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all". Wise words from a cartoon rabbit ;o)

Puppy, it sounds like you have an excellent chance of a funded studentship at London. If you do not have TOEFL then speak to the supervisor at London or speak to the international student office at the University, they will be the best people to comment on your individual case. PhDs are all about being pro-active and showing initiative so go for it!

Good luck :o)

I sympathise Wickid, I have dodgy knees :o(

The Life of Pi is a top book, as is the LOTR (The Silmarillion is also amgood read, bit heavy going at times but explains a lot so worth the effort). An old favourite is To Kill a Mocking Bird.

AnonGerman, I have resorted to plain lip balm for lubricating a seized part in an autosampler (worked a treat) and find a compact mirror very useful for leaning over the back of instruments to check the wiring. All good scientists should keep their make-up bag handy!

Usually the bulk of your time (for a science PhD) is taken up by lab work and analysing the data resulting from the lab work. Presentations (lab group meetings, research meetins, conferences) are a normal part of PhD life. Not everybody gets to teach (I was based away from Uni so didn't), some love it (it's well paid), some don't (takes time and effort!).

I think taking a tech job is a good idea for you. Be aware though that they are usually pretty competitive. Good luck with whatever you decide :o)

Hi Puppy88

Welcome to the forum. It's fine for you to post your interests but there is little to be gained from posting the same message more than once.

To progress your search for a PhD I would advise you to identify the people currently working in your area of interest. As you already have research experience in your field you are probably already aware of many of the key research groups. Have you tried contacting them directly to see if they have any opportunities that might be suitable for you?

Good luck.

NB you'll need to stick a 'http://' in front of that link!

I didn't (and not met anyone who did!). I'm sure plenty of people do but completion times are in part dependent on the type of project you do and you need some luck along the way.

The average time for a PhD completion in the UK is 3yrs and 8 months (2003 figure, see sciencecareers.sciencemag.org/career_development/issue/articles/2590/doctoral_education_in_the_united_kingdom.)

Re: holidays, I agree with Botanybod. Most people do not take all the holiday they are entitled to. I averaged about 10 days leave per year.

I also agree with AnonGerman's suggestion about trying for a tech job. It's a great way of seeing whether research is for you and can also be a foot in the door. I got a tech job straight after my first degree and 3 years later started a PhD with the same group.

"So ‘botanybod’ you said that biology PhD’s usually are 3.5/4 years, but if you’re committed and work hard I guess you can get it done a lot sooner, no?"

It's not all about how hard you work. You need a lot of luck along the way. Some things will inevitably be out of your control. I honestly don't think I could have worked any harder than I did but it still took me a little over 4 years to complete.

I was based in a hospital department for my PhD and was the only research student there. I can sympathise with your situation as it's so much nicer (and easier) to be able to work in a research rich environment where you can bounce ideas off other students and researchers, or just a moan about stuff with people who understand the situation!