Master in Science (MSc)
The department offers two MSc programs.
M.Sc. in Biology
Description of Master’s thesis in Biology (BIOL7002)
M.Sc. Students in Biology’s Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the M.Sc. program in Biology/Biotechnology, graduates will be able to:
Apply Foundational Theories: Demonstrate a deep understanding of foundational theories in biology, enabling them to independently design and execute practical and applied research projects in diverse biological fields.
Master Research Methodologies: Develop advanced skills in experimentation, observation, data collection, analysis, and interpretation, effectively addressing complex research questions in biology.
Specialize and Execute Research Projects: Achieve expertise in their chosen field of specialization within biological research and able to complete an advanced research project, contributing to the body of scientific knowledge in their field
Effective Communication: Proficiently communicate scientific findings both in writing reports and orally, catering to a wide audience, including peers, and the broader society, promoting scientific literacy and understanding.
Innovation and Research Leadership: Exhibit the ability to independently identify emerging areas of investigation within biology and propose innovative research approaches, paving the way for the exploration of new research avenues and contributing to the advancement of biological science
Program Overview
To obtain their degree, the student must fulfill the coursework requirements mentioned in the degree plan and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. As for the thesis, the student is required to conduct a literature review, perform research, analyze the results, write a report, and present the findings at an oral defense. The research work doesn't have to be original, but it should be a new application of ideas. The supervisor will help the student identify the research problem, which is usually done in the second semester. After completing at least 12 credits of the coursework, the student must register for the thesis in the third semester.
- Applicant should have a Bachelor's degree in Biology or in a related subject from Sultan Qaboos University or from any other recognized university, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of not less than 2.75 on a 4-point scale, or
- Candidates from other disciplines may be asked to attend additional bridging courses before starting the program.
- Applicant must submit a release letter or a study leave from the employer for full-time study or no objection letter for part-time study, addressed to the dean of postgraduate studies at SQU. An unemployed applicant needs to submit a statement from The Ministry of Labour documenting the unemployment status of the applicant.
- Before starting the program the admitted candidates should submit an English Proficiency Test Certificate Band (6) in IELTS Academic, with a minimum of 5 in each of its components or (550) in the TOEFL paper-based or (213) in TOEFL computer-based or (79) in the TOEFL through the Internet.
- Two years’ Work experience is a must for candidates with a Cumulative Grade Point Average between 2.5 and 2.74 in the Bachelor's degree, or
- Applicants who have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and a postgraduate diploma in a related specialization from a recognized institution of higher education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent.
Biology MSc Program Coordinator :
Dr. SIVAKUMAR NALLUSAMY
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ext: 6891
apnsiva@squ.edu.om
MSc in Environmental Science
Program Overview
The student should complete the coursework requirements specified in the degree plan with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. For the thesis, the candidate is required to conduct the necessary literature review, undertake the research, analyze the results, write the report, and communicate the results at an oral defense. This work does not necessarily need to be original but may include the application of existing technology to a local environmental problem. The student should identify the research problem in consultation with the supervisor during the second semester. The student should register for the thesis in the third semester after having completed at least 12 credits of the coursework.
Admission Requirements
- Applicant should have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Commerce, Medicine, Geography or Agriculture from Sultan Qaboos University or from any other recognized university, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of not less than 2.75 on a 4 point scale, or
- Applicant must submit a release letter or a study leave from the employer for full-time study or no objection letter for part-time study, addressed to the dean of postgraduate studies at SQU. An unemployed applicant needs to submit a statement from The Ministry of Labour documenting the unemployment status of the applicant.
- Two years of Work experience is a must for candidates with a Cumulative Grade Point Average between 2.5 and 2.74 in the Bachelor's degree, or
- Applicants who have a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution and a postgraduate diploma in a related specialization from a recognized institution of higher education with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent.
- Candidates from other disciplines may be asked to attend additional bridging courses before starting the program.
- Environmental science MSc Program Coordinator:
- Dr. HAMADA ELSAYED ALI IBRAHEEM
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Ext: 6874
h.ibraheem@squ.edu.om
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The department also offers a Ph.D. degree in Biology, which is a research program in one of the fields of Biological Sciences.
Program Overview
Doctoral candidates are required to produce a thesis containing original work of suitable merit to demonstrate their command of the relevant research methodology and their ability to undertake independent research. The thesis should make a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in the specific area, as demonstrated by at least one paper being published or accepted for publication in an international, specialized, refereed journal. The student should identify the research problem in consultation with the supervisor, which normally takes place at the time of application. A student may not submit for assessment thesis material that has already been submitted for another degree at Sultan Qaboos University or any other academic institution.
Whilst there is no minimum coursework requirement, a program or Thesis Committee may specify certain coursework requirements which are deemed to be in the candidate’s interest. These requirements must be completed within the first year of study.
Admission Requirements
- Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree from Sultan Qaboos University or equivalent from a recognized university.
- Applicant should have a Master's degree in Biology or in a science-related subject from Sultan Qaboos University or from any other recognized university.
- A Cumulative Grade Point Average of not less than 3.00 on a 4-point scale or equivalent in any other system and the Deanship of Postgraduate Studies makes the assessment for equivalency acceptance.
- A cumulative GPA ranging between 2.75 and 2.99 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent, taking into account the applicant’s work experience and any academic activities they are engaged.
- Two letters of reference from academics, to show competence in the discipline of interest and research capabilities.
- Applicant should submit a statement of intent outlining and goals of the research proposed.
- Applicant must submit a release letter or a study leave for the employer, addressed to the dean of postgraduate studies at SQU. An unemployed applicant needs to submit a statement from The Ministry of Labour documenting the unemployment status of the applicant.
English Requirements:
Before starting the program the admitted candidates should submit an English Proficiency Test Certificate band (6.5) or higher in the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic or a score of (90) or higher in the International TOEFL – IBT
Dr. BAHJAH ZAGHLOOL RASHID AL RIYAMI
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Ext: 6876
bahja@squ.edu.om
For more information contact:
Postgraduate Studies Admission Department
Deanship of Postgraduate
Sultan Qaboos University
Phone: (+968) 2441 5819 / 5824
www.squ.edu.om/ps