Overview
The Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Biology is an advanced, research-oriented postgraduate program designed to develop academic expertise in the biological foundations of oral and dental tissues. The program integrates advanced study of developmental biology, histology, cell biology, molecular biology, and functional anatomy, enabling candidates to conduct independent research that advances scientific understanding of oral tissue biology and its clinical relevance.
About the Program
The PhD in Oral Biology at the Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University is a four-year program comprising an initial year of two academic semesters followed by a comprehensive exam, thesis submission and defense and final exit exam. Upon successful fulfillment of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an officially accredited Doctor Degree of Philosophy certificate specifying the approved field of specialization and the title of the thesis.
How to Apply
For application, doctoral candidates are required to submit a thesis research protocol, approved by the Department Council from January to May of each calendar year. Applications for international students in Egypt are centrally managed through the "Study in Egypt" platform (admission.study-in-egypt.gov.eg) and the Ministry of Higher Education's system (wafeden.gov.eg).
Admission Requirements
● The applicant must hold a Master’s degree in the same specialty from a university recognized by the Supreme Council of Universities, or an equivalent degree approved by the Council.
● Applicants must submit an official approval from their employer confirming permission to be enrolled in the PhD Degree of Oral Biology and commitment to full-time study throughout the program duration.
● Applicants should demonstrate English language proficiency for program registration by passing the university exam or submitting a valid certificate (Local TOEFL with a minimum score of 500, IELTS with a minimum overall score of 7.0, or their equivalent). The certificate is valid for one calendar year during which the applicant must complete registration for the degree; international students could submit the certificate within one year from enrollment in the program.
Program Structure and Duration
● Program Structure: The PhD Degree in Oral Biology is a four-year program. Candidates should complete a total of 70 credit hours; 20 credit hours over one year (two semesters), including a comprehensive series of courses, 20 credit hours for the final exit exam in addition to 30 credit hours for the thesis.
● Course load: During the first academic year, candidates study advanced compulsory and elective courses, distributed over two semesters (first and second semesters). A student becomes eligible to sit for the final exit exam only after successfully passing all first-year courses and fulfilling the approved academic requirements.
● Semester Duration: 16 weeks per semester.
● Laboratory Training: Laboratory training provides comprehensive, research-focused experience in the study of oral and dental tissues. It includes specimens’ preparation, tissue processing, and the application of advanced histological staining techniques. Candidates develop expertise in microscopic evaluation and interpretation of oral tissues, with an emphasis on analytical rigor and methodological accuracy. The program highlights the correlation of microscopic findings with the developmental, structural, and functional aspects of oral and dental tissues, supporting a strong foundation for independent research in oral and dental sciences.
● Didactic Courses and Seminars: Candidates engage in scheduled lectures, seminars, and case-based discussions that provide in-depth knowledge of dental anatomy and physiology of the oral tissues, oral histology, embryology, and the biological basis of oral and dental tissues. The program emphasizes microscopic and molecular structures, developmental pathways, and their relevance to oral health and disease, while promoting critical analysis, scientific reasoning, and the application of biological concepts to oral health and disease.
● This program requires the completion and public defense of a thesis.
Requirements for Graduation
● Full-time Study: Students must commit fully to the program.
● Attendance: Regular attendance is required; up to 25% absence may be excused in special cases.
● Academic requirements: All courses should be passed with a minimum grade of (C) and a cumulative GPA of at least (2.44).
● Practical training: Students must complete all required practical tasks, documented in a logbook. A minimum of 75% completion is required to sit for exams.
● Successful submission and defense of the doctoral thesis.