The NMIMS (Deemed to be University) introduced Ph.D. programme in Biological Sciences in July 2007. The salient feature of this programme is the emphasis being laid on the overall development of laboratory skills of a research student coupled with an expansion of his/her knowledge base through an interdisciplinary course work comprising lectures and practicals in the first year of the course and subsequently fine tuning these skills in a particular area of specialization. While the research student will have ample opportunity to acquire hands-on training on modern, sophisticated instruments/equipment wherever necessary, he/she will also be able to benefit from the expertise of one or more supervisors, wherever needed.
Duration
The course work in the first year extends over 2 semesters. From the second year onwards, each student undertakes research in a specialized area on a topic to be decided by the student in consultation with the Research Supervisor(s) following approval from the Research and Recognition Committee (RRC). The duration of the research project would be minimum 4 years.
Intake
A total of 2 seats are available for the Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences
Board Of Studies
Value Proposition
Programme Objectives
Pedagogy
The course lays emphasis on the overall development of laboratory skills of a research student coupled with an expansion of his/her knowledge base through an interdisciplinary course work. The course work comprises of lectures and practicals in the first year and subsequently fine tuning these skills in a particular area of specialization.
The course is reviewed regularly in consultation with our Board of Studies, which comprises of experts from academia, research institutions and industry from all over India. Thus, the course is tailor made to fulfill the requirements needed to keep pace with the current developments in scientific research.
While the research student will have ample opportunity to acquire hands-on training on modern, sophisticated instruments/equipment wherever necessary, he/she will also be able to benefit from the expertise of one or more supervisors, wherever needed.
In the first year, along with the permanent faculties, the regular lectures are also conducted by visiting faculties who are experts in their respective fields. Apart from the course work, the Faculty also conducts Guest lectures by eminent academicians and scientists, paper presentations (Journal Club), Doctoral Committee Meetings to ensure learner centric environment.
A Research and Recognition Committee (RRC), under the Chairmanship of the Honorable Pro-VC, has recently been established to oversee the quality of research being carried at the School, and to advise the School on measures to improve courses of studies at the post-graduate level and Doctoral level. In addition, methods like quiz, discussions, tutorials, Industry visits etc. are also used by the faculty to benefit the students.
Eligibility
Admission Criteria Process
Students who satisfy the requirements of the two stage selection process will be considered for admission to the integrated courses.
STAGE 1
All eligible candidates will be required to appear for a Written Test to be conducted at the NMIMS campus in Mumbai. The venue will be announced sufficiently in advance of the test date.
STAGE 2
Based on the performance in the written test, candidates will be short listed and called for a personal interview at the NMIMS, Mumbai Campus.
Based on educational qualifications, statement of purpose, and the performance in Stages 1 and 2, a composite merit list will be prepared as per criteria laid down by the University.
Curriculum
Course Work for the First Year of the Ph. D. Program in Biological Sciences:
Semester I
Paper I: Cell Biology
Paper II: Analytical Techniques in Biology
Paper III: Research Methodology
Paper IV: Biostatistics
Paper V: Practical Paper 1
Paper VI: Practical Paper 2
Semester II
Paper I: Bioinformatics
Paper II: IPR and Patenting
Paper III: Research Seminar
Paper IV: Practical Paper 1
Program outcome
Evaluation Criteria
During the course work the students will be required to have a minimum attendance of 80% for lectures, practicals and seminars, separately. The students will be evaluated through trimester end exams and through continuous internal assessment.
Internal assessment will be on the basis of fortnightly tests based on Theory. Practical work will be evaluated each week during the course of the regular practicals. Seminars will be evaluated weekly. The grade will be awarded at the end of the year on the basis of Cumulative Grade Point Average.
During the research project, the progress of the work will be evaluated by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). The progress of the work will be evaluated on the basis of the presentation made by the student in a TAC meeting every six months. The students will be allowed to start writing their thesis only after getting the permission from the TAC following their last DC meeting (generally 5th or 6th).
Thesis can be submitted to the University only after two articles have been published/accepted for publication in National/International peer reviewed Journals.
