PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

• Advanced Scientific Knowledge: Gain a deep understanding of both theoretical and applied aspects of biomedically relevant areas of biology.
• Critical & Independent Reasoning: Develop the ability to independently analyze complex biological problems and engage in critical scientific thought.
• Professional Skill Mastery: Master vital professional skills, including clear verbal and written scientific communication and the critical evaluation of peer research.
• Research Fluency: Become proficient in state-of-the-art basic, clinical, computational, and translational life sciences research techniques.
• Transition to Primary Literature: Successfully transition from textbook learning to using primary scientific literature as a main source of information. 

Applicants seeking admissions to the CHLS graduate programs at HBKU should have a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4) from a recognized university. Applicants to the PhD programs should have a master’s degree.

Applicants to PhD in Biological and Biomedical Sciences should have a strong background in science and evidence of coursework in biological or medical sciences.

Applicants are required to submit a valid IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 79 to demonstrate their proficiency in English.

Applicants with prior research experience are preferred, especially for the PhD programs.

First Year – First Semester

Core Course – Applied Biostatistics – 3 Credit Hours
Core Course – Research Methods and Ethics – 3 Credit Hours
LS 701 – Research Seminar – 0 Credit Hours
Elective 1 – 3 Credit Hours

First Year – Second Semester

Core Course – Advanced Specialized Course (Area of Focus) – 3 Credit Hours
LS 701 – Research Seminar – 0 Credit Hours
Elective 2 – 3 Credit Hours
Elective 3 – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – First Semester

LS 890 – Dissertation Research – 6 Credit Hours
Elective 4 – 3 Credit Hours

Second Year – Second Semester

LS 890 – Dissertation Research – 6 Credit Hours
Qualifying Examination – 0 Credit Hours

Third Year – First Semester

LS 890 – Dissertation Research – 6 Credit Hours
Candidacy Examination – 0 Credit Hours

Third Year – Second Semester

LS 890 – Dissertation Research – 6 Credit Hours

Fourth Year – First Semester

LS 890 – Dissertation Research – 6 Credit Hours

Fourth Year – Second Semester

LS 890 – Dissertation Research – 6 Credit Hours
Final Dissertation Defense – 0 Credit Hours

Total Credit Hours: 60+

Program Structure Notes:

• Minimum program requirement: 60 credit hours
• Coursework: 18 credit hours
• Dissertation research: 42 credit hours (LS 890)
• One mandatory foundational/core course
• Minimum of five elective courses
• Departmental seminar attendance is required
• PhD milestones include:
  • Qualifying Exam (after Semester 2)
  • Candidacy Exam (after Semester 4)
  • Final Dissertation Defense

Elective Focus Areas (Choose From):

• Genomics
• Cancer Biology
• Neuroscience
• Metabolism