Medical Microbiology Doctorate Program

Programme Overview

Medical microbiology is a dynamic, research-led and evidence-based discipline that examines microorganisms responsible for infection and the diseases they cause. Effective control of infectious diseases requires a highly qualified research workforce that can use contemporary technologies responsibly and efficiently and interpret scientific data with sound judgement. The emergence of novel viruses capable of triggering epidemics and pandemics, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis pathogens, community-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia agents, healthcare-associated infections and opportunistic pathogens affecting immunocompromised patients all highlight the breadth and clinical relevance of medical microbiology.

The programme aims to educate scientists who uphold scientific integrity and contribute to both institutional excellence and national healthcare quality. It also supports the development of high-quality research projects and equips graduates to perform successfully in academic environments in Türkiye and abroad. Graduates may pursue academic careers at universities or take roles in research and development units within public institutions and the private sector.

The Medical Microbiology PhD Programme was established at Lokman Hekim University following approval by the Council of Higher Education on 23 September 2020. The programme is delivered by experienced academic staff from the Faculty of Medicine and the Faculty of Pharmacy. The language of instruction is Turkish. The programme is offered at doctoral level and follows a full-time mode of study.

Degree Awarded and Academic Title

Successful candidates are awarded the PhD Degree in Medical Microbiology.

Admission and Registration Requirements

Applications, admission decisions and final registration procedures are carried out in line with the graduate education guidelines of the Institute of Health Sciences. Admission is based on a written assessment and/or oral examination. The admission quota, application requirements, application deadline and the schedule and venue of the assessment are announced prior to each intake.

Graduates of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy and Dentistry may apply directly with a bachelor’s degree. Applicants with a thesis-based master’s degree in medical microbiology, as well as those who have completed a thesis-based master’s programme in a closely related field approved by the Department Academic Board, may also apply. Applicants who completed undergraduate or graduate education abroad must submit an equivalency or recognition document issued by the Council of Higher Education.

Doctoral applications require an ALES score determined by the Institute Board and the score cannot be below 55 in the relevant score type. Applicants must also meet the minimum foreign language score set by the Department and approved by the Senate, based on nationally administered language examinations or internationally recognised exams accepted as equivalent by ÖSYM.

Eligible applicants are invited to a scientific evaluation conducted through a written assessment and/or interview. The overall ranking score is calculated by considering the ALES score, graduation GPA and scientific evaluation results. Final admission is granted within the announced quota based on the ranking.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is arranged in accordance with the University’s graduate regulations.

Programme Objectives

The programme trains doctoral-level researchers with a strong grasp of the fundamental characteristics of bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites and the pathogenic mechanisms underlying infectious disease. It develops theoretical and practical competence in microbiological diagnostic methods, promotes rigorous laboratory practice and fosters an academic mindset aligned with ongoing scientific advances. The programme also aims to educate specialists who can evaluate research outcomes, communicate data effectively in written and oral formats and pursue academic careers after graduation.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop the competence to collect and interpret scientific evidence in line with ethical principles and contribute to work that prioritises public benefit. They receive education aligned with internationally recognised standards and achieve advanced expertise in medical microbiology. Through laboratory-based training, they strengthen technical skills and gain the ability to access scientific knowledge, conduct research, design experiments, solve problems and interpret experimental findings. They build a solid foundation in bacteriology, virology, parasitology, mycology and immunology and apply relevant laboratory methods at both theoretical and practical levels. They can critically appraise published research and present research outputs in written, oral and visual formats, including preparing work for publication.

Programme Structure, Credits and ECTS

The doctoral programme comprises at least 21 credits, including a minimum of seven courses, a seminar course and a dissertation. In addition, the programme includes at least 240 ECTS in total, with each academic term carrying no fewer than 60 ECTS. The structure covers at least eight courses including the seminar component, alongside dissertation research. One ECTS corresponds to a workload of 30 hours.

Academic Regulations and Progression Rules

The programme includes compulsory and elective courses. Students must complete coursework within a maximum of two years with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00. Students who meet this requirement proceed to the doctoral proficiency examination. Following a successful proficiency outcome, a Thesis Monitoring Committee is appointed upon the proposal of the Head of Department and approval of the relevant board. The thesis proposal must be defended before the committee within six months after the proficiency examination. Once approved, the student begins dissertation research under the supervision of the advisor. At least three Thesis Monitoring Committee reports are required before the dissertation can proceed to defence. The dissertation defence consists of a thesis presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

Assessment and Evaluation

All coursework and examinations are assessed in accordance with the University’s graduate regulations.

Graduation Requirements

To graduate, candidates must fulfil all academic obligations, including coursework, seminar requirements, the proficiency examination and dissertation research, and must successfully pass the dissertation defence. Provided that additional graduation requirements set by the Senate are met, candidates must submit at least five bound copies of the dissertation to the Institute within one month of the defence date. A PhD diploma is awarded once the dissertation is confirmed as compliant in format and submission conditions are fulfilled.

Further Academic Progression

PhD holders may apply for associate professorship in the relevant field, provided that they meet the required academic criteria.

Career Prospects

Graduates may pursue careers in the public and private healthcare sectors, industry and academia. Typical career settings include hospital laboratories, research and development centres, pharmaceutical manufacturing and research, companies providing diagnostic products and areas requiring sterilisation and infection-control oversight.

Mode of Study and Class Timetable

The programme is delivered on a full-time basis. When necessary, courses and examinations may be scheduled in evening or weekend sessions.

Programme Coordinator and Contact

Prof. Şükrü Volkan ÖZGÜVEN, MD
Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology
Email: volkan.ozguven@lokmanhekim.edu.tr
Tel: 444 8 548
Extension: 6100