his research degree is awarded on the basis of the submission of a thesis. The thesis should give evidence of the candidate's ability to carry out research, that the candidate has shown originality and independence, and that the candidate has made a significant contribution to knowledge in the particular field. It is expected that some of the work in the thesis would be worthy of publication. The research should be of a kind which a diligent and competent student might reasonably be expected to complete within three years of full-time study. Biochemistry combines the molecular approach of chemistry with the breadth and diversity of biology. Very much a laboratory science, it explores, unravels and explains every aspect of the structure and function of all living things at the molecular level. Biochemistry continues to advance the understanding of how cells are constructed, how they function and communicate with each other, how genetic information is stored, expressed and passed on to the next generation and how all of the cell's chemistry is co-ordinated and controlled. Because it covers the spectrum of complexity from bacteria, yeasts and viruses to humans, and includes plants, biochemistry underpins other life sciences such as microbiology, physiology, zoology and botany as well as being a foundation subject for all the health sciences.