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The PhD program in Biopsychology and Neuroscience (BNS) is multidisciplinary and aims to train the next generation of leaders in Neuroscience. The BNS program is designed to enhance the research capacity and mental health care in Qatar by providing students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle complex problems related to mental health and behavior.
Through this degree, students will gain an advanced education that enables them to grasp the biological foundations of cognition, behavior, and aging of the nervous system. This training will equip them with a deep understanding of the neural mechanisms and brain disorders.
The Biopsychology and Neuroscience PhD program has a strong focus on the application of innovative technologies and artificial intelligence to tackle brain development, function, and aging in both physiological and pathological conditions.
- The field of neuroscience is defined by the pursuit of understanding the function and dysfunction of the nervous system. The BNS program aims to equip neuroscience practitioners with the ability to synthesize, use, and advance knowledge in molecular and cellular biology, biochemistry, genetics, biophysics, and artificial intelligence applied to nerve cells.
- Graduates of our program will receive rigorous training in critical thinking, experimental design, and statistical analysis.
They will become fluent in these areas and be well-prepared to study brain disorders and behavior. The goal of the BNS program is to produce highly skilled professionals who are well-equipped to tackle the challenges of understanding the brain and its relationship to behavior and mental health.
A program with a minimum of 60 credits, taught in English, typically over 3.5 years, which includes:
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Two mandatory foundational courses (6 credits)
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A minimum of four elective courses (12 credits)
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Participation in departmental seminars (0 credits)
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Participation in the Journal Club
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Dissertation and laboratory training (42 credits)
PhD students are required to pass a qualifying examination after their second semester, and a candidacy examination after their fourth semester. The program will bring together developmental neurobiology, systems neuroscience, biology of aging, biology of behavior and psychology, and artificial intelligence to stimulate creativity and innovation.
Courses Include:
| Course Name |
|---|
|
Advanced Neurosciences |
|
Development and Diseases of the Nervous System |
|
Molecular and Cellular Biology of Neurodegenerative Diseases |
| Functional Human Neuroanatomy |
| Artificial Intelligence (Joint course offered by CSE) |
| Research Methods and Ethics in Biopsychology and Neuroscience |
| Applied Behavioral Statistics (Joint course offered by CHLS) |
| Advanced Molecular Biology |
| Stem Cell Biology |
| Scientific Communication and Professional Development |
| Advanced Genetics |
| Bioinformatics |
| Epigenetics |
| Pharmacogenomics |
| Behavioral Aspects of Physical Activity |
Applicants seeking admission to the PhD in Biopsychology and Neuroscience program should have a master’s degree. They should have a strong academic record (minimum 3.0 GPA out of 4) from a recognized university.
Applicants are required to submit a valid IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL score of 79 to demonstrate their proficiency in English. Further details about the language proficiency requirement and the process to seek exemption (if applicable) are available from admissions.hbku.edu.qa
Applicants with prior research experience are preferred, particularly for the PhD program.
Further information about admission requirements is available: admissions.hbku.edu.qa
Tuition Fees
| Program | PhD Biopsychology and Neuroscience |
|---|---|
| Total Program Tuition Fees | QAR 270,000 |
| Tuition Fees per Credit Hour | QAR 4,500 |
| Total Program Credit Hours | 60 |
| Program Duration | 3.5 years |