The biological sciences are transforming rapidly, and knowledge alone is inadequate for addressing the complex problems of the contemporary world. Today’s biologists must expand their horizons beyond the classroom and laboratory as critically thinking, cross-disciplinary problem-solvers, and ethical leaders capable of solving the world’s greatest social problems.

 The role of the biologist has changed significantly, from the fields of public health and environmental degradation to the rapidly evolving fields of biotechnology and sustainability. Becoming successful in today’s biological sciences requires not only scientific development but also the ability to be flexible; conducting research driven by a desire to affect positive change in society; and demonstrating an ability to use scientific knowledge to develop practical applications for society.

Many traditional Ph.D. programs still operate within established academic boundaries and offer a limited curriculum and well-defined paths for research, along with university priorities that limit the ability of the student to find and develop personal interests or creativity or to be able to use that research to directly address real-world problems. Rather than developing scholars who are creative and have the passion and drive to pursue solutions to specific problems, traditional models leave students in a rigid, limited environment where it is difficult for them to pursue their passions due to the inhibiting structures of traditional academic programs.

Through AIU online PhD in biology students get an alternative way to transform their education through a purpose-based learning model focused on student needs. Rather than being restricted to a standard route through doctoral studies, students have the ability to determine their own research topics, course selection, and overall educational experience based on what matters most to them (i.e., personal purpose, vocation, and vision).

Because learning is an evolution of the human experience, AIU has frameworked PhD in Biology programs in such ways they encourage growth through experiences rather than just through passing classes to obtain a degree. Therefore, pursuing a PhD in Biology with AIU provides an opportunity for students to undergo a journey through self-investigation and experimentation to build a career that is enriching for themselves and adds value and benefit to humanity. Key characteristics of this innovative educational framework at AIU include: academic freedom; self-directed research; and ‘real’ connection to the biological world through advanced study in an increasingly digital age.  Thus, students engaged in AIU’s PhD in Biology will graduate from their studies as highly qualified scientists who have developed scientific knowledge relevant to the world in which they live and through which they conduct their scientific inquiries and careers.

What Is Purpose-Based Learning in a PhD Context?

Purpose based learning is a relatively new method of developing and experiencing doctoral education compared to the traditional PhD model. Traditionally, the PhD has been developed through an externally imposed grid of regulated academic frameworks such as pre-determined curricula; narrowly defined research areas and institutional priorities which may not match the students’ actual goals and needs.

Instead, Purpose based learning places much more emphasis on the overall purpose for the student, i.e., where are they going/what do they want to achieve, and generally what caused that student to seek a doctorate. Through Purpose based Learning, the student pursues their academic goals through an individualized experience rather than through a prescriptive process imposed by others.

At Atlantic International University (AIU), purpose based learning phd students design their own individualized research agendas and courses of study according to their own particular interests and concerns; these same students are not pursuing a doctorate just to further their careers, receive professional recognition, meet an institutional requirement or earn academic credentials, they are instead pursuing their interests through self-directed exploration and discovery. Students are encouraged to conduct research and complete courses on questions of personal significance, questions which will lead them to find out about areas of the world that are globally important and can advance scientific knowledge. Consequently, the reason for obtaining a doctorate has changed from a static academic design to a dynamic, inward looking, purposeful and personalized way of pursuing new information.

AIU uses many unique means to implement Purpose based Learning in their Online PhD in Biology program.

The alignment of Biological Research with Individual Values and Societal Needs

Most doctoral candidates of AIU online PhD in Biology  will find that their research will help influence their personal values and life mission. In addition to contributing towards solving pressing issues in society (such as healthcare and environmental issues), candidates can choose topics that align with both their interests and professionalize them through research in public health, environmental sustainability, micro biology, biotechnological innovation and policy-oriented biological research. This connection leads to greater motivation, relevance, and job satisfaction throughout the PhD program.

Examining Crossing Boundaries Between Disciplines.

Biological challenges typically are not found alone. An organization’s purpose-based model will encourage students to conduct interdisciplinary research, such as combining biological science with other disciplines (i.e., Environmental Science, Data Analytics, Healthcare, Ethics, Education, and Public Policy). By providing this opportunity to be creative in the research process, the organization is creating a more comprehensive and innovative approach to studying and understanding biological systems, which reflects the complicated nature of how biological systems operate in the real world.

Developing a Doctoral Experience Based on Authentic Biological Issues

Instead of pursuing a specific academic route, AIU online PhD in Biology doctoral students can develop their studies based on a current and relevant biological problem or concern within the context of what is possible in the real world. Students are expected to conduct research that will produce solutions, conclusions, or applications that can affect the community, economy, and entire world.

The Importance of Ongoing and Constant Change in an Education

Purposeful education with andragogy based doctoral education takes into account that obtaining a doctorate does not mean the end of an individual’s career journey; it means that individual will be on another path or step toward his or her ultimate potential and continued development. AIU has an emerging view of education that is ever changing, adapting to meet each doctoral candidate’s needs as he or she becomes physically, mentally, emotionally, and professionally developed. This new way of looking at education encourages continual intellectual resurrection and new innovative ways of thinking.

By encouraging independent, creative, and impactful thought processes, AIU is preparing doctoral students to be thought leaders, innovative research scientists, and strength-based global leaders in the different specialties of the life sciences. With an emphasis on purposeful education based on values, AIU is creating graduates who will go on to positively impact society in regard to new knowledge and the ways we live and work.

AIU’s Online PhD in Biology: A Student-Centered Doctoral Model

AIU’s Online Doctorate in Biology is an alternative to traditional doctorates because it is entirely designed around the needs of individual students by providing a more customized approach and allowing for greater flexibility in pursuing their studies and conducting research. It does not have any required courses or set research topics; rather, each student develops a doctorate plan with the assistance of faculty advisors, creating a coursework or project plan that represents their goals and interests as well as their professional experience and aspirations.

The OmniLean AI-Aided Course Development Tool at AIU provides doctoral students choice among thousands of different learning objects such as:  Advanced Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Research Modules, Specialized Electives, and Independent Research Projects. The options available with the OmniLean AI-Aided Course Development Tool make AIU an ideal choice for:  working scientists/researchers; educators/academic professionals; professionals in the healthcare/biotechnology fields; advocates for environmental/public health; and anyone else who wants to advance their career while simultaneously pursuing a doctoral degree. Therefore, the doctoral experience offered by AIU will be customized to the learner, not the other way around.

Self-Directed Learning at the Doctorate Level

The self-directed learning aspect of purpose-based learning for AIU online PhD in Biology  is considered the backbone of the institution’s educational philosophy because of its ability to create profound change through this unique approach to education. The application of self-directed learning at the doctorate level is particularly effective and powerful. Traditional doctorate (PhD) programs utilize a number of approaches to guide the research path of the doctoral student, the majority of which are typically driven by institutional and/or supervisory agendas; this structure provides some benefits; but because it restricts the intellectual freedom of the doctoral student, it limits their potential to pursue the open curriculum phd program ideas that are in alignment with the student’s purpose and professional vision.

At Atlantic International University, the Online PhD in Biology Doctorate program encourages its doctoral candidates to fully assume ownership of their educational journey. The doctoral candidates in the AIU Online PhD in Biology Program actively define every phase of their doctoral experience – from establishing their research goals and identifying significant research endeavours within the biological sciences, through to determining the appropriate research methodologies and how the scholarly goals of their research will be reached. By instilling this sense of ownership, students become leaders in their own research rather than simply being passive participants in the research process.

Self-directed learning at the doctorate level is integral in developing a number of critical abilities necessary for undertaking advanced scientific research, including:

Independent Thinking

When students obtain the Ph.D., they have gained the ability to think independently and critically evaluate the data and information on which they base their research, as well as make informed decisions on the areas of research that they wish to pursue. This process allows self directed phd in biology students to contribute original ideas to the field of Biological Sciences instead of merely repeating those of others.

Enhanced Ability to Critically Think

Through the process of developing their own research path through multiple iterations, AIU online PhD in Biology  students also gain a greater analytical ability. Students will develop the skill of asking themselves the relevant questions related to their beliefs and the information available to them. In addition, students develop the skill of connecting multiple ideas from a multifaceted perspective, by synthesizing the knowledge and information obtained from many different areas of science, as well as a greater depth of evaluation of literature than the standard peer-review process can provide.

Increased Creativity in Science

By providing a self-directed path for students to create an environment that promotes and fosters creativity through research on topics that intrigue them (even where these topics may not be traditionally taught), students have the opportunity to create relationships between Biotech and other areas of science. These opportunities can create new ideas and creative experimental strategies, and research methodologies to improve the advancement of Science.

Greater Analytical Depth & Problem Solving Skills

Biological Research in personalized biology doctorate includes many complexities, not only the biophysical aspects. Students learn how to take complex biological problems and break them down into individual components. They also learn that careful analysis of the individual parts will allow them to develop the right strategies to solve complex biological problems. The use of these skills will enable students to address a number of global challenges related to health and the environment and continue to produce the necessary and valuable science.

At the same time, students are trained to create their own unique research project by utilizing experienced mentors and advanced proprietary artificial intelligence-based educational tools to maximize the potential for reaching their highest academic accomplishments. The combination of independence and mentorship creates an environment of motivation and focus, as well as continued support in achieving their ultimate potential.

Scientific Research for Impact: Biology for Life

Biology is a science that serves a Global Impact; our nations, health, environment, biotechnology, and communities are all influenced by it. AIU Online’s Global PhD in Biology encourages your research to be directed towards resolving Actual World Biological Issues, including:

• Global and Public Health Problems
• Environmental Conservation and Sustained Development
• Molecular and Cellular Biology Innovations
• Biotechnology and Bioinformatics
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Biological Research Driven By Policy

You have the opportunity to perform research based phd in biology while completing project-based and research-based learning during your doctoral studies. Applying the knowledge you gained in theory, for instance, can lead to meaningful contributions in areas of the scientific community and society in general.

Doctoral Classes and Enrichment Opportunities

In addition to the online classes, AIU Online offers Doctoral classes (in addition to the standard courses) taught by experts in their fields as well as instructors who have industry experience with a Live-Streaming Online Class format that provides:

• The opportunity to discuss your research with others
• The ability to ask instructors live questions
• The chance to engage in discussions on cutting-edge biology research
• Collaboration to solve problems
• You will also receive:
• Access to more than 700 Live Classes
• Access to more than 2,000 Research Projects
• Access to more than 3,400 Mini Courses

These resources are available to both Enrolled and Guest Students, allowing students to participate in advanced topics in the field of Biology, obtain Certifications, and earn up to $5,000 in Tuition Credits by successfully completing specific Learning Components. The Open Access Model further supports AIU’s conviction that Education is a Human Right.

Flexibility for Working Professionals and Student Researchers

AIU Online Doctorate Program in Biology offers the ultimate flexible learning environment for purpose based learning phd individuals with advanced research aspirations while balancing their professional, personal, and family lives. The program provides an opportunity to:

• Study Independently at Your Own Pace
• Conduct Research While Continuing to Work Professionally
• Utilize the Opportunities Available Through Your Doctorate to Enhance Your Current Responsibilities In Your Life

This allows doctoral candidates with independent biological research to have an opportunity to enhance what they have in their current position, rather than removing themselves from that position, therefore making AIU a good fit for any experienced individual, who wishes to further advance academically, without compromising the ability to do so.

Aligning Biological Research with Purpose

At AIU you will find that you are not just producing a dissertation; rather, you will be connecting your AIU online PhD in Biology scientific research with your personal purpose. Purpose-based education allows doctoral candidates to align their scientific research in biology with a greater mission in life; such as:

• Growing Knowledge in Science
• Educating the Population on Better Public Health Policies
• Preparing Future Generations of Scientists
• Working to Create a More Sustainable Environment
• Creating New Ideas in Biotechnology and Health Care

When you can find a connection between your academic freedom in phd studies research and your life’s purpose, you will become more engaged, have a greater commitment to your studies and be much happier in completing your Doctorate.

Personalized Advanced Learning Experience That Respects Diversity in Doctoral degrees

Offerings Include Personalized Doctoral Research Paths; Personalized Academic Assistance and Support; Flexible Course Delivery Options; and Ongoing Mentorship and Guidance from Faculty throughout the Entire Program.

AIU PhD in Biology online degree candidates are encouraged to create a multi-dimensional academic experience that funds their research with the experience of their professional life, the context of the culture in which they live, and their personal views about the world. This type of educational framework provides an authentic and relevant learning environment that allows the student to impact themselves, the community, and the greater society.

Purpose-Based Education: Creating the Standard for an Online Doctoral Degree

In an age when traditional educational institutions are focused on the production of standardized education as opposed to meaningful learning, AIU’s Online Doctorate in Biology represents a new expectation for how students can learn and use the latest information from science and technology to effect changes that will lead to innovations in the field of biology, the process of self-discovery, and contributions to the global community.

AIU online PhD in Biology  provides biologists with the tools necessary to not only excel academically, but also become leaders in their field of science and in their respective communities.

If you are looking for a doctoral degree that allows for personal reflection of your deepest passions and life aspirations, AIU’s Online Doctorate in Biology provides a powerful and purpose-driven approach to advancing your education.

Apply now and start building a doctorate that reflects who you are and the impact you want to make.

Author Bio

Ananya Biswas, Senior Content Strategist at Atlantic International University, blends creativity with strategy to craft compelling narratives. With 9+ years of expertise in content strategizing, creation and marketing, she champions in meeting high quality content standards and empowers global audiences through impactful storytelling and brand engagement.