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    PhD in Biological and Environmental Sciences


    The PhD program in Biological and Environmental Sciences is in line with the current vision and mission of  QU, and is essential in developing new ideas, approaches and findings in Biological and Environmental Sciences, as well as  the advancement at the national and international levels through excellence in research and education. “Qatar University is the national institution of higher education in Qatar. It provides high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare competent graduates, destined to shape the future of Qatar”.

    In view of the rapid economic growth of Qatar, the future of Qatar is dependent on the local capacity building and innovation. This PhD program is a compulsory element required to carry out research & development in a country that supports innovation and building knowledge-based society. This PhD is a rigorous program, taught by world class scientists/experts in the field. The PhD provides substantial training and prepares students for careers in education, research, Industry, and governmental agencies.

    It is the first PhD program in Biological and Environmental Sciences in Qatar. It is a flexible interdisciplinary program, with broad area of specialties. It is designed to address environmental and health concerns in Qatar, and the other Gulf Countries, and it supports areas of national research priorities.

    Mission

    The PhD. program in Biological and Environmental Sciences (Ph.D. BES), is an interdisciplinary program, that builds on the current MSc. in Environmental Science and the new MSc. in Biological Sciences. This program serves other biology based master’s degree holders, upon approval of the program committee. This is the first PhD in Biological and Environmental Sciences in Qatar, and the second PhD program at Qatar University. This program is in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030, which challenges the flagship university to create  new, innovative, interdisciplinary, and high quality PhD programs. That can accommodate small numbers of students, with different scientific backgrounds, nonetheless, supporting freedom for specializations in areas of national research priorities such as health and environmental domains.

    Its mission is to provide students with the most advanced research skills enabling them to carry out research independently, communicate their findings through publishing, and foster  innovations and creativity.

    Vision

    Qatar University Graduate Program is being shaped to be recognized nationally, and internationally. As a result, attracting the highest caliber students for research is becoming a real objective. The PhD Program in Biological and Environmental Sciences has a social, and academic community, so that students engage in the program based on their research interests. Through this PhD program, professionals and leaders in the field will be available for regional, national and global competitiveness. This program is set to train students to become professionals and leaders in the field, thereby making distinctive and significant contributions to their societies.

    Objectives

    Qatar is building a knowledge-based economy as stated in Qatar National Vision 2030. The need for highly professional human resources and critically-thinking problem solvers is extremely high to solve environmental and health challenges.

    The Ph.D. degree in Biological and Environmental Sciences was established, to meet the significant demands for the use of applied biological and environmental research, and knowledge to improve health care, and answer environmental challenges of importance to the communities in Qatar. This program prepares students for research in biological and environmental sciences, for academic, or technical positions at universities, Industries,  governmental, and non-governmental agencies.

    The main objectives of the program are:

    • Provide graduate students with advanced academic knowledge, research and practical skills, needed for successful careers in Biological and Environmental science related jobs at various private institutions, governmental agencies, academia and Industry.
    • Provide interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary knowledge and research training, and to develop new ideas, approaches and findings in Biological and Environmental Sciences.
    • Establish partnerships with other research-intensive universities, governmental agencies, museums, international organizations and the private sector that will provide training and internships in order to facilitate applied research activities and future career opportunities.
    • Communicate effectively as professionals in scientific forums and through international publications, while protecting intellectual properties.

    The development of capacities in the Biological and Environmental sciences will lead to:

    • Discipline-based research solutions for  the environment, health, and socio-economic threats  to Qatar.
    • Initiate international collaborations and foster support from similar academic institutes across the world.

    Opportunities

    There is a strong demand for this degree due to the increasing need for researchers, in areas of national research priorities, in health, biological and environmental professions. Different governmental, non-governmental and private  sectors are establishing research centers in fields of biotechnology, biomedical and environmental science.

    There is no specific accreditation body in the USA for Biological and Environmental Sciences; however, most of the American Universities accredit their programs through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). One of which is The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). Alternatively, the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES) and the Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences (CHES), in the UK provide a fast track professional accreditation scheme for Honors and graduate programs offered by CHES members of Higher Education Institutions. The program coordinator and the steering committee have to decide later on the specific accreditation body. The department is currently a member of CHES. The Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences - Institution of Environmental Sciences. CHES-IES accredited both the  Master and the bachelor programs in Environmental science at the department of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

     

    Information on CHES membership can be found at the CHES web site (www.ches.org) or by contacting the IES. CHES (Committee of Heads of Environmental Sciences) is the collective voice of environmental sciences and related programs in higher and further education in the UK. “IES is an active networking organization and serves to enhance quality of outcomes in environmental education. It aims to facilitate cooperation and collaboration between relevant bodies within the UK and worldwide”.

    Admission Criteria

    In addition to the general requirements set forth by QU’s  Office of Graduate Studies, applicants are required to:

    Have a  Master’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3 out of 4 (or equivalent), from a university or college accredited by an international accrediting association, or by the Ministry of Higher Education (or equivalent in that country).

     Students are expected to be proficient in English. Applicants are required to demonstrate their English proficiency as part of the admission process by satisfying either of the following:

    (*) Earned a previous degree from an institution of higher education in a program where English was the language of instruction.

    OR

    (**) Achieved a minimum score of 520 on the paper-based TOEFL or equivalent test taken within 2 years of the start of the intended semester of admission.

    A satisfactory performance in the personal interview with the Admission committee.

    GRE-General test score within less than 2 years prior to the start date intended, is not required but will strengthen the application.

    During the admission process, students will be accepted in the desired concentration according to their former Master’s and Bachelor majors.

    Requirements

    All applicants to the PhD degree in Biological and Environmental Sciences program are required to submit the following documents to the Admissions Department: 
    1. Admissions Application and Signature Page
    2. Final, official and certified university transcripts
    3. Official TOEFL score report or equivalent score report
    4. Official GRE score report (not required but will strengthen the application)
    5. Three confidential recommendation letters from Graduate professors or employers (Recommendation Letters (using CAS template) should be sent by the professor to the following address: headdepbiological@qu.edu.qa ).
    6. Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
    7. Health Certificate
    8. Photocopy of the applicant’s Qatar ID card
    9. (Non-Qatari applicants must provide a copy of their passport)
    10. Two recent passport sized photographs
    11. Application Fees: QR 350

     

    More info

    Admission to the PhD degree in Biological and Environmental Sciences program takes place in the Fall semester only. 

    For further details and clarification in this regards, kindly contact:

    Dr. Nabil Zouari
    Graduate Program Coodinator 

    Office: +974 44034559 
    Email: nabil.zouari@qu.edu.qa


    Brochure & Curriculum


    The PhD Program in Biological and Environmental Sciences is composed of 4 concentrations in:
    • Cell and Molecular Biology
    • Environmental Sciences
    • Ecosystems and Marine Sciences
    • Biotechnology
    The emphasis is on the development of core required courses and electives particularly relevant to the needs in Qatar and the curriculum is developed in the context of the Benchmark Statement of Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of the United Kingdom as well as incorporating the Quality standards of the commission on colleges of the southern association colleges and schools(SACS).
    • A minimum of 75 credit hours are required to complete the PhD program in Biological and Environmental Sciences, including the followings:
    • A minimum of 30 credit hours of  course work, including 12 credit hours of required courses and 18 credit hours of elective courses.
    • A minimum of 45 credit hours of research work
    The anticipated completion time of the course of study for the PhD, assuming no academic probation(s), is 8 full semesters. There is no provision made for part-time graduate students. 
     
    Core Requirements (12 credit hours)
    • BIOL 600 Advanced Graduate seminar
    • BIOL 601 Advanced Biostatistics
    • BIOL 602 Lab Rotation I
    • BIOL 603 Lab Rotation II
    • BIOL 699 Graduate Research and Thesis
    Supporting Electives (18 credit hours: 6 courses are requested)
    • BIOL 604 Advanced Molecular and Cell Biology
    • BIOL 605 Advanced Toxicology
    • BIOL 606 Marine Sciences
    • BIOL 607 Earth Systems
    • BIOL 608 Advanced Biotechnology
    • BIOL 609 Molecular Genetics
    • BIOL 610 Epidemiology
    • BIOL 611 Environmental Chemistry
    • BIOL 612 Environmental Planning and Risk Management
    • BIOL 613 Geospatial Methods
    • BIOL 614 Systems Physiology
    • BIOL 615 Plant Physiology
    • BIOL 616 Biodiversity
    • BIOL 617 Special topics I
    • BIOL 618 Special topics II
    • BIOL 619 Molecular Basis of Diseases
    • BIOL 620 Bioinformatics

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    photo of Qatar University buildings - right side
    photo of Qatar University buildings - right side