STUDY Bioscience AT KAUST

 

At KAUST, the Bioscience program offers a unique and impactful environment for scientific discovery and innovation. Motivated by a deep curiosity about how living systems work and adapt to their environments, we are tackling both local and global challenges in human health and the health of our planet. Our program is designed to train the next generation of international and Saudi bioscience leaders through multi- and interdisciplinary research and education. 

WHY JOIN US?

Collaborative and Supportive Community:
KAUST’s bioscience community thrives on collaboration, offering students unique opportunities to engage in cross-disciplinary projects and research that directly impacts global health and wellness. 
Our program offers a modern curriculum designed to equip students with advanced technological skills and a collaborative mindset. With a strong focus on both international and Saudi talent, we prepare graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry and beyond. 
KAUST provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse community of leading researchers. Our faculty are dedicated to advancing both basic and applied science, ensuring that students have the tools and mentorship they need to succeed. 
We embrace collaboration across fields like bioscience, engineering and computational sciences, allowing students and researchers to work on multidisciplinary projects that address complex scientific challenges. 
Our program aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) pillar of Health and Wellness. We focus on health and wellness, biotechnology and biomedicine. Our research addresses pressing global challenges such as aging, infectious diseases, epigenetics, neuroscience and precision medicine, while leveraging cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning, omics and stem cell and organoid modeling. 

Join KAUST Bioscience and become part of a dynamic program where innovation, collaboration, and discovery drive the future of Bioscience.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW

BIOSCIENCE PROGRAM

 

The Bioscience program focuses on adaptive biology, exploring the mechanisms that allow organisms to interact and adapt to their environments to address key global challenges in healthcare and planetary health. It provides expertise in cell and molecular biology, structural biology, biophysics, bioimaging, genomics, bioinformatics and AI. The program emphasizes hands-on research and offers flexibility with electives in bioengineering, plant science, marine science and beyond. Focus areas include epigenetics, infectious diseases, stem cells, aging, disorders and diseases, neuroscience and the microbiome, fostering interdisciplinary approaches and innovative methodologies to tackle complex biological challenges. The program attracts collaborations across different disciplines, such as marine, plant, environmental, chemical, computational sciences and engineering, expanding the program's impact on many of the global challenges addressed by KAUST. 

 

Bioscience MASTER'S DEGREE PROGRAM

Learn how to apply critical thinking to real-world scenarios in the life sciences while exploring cutting-edge research and theory.

Mandatory Courses Program Specializations Lab Experience Duration of Study

Mandatory Courses

  • 4 Core Courses
  • 2 Electives
  • Graduate Seminar
  • Courses offered include (but not limited to) Genomics, Molecular Genetics, Stem Cells and Molecular Medicine, CryoEM, etc. 

Program Specializations

  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics and Bioimaging

Lab Experience

  • 10 week lab rotation
  • Thesis and Non-thesis options

Duration of Study

  • 1.5 to 2 years
  • 3 x 15-week semesters and one Summer for Non-thesis
  • 4 x 15-week semesters and one Summer for Thesis

Bioscience PHD DEGREE PROGRAM

Mandatory Courses Program Specializations Lab Experience Duration of Study

Mandatory Courses

  • 2 PhD-level Electives
  • Graduate Seminar
  • PhD courses can be taken from any program

Program Specializations

  • Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Biophysics and Bioimaging

Lab Experience

  • Doctoral Dissertation Research with your PI
  • Traveling Scholar for external
  • collaboration

Duration of Study

  • 2.5 – 4 years
  • Maximum of 8 x 15-week semesters and 4 Summers

The information provided above is for general reference only. For detailed and current degree requirements, please refer to the Program Guide.

shutterstock_2423041393

PROGRAM GUIDE

Visit the KAUST Program Guide for detailed information about our graduate degree options.  The Program Guide provides prospective and current students with comprehensive information on various aspects of the program.

Within the guide, you will find detailed information on program course and credit requirements, placement tests, Ph.D. proposals, dissertation process guidance and the academic year structure.

The Program Guide will serve as your roadmap to successfully navigate your academic journey at KAUST and will allow you to make informed decisions about your studies.

Research

In BESE, we tackle the world’s most critical environmental and biological challenges by fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance ecosystem resilience, secure food and water, and advance human health.

Explore Our Research

Meet Our
Bioscience
Faculty

Explore the experts advancing research and innovation in bioscience at KAUST.

Our Faculty