CMP-PhD+
In Autumn 2019 we launched “CMP-PhD+” which draws on training material developed for our CDT-CMP PhD Programme. Students registered on PhD Physics programmes at Bath and Bristol can undertake cohort-based training activities alongside work on their individual PhD projects. The training will include taught postgraduate lectures, hands-on theoretical/experimental techniques training and a regular Journal Club. In addition, members will be able to access a range of transferable skills training modules. Training activities will be shared between the Universities of Bristol and Bath using Access Grid Nodes whenever possible, or by travelling to the partner institution to work face-to-face when not (Bath and Bristol are only 15 minutes apart by rail).
Core Lecture courses
Blocks of lectures covering up to six different physics themes will be delivered each year and the topics of these units will alternate on a two year cycle. The lecture programme will be adapted to the specific needs of each cohort of students, but will typically cover the physics of novel materials (superconductors, 2D materials, topological materials, spintronic and optical materials), device physics (materials synthesis, electronic device and photonic fibre fabrication, additive manufacturing) and theoretical modelling (e.g., density functional and many body theory, numerical modelling of electronic devices and optical fibres).
Physics Techniques Training
A mixture of lectures and/or practical training will be offered, for example Laboratory- based skills for making precision electronic measurements; Skills in using spectroscopic probes (Raman, STM); Theoretical modelling and simulation of materials and devices; Neutron and X-ray scattering; Fabrication of electronic devices and photonic fibres; 3D printing.
Journal Club
Understanding and appreciating the current literature is a key element of scientific research. Students and supervisors will be invited to select journal papers to present and discuss with the aim of fostering a scholarly atmosphere where students are routinely reading, understanding and criticising research papers at the forefront of current research fields.
Transferable Skills
The acquisition of transferable skills is an essential component of a rounded scientific training, and CMP-PhD+ students will have opportunities to acquire professional skills (e.g., communication, leadership and entrepreneurial skills, etc) that will be invaluable for their future work.
Annual Conference
In September of each year, students attend the Annual CDT-CMP Conference featuring research presentations from participating PhD students, talks from our Industry Partners and expert guest speakers in the field. This is a great opportunity for students to rehearse their presentation skills in a conference setting, whether by giving a poster or a talk. We will also invite the varied academic groups that are associated with the programme to attend, as well as our colleagues from industry.
Applications to CMP-PhD+
If you are interested in the training described above please apply to the standard Bath Physics PhD or Bristol Physics PhD programmes, mentioning CMP-PhD+.