PhD in Bioinformatics and Genetics

Biology, biotechnology, and biosciences have been rapidly developing since 2000. To handle the data produced, computer technology is required due to the excessive amount of data. Most of the recent techniques used in DNA, RNA and protein-based research is supported by bioinformatics and computer science. Computer science offers a new era for the biological sciences. For example the building block of the cell, proteins are modeled in 3D using a computer; this enables the rapid and efficient identification of molecular interactions and signals transduction pathways. Similarly, mutations in the genetic sequence can be detected quite fast using computer technology. Since the recent advancements in computational biology decreased the cost and accelerated the research processes including the drug development, the in silico studies are highly demanded in the industry.

The young scientists having Ph.D. from our department will have a strong background on molecular biology and genetics, analyze the biological data using bioinformatics tools, develop tools, algorithms, and design drug candidates using computational biology techniques such as molecular modeling and simulations. This program is similarly close to basic science, translational science, and applications in the sector.

Program Information

The program requires thesis writing. The education is 100% in English.

Why Would I Choose This Program?

The advanced genetic and computer technology has generated the intensive data processing needs and offered an environment where biology can be generated in silico. Revolutionary applications have been developed and are being developed. Bioinformaticians are globally sought; to answers such needs and develop applications. This need is predicted to in increase even higher in the medical field quite soon.

Kadir Has University Ph.D. Program in Bioinformatics and Genetics founded under Science Institute is the sole Bioinformatics and Genetics program in Turkey. Having a curriculum parallel with the well-known and highly respected universities around the world, our Ph.D. program targets raising scientists to have strong international interactions and always up-to-date with cutting-edge science. The program offers education in global scientific standards, providing seminars, exchange programs, and collaborative projects, thus aiming at raising students to a worldwide competition.

Our students, receiving proper education on chemistry, molecular biology, and computational biology will hold the advantage in the competitive field. For example, they will not only learn how to analyze the nucleic acid data, how to model a protein, but also the chemical properties of nucleic acids and proteins, and their effect on heredity. Our grads will be one step forward, with the advantages of their large vision.

In our department, research and education are kept in a balance. The Ph.D. Program is run by young, active scientists who direct and work in national and international projects, in an environment of global standards and universal values. In this context, we welcome Ph.D. candidates who are not the passive audience, but dynamic scientist to contribute science.

Information on the Institution

Bioinformatics and Genetics Ph.D. Program was established under the Graduate School of Science and Engineering and the first students were accepted in the Academic Year of 2014-2015. The first graduates will receive their Ph.D. degree soon.

Qualification Awarded/Level of Qualification

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be awarded PhD of Science in Bioinformatics and Genetics (The Qualifications Frameworks in the European Higher Education Area (QF-EHEA): Level 3, European Qualifications Framework (EQF): Level 8)

Recognition of Prior Learning

Students may be exempted from some of the graduate courses they have succeded in a previously attended programme, if they have not been counted towards a degree already, in view of the Exemption Regulations of Kadir Has University.

Graduation Requirements

Students are required to successfully complete the curriculum accepted by the Senate corresponding to 90 ECTS credits in total; that is, coursework with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.00/4.00 and a Ph.D. thesis.

Definition of the Program

The most important goal of bioinformatics is to understand the complex systems of living organisms using mathematical and numerical computational methods, which will help to find treatment methods and cures for diseases and ultimately increase the quality of life. Its most important tool is computer technology and since computer technology is progressing so fast, the emergence of bioinformatics becomes inevitable. Especially, in order to analyze the transcribed DNA sequences in the human genome, statistical methods are required as well as computer technology. While the information about the biological system rapidly increases with current advances in technology, the need for enhanced computational tools to process and analyze the available data is also increasing. Computational Biology and Bioinformatics program aims to close this gap.

Evaluation Questionnaires

Course and Instructor Evaluation Questionnaire Graduation Questionnaire Satisfaction Questionnaire

International Cooperation

Exchange programmes with various North American, European and Asian universities and ERASMUS (13 universities in nine countries) programmes (see http://www.khas.edu.tr/en/international2/International-Programs/main-page.html)