Institute of Health Sciences

Hello, I am Ziya İLHAN. I obtained my Ph.D. degree in Veterinary Microbiology from Ankara University Health Sciences Institute in 2001. I have since been promoted to Associate Professor in 2008 and Professor in 2013. Throughout my career, I have published approximately 80 research articles in both national and international journals, delivered 55 presentations at national and international congresses, and authored two books as a science writer. Currently, I hold the position of Director at Balikesir University Health Sciences Institute.
The establishment of Balikesir University Institute of Health Sciences was authorized in 2006, in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the institute completed the process in 2011. Since the 2011-2012 academic year, the institute has been actively conducting postgraduate education programs, enrolling students from various faculties. Balikesir University Institute of Health Sciences is located within the Çağış Campus of Balıkesir University.
The primary objective of our institute is to provide postgraduate education to graduates of relevant faculties. We offer postgraduate programs to students who have completed their studies in faculties such as medicine, veterinary medicine, health sciences, and sports sciences. Currently, our institute offers a total of 13 doctoral programs, distributed as follows: three programs in the Faculty of Medicine, nine programs in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and one program in the Faculty of Sports Sciences. Additionally, we offer a total of 19 master's programs, with five programs from the Faculty of Medicine, nine from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, three from Health Sciences, and two from Sports Sciences.
Within our institute, we have a dedicated and qualified faculty consisting of approximately 140 members, including professors, associate professors, assistant professors, and doctoral faculty members. They actively contribute to the educational and training activities of the institute, and we anticipate further expansion in faculty numbers in the future. Our institute focuses on delivering doctorate and master's programs in fundamental subjects related to human medicine, veterinary medicine, health sciences, and sports.
Upon successful completion of our programs, students will gain comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge, enabling them to pursue career opportunities aligned with their respective fields of expertise.
Significant emphasis is placed on student exchange programs within our institute, particularly the ERASMUS and Mevlana exchange programs, which are actively implemented. Our institute has ambitious plans for the future, including increasing the number of foreign students through collaborations with relevant units within our university, primarily focusing on regional exchanges and then expanding to other countries, thus enabling more students to benefit from exchange opportunities. As of 2023, our institute has 249 students enrolled in master's programs and 66 students in doctoral programs. Additionally, 107 students have successfully completed their graduate education and graduated from our institute.
To aspiring graduate students considering our institute, I would like to offer some advice. While theoretical knowledge is readily accessible in today's world, it is crucial to acquire and apply practical knowledge, transforming it into valuable skills. In the globalized and interconnected world we live in, countries that generate ideas and develop high-value products hold greater influence. Our university, particularly in terms of practical experience, offers notable advantages. Faculty members engaged in postgraduate education not only share theoretical and practical insights within their respective departments, but also foster collaborative environments that benefit our students. Successful completion of graduate education enhances analytical thinking skills, nurtures the ability to generate original ideas, formulate hypotheses, design projects, conduct research, and publish data in prestigious international journals.
In summary, our institute warmly welcomes prospective graduate students, and we strive to provide them with a fulfilling educational journey that exceeds their expectations. We wish all students the utmost success in their endeavors.