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A Ph.D. is a third cycle degree in Life Sciences that takes approximately 4 – 6 years to complete. It offers postgraduate studies in the biological and life sciences including biochemistry, microbiology, physiology, cellular and molecular biology, genetics, molecular and microbial biology, bioinformatics, neuroscience and immunology. The academic concentration is more diverse than that of students at research universities, but students devise and execute their own experiments with the guidance of a faculty mentor. They are expected to offer a new way of perceiving certain knowledge in their area of specialization by having to conduct experiments and analyze data, besides writing dissertation papers in order to graduate.
Standard requisites for admission to Ph.D. Life Science programmes are GRE and its subject tests like, Biology GRE, Biochemistry GRE and so on; Other accepted tests are TOEFL for non-English speaking candidates, IELTS for the same. The key admission dates are as follows: application process starts in the fall season, which is around October, the deadlines for the applications are usually in December to February, the decisions regarding the admissions are usually out by April and the new academic intake takes place in August or September. GRE is available throughout the year and scores are often valid for not more than five years at most universities.
Ph.D. (Life Science) Course Highlights 2024
Feature
Description
Full Form
Doctor of Philosophy (Life Science)
Duration
3 - 5 years (full-time), longer for part-time
Course Level
Doctoral
Eligibility
Master's degree in a Life Science discipline (e.g., Biology, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Microbiology) with a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Top Colleges (India)
Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), National Institute of Immunology (New Delhi), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Delhi, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs - specific Biosciences departments), University of Mumbai
Entrance Exam
University/Institute specific entrance exams (e.g., CSIR UGC NET, JNU Ph.D. Entrance Exam)
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Master's Degree | Master's degree in a Life Science discipline (e.g., Biology, Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry, Microbiology) from a recognized university. |
| Strong Life Science Background | A solid foundation in core life science areas like molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and biochemistry is essential. |
| Minimum CGPA/Percentage | Specific CGPA or percentage requirements vary by institution. Generally, a minimum of 55% - 60% in both Master's and Bachelor's degrees is expected (check official websites). |
| Entrance Exams | Most universities require you to pass an entrance exam specific to their Ph.D. program (e.g., CSIR UGC NET, JNU Ph.D. Entrance Exam). |
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Advanced Life Science Courses | * Will vary depending on program specialization (e.g., Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience) * Examples: Advanced Topics in Genetics (population genetics, evolutionary genetics), Advanced Molecular Biology (protein-protein interactions, gene regulation), Advanced Cell Biology (cell signaling, cell cycle regulation) |
| Research Methodology | * Scientific writing, grant proposal writing * Research design, data analysis, biostatistics * Research ethics, scientific communication |
| Bioinformatics | * Sequence analysis, gene expression analysis * Genomics, proteomics, metabolomics * Data mining, bioinformatics tools and databases |
| Elective Courses | * May cover specialized topics within life sciences (e.g., Immunology, Plant Biotechnology, Bioinformatics) * Can also include broader scientific areas (e.g., Environmental Science, Biophysics) |
| Research Seminars | * Presentation of ongoing research by students and faculty * Critical evaluation of research methods and findings * Opportunity to discuss research ideas and network with peers |
| Career Path | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Researcher | Pursue further advanced research under the guidance of senior scientists (fixed-term positions). | ₹ 5 Lakhs - ₹ 8 Lakhs |
| Research Scientist (Academia/Industry) | Conduct research in life sciences in universities, research institutions, or pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies. | ₹ 8 Lakhs - ₹ 18 Lakhs (variable) |
| College/University Professor | Teach life science courses and guide research at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. | ₹ 10 Lakhs - ₹ 20 Lakhs (variable) |
| Research & Development Scientist (Industry) | Develop new products, technologies, or processes in the life sciences industry (e.g., pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture). | ₹ 10 Lakhs - ₹ 20 Lakhs+ (variable) |
| Career Path | Description | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Postdoctoral Researcher | Pursue further advanced research under the guidance of senior scientists (fixed-term positions). | ₹ 5 Lakhs - ₹ 8 Lakhs |
| Research Scientist (Academia/Industry) | Conduct research in life sciences in universities, research institutions, or pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies. | ₹ 8 Lakhs - ₹ 18 Lakhs (variable) |
| College/University Professor | Teach life science courses and guide research at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. | ₹ 10 Lakhs - ₹ 20 Lakhs (variable) |
