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The academic degree Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology, also called Ph.D., is a postgraduate Doctoral programme that focuses on the study of biology at molecular level. This 3 to 5 years program focuses on the advanced training in genetics, molecular and cellular biochemistry, and development biology to equip the students with skills of conducting research or joining academia. The curriculum comprises such classes as molecular biology techniques, seminars, laboratory rotations, and dissertation to represent a student’s research. Almost all programs expect learners to pass an initial assessment test after their initial course work and then undertake dissertation in consultation with a faculty member.
Some of the entrance tests one can write for getting admission into Ph.D. Molecular Biology are GRE, GATE and national level tests: NET, JRF. Scholastic year admission vary depending on the university of choice but mostly they are between December to March of the following year for the fall semester admission. The short-listed candidates have to attend tests and interviews that are conducted between April to July and then the offers for joining the college are made by August latest for the new academic session starting in August or September. A few institutions also offer admissions in the spring semester (January-February) for the application submitted in October-December month.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy (Molecular Biology) |
| Duration | 3-5 years (minimum coursework + research) |
| Course Level | Doctoral Level |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related field with a good academic record (often minimum 55-60% marks) |
| Top Colleges | - Indian Institute of Science (IISc) - National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) - Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) with Biology/Biotechnology departments - Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) - University of Delhi (DU) - All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) |
| Entrance Exam | University/Institute specific entrance exams (CSIR-NET, GATE, JEST, university entrance exams etc.) |
1. Science graduate minimum 60% marks in graduation in Biology, Biochemistry etc. from any recognized university or institutes.
2. University exam with at least 55% marks, National level test like CSIR NET/GATE or any test conducted by ICMR and DBT.
3. Research experience, preferably in publishing at least two papers in any reputable scientific journal, is also preferred.
4. Some of the prerequisites are: Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetics and Molecular Biology.
5. As such, good communication skills and analytical skills essential for the research are required.
6. Entrance examination results and/or interview, to reflect research perspective and subject knowledge.
Subject
Important Topics
Advanced Molecular Biology
- Gene Expression & Regulation - Protein Structure & Function - Nucleic Acids & Genome Analysis Techniques (e.g., Next-Generation Sequencing) - Recombinant DNA Technology & Gene Cloning
Research Methodology
- Scientific Writing & Communication - Research Design & Statistical Analysis - Grant Proposal Writing - Ethical Considerations in Biomedical Research
Elective Courses
- Depending on your specialization, you can choose courses in areas like: - Molecular Genetics - RNA Biology - Epigenetics - Structural Biology - Synthetic Biology - Molecular Microbiology
Seminar Presentations
- Presenting your research progress to faculty and peers
Doctoral Research
- Conducting original research in a chosen area of molecular biology under the guidance of a supervisor. - Contributing to the field through publications, presentations, and potentially developing new technologies or therapeutic approaches (depending on specialization).
Specialization
Job Role
Average Salary (LPA)
Description
Gene Regulation
- Geneticist
8-13
Studies genes and their regulation in health and disease. May research gene editing technologies, personalized medicine, or genetic disorders.
Protein Science
- Protein Scientist
8-14
Studies the structure, function, and interactions of proteins. May develop new drugs, diagnostics, or enzymes for industrial applications.
Nucleic Acids & Genomics
- Genomics Researcher
9-15
Conducts research on genomes, their organization, and function. May work on DNA sequencing technologies, genetic variation analysis, or functional genomics.
Recombinant DNA Technology
- Molecular Biologist
8-14
Utilizes recombinant DNA techniques for various applications. May work in biotechnology companies developing new products, research institutions, or forensics labs.
Molecular Microbiology
- Microbiologist
8-13
Studies microorganisms at the molecular level. May research infectious diseases, develop new antibiotics, or explore the role of microbes in human health.
Structural Biology
- Structural Biologist
9-15
Uses techniques like X-ray crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy to determine the 3D structure of biological molecules. May be involved in drug discovery or understanding protein function
