Ok, I have some stuff to add. Some people might not like it, some might, I don't know, but seeing as a forum is a place where you can speak how you feel, here goes.

Firstly, the masters thing. I think that, in social sciences and arts, a masters is needed as first degrees are both too broad and have been dumbed down, so that progression straight to PhD is difficult. I don't doubt that sciences have been dumbed down too, but I very much doubt that this is to the same extent as arts.

Second, about PhD's in other countries. First, while a Phd in Europe is FUNDED for three years, it's usually closer to four years to complete. Also, I read recently that the average 20 year old student in the US and Canada is two years behind their European counterparts. so the extra time on the PhD will make up for that.

Finally, rather than posting derogatory and self-aggrandising comments, why don't you find something better to do with your time, such as...work on your research!

Hey Irishfella, the first PhD I was offered, which I rejected, sounds very similar to what you're doing. Where are you based?

Whatever you do, don't get temp work.

I worked on asthma in my final year research project and also in a year of research I did in the same lab after I graduated - I was looking at the effects of beta2-adrenoceptor agonists on inflammatory mediator release.

Anyway, back to your questions. I'd say it's better to speak to your supervisor now, when you're only a few months into the PhD, than to leave it another year, get halfway through, and then tell them that you think you've not learnt much. Also, is it really the case that you haven't learned much, or is it more that it's the seemingly usual thing, especially early in a PhD, where you feel like you don't know what you're doing and you have a general lack of faith in the whole thing?

Also, do you know how other students in your lab feel about these things?

Yeah it's a Wellcome Trust one, although they also appear to offer MRC-finded 4 year PhDs, and I can't really see any discernible difference between them. I've heard that they're extremely competitive to get into, however, so I'm not holding out too much hope!

Or maybe they speak a distant version of welsh...

What about vinyl gloves? We used to have them, although I hated them as the feel like you're wearing balloons on your hands, and they're very squeaky.

It's in molecular and cellular physiology in the Dept of Physiology. What are you studying?

If you mean the sort than fance women can wear in bed when they have their fancy handcream on, try boots - they're about a quid or two a pair. Failing that, larger branches of superdrug might have them.

I don't know about that H, but if it is, I can't imagine Indian Countdown is very interesting.

"I'll have a consonant please Carol. And another. And another. Another please. Five more please."

Just a quick piece of advice first - try not to use the text message language as it can annoy some people on here.

The answers...

1. I would expect that you'd be ok, although you could check with potential supervisors first. Seeing as there aren't many, degrees in developmental biology around, I would expect most PhD student in this field to have some other background. While a degree in physiology, anatomy, or other similar biomedical science field might be more appropriate, you probaboyl have the necessary lab skills and understanding to be able to switch. But probably best to check to make sure.

2. I don't know about this for certain, but I would hope and expect that, in the UK, the country of origin of a post grad is irrelevant when it comes to status. As long you you can communicate effectively in English, you shouldn't be treated any differently to any other post grad - in fact, many departments have a large percentage of students from other parts of the globe.

Hey lostsoul. My undergrad degree was Pharmacology - where are you at now, and what do you work in, area of research-wise?

I can see why you're not enjoying things - sounds like a real problem - it's bad enough having problem supervisors to contend with, without other students getting involved as well! I'm wondering how closely related your work is - is there an overlap because it's preliminary stuff? Or are the projects very similar anyway?

I guess the solution depends on how you feel about speaking to your supervisor and/or the other student about this. Perhaps he/she is just being overeager, and doesn't realise. Or maybe they are quite overbearing. Can you give us a bit more info on this?

Hey Jen,

In one aspect, Liverpool is good as it's near home (Preston). I've always thought of, and seen it as, the poorer relation of Manchester, although my last couple of visits have been better...

PS3, tricky? Or are we talking lab toys?

Well, I have already applied before - I got places last year. As such, I've already got my CCV pretty much up to date, and a covering letter too. I've been in touch with my referees as I worked in my uni dept after graduating, so everything is ok there. It's just a question of whether to apply or not. I'd say it's more the city that puts me off rather than the PhD details, although I'm not sure how well my own experience fits with the PhD.