SCHOOL OF MEDICINE

Master of Science in Life Sciences

Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan, NU School of Medicine building

Language: English

Delivery mode: Full-time, on campus

Duration: 2 years

Total ECTS credit: 120

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The Master’s program is designed for graduates of programs in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, and Molecular Biology. The two-year program offered at Nazarbayev University is based on the highest international standards and benefits from Nazarbayev University’s unique research infrastructure. It is designed to meet the needs of students with a strong undergraduate background in biology who are interested in fundamental research, biomedical sciences, and synthetic biology.

Our students have access to Nazarbayev University’s exclusive research infrastructure, including next-generation sequencing, high-throughput and super-resolution microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), advanced flow cytometry, flow cytometry imaging, and more.

Main objectives of the program:

Provide students with a strong foundation in quantitative cell and molecular biology to help them understand the ongoing revolution in the biological sciences in the treatment of numerous diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the biological foundations of living systems;
Equip students with comprehensive tools and research mentorship to address important questions in life sciences and experimental quantitative biology according to their interests. This involves working with leading faculty members at Nazarbayev University and culminates in a Master’s thesis;
Develop a new generation of professionals capable of contributing to technological innovation and the growth of Kazakhstan.

The program offers unique training in quantitative biology and modern research methods. Students explore areas including advanced statistics and bioinformatics, molecular and structural biology of normal and diseased cells, advanced microbiology, neurobiology, cellular biophysics, biophysical methods, synthetic biology, and more. They conduct research under the guidance of our leading research scientists.

English Language Requirements

Minimum English language proficiency requirements for admission to the program:

An overall IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum score of 6.0 in each section, or an equivalent TOEFL score published on the ETS website (excluding the Home Edition);
The absolute minimum English language proficiency requirement for conditional admission (NUZYP) is an overall IELTS score of 5.5, with no more than one section score of 5.0, or an equivalent TOEFL score published on the ETS website.

Applicants may, at the discretion of the Admissions Committee, be exempt from providing English language proficiency test results if:

One of their previous academic degrees was awarded in a country where English is the official language of communication, academic instruction, and everyday life;
Their bachelor’s and/or graduate degree was obtained from a program officially taught in English;
The candidate is a graduate of Nazarbayev University.

Academic Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree (or equivalent). During the application period, final-year students may submit an official current transcript for consideration by the Admissions Committee;
A minimum CGPA of 2.75 out of 4.0 (or equivalent);
Strong motivation and a keen interest in the program, as demonstrated in the personal statement;
Curriculum vitae (CV);
Three letters of recommendation.

Graduates with a Master’s degree in Life Sciences can pursue careers in the following areas:

Employment in universities, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or agricultural companies; hospitals, research institutes, vocational schools, government and non-profit organizations.
Further education: For many of our graduates, pursuing a PhD is the next step. A PhD at Nazarbayev University requires a minimum of three years. Our graduates have been admitted to PhD programs and work at universities around the world, including Harvard Medical School, Heidelberg University, the University of British Columbia, and KAUST.

Program Structure

The program aligns with the “Modernization 3.0” strategy aimed at preparing a professional, competitive workforce capable of succeeding at national and international levels, as well as developing research and development in Kazakhstan.
The uniqueness of the program in Kazakhstan lies in its interdisciplinary focus and integrated approach to research, education, and innovation.
The program complies with the Qualifications Framework for the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Working Group, 2005).
2 years, Cycle 2, Level 7, 120 ECTS

The program curriculum consists of three different types of courses:

Core courses (18+ ECTS),
Elective courses (24 ECTS), and
Research courses (dissertation research and dissertation; 180 ECTS).

BIOL 520 – Statistical Methods in Life Sciences Research
BIOL 550 – Structural and Molecular Biology in Health and Disease
BIOL 560 – Molecular Biology of Prokaryotic Cells
BIOL 592 – Research Seminar
BIOL 599 – Dissertation Research
WCS 501 – Scientific Communication
BIOL 570 – Advanced Biotechnology / BIOL 580 – Applied Bioinformatics / BIOL 591 – Cellular Biophysics
BIOL 590 – Analysis of Research in Life Sciences
BIOL 502 – Research Methods
BIOL 599 – Master’s Thesis Research
BIOL 691 – Master’s Thesis Proposal

BIOL 692 – Thesis

Sufficient funding is available to both local and international students, with the majority receiving full grants and scholarships.

For more detailed information, please follow the link.

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