Next‑Gen Diagnostics: Creating an Open Resource for Flow Cytometry Training
Flow cytometry is an important tool in both research and clinical laboratory diagnostics. High quality training materials are required to ensure accurate analysis and interpretation of the data, but good model data is difficult to access.
Research Opportunities
Summary
This project gives you hands‑on experience generating realistic synthetic datasets, refining an R‑based tool, and building an open educational resource used to train future biomedical scientists.
Flow cytometry is a commonly used technique in the diagnosis and monitoring of human disease and drug responses. It involves labelling mixed populations of cells with fluorescent markers, in order to better understand their composition and functional capabilities. A high level of skill is required to properly analyse and interpret flow cytometry data, and without high-quality training materials, the risk of misinterpretation is high. The provision of effective training materials is however limited by the availability of relevant, high-quality flow cytometry data in the public domain, and by the cost and ethical considerations associated with generating bespoke datasets from human samples.
This project tackles these problems directly by creating an open educational resource (OER) built around fully synthetic, biologically realistic flow cytometry datasets. These datasets can be shared freely, adapted to specific learning scenarios, and used without the constraints associated with human samples.
Students will:
- Take ownership of a custom R-based synthetic data generator. The tool generates synthetic flow cytometry data files for user-defined biological scenarios. Students will improve, extend and validate this tool.
- Work with experts in academia and the NHS to identify what features and learning scenarios are most valuable for teaching flow cytometry data analysis.
- Generate a library of synthetic datasets mimicking diagnostically relevant profiles, paired with case studies and analysis workflows.
- Evaluate how well these materials support student learning.
By the end of the project, you will have created a resource that supports the training of future biomedical and clinical scientists. You will also gain hands‑on experience in R programming, synthetic data generation, education research, user‑centred design and stakeholder engagement. These skills that are valuable across diagnostics, research and data‑driven healthcare.
Supervisors
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Research Theme
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About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2025/2026
UK Students
- Full time - £5,006 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £3,000 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £3,000 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £17,490 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £10,490 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £10,490 per academic year
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
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