A 2:1 is not too low to start a PhD.. The BBRSC, who fund alot of science PhDs require students to have a 2:1 or 1st. I had very little lab experience when I started my PhD and that wasnt a problem for me or my supervisors and they weren't bothered about me having a masters. New techniques can easily be learnt, in my opinion the most important thing is enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

I agree O.Stoll, I would love to be an undergrad again.. Life was much easier/simpler back then..

I have thought about doing a Masters when I have finished my PhD, but the one I have thought of doing is a distance learning one from the uni where I did my undergrad.

Oooo I AM the captain! I solved it using a bit of algebra.. Giving the captain's age of 58... but just so everyone knows as I am the captain the answer is 26 :-p

Oooo I AM the captain! I solved it using a bit of algebra.. Giving the captain's age of 58... but just so everyone knows as I am the captain the answer is 26 :-p

58?

Well with regards to employers searching for me on google... I am glad that my name is not that unique!!

you would get one studentship only therefore only one grant.. But there is nothing wrong with applying for more than one studentship.. I applied for quite a few when I was looking to start a PhD..

You could get a part time job.. I know Bradford and there are loads of pubs and shops where you could get evening/weekend work.

try www.hero.ac.uk for rankings of universities or the times rankings http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/gug/gooduniversityguide.php

look at the studentship section of this site.

I don't do SDS-PAGE but I do DGGE which requires me to set up polyacrylamide gels.. I use fairly fresh TEMED and due to the amount of gels we run in our lab it rarely gets more than two months old.. I take it you are usng APS (Ammonium persulphate) for the polymerisation aswell? I make up fresh APS solution weekly as it is more important that this is fresh.. Also I store them both in a fridge to keep them fresher.. Hope this helps

I don't see why he wouldn't be considered for a studentship.. masters degrees are not essential.. I got a studentship without a masters.. From what you said he has some good experience which should help his application.. As for where to apply I have no idea as I have no knowledge of the field.. The best thing would be to look at the studentship section of findaphd.com or similar sites to look for studentships.

Hey H.. How did you get involved in tutoring? Thats something I wouldn't mind giving a go.

I'm glad that I started my PhD as I really enjoy what I do; I find it more rewarding than when I was working and I dont regret it at all. After reading some of the horror stories on here I feel that my life and general PhD experience is made easier in that I am based in a research institute rather than a university and my research group are friendly and helpful people and my supervisors are supportive.

The major problem I have with PhD life is money.. Having racked up a fair ammount of debt during my undergrad, I am paying for it now. So perhaps it would have been easier to just go straight from BSc to PhD so that I carried on with the student mentality of living on the bare minimum and not developing the tastes of a working adult lol. I have uni and school mates who are earning £40k+ and as much as that sort of money would be welcome I'm not sure that I would be satisfied doing the jobs that they are doing. Maybe my views will change after another year lol!

@uvesh - A wild stab in the dark but the subject best for you would probably be something you find interesting related to your masters?