The Faculty of Natural Sciences has opened Doctoral of Philosophy of Science Programs starting from the academic year 2024, and currently there are 2 programs.

• The 2 Doctoral of Philosophy of Science Programs are:

  1. Doctoral of Philosophy of Science Program in Physics

  2. Doctoral of Philosophy of Science Program in Biology

Doctoral of Philosophy of Science Program in Physics

• Objectives The Doctoral of Philosophy of Science Program in Physics aims to produce scholars/professionals:

  1. To be good citizens, possess good qualifications, have solidarity among ethnic groups, know how to help one another, love and preserve the fine traditions of the nation, and take pride in being Lao (in accordance with the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of national education);

  2. To possess academic knowledge, professional ethics, and love for their career for the following goals:

     • To understand and firmly grasp theories, specialized subjects, skills, methods, and knowledge related to physics systematically, broadly, and deeply;

     • To have the ability to conduct research in the fields of physics and innovation, and be able to apply them in actual work;

     • To be able to go deep into physics and be able to teach higher-level physics well.

• Careers that can be pursued after graduation

  • To be a researcher in physics, data analyst, or physics lecturers at various higher education institutions in the Lao PDR;

  • Pursue careers in the sectors of electricity, materials science, renewable energy, medical radiation, industry-agriculture, and geological and mineral exploration.

• Duration of study The duration of study is 3 years (6 semesters) but not exceeding 6 years (12 semesters). In case students cannot complete their studies within the timeframe specified in the curriculum (3 years), they can maintain their student status for no more than 3 academic years (6 semesters). Students must pay student status maintenance fees in accordance with the regulations of higher education.

• Number of credits The structure of the Doctoral of Science Program in Physics emphasizes coursework and research along with writing a dissertation. The total number of taught credits in the curriculum is 57 credits, with details as follows:

  1. Specialized subject category: 11 credits

  2. Elective subject category: 6 credits

  3. Dissertation: 40 credits

     • Total: 57 credits

• Important subjects in the curriculum include:

  • Research Methods

  • Seminar 1

  • Seminar 2

  • Seminar 3

  • Advanced Electromagnetism

  • Quantum Mechanics

Doctoral of Philosophy of Sciences Program in Biology

• Objectives The Doctoral of Philosophy of Sciences Program in Biology aims to produce scholars/professionals:

  1. To be good citizens, possess good qualifications, have solidarity among ethnic groups, know how to help one another, love and preserve the fine traditions of the nation, and take pride in being Lao (in accordance with the 3 characteristics and 5 pillars of national education).

  2. To possess knowledge, capability, and expertise in biology, alongside professional ethics and love for their career.

  3. To understand and firmly grasp theories, specialized subjects, skills, methods, and knowledge related to biology at a high level systematically, broadly, and deeply; to be able to conduct research in the fields of biology and innovation, apply them to the practical work of socio-economic development, and teach higher-level biology well.

• Careers that can be pursued after graduation After graduating from this curriculum, students can:

  • Be a specialist, researcher, expert, conservationist, or consultant in biology and the environment, or a biology lecturer at higher education institutions, etc.

  • Pursue a career in natural sciences and biotechnology within the sectors of natural resources, environment, agriculture and forestry, public health, energy and mining, industry and commerce, and other related fields.

• Duration of study The duration of study until graduation is 3 years (6 semesters) but not exceeding 6 years (12 semesters). In case students cannot complete their studies within the timeframe specified in the curriculum (3 years), they can maintain their student status for no more than 3 academic years (6 semesters). Students must pay student status maintenance fees in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Higher Education.

• Credit determination The structure of the Doctoral of Science Program in Biology emphasizes research along with writing a dissertation and coursework. The total number of taught credits in the curriculum is 60 credits, with details as follows:

  1. Compulsory subject category: 9 credits

  2. Elective subject category: 9 credits

  3. Dissertation (Compulsory): 42 credits

     • Total: 60 credits

• Compulsory subject category

  • Seminar 1

  • Seminar 2

  • Seminar 3

  • Seminar 4

  • Special Issues in Advanced Biological Research

  • Advanced Classification of Living Organisms (Advanced Taxonomy)

  • Dissertation