PhD in Integrated Biology and Medicine

About This Course

The Duke-NUS PhD in Integrated Biology and Medicine provides training in translational bioscience, with a goal to develop PhD scientists across multiple disciplines who are able to translate basic scientific discoveries into useful therapies for patients. It covers a broad spectrum of disciplines including cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and health policy. During the first semester students complete a core course entitled ?Molecules to Medicines? where they learn fundamentals in biomedical research, while simultaneously conducting three laboratory rotations. Subsequently, students choose a thesis mentor and complete their advanced training in one of five specialty tracks:
-Cancer and Stem Cell Biology (CSCB)
-Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID)
-Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders (CVMD)
-Neuroscience and Behavioural Disorders (NBD)
-Health Services and Systems Research (HSSR)
The degree, which will take on average 4 to 5 years to complete, culminates with the development of a written thesis and a successful oral dissertation defence.
Year 1 - required coursework and lab rotations:
All PhD candidates participate in the 15-week core course called Molecules to Medicines during their first semester of the PhD program. This course introduces students to translational research, and provides training on experimental models, methods and mechanisms that drive current investigations into human disease. Scientific ethics training is woven throughout the course. Students will also conduct two 8-week lab rotations from among the Duke-NUS Signature Research Programs. Mentors for the rotations must be regular ranked faculty and be on the approved mentor list. These rotations are structured to provide students with first hand exposure to the labs where they may choose to conduct their PhD research. At the end of the rotations, students will be asked to commit to a thesis mentor and a specialty discipline.
Year 2 - developing a thesis and qualifying exam