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.
Admission Procedure for the MSc Biology Degree Program
Welcome to the MSc Biology program admission process.
We are excited about your interest in pursuing a Master's degree in Biology at our institution. The admission process consists of two main components: a written test and an interview.
1. Application Submission
Prospective candidates must start by submitting a complete application form through the online application portal in the university website (https://pas.squ.edu.om/default.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f) . Application submission starts from January 1st to February 29. The application form should include all necessary personal, academic, and professional information. Along with the application, candidates are required to submit the following documents:
- Passport (Visa copy must be shown for non-Omani resident applicant).
- ID card or Residency Card.
- A personal photo, with blue or white background.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- English Proficiency Test Certificate: Applicants must submit an (IELTS) Academic, or (IBT) TOEFL International Test results
- Release letter or a study leave from employer for full-time study or no-objection letter for part-time study
For further details please visit https://www.squ.edu.om/ps/
2. Written Test
Once the initial application is reviewed, candidates will be invited to take a written test. The written test is designed to assess your knowledge in key areas of biology, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The test includes only multiple-choice questions from the following topics
- Plant biology
- Animal biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular biology
Importance of plants in ecosystems, structure and function of plants, plant physiology, photosynthesis.
Evolution and diversity of animals, biodiversity and heterogeneity, trophic levels and food webs
Microbial cell structure and function, microbial growth and nutrition, microbial genetics, environmental microbiology
Structure of DNA and RNA, DNA replication, transcription and translation, molecular genetics, molecular biology techniques
3. Interview
Candidates who perform well on the written test will be shortlisted for an interview. The interview is a crucial step in the admission process and aims to evaluate the candidate's language proficiency, knowledge of the subject, intellectual abilities, problem-solving and decisiveness, career expectation, and overall personality.
During the interview, you may be asked about your academic background, research experiences, and future goals. You should be prepared to discuss your interest in the MSc Biology program and how it aligns with your career aspirations. The weightage of each component is listed below:
4. Selection Criteria
The selection committee will evaluate candidates based on a combination of factors, including performance in the written test, interview, academic achievements, and personal statement.
5. Notification of Admission
After the completion of the interview process, successful candidates will receive an email notification of acceptance from the Deanship of Postgraduates about admission. Admitted students will be required to confirm their acceptance and complete the enrollment process by the specified deadline.
We look forward to receiving your application and wish you the best of luck in your pursuit of an MSc in Biology at our institution. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the MSc coordinator.
Biology MSc Program Coordinator :
Dr. SIVAKUMAR NALLUSAMY
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ext: 6891
apnsiva@squ.edu.om
MSc in Environmental Science
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