American University of Beirut

​MS in Biology

The Master’s program in Biology aims at providing students with a good foundation in biological sciences and training them to conduct scientific investigations. Students are expected to acquire technical skills needed to answer scientific questions through hypothesis-driven research work. This is achieved through engaging them in hands-on activities at the bench and in the field, in addition to analyzing generated and existing biological data. The program also fosters analytical and critical thinking, and trains students on the use of appropriate scientific language and oral and written communication skills necessary for proper dissemination of scientific information.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required of all applicants for graduate work. Requirements for an MS degree in biology consist of a minimum of 21 credit hours in biology courses numbered 300 or above and a 9-credit thesis.

The following courses are core courses and should be taken by all master’s students:

BIOL 310 (3 cr.), BIOL 315 (3 cr.) and BIOL 393 (1 cr.) 

Unless otherwise stated, only senior undergraduate biology majors with an average of 3.3 or above can register in biology graduate courses with the consent of the instructor.​

PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology

Missio​n Statement

The doctoral program in Cell and Molecular Biology aims to provide the best training to students for their careers as research scientists in Cell and Molecular Biology. It provides students with the opportunity to develop their capacity for scholarly and independent work, critical analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate knowledge and ideas. It is intended to produce scientists who will make significant, original contributions to the biological sciences. The program exposes students to theoretical foundations and practical training in current laboratory techniques. It serves the AUB mission by providing Lebanon and the region with qualified researchers and preparing students for careers in research, teaching, and public service.​

Admission Re​quirements

The PhD program is a five-year program. Admission to the program will be on a competitive basis. To be eligible for admission, applicants should have a good academic record, demonstrate genuine interest in Cell and Molecular Biology research and must:

• hold a bachelor’s (BS) or master’s (MS) degree in biological sciences or related fields from a recognized institution,​
• present three letters of recommendation from previous tutors or employers,
• submit scores from the general Graduate Record Examination (GRE). This exam is required of both BS and MS holders,
• meet Readiness for University Studies in English (RUSE),
• present a statement of purpose,
• be interviewed by a select group of department faculty members (who may require the student to give a seminar presentation),
• and be recommended for admission by the Biology Department.

Program Requirements

The program requirements for BS holders consist of a minimum of 36 credit hours of graduate level coursework and a minimum of 42 credit hours of thesis work. The requirements for MS holders are a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate level coursework in addition to 30 credit hours of thesis work.

Upon admission into the program, each student will be assisted by the department head who will act as an academic advisor and help the student in the selection of courses. Each student’s course of study is designed individually in light of her/his interests and career goals. All duties of the head are transferred to the thesis advisor once selected.

The program incorporates the existing master’s program and consists of core courses that address basic principles of cell and protein function, gene expression, bioinformatics and biostatistics.​

Required Core Courses

All students are required to take the following six core courses and the seminar (plus tutorial if applicable):​​