Doctor of Philosophy in Precision Medicine
(Dual Award Program with Université Paris Saclay)

Gulf Medical University > College of Medicine > Doctor of Philosophy in Precision Medicine
(Dual Award Program with Université Paris Saclay)
gmu

Program Overview

Precision Medicine involves the application of omics sciences and systems biology to understand the causes of patients’ disease at the molecular level and utilize the information to design targeted treatments to address that individual disease process. In essence, Precision Medicine is a medical model that proposes the customization of healthcare with medical decisions, treatments, practice or products tailored to the individual or group of patients instead of one drug-fits all models (Yau TO, Precision treatment in colorectal cancer: Now and the future: Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology; 2019). Personalized Medicine is an older term of Precision Medicine (National Research Council 2011). Population Health, on the other hand includes health policies, guidelines, diagnosis and therapeutics, based on big data analysis of information from molecular, genetic levels to social, economic and public health data.

In 2017, GMU Strategic Plan identified Precision Medicine Research as its main research direction. This led to the development of the “Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine (TRIPM)” with a research agenda, focusing on understanding the molecular, genetic and immunological basis of cancer, diabetics and cardiovascular diseases.

The Dual PhD Program in Precision Medicine has a broad scope and allows the PhD students to explore and develop through research, new knowledge leading to new diagnostics, treatments and prevention of diseases.

The program is a dual degree program in collaboration with a top French University, Paris-Saclay University; it will be located at the College of Medicine, Gulf Medical University and Paris-Saclay University. Both universities have agreed to associate their efforts in order to promote international exchanges, to increase their scientific cooperation and to favor the development of research and higher education at the Gulf Medical University. In this respect, a full academic supervision shall ensure standards and quality of courses and research activities, similar to the one implemented at Paris-Saclay University.

The two universities declared their intention to collaborate in the areas of exchange of faculty, students research facilities and laboratories, and supervision of research.

Program Goals

  • To create an important center in UAE in translational research and precision medicine
  • To boost UAE research goals and develop scientists in the country and the region who can lead research in this field
  • To develop physician and clinician scientists who would bridge the gap between bench- research and application research (translational research)

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO PhD Program in Precision Medicine Learning Outcomes
PLO 1 Demonstrate systematic acquisition of a substantial knowledge base and understanding of methodologies allied to the development of targeted precision medicines for the treatment of human disease.
PLO2 Apply knowledge and understanding to make informed judgements on complex issues required to work at the forefront of the discovery of molecules for therapeutic application in precision medicine.
PLO3 Critically analyze new information and data in the light of evidence-based research.
PLO4 Substantially advance or develop new methodological approaches in the discovery of molecules for application in precision medicine.
PLO5 Act independently in the critical evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic applications for precision medicine, often in the absence of complete information.
PLO6 Demonstrate understanding of and resolve ethical dilemmas in the research and application of precision medicines.
PLO7 Apply acquired knowledge and skills to overcome research problems and challenges facing the community.
PLO8 Work productively within a team as a leader or member.
PLO9 Reflect upon self-performance to acquire transferable skills necessary for employment that requires the exercise of personal responsibility and autonomous initiative, in complex and unpredictable situations, in professional human health related environments.

Study Plan

Year Semester Course Code Course Title Credit Hours Total
 

1

1

 PM 711 Genetics, Genomics, Epigenetics, Omics and bioinformatics

3

9
PM 712 Cell Biology and Cell Signaling

3
PM 713 Drug discovery and Targeted Therapies

3

2

 PM 721 Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy

3

10
PM 722 Design and Interpretation of Clinical Trials and patient monitoring

3
PM 723 Biology of Tumor Progression and Cellular Imaging

3
PM 724 Research Protocol Development

1

2

3

 PM 811 Seminar 1

1

6
PM 812 Thesis 1

5

4

 PM 821 Seminar 2

1

7
PM 822 Thesis 2

6

3

5

 PM 911 Seminar 3

1

7
PM 912 Thesis 3

6

6

 PM 921 Seminar 4

1

7
PM 922 Thesis 4

6

4

7

 PM 913 Seminar 5

1

7
PM 914 Thesis 5

6

8

 PM 923 Seminar 6

1

7
PM 924 Thesis 6

6
Total Credits

60

Admission Criteria

Specific Admission Requirements

Dual PhD Program in Precision Medicine

One of the aims of the PhD program is to develop scientist and researchers with a health professional background seeking to become researchers nationally and internationally. The category of physician/clinician scientist is core. A healthcare professional who can pursue his / her career in research or combine his / her practice with research is the physician/clinician scientist who will essentially bridge the gap between bench-research and application research (translational research).

Admission Requirement

Students are required to fulfill all admission requirements of Gulf Medical University and Paris-Saclay University:

  • Students should have completed a master’s degree in a related field (Eg. Medical Laboratory Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, Genetics, etc.)
  • Applicant’s Master Degree CGPA should be not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale; No conditional admission is allowed for the doctoral program.
  • Applicant must have a strong background in laboratory-based research and molecular biology / molecular medicine.
  • The Applicant must have proficiency in spoken and written English. The applicant must have passed the English Language Proficiency Test such as EmSAT or TOEFL or IELTS Academics. A minimum score of EmSAT [1600], TOEFL 587[240 CBT, 94 iBT), IELTS Academics 7.0 as approved by Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA), Ministry of Education, UAE.
  • Student selection will be based on the results of an interview with representatives of the Program Academic Committee composed of faculty members from both GMU and Paris-Saclay University.

Required documents

  • Attested copy of Master’s degree certificate and official transcripts
  • Equivalency certificate issued by the UAE Ministry of Education for applicants that have graduated from institutions outside of the UAE.
  • Valid English language proficiency score certificate (IELTS, TOEFL or EmSAT).
  • Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
  • Passport-style photograph (5) on a white background.
  • Valid passport with a clear copy of their valid UAE visa.
  • Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid – UAE National applicants only).
  • Valid UAE national ID card (for national and international applicants who currently reside in the UAE).
  • Statement of Purpose (500 to 1,000 words)
  • Research Statement (500 to 1,000 words )
Doctor of Philosophy in Precision Medicine
Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters)
Applications Closed
Download Flyer

College of Medicine

Contact Us

FOR ADMISSION ENQUIRIES 
For Arabic:
+971 6 7030678, +971 6 7030692
For English:
+971 6 7030667, +971 6 7030691
+971 6 7030693, +971 6 7030695
+971 6 7030694, +971 6 7030696
admissions@gmu.ac.ae