PhD in Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM) – Duke-NUS

Duke-NUS launched its inaugural PhD programme in Integrated Biology and Medicine (IBM) in August 2010. The programme distinguishes itself from others in Singapore and abroad by emphasising training in translational bioscience, preparing cutting edge researchers to take their research findings from “bench to bedside.”

The Duke-NUS PhD programme in Integrated Biology and Medicine provides training in translational bioscience, covering 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 two laboratory rotations. Subsequently, students choose a thesis mentor and complete their advanced training in one of five specialty tracks:

• Cancer and Stem Cell Biology
• Emerging Infectious Diseases
• Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders
• Neuroscience and Behavioral Disorders
• Health Services and Systems Research

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 defense.

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 programme. 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. This course is taught by a range of Duke-NUS faculty and staff who introduce their expertise to the students. This is not a lecture course, but an interactive learning course that requires significant preparation and participation.

Students will also conduct three 6-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.

During the second semester, students may continue with coursework and/or begin primary research. Specifics will be dependent on the specialty areas students choose to pursue.

YEAR 2 – DEVELOPING A THESIS AND QUALIFYING EXAM

At the start of the second year, students will work toward developing their thesis projects. Students may or may not continue with formal coursework, however, all PhD candidates are expected to actively participate in Duke-NUS research seminars and journal clubs sponsored by their Signature Research Programmes. These seminars provide students with a forum to give oral presentations, evaluate literature, analyze competitive science, and share ideas on major breakthroughs and future directions for their research field. This activity provides a critical foundation for a career in translational research. Current Duke-NUS Research Seminars are found here.

In the first semester, all PhD students take a qualifying or preliminary exam. Successful students will defend a mock grant proposal, providing the faculty with the opportunity to evaluate their fundamental knowledge and ability to purse hypothesis-based research.

YEARS 3 & 4 – RESEARCH AND THESIS

After the qualifying exam, the remainder of the PhD training consists of the execution of the thesis project and regular participation in Research Seminars and Journal Clubs. The thesis mentor will guide the student and act as the chair of the student’s Graduate Thesis Advisory Committee. Success of the thesis will be judged by the publication or anticipated publication of two quality first author papers, with the emphasis being on quality.

(I) PhD in Integrated Biology and Medicine

• All applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of, a bachelor or honours degree
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test results
• 3 – 5 recommendation letters, typically from professors, mentors and/or employers
• Relevant research experience is looked upon favourably

English Proficiency

Results of TOEFL or IELTS are required only if English was not the language of instruction during undergraduate studies. English is the language of instruction at Duke-NUS. Applicants whose medium of instruction during undergraduate studies was not English must submit either TOEFL (Test of English as Foreign Language) scores or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores as evidence of their proficiency in the English language. The following are the minimum scores that should be achieved: 

• 600 on the TOEFL paper-based test; OR
• 85 on the TOEFL internet-based test; OR
• an overall band score of 7 on the IELTS

Dates
For more information on Application Dates, click here.

Fees
For more information on Fee, Scholarships and Finance matters, click here.

Duke-NUS Medical School
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Singapore 169857

Tel: +65 6516 7666
Email: admissions@duke-nus.edu.sg