Doctorate of Philosophy in Biology is a research-based program in biology that deals with the study of ecology, neuroscience, molecular biology, cellular etc. Thus polishes a solid foundation in biological disciplines. There are various specialisations under PhD in Biology. They are:
- Ecosystem and Sustainability
- Bioinformatics and Genetics
- Biological and Agricultural Engineering
- Genetics
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Environmental Life Sciences
- Social Neurosciences
The subject matter and curriculum of PhD in Biology will vary according to the specialisations. Through this extensive study, students can gain their knowledge in particular areas and are able to find an appropriate career based on the skills and interests of candidates.
The postgraduates in Biology and Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) graduates can apply for the PhD in Biology. Along with these qualifications, the research scholars have to possess some skills for handling the research works.
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Skills Required for the Research Scholars in Biology
Interpersonal skills: the students who want to be a research scholar should develop an interaction skill with others for listening, speaking and questioning skills
Team-work: the students should adjust themselves to work with others in both formally and informally situations of a project.
Problem-solving skills: As we mentioned, this a research-based program the students should able to identify the problem in course of study and find suitable solutions for the problem.
Dedication: The research work takes a long time to find out the desired results. The dedicated and passionate mind can work wholeheartedly even if it takes time and cost.
Highlights of the Course
| Course Type | Doctorate |
| Full-Form | Doctorate of Philosophy in Biology |
| Duration | 3 to 5 years |
| Eligibility | Master’s in Biology |
| Employment Areas | Zoos & National ParksWildlife SanctuariesPharmaceutical Companies |
| Job Roles | Research BiologistEnvironmental Staff ScientistClinical Laboratory Scientist |
Course Type
PhD in Biology is a research-based program which is considered as the highest level of qualification in academic aspects.
Duration of the Course
The minimum period of this program is three years and the maximum period is five years. But the exact period of a research-based program is unpredictable. Because the completion of the program depends on the derivation of the desired results from the research works.
Eligibility of the Course
- The minimum eligibility required for the PhD in Biology is Master’s in Biology with a minimum mark of 55% from any recognised university.
- The M.Phil. graduates can also apply for the program.
Admission Process of PhD in Biology
- The admission procedures for PhD in Biology differs from universities and colleges. Along with the master’s or M.Phil qualification, some universities may conduct their entrance examinations and interview rounds for the selection procedures.
- The National Eligibility Test (NET) Holders or Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) holders have the priorities for joining the PhD programs.
- The research proposal of the respective candidates may also consider in the selection process. So, the preparation and presentation of a research proposal have its importance in the admission procedures.
Syllabus of the program
The PhD program consists of theory and practical section. It includes course work for six months (normally). M.Phil scholars need not attend the entrance examinations and course works. The curriculum of this program depends on the specialisations. Some of the subjects that included in the syllabus are as follows:
- Microbial Ecology
- Aquatic mycology
- Nutritional quality of wild legumes
- Organic farming
- Geno toxicology and Environmental mutagenesis
- Cytogenetics
- Endocrinology and Animal Physiology
- Biodiversity of wood-rot Fungi
- Mycology
- Biology and Ecology of Cyanobacteria
- Aquatic Biology and Environmental Biology
- Plant Pathology and Sericulture
- Conservation Biology
- Sewage Microbes
- Cancer biology
Career Prospects of Doctorates in Biology
PhD in Biology has considered as the highest educational qualification in this discipline. The doctorates in Biology can find their career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Some of the important employment areas are:
- Educational Institutions
- Research centres
- National parks
- Pharmaceutical Companies
Job Roles
Professor/ Assistant Professor: Professor/Assistant Professor has to teach and deliver the lecturing notes in Biology and its related stream for students.
Content Writer: the experts in Biology and its related subjects can write and publish the articles in related academic websites.
Research Biologist: the doctorates will research various specialised subjects related to natural elements are the duties of Research Biologists.
Microbiologists: A Microbiologists studies the nature and the diseases caused by the micro-organisms.
Associate Research Scholar: they assist their superiors for collecting, analysing and organising the materials needed for research or projects.
Environmental Staff Scientist: an environmental staff scientist has to protect the environment and human health by using their knowledge in natural sciences. They will suggest measures to preserve the natural resources, advise policy measures to reduce the industrial wastes to protect the environment.
Natural Science Manager: doctorates can work as a natural science manager whose duty is to direct the research and developmental projects and thereby supervise the work of their superiors.
