The graduate programs are organized to provide an excellent training in basic and applied research areas of molecular biology and genetics. The main research activities of the department are on molecular genetics (genetic predisposition to cancer, tumor suppressor genes, gene-disease associations), molecular biology (regulation of transcription, differential expression), molecular cell biology (cell cycle, apoptosis, signal transduction), molecular virology (hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses), structure-function relationship of proteins and new biotechnologies (recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies).

Admission: Applicants are required to have a B.S. degree in molecular biology and genetics, biology, or a related field. Students with a B.S. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or a related field may also apply. However, such students may be requested to take several undergraduate courses in molecular biology and genetics to acquire necessary background in the field. All applicants must be fluent in written and oral English. Evaluation of applicants is based on LES scores, past academic record, reference letters and their performance in the entrance examination given at Bilkent University at the end of Spring Semester each year. Applicants from foreign countries who cannot take LES and entrance exam will be evaluated based on past academic record, reference letters and GRE scores. (Also refer to the ``Graduate Admissions'' section in the introduction of this catalog for the general graduate admission requirements.)

Degree Requirements: In addition to at least 24 credit units of course work, the M.S. degree candidate must prepare and successfully defend a thesis. The normal duration of M.S. study is 4 semesters. However, this duration may be extended for up to two more semesters subject to the approval of the Graduate Institute.

Admission: Applicants are required to have a M.S. degree in molecular biology and genetics, biology or a related field. Students with degrees such as M.D. or veterinary M.D. may also apply to the program. All applicants must be fluent in written and oral English. Evaluation of applicants is based on LES scores, past academic record, reference letters and their performance in the entrance examination given at Bilkent University at the end of Spring Semester each year. Applicants from foreign countries who cannot take LES and entrance exam will be evaluated based on past academic record, reference letters and GRE scores. (Also refer to the ``Graduate Admissions'' section in the introduction of this catalog for the general graduate admission requirements.)

Degree Requirements: Twenty-four credit units of course work beyond the M.S. level or forty-eight credit units of course work beyond the B.S. level is required. The Ph.D. candidate is expected to pass an English examination (KPDS for Turkish citizens, TOEFL for foreign students), a qualifying examination and thesis proposal. Preparing and defending a dissertation based on original research is the essence of the program. The normal duration of Ph.D. study is 8 semesters for students with M.S. degree and 10 semesters for students with B.S. degree. However, subject to the approval of the Graduate Institute, these durations may be extended for up to two more semesters.