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PHD-DOCTOR-OF-PHILOSOPHY in Health Sciences at Chitkara University
Patiala, Punjab
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About the Specialization
What is Health Sciences at Chitkara University Patiala?
This Health Sciences PhD program at Chitkara University focuses on advancing knowledge through rigorous research in diverse areas such as Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nursing, Public Health, and Allied Health disciplines. The program is designed to foster critical thinking and innovation, addressing pressing health challenges with an Indian context, preparing scholars for leadership roles in academia and industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate degree holders in Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Sciences, and other allied health fields who aspire to a career in research, academia, or advanced clinical practice. It caters to individuals passionate about contributing to healthcare advancements and solving complex health issues relevant to India and globally.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as principal investigators, professors, researchers in pharmaceutical companies, public health organizations, or advanced practitioners. Entry-level salaries in research can range from INR 6-10 LPA, growing significantly with experience in Indian R&D sectors, contributing to national health policy and innovation.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Fundamentals and Ethics- (Semester 1 (Coursework))
Thoroughly grasp the principles of Research Methodology and Research & Publication Ethics. Actively participate in coursework discussions, complete assignments diligently, and ensure a strong understanding of research design, data analysis, and ethical conduct. This forms the bedrock for credible research.
Tools & Resources
Swayam/NPTEL courses on Research Methodology, Mendeley/Zotero for referencing, UGC CARE List for journal selection
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures ethical, high-quality research, crucial for publishing in reputable journals and establishing credibility in academic or industry roles.
Identify and Refine Research Area- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with your supervisor to narrow down your research topic within Health Sciences. Conduct extensive preliminary literature reviews, attend departmental seminars, and discuss potential problem statements to ensure your research is novel, feasible, and impactful in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar
Career Connection
A well-defined and relevant research area is key to successful thesis completion and attracting funding or industry interest post-PhD.
Develop Academic Writing Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on improving scientific writing and presentation skills. Regularly draft sections of your literature review, methodology, and initial findings. Seek feedback from your supervisor and peers. Practice presenting your work effectively in departmental colloquia.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly Premium, Turnitin (for plagiarism checks), University writing workshops
Career Connection
Clear communication of research findings is vital for publications, grant applications, and academic career progression.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Interdisciplinary Collaboration- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities to collaborate with researchers from related disciplines within Chitkara University or other institutions. Health Sciences often benefit from insights from engineering, data science, or social sciences. This broadens your research perspective and network.
Tools & Resources
Research collaboration platforms, University research groups, Conferences and workshops
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are highly valued in modern research and industry, leading to more innovative solutions and diverse career opportunities.
Present at National Conferences- (Semester 3-5)
Prepare abstracts and present your ongoing research findings at national-level conferences and symposia. This provides valuable feedback, helps refine your work, and builds your professional network within the Indian academic and research community.
Tools & Resources
Conference alert websites, Professional body memberships (e.g., IPA, ICN)
Career Connection
Conference presentations enhance your visibility, communication skills, and open doors for future collaborations and post-doctoral positions.
Publish in Peer-Reviewed Journals- (Semester 4-5)
Aim to publish at least one to two research papers in UGC CARE-listed or Scopus/Web of Science indexed journals based on your doctoral work. Work closely with your supervisor to prepare manuscripts, address reviewer comments, and navigate the publication process.
Tools & Resources
Journal finder tools, EndNote/Zotero for bibliography, Academic writing software
Career Connection
High-quality publications are critical for PhD completion, securing academic positions, and establishing your reputation as an expert.
Advanced Stage
Develop Grant Writing and Funding Acumen- (Semester 5-6)
Explore and apply for small research grants or fellowships (e.g., from ICMR, DBT, SERB) to support your research or post-doctoral plans. This builds essential skills in proposal writing and project management, crucial for independent research careers.
Tools & Resources
Indian government research funding portals, Grant writing workshops
Career Connection
Securing grants is fundamental for sustaining a research career, both in academia and in establishing independent research labs.
Prepare for Thesis Defense and Viva Voce- (Semester 6 onwards)
Systematically compile your research findings into a coherent thesis manuscript. Practice your presentation rigorously, anticipate potential questions, and participate in mock viva sessions. Ensure all university regulations for thesis submission are met well in advance.
Tools & Resources
Thesis templates, University guidelines document, Peer review of thesis chapters
Career Connection
A successful thesis defense is the culmination of your PhD journey, marking your entry into a professional research or academic role.
Strategize Career Paths and Network- (Semester 5-6 onwards)
Actively network with potential employers, post-doctoral mentors, and industry leaders during the final stages of your PhD. Attend career fairs, update your CV/LinkedIn profile, and prepare for interviews for academic, research, or industry positions in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University career services, Professional networking events
Career Connection
Proactive career planning and networking are crucial for securing desired positions immediately after PhD completion, aligning with your long-term professional goals.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (or professional degree declared equivalent to Master''''s Degree by UGC/AICTE/PCI/INC/COA/NCTE/DCI) with at least 55% marks (or equivalent grade B in UGC 7-point scale). A 5% relaxation in marks is provided for SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/Differently-abled/EWS categories. UGC-NET/UGC-CSIR NET/GATE/CEED qualified candidates or M.Phil. Degree holders (in regular mode) are also eligible.
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (including coursework period)
Credits: Minimum 8, Maximum 12 (for coursework) Credits
Assessment: Internal: As per University policy applicable to other Post Graduate Programmes, External: As per University policy applicable to other Post Graduate Programmes
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHDRM01 | Research Methodology | Core | 4 | Fundamentals of Research, Research Design and Methods, Data Collection and Analysis Techniques, Statistical Tools for Research, Scientific Report Writing, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| PHDRPE02 | Research and Publication Ethics (RPE) | Core | 2 | Philosophy and Ethics of Science, Research Integrity and Misconduct, Publication Ethics (authorship, plagiarism, duplicate publication), Open Access Publishing, Research Metrics and Impact Factors, Predatory Journals and Conferences |
| PHDSCXX | Specialized Course (Area-Specific) | Elective | 4-6 | Advanced topics relevant to the scholar''''s chosen research area within Health Sciences, In-depth Literature Review pertaining to the specific domain, Specialized Analytical Techniques and Instruments, Recent Advancements and Innovations in Health Sciences, Application of theoretical concepts to practical research problems |
