PhD in Biosciences

 The PhD in Biosciences with specialization in Biochemistry / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Immunology / Molecular biology at department of Life Sciences, school of Science, University of Management and Technology is designed to nurture scholars into becoming leaders in advanced research and innovation within the field of Biosciences. This is a multifaceted program aiming to conduct the best possible research and provide rigorous training in biosciences, using holistic approach that emphasizes on the understanding of the entirety of biological systems and is supported by a wide range of formal courses, practical training opportunities, and mentoring. PhD Biosciences Program is to cultivate leaders in academia, industry, and beyond, through interdisciplinary research and comprehensive training, unraveling complex intra- and intercellular processes and promoting excellence and innovation in scientific inquiry and publications.

Program Specializations

Biochemistry: Delve into the molecular mechanisms that drive biological systems, exploring areas like metabolic pathways, enzyme kinetics, and biomolecular interactions.
Biotechnology: Focus on the application of biological systems for technological advancements, including genetic engineering, bioprocessing, and biopharmaceutical development.
Microbiology: Understand the world of microorganisms, with emphasis on microbial genetics, industrial microbiology, and their roles in health and the environment.
Immunology: Study the immune system in depth, tackling areas such as vaccine development, autoimmune diseases, and cutting-edge immunotherapies.
Molecular Biology: Investigate the molecular basis of biological activity, including gene regulation, DNA replication, and protein synthesis.
Program objectives

PhD in Biosciences with specialization in Biochemistry / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Immunology / Molecular biology) will provide strong research training to the graduating students, who are interested to serve the society in different sectors such as academia, industry, and R&D organizations. The specific objectives of PhD in Biosciences shall be:
• To equip students with advanced knowledge and skills in fundamental principles and methodologies of biosciences, encompassing areas such as biochemistry, biotechnology, microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, genetics, and cellular biology.
• To train students in the design and execution of innovative and multidisciplinary research projects that address significant gaps in our understanding of biological systems, fostering creativity and independent thinking.
• To foster the development of effective communication skills in students, both written and oral, to facilitate the dissemination of research findings to scientific communities, stakeholders, and the broader public.
• To promote the acquisition of critical analytical skills in students necessary for the evaluation and interpretation of scientific literature, data, and experimental results, fostering evidence-based decision-making to prepare them for successful careers in academia, industry, government, or other sectors.

Career Paths

List of Potential Industries of Students Placement after Degree Completion. After completion of the degree in PhD Biosciences the graduates will have employability in the following organizations/ industries.
i. Educational institutes including universities and colleges
ii. Public Service Commission (Federal and Provincial)
iii. R & D organizations (e.g., PCSIR, NARC, NIH)
iv. Forensic Science agencies (e.g., PFSA)
v. Hospitals (Govt./Private)
vi. Diagnostic & Forensic Laboratories
vii. Drug Testing Laboratories
viii. Drug Regulatory Authority (DRAP)
ix. Food Testing Laboratories (e.g., PFA)
x. Pharmaceutical Industries
xi. Food & Beverage Industries
xii. Agriculture related industries (e.g., fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides)
xiii. Pharmaceutical industries
xiv. Nestle, Pakistan
xv. Coca Cola Ltd
xvi. Pepsi Cola Ltd
xvii. Haleeb Foods
xviii. Rafhan Foods
xix. Engro Foods
xx. Engro Fertilizers
xxi. Unilever Pakistan
xxii. Mitchell's Fruit Farms Limited
xxiii. Haleeb Foods, Adam Foods
xxiv. Hamdard laboratories
xxv. Diagnostic labs (e.g., SKMH, Agha Khan Labs, Chughtais Lab, etc.)

PhD Biosciences admission criteria

A prospective applicant to a PhD program must have:
i. 18 years of formal education (i.e., MS / M.Phil.) in the field of Biological Sciences such as Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Zoology, Botany, Agriculture Sciences, Biology, Food and Nutrition Sciences, Medical Sciences (Medicine and Surgery, Allied Health Sciences, Veterinary Sciences and Pharmaceutical sciences) and relevant fields from HEC recognized institution.
ii. With MS/MPhil or Equivalent degree: Minimum 3.0/4.0 CGPA in a semester system or 1st division in annual system. And completed at least (24) credit hours of course work and (06) credit hours of research (thesis).
iii. No third division in the entire academic career.
iv. Statement of Purpose: As part of the application for admission to PhD programs, applicants shall be required to submit a statement of purpose, which shall form an integral part of the application. The admissions committee shall use the information provided to ascertain the preparedness and interest of the candidate in pursuing doctoral studies, and whether the department has the requisite resources to train and supervise the doctoral candidate in the subspecialty he or she is interested in.
A statement of purpose shall, at least, include the following:
i. Title of the potential research proposal
ii. Clear articulation of the current understanding of the intended field and ideas for potential research
iii. Explanation of the intended impact of the proposed research
iv. The prospective candidates shall demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for the area of research.

v. Testing Requirement:
a. University is required to:
i. UGAT (General and Subject) test developed at the University, with the passing score of 70% in each section. This will be followed by interviews.
OR
ii. Accept a test equivalent to General GRE/HAT/GAT, conducted by testing bodies accredited by HEC, with a passing score of 60%, followed by a subject test conducted by the University with a passing score of 70%. This will be followed by interviews.
OR
ii. Accept a test equivalent to Subject GRE / GAT, conducted by testing bodies accredited by HEC, with a passing score of 60%. This will be followed by interviews.

vi. An Equivalence certificate from HEC is mandatory in case of foreign degree.

PhD Degree Awarding Criteria

The candidate must:
i. Have completed 54 credit hours including 18 credit hours of course work and 36 credit hours of research/thesis.
ii. Have passed a comprehensive examination (written and oral). PhD students who fail the comprehensive exam or course work twice will be dropped from the program.
iii. Have submitted and defended PhD Synopsis successfully. The field of Specialization will be recommended by the Research Supervisor, who will inform the Controller Office during the process of synopsis submission.
iv. Two first authored research publications in X-category journals or above. The publication shall be based on the thesis and should be published after the approval of the research synopsis.
v. Have positive expert evaluation by at least two local PhD experts and from two technologically/academically advanced foreign countries (as per HEC list)
vi. The PhD dissertation must be evaluated by:
 At least two external experts who shall be:
a. PhD faculty member from the world top 500 universities ranked by the Times Higher Education or QS World Ranking in the year corresponding to dissertation evaluation year
OR
b. Pakistan-based Distinguished National Professors, Meritorious Professors from any national university; or professors from top universities ranked by HEC; or professors from any Pakistani University having a minimum H-Index 30 as determined by Web of Science.
OR
 At least one external expert qualifying any one of the conditions mentioned at ‘a’ above if the PhD candidate publishes dissertation research in a peer-reviewed journal that is classified by the HEC in category “W” for Sciences.
vii. Qualify an open defense of Dissertation at department/school level.
viii. Any other criteria as per