PhD in Biological Sciences

Most institutions offering PhD in biological sciences in India focus on laboratory training with minimal emphasis on translational outlook and exposure. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the need for developing indigenous diagnostics, therapeutics, and preventative products. Also, the stark lack of expertise in smaller towns and rural areas has forced policy makers to provide quick training to those with no formal training in biological sciences. Many developing countries have utilized web-based and cell-phone based solutions showing much wider reach and ramifications. AIPHU started as a research organization more than a decade ago in health sciences and worked in the grass roots level identifying the local problems and then designing solutions in the laboratory and finally bringing it back to the community.

The PhD students at AIPHU learn how to ask a question, identify a problem and then find modalities of solution. They do not simply learn techniques and try to use them in some fashion ultimately resulting in serious gaps in development of new products or processes. The large field sites in coastal and tribal areas, attached hospitals and its well-equipped labs provide an excellent breeding ground for ideas. From the beginning, PhD students work closely with senior faculty members and visiting overseas professors seeing first-hand how science and research is put to work for the benefit of the society.

The PhD program in Biological Sciences offers a broad, multidisciplinary education and training to create a new generation of scientist with appropriate academic competence to carry out research in frontier areas. The program intends to train the enrolled students to the required level of skills to design their research theme with the protocol for in-depth analytical study under the faculty mentorships. As per University Grants Commission (UGC, Govt of India) Guidelines, the course work is mandatory for all students admitted to the PhD Program. Successful completion of training sessions in laboratory safety and handling/disposal of biohazardous waste is a prerequisite for all students conducting wet-lab research. Collaborative Institutional Training Initiative (CITI) training is required for those involved in clinical or socio-behavioral research, and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) training for those using animals in research. The AIPH University has provisioned a minimum requirement of a total of 14 credit course work in the first year. The course work intends to broaden the outlook and vision of the students to carry out their respective research problems and is therefore continued as a prerequisite for PhD program. All students admitted to the PhD program are required to complete this course work prescribed by the university during the first two semesters or latest, before the start of the third semester utilizing the summer months.