Program Specifications

Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) programs in biological sciences provides high-level scientific training for students who will be highly competent to teach in higher education and who can work in industry and with other biologists, biochemists, agricultural scientists and others to develop solutions to problems that have an impact on our quality of life. Program coursework includes both lecture- and seminar-style instructions. Students are required to complete a total of 54 credit hours for degree completion. The core curriculum during the first and second year of study provides a strong background in various biological disciplines of molecular, cellular and organismal biology and encourages students to acquire critical reading and writing skills required for the PhD qualifying examination. At the end of the second year, students will take the PhD qualifying exam. After successful completion of this exam, students will devote their efforts to the conduction of an original research project culminating with a dissertation that makes an important contribution to their chosen field. As such, the results of the student’s research are expected to be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Vision:

To extend the vision of the Department of Biological Sciences for undergraduate teaching which is to be the premier biology department at a prominent public university, to catalyse students' innovation and to become locally and regionally recognized in postgraduate teaching and in strong research in emerging areas ranging from molecular to organismal and global biology.

Mission:

Provide postgraduate students with the opportunity for exploration in biological sciences. This is done through rigorous course work and intimately mentored students by experienced faculty.  We are keen to develop each student's ability to acquire and critically interpret knowledge of basic facts and theories in biology. The ultimate goal is to produce educators and scientists who could provide better services in human health, education and environment.

The Ph.D. program in biological sciences was developed for the urgent need to offer local doctoral program for those students who completed their master's degree successfully and like to carry on their Ph.D. study in Jordan in biological sciences, providing it is the only program existing in the country so far. This program is allowing the students to continue their studies at home, with high qualifications in both fields of research and teaching, and for not to leave abroad to continue their studies, this is eventually saving their time and efforts. This program was also developed to cope with the latest development in the academic and research fields of biological sciences. Moreover, the reason behind developing this program is also to create a group of qualified students that are capable of getting working opportunities in the academic and research fields at local, regional and global levels.

1.      The Ph.D. program in biology was founded at the University of Jordan to fulfil the local and the regional requirements of highly qualified Ph.D. holders, Since the University of Jordan is the only university in Jordan offers Ph.D. program in biology.

2.      The program is highly competitive; accepts only high calibre M.Sc. students in biology.

3.      The program emphasises on creativity and innovation which are the ground of fundamental sciences and produce scientists who will form part of the next generation of independent researchers. 

4.      Provide students with the following, through the offered advanced courses in the curriculum,:

a.       Advanced knowledge in major fields of biology.

b.      Critique scientific articles and critical thinking in evaluating of the methodology, results and conclusions of scientific articles in biological sciences.

c.       Scientific skills in writing term papers, research proposal and preparation of a professional scientific presentation. 

5.      Design a high quality research project according to the following:

a.       Choosing the field of the research project according to the desire of the student under the guidance of the supervisor(s).

b.      The research project based on well-written hypothesis to solve a biological scientific problem.

c.       Available facilities at the university and other research institutes in Jordan.

d.      Enhancing the creative thinking and team work to solve the challenging problems arising during the research work.

e.       Displaying a professional commitment to ethical practices in biological research.

f.       Serving the local community such as public sector, industry, etc......

g.      Producing well-structured thesis and publishable scientific articles that will be published in high impact peer-reviewed journals.

6.      Provide effectively and professionally teaching and communication skillsthat are essential for proper delivery of biological science concepts to different types of audience.

7.      Develop students' intellectual skills by encouraging them to interact with other scientists and participate in local and international scientific workshops and conferences.

8.      Serve the community by spreading updated knowledge in life sciences through holding conferences, seminars, workshops and media.

9.      Provide high calibre of professional researchers to fulfil the requirements of local communities to solve the problems of public and private sectors.

10.  Demonstrate commitment of continuing professional development of learning and in continuing education of biological sciences.

11.    Create scientists equipped with self-confident, leadership, ethical and humble characters.