Life Sciences and Bioengineering
Study Life Sciences and Bioengineering at KAUST
The Life Sciences and Bioengineering program at KAUST brings together biological discovery, engineering, and computation to address global challenges in human health, biotechnology, and sustainability. Offering both Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees, the program combines interdisciplinary education with cutting-edge research and practical experience in modern biological methods and technologies. MS students develop strong scientific foundations and specialize in Cell and Molecular Biology, Engineering Biology, or Computational Biology and AI, while Ph.D. students pursue original, discovery-driven research under faculty supervision. Together, these pathways prepare graduates to become scientists, innovators, and research leaders in academia, industry, and beyond.
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WHY JOIN US?
Strategic Research for Global Impact
The program aligns with KAUST’s Health mission and supports the Kingdom’s National Biotechnology Strategy and Vision 2030. Students develop skills relevant to molecular medicine, biotechnology, biomanufacturing, genomics, medical devices, and health data. Its emphasis on research translation, AI, entrepreneurship and innovation prepares graduates to contribute to universities, research institutes, biotechnology companies, healthcare technology firms, and emerging ventures.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Biomedical questions increasingly require expertise across disciplines. The curriculum integrates molecular and cellular biology with engineering design, stem cells, materials, bioinformatics, statistics, and artificial intelligence. Students can develop research projects that connect experimental and computational approaches, work with academic advisors, and choose electives across relevant fields, subject to program rules and approval.
World-Class Faculty and Facilities at KAUST
Students learn from researchers working across molecular biology, engineered biological systems, genomics, imaging, biosensors, bioprocessing, and computational methods. Coursework combines scientific foundations with laboratory applications and analytical tools. Research-led training provides opportunities to engage with contemporary techniques and problems in the life sciences and bioengineering.
Tailored Education and Training
All students complete common core courses and select one of three concentrations: Cell and Molecular Biology, Engineering Biology, or Computational Biology and AI. Concentration courses, directed research, electives, and an optional summer internship allow students to develop a focused profile. Eligible students may also apply for an additional thesis pathway, extending the degree with supervised thesis research.
Collaborative and Supportive Community
The program emphasizes collaborative research, multidisciplinary teamwork, clear scientific communication, and responsible innovation. Graduate seminars bring students into conversation with current research, while academic advisors and program staff support planning and progression. Students also benefit from KAUST student services, including career guidance, writing and English-language support, and counseling.
Academic Overview
Life Sciences and Bioengineering Program
Life Sciences and Bioengineering connects fundamental understanding of living systems with the design of technologies for medicine and the environment. The program develops scientists and engineers who can investigate biological mechanisms, interpret complex data, and apply engineering principles to create useful tools, materials, and processes.
Students gain advanced knowledge in molecular, cellular, systems, and computational biology, alongside training in experimental design, reproducibility, bioinformatics, statistics, AI-assisted analysis, and scientific communication. They explore topics such as genomics, imaging, engineered biological systems, biotechnology, and biological interfaces with materials and electronics.
Through research-led learning and cross-disciplinary training, graduates are prepared to contribute to discovery, technology development, and real-world applications.
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Track name
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Description
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Cell and Molecular Biology
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Investigate the structure, development, and function of living
systems using advanced molecular, cellular, and genomic methods.
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Engineering Biology
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Apply synthetic biology and engineering principles to design,
build, and test biological systems, stem cells, materials,
and bioprocesses.
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BioAI (Computational Biology and AI)
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Use and develop statistical, computational, and AI methods to
analyze and build generative AI models of complex
biological-medical-health datasets and design automatic
research workflows.
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Life Sciences and Bioengineering Master’s Degree Program
A research-led, 36-credit M.S. degree with three concentrations and an optional additional thesis pathway for eligible students.
- Program Specializations
- Mandatory Courses
- Lab Experience
- Duration of Study
- Cell and Molecular Biology
- Engineering Biology
- BioAI (Computational Biology and AI)
- Core courses (12 credits)
- Track-specific and other mandatory courses (12 credits)
- Electives, research, and experience (3+ credits, optional in Summer and Final term to select more electives)
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Graduate Seminars (a minimum of three seminars taken across three semesters)
- Winter Enrichment Program (non-credit requirement)
Each concentration includes a 6-credit Directed Research component specific
to their track. Students may also select an approved summer internship
(up to 3 credits). Eligible students can apply for the optional thesis
pathway, adding 12 thesis research credits and a formal defense.
Normally 18 months across three semesters and one compulsory summer session. The optional thesis pathway extends the program by an additional spring semester (48 total credits). First intake: Fall 2027, subject to final approval.
Life Sciences and Bioengineering Ph.D. Degree Program
Life Sciences and Bioengineering PhD Degree Program
Program Specializations
Mandatory Courses
Lab Experience
Duration of Study
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The Ph.D. does not have prescribed tracks or specializations.
Each student pursues an individual dissertation research project
under faculty supervision.
- At least four 300-level technical courses (12 credits).
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Graduate Seminar: one credit per semester for five semesters
(5 credits total), graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
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Winter Enrichment Program: required once, non-credit;
prior completion at KAUST satisfies the requirement.
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Additional technical coursework may be required by the academic
advisor. Courses taken toward a KAUST M.S. cannot be counted again
toward Ph.D. requirements. Research, internship and broadening
courses do not replace required technical courses.
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Students undertake original, faculty-supervised dissertation research.
The Pre-Proposal Committee Meeting must be passed by the end of
the third semester, unless the dissertation proposal defense is
completed within three semesters. Students must successfully defend
the Dissertation Proposal by the end of the fifth semester to advance
to Ph.D. candidacy. The program culminates in a dissertation defense
and archiving.
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Four years (eight semesters and four summer sessions).
Students are expected to defend the dissertation and obtain final
approval by the end of the fourth year, subject to university
extension policies.
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