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.
- At least 18 years of education including a masters in the relevant discipline, based on a minimum of 30 credits with minimum CGPA 3.0/4.00 or 60% marks (in annual system) in MS/M.Phil. /FCPS/MD/MDS/ or equivalent degree from HEC recognized institute (essentially the undergraduate and postgraduate degrees should be HEC attested or / and having HEC Equivalence certificate in case of foreign university education or equivalent local education).
- The candidate should pass the:
- The university aptitude test equivalent to GRE/HAT General, with the passing score of 60%. OR
- GRE/HAT General/Equivalent tests conducted by testing bodies accredited by HEC, with a passing score of 60%. OR
- The college/department may conduct a subject test for admission in PhD programs with a passing score of 60% or above, as deemed suitable.Â
FHS-Ph.D. COURSES
| SEMESTER IÂ | ||
| Â Code | Course Name | Credit Hours |
| ZU-HS-900 | Advances in Research Methodology | 2 |
| ZU-HS-901 | Advanced Epidemiology | 1 |
| ZU-HS-903 | Molecular Biology & Genetics | 3 |
| Â ZUGE-009 | Understanding of the Holy Quran I | 1 |
| ZU-MM-906 | Molecular Pathology (Elective I) | 3 |
| Â | Total Credits | 10 |
| SEMESTER II | ||
| ZU-HS-904 | Molecular Medicine & Genetics | 2 |
| ZU-HS-905 | Advances in Research Techniques | 3 |
| ZU-HS-902 | Advanced Biostatistics | 1 |
| Â ZUGE-010 | Understanding of the Holy Quran II | 1 |
| ZU-MM-907 | Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Discovery (Elective II) | 3 |
| Â | Total Credits Thesis Credits | 10 30 |
| Â | Grand Total Credits | 50 |
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
| 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 | 220,000 | |
| Tuition Fees (Semester II) | 10 cr. hr | 200,000 (20,000 / cr. hr) |
| Examination Fees (Semester II) | 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 |
| 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. | ||
- Dr. Shamim Mushtaq
Director of Postgraduate Program (BHS)
Faculty of Health Sciences
Ziauddin University
Ph: 92-21-35862937-9 Ext:2594
- Dr. Ambrina Khatoon
Ph.D. Coordinator
Faculty of Health Sciences
Ziauddin University
0092-21-35862937-9 Ext:Â 2364
- Ms. Saba Farooq
Manager Research Department
Faculty of Health Sciences
Ziauddin University
Ph: 92-21-35862937-9 Ext:2366
