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PHD-SSBS in Nutrition at Symbiosis International University (SIU)
Pune, Maharashtra
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About the Specialization
What is Nutrition at Symbiosis International University (SIU) Pune?
This Nutrition PhD program at Symbiosis International University focuses on advanced research in various facets of nutritional science. It addresses critical health challenges and dietary patterns prevalent in India, aiming to foster innovative solutions. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical research application, reflecting the evolving landscape of food science and public health nutrition in the country.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for postgraduate students with a strong academic record in Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Science, or Biotechnology, seeking to pursue an in-depth research career. It also caters to professionals in clinical or public health settings who wish to contribute to evidence-based nutrition practices and policy-making in India, requiring a rigorous research foundation.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to become leading researchers, academicians, or experts in the nutrition and food industry within India. Career paths include roles in R&D departments of food companies, government health agencies, NGOs, and academia. Entry-level research scientists can expect salaries starting from INR 5-8 LPA, with significant growth for experienced professionals and principal investigators.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Research Methodology & Core Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly engage with the mandatory Research Methodology coursework. Supplement classroom learning by reading classic and contemporary papers in your chosen nutrition sub-field. Actively participate in journal clubs and methodological workshops offered by the department to build a strong theoretical and ethical foundation for your research.
Tools & Resources
SIU Library databases (Scopus, PubMed), Statistical software tutorials (R, SPSS), Research Ethics Guidelines (ICMR)
Career Connection
A solid methodological base is crucial for designing impactful studies and gaining credibility as a researcher, directly influencing thesis quality and future employment in research roles.
Identify and Refine Research Problem- (Semester 1-2)
Work closely with your supervisor to identify a novel and feasible research problem within Nutrition relevant to India''''s health landscape. Conduct an exhaustive literature review to pinpoint knowledge gaps and formulate clear research questions and hypotheses. Begin drafting your research proposal early, incorporating feedback diligently.
Tools & Resources
Google Scholar, SIU Library''''s access to research databases, EndNote/Mendeley for reference management, Supervisor consultations
Career Connection
A well-defined research problem is the cornerstone of a successful PhD, demonstrating critical thinking and problem-solving skills highly valued in academia and industry R&D.
Build a Strong Academic Network- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars, workshops, and conferences (local/national) to network with peers, senior scholars, and industry experts in Nutrition. Engage in discussions, present preliminary findings, and seek mentorship. Join relevant professional bodies in India like the Nutrition Society of India (NSI) or IDA.
Tools & Resources
Professional conferences (e.g., NSI annual conference), Departmental research colloquia, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to collaborations, funding opportunities, and future job prospects, especially in India''''s close-knit academic and research community.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Specialization Skills- (Semester 3-4)
Delve deep into your chosen Nutrition specialization. Take advanced workshops on specific analytical techniques (e.g., spectrophotometry, chromatography for nutrient analysis, epidemiological software for public health data). Seek opportunities to assist in ongoing research projects to gain hands-on experience beyond your primary thesis work.
Tools & Resources
Specialized lab equipment manuals, Online courses (Coursera, edX) for advanced topics, Departmental faculty workshops
Career Connection
Highly specialized skills make you a sought-after expert, improving your chances for post-doctoral fellowships or specific industry roles in nutritional R&D.
Engage in Regular Scientific Writing and Publication- (Semester 3-5)
Start writing segments of your thesis early, such as literature review chapters and methodology sections. Aim to publish at least one peer-reviewed paper in a reputed journal (Scopus/Web of Science indexed, preferably with Indian context) based on your preliminary data or a review article. Present your work at national conferences.
Tools & Resources
SIU Writing Centre support, Grammarly/Turnitin for academic integrity, Targeted journals in Nutrition
Career Connection
Publications are critical for academic career progression and demonstrate research output, enhancing your CV for both academic and industrial research positions.
Seek Grant and Funding Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Explore internal SIU research grants or external grants from agencies like ICMR, DST, DBT, or corporate CSR initiatives in India for PhD scholars. Learn to write compelling grant proposals. This not only funds your research but also adds valuable experience in project management and resource acquisition.
Tools & Resources
SIU Research Cell, Government funding portals (e.g., DBT, DST websites), Grant writing workshops
Career Connection
Securing grants highlights your capability to independently manage research projects, a key skill for leadership roles in research institutions and industry.
Advanced Stage
Prepare for Pre-PhD Presentation and Viva-Voce- (Semester 5-6)
Systematically organize your research findings, write your thesis, and prepare for your Pre-PhD presentation. Practice defending your research in mock vivas with your supervisor and departmental committee. Ensure all ethical clearances and data integrity checks are thoroughly documented.
Tools & Resources
Thesis template guidelines from SIU, Presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote), Mock viva sessions
Career Connection
A strong defense demonstrates mastery of your subject and research competence, crucial for gaining your degree and impressing potential employers during interviews.
Network for Post-PhD Opportunities- (Semester 5-6 (leading up to thesis submission))
Actively network with potential post-doctoral mentors, academic recruiters, and R&D heads in relevant Indian companies (e.g., Nestle India, Amul, Britannia). Tailor your CV and cover letter to specific job descriptions and explore opportunities in academia, government, or the private sector both in India and abroad.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University Career Services, Professional body job boards (e.g., NSI), Direct outreach to research labs
Career Connection
Proactive networking and tailored applications significantly enhance your chances of securing desirable post-PhD positions, aligning with your long-term career aspirations.
Develop Teaching and Mentoring Skills- (Semester 4-6)
If interested in academia, seek opportunities to assist in undergraduate or master''''s courses, deliver guest lectures, or mentor junior PhD students. This builds teaching experience and leadership skills, often a prerequisite for faculty positions in Indian universities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental teaching assistant opportunities, Workshops on pedagogy, Peer mentoring programs
Career Connection
Teaching experience is highly valued in academic recruitment processes, preparing you for a well-rounded career in higher education and research institutions.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s Degree (M.Sc./M.Tech./MBA/M.Phil./Equivalent) in relevant subject with minimum 55% marks (50% for SC/ST/Differently-abled) OR a 4-year Bachelor''''s degree with a minimum of 75% marks (70% for SC/ST/Differently-abled). Valid scores in UGC-NET / CSIR-NET / GATE / SLET / GPAT / ICAR-NET / DBT-JRF / ICMR-JRF or SIU Entrance Test (SET – PhD).
Duration: Minimum 3 years, Maximum 6 years (full-time)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits (4 for Research Methodology + minimum 8 for Electives) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60% (for coursework end-semester examination)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PHD-RM | Research Methodology | Core (Mandatory Coursework) | 4 | Research Problem Identification and Formulation, Research Design and Ethical Considerations, Quantitative and Qualitative Research Approaches, Statistical Tools and Data Analysis Techniques, Scientific Writing, Referencing, and Publication Ethics, Intellectual Property Rights and Plagiarism |
| PHD-NUTRITION-ELEC | Specialization Elective(s) in Nutrition | Elective | Minimum 8 credits (variable per course) | Specific topics determined in consultation with Research Supervisor and Departmental Research Committee based on the scholar''''s research area. Examples could include Advanced Clinical Nutrition, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology, Dietetics and Disease Management, Nutrigenomics. |
