PhD Program

A Message from our Director, Associate Professor Scott Summers

I am pleased to introduce the Duke-NUS PhD program in "Integrated Biology and Medicine," which was launched in August of 2010. The program distinguishes itself from others in Singapore and abroad by emphasizing training in translational bioscience, preparing students to become innovative biomedical researchers capable of taking new discoveries from "bench to bedside." Some of the unique features of our innovative curriculum include the following:

Fundamental Training from "Molecules to Medicines"

In our core first semester, students learn fundamentals of biomedical research in a way that enables them to transform fundamental research discoveries into therapies and policies that affect human health. In addition to receiving training in a number of basic science disciplines (e.g. cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, and physiology) students learn how to apply these findings to impact the human condition (e.g. drug development, biomarker discovery, clinical epidemiology, health policy, etc.).

Instruction from the Primary Literature

By teaching from the primary literature rather than textbooks, our curriculum exposes students to state-of-the-art methodologies and research techniques. For example, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, molecular imaging, and bioinformatics are fundamental components of our core training.

Team-Based Instruction

In the 21st century the most significant advancements are made from teams of researchers with different skillsets working together to tackle common and important research questions. Rather than teach our student using outdated and inefficient lecture models, we use a team-based approach that was pioneered in our MD-program. The novel teaching modality (a) encourages interactions between students of differing backgrounds, (b) emphasizes creative and critical thinking skills over rote memorization, and (c) promotes knowledge retention.

Specialization in a Disease Area or Health Outcome

Rather than receiving advanced training in a specific basic science discipline our students specialize in the etiology and pathology of a particular disease or health outcome. The knowledge of disease pathology prepares researchers interested in tackling the most daunting and important questions to alleviate the burden of disease and the increased clinical and public health awareness enables students to interface with clinicians and policymakers.

Research, Research, Research

Without question, this PhD is primarily a research degree. Our students spend the majority of their estimated 4 years in the program conducting independent research under the guidance of one of our world-renowned research scientists. With access to outstanding facilities and the newest technologies, our students have opportunities to make discoveries that significantly impact our understanding of human disease.

Within this site, you will find information on our novel curriculum, our team of outstanding research mentors, and our application procedures. I hope that you'll agree that what we are doing is innovative, exciting, and important. I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

Scott Summers, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies

For more information on the program, view the following links :

• Curriculum
• Specialty Tracks
• Thesis Mentors
• Tuition, Fees & Fellowships
• How to Apply
• English Language
• Submission of Transcripts
• Contact Address
• Frequently Asked Questions
• For More Information