I've just graduated with a biology degree where I took modules mostly based in infection and immunity. I'm now looking for PhDs in the field of molecular genetics, which is fascinating but I feel really out of my depth. Aside from reading the relevant papers, has anyone got any tips on how to impress at interviews for these, given that I know little about them?

Starting a PhD can highlight how little of a subject is covered in most first degrees. Supervisors will not expect applicants to have a detailed knowledge of their research groups’ work. They will expect a level of basic background knowledge and a broad interest in the research project. Finding a couple of good review articles will help you do this (most research papers will be too detailed to allow you to put them into a proper context).

What they want to know is whether you can apply yourself to a research environment. Talk about how you did this in your final year research project and dissertation. You may want to explain why you didn't choose genetics or molecular biology options during your course. You should remember though, that if one of your modules had been in molecular genetics it probably would have amounted to 20 hours of lectures and a few practicals. For your PhD you'll be working at least 40 hours a week for 46 weeks a year. It shouldn't be long before you're up to speed.