Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology graduate study programme (Third Level)

Study programme: Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology
Main fields of study: molecular genetics and biotechnology
Name of the qualification: Doctor`s degree
Qualification title: Doctor of Philosophy
Qualification abbreviation: Ph.D.
Final examination: no

Programme director: doc. dr. Elsa Fabbretti
ECTS coordinator: prof.dr. Iztok Arčon

Programme description

International postgraduate programme »Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology« is the result of a joint effort with The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) from Trieste, Italy. It enables an education of young scientists with the ability to apply the knowledge acquired in different fields. As molecular biologists they may work in the fields of public health, nutrition and environmental protection/remediation. As biotechnologists they will apply the latest techniques in the fields of industrial production of products useful for humans. The teaching and learning main activities of the study course include intensive research activity, seminars and communication training in Journal Clubs.
Lectures and exams are given in English.

Admission requirements

To qualify for entry into the graduate program Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology , applicants must satisfy the following admission requirements:

• have completed a 2nd cycle master’s study preogramme;
• have completed at least a four-year academic undergraduate programme accredited with 240 ECTS credits;
• have completed a specialization after previously finished professional study programme, and had passed additional study obligations within 30 to 60 ECTS credit points;
• have completed an equivalent program abroad;

If the number of applicants exceeds the 20 available slots, they are selected based on previous academic achievement.

Educational and professional goals

The PhD degree programme is expected to provide graduate students with all the necessary means to understand a scientific investigation in the field of life sciences, develop independent thought and critical view, personal responsibility and decision making.
Student’s projects are normally a continuation, along different lines, of the wider research programme of the hosting group. Scientific activity focuses on several advanced research programmes that include basic science projects such as control of gene expression, DNA replication, DNA repair and RNA processing; studies on human viruses, molecular immunology, molecular genetics, experimental haematology and human gene therapy. Other projects are carried out in the fields of bacteriology and yeast genetics, plant virology, protein structure and bioinformatics. Student should reach from a minimum acceptable knowledge and skill level in the specific research area in the beginning, to an excellent performance that demonstrates in-depth understanding of the subject, ability to apply the knowledge acquired to analyses, interpret and critically evaluate data and results, at the end of his/hers study.

Access to further studies

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Examination and assessment regulations

Knowledge is assessed by oral examinations and seminar papers.

Programme progression requirements

In order to proceed to the second year of study, candidates must obtain at least 50 credit points. To enrol into the third year of the Molecular genetics and biotechnology doctoral study programme, candidates must fulfil all first-year requirements as well as obtain 50 credit points from the second year of study.

Course structure diagram

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