PhD Molecular Medicine
Expanding upon its innovative undergraduate and Masters in Molecular Medicine, Ziauddin University launched a PhD programme in Molecular Medicine in 2023, endorsed by the HEC and PMDC. This programme stands out for its emphasis on integrating basic and translational research and providing advanced training in theory and practice applicable to clinical practice.
Ziauddin University has established itself as a trailblazer among Pakistani medical institutions with the introduction of this programme, designed to educate and empower medical scientists. The PhD targets clinicians and surgeons eager to deepen their understanding of molecular pathology and genetics in clinical practice, with the aim of enhancing patient outcomes through enhanced disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies.
Candidates with backgrounds in Science and Medicine gain a comprehensive understanding of disease mechanisms at the molecular level, aligned with global standards. The program’s primary objective is to equip medical scientists with advanced molecular knowledge and techniques essential for deep understanding and practice of human diseases.
Moreover, this initiative fosters unprecedented collaboration between clinicians and scientists, forging a pioneering clinician-scientist relationship in Pakistan. By bridging these disciplines, the programme catalyses innovative approaches to medical research and practice, positioning graduates at the forefront of molecular medicine advancements.
To foster professional and intellectual development of physicians and scientists for in-depth understanding of molecular etiopathogenetic mechanisms of diseases with the development of new therapies and diagnostics, focused on high quality research based optimal patient care.
At ZU, we offer PhD in molecular medicine to:
- To produce subject experts and leaders with in-depth knowledge of molecular genetic mechanisms of disease processes and diagnostics at molecular level.Â
- To provide training to the research scholars with skills in laboratory techniques pertaining to recent advances in molecular biology and genetics for better understanding & interpretation in laboratory diagnostics.Â
- To provide physician and scientist relationships for research in basic molecular mechanisms involved in the investigation of clinical problems.
- To prepare graduates to apply leadership skills to meet the challenges faced by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries.
- To train PhD students to the highest standards of modern education with the ability to perform independent and high-quality research for thesis, scientific manuscripts and grant applications.
Minimum duration to complete a PhD is 3-7 years.
Coursework of 20 credit hours in the core and elective subjects.Â
Research/Thesis work of 30 credit hours on a research topic approved by the Board of Advanced Studies and ResearchÂ
Two semesters of 20 credit hours each will be offered in the 1st year.Â
Credit hour of a theory/lecture is of sixty minutes (60) duration (including a 10-minute break) per week during a Semester. However, in case of project/laboratory/research/project work, one credit hour may require two to three contact hours per week during a semester.Â
- Understanding of the Holy Quran – I (1 Credit Hour) or
- Philosophy of Life – I (1 Credit Hour)
- Advanced Research Methodology (2 credit hours)
- Advanced Epidemiology (1 credit hour)
- Molecular Biology & Genetics (3 credit hours)
- Molecular Pathology (3 credit hours)
- Understanding of the Holy Quran – II (1 Credit Hour) or
- Philosophy of Life – II (1 Credit Hour)
- Advanced Biostatics (1 credit hour)
- Molecular Medicine & Genetics (2 credit hours)
- Advanced Research Techniques (3 credit hours)
- Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery (3 credit hours)
Molecular medicine will provide an insight to physician scientists regarding the basic understanding of molecular genetic mechanisms of disease with development of molecular biology tools and identification of molecular targets for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of a diverse number of human diseases.
Academic Command:Â Eligibility for highest institutional/departmental positions.
Principal Investigator (PI): Leading research projects and laboratories, securing funding, and guiding research teams in innovative studies.
Research Scientist: Developing new biotechnological products and applications, such as gene therapies, vaccines, and diagnostic tools.
Academic Researcher: Working in universities or research institutes, conducting fundamental or applied research, and publishing findings in scientific journals.
Clinical Scientist: Collaborating with healthcare providers to integrate molecular research into clinical practice, improving patient diagnostics and treatment plans.
Healthcare and research Consultant: Advising healthcare organisations and researchers on the implementation of molecular medicine advancements.
Policy Advisor: Working with government agencies or NGOs to develop policies that incorporate molecular medicine advancements into public health strategies.
The PhD programme prepares students to attain the educational objectives by ensuring that students demonstrate achievement of the following outcomes:
- Exhibit the highest academic command and leadership qualities as institutional/departmental heads.Â
- Display in-depth knowledge and skills for the molecular etiopathogenic mechanisms of diseases and the development of different strategies in molecular diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Possess strong knowledge for the skills to translate the basic research with the bench to bedside and industry approach. Â
- Promote an evidence-based medicine approach for analysis of clinical problems in relation to genetics and molecular aspects and plan pre-clinical experiments.
- Conduct and participate in national and international workshops, conferences and symposiums to develop communication skills.
- Equipped with knowledge and skills for supervising basic and clinical sciences institutions, R & D organisations, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, clinical trials units, genetic molecular biology and clinical laboratories.Â
Candidates having a minimum MS/MPhil/MD/MS/FCPS, FRCS, MRCP or an equivalent degree with first division or a CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 or, overall, 60% marks in the annual system or equivalent in the relevant subject is a prerequisite from any recognised University. In case of foreign degree, it will be ascertained that it is equivalent to M.Phil./ MS degree from any HEC recognised University / Institution.Â
ZU entry test (GAT) and interview conducted by ZU.
Final selection of candidates is based on cumulative merit determined from the previous academic record, experience, entry test and interview.Â
The PhD degree programme will be open for all those who qualify the admission criteria. NOC submission from their respective departments along with the application form. A study leave document from their respective employer for a period of two years has to be submitted at the time of admission.Â
| Description | Credit Hours | Fees (PKR) |
| GAT Exam | — | 5,000 |
| Admission Fee | — | 200,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Semester I) | 10 cr. hr | 200,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Examination Fees (Semester I) | — | 20,000 |
| Total Payable Amount | Â | 220,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Semester II) | 10 cr. hr | 200,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Examination Fees (Semester II) | Â | 20,000 |
| Comprehensive Exam | — | 25,000 |
| Total Payable Amount | — | 245,000 |
| Supervision Fee* | ||
| Semester III | 7.5 cr. hr | 150,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Semester IV | 7.5 cr. hr | 150,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Semester V | 7.5 cr. hr | 150,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Semester VI | 7.5 cr. hr | 150,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Payable Amount | — | 1,270,000 |
| Thesis Evaluation Fee (International Reviewers) | — | USD 600 or PKR 170,000* |
| Thesis Defence Fee | — | 100,000 |
| Total Payable Amount (If completed in 6 Semesters) For Basic Health Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Forensic Medicine), and Molecular Medicine. | — | 1,540,000 |
| Seed Money for Research (Internal Candidates Only) | — | 200,000 |
| Scholarship | — | N/A |
| Note: *Supervision fee shall be applicable till submission of thesis to examination department. **Therefore, the total payable amount may vary depending upon completion of degree timeline. | ||
