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Life Sciences and Bioengineering
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.