Science - Biochemistry

Chairperson: Dr. Mahmoud Khalil

Associate Professors: Dr. Jamilah Borjac, Dr. Dalia El Badan.

Assistant Professors: Dr. Ghada Khawaja, Dr. Nawal El Hakawati, Dr. Rana El Hajj, Dr. Noura Abou Zeinab.

The mission of the biochemistry major is to provide a high-quality, rigorous biochemistry curriculum that prepares undergraduate students for various aspects of biochemistry disciplines where knowledge and critical and analytical thinking skills are essential. The biochemistry curriculum also ensures that students possess scientific skills to be successful in alternative career options in biochemistry and related disciplines. Graduates will be well prepared for employment or further study in different fields including Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Medicine, Cell Biology, Genetics, and Molecular Biology. 

1. Provides undergraduate students with knowledge and understanding of biochemical concepts and principles.
2. Prepares students to understand the biochemistry pathways and processes in health, nutrition, and agriculture.
3. Provides laboratory skills to help students perform and interpret laboratory work in biochemistry.
4. Provides students with the latest biochemical techniques used in both basic and applied areas of biochemistry and related disciplines such as molecular biology.
5. Promotes the capacity for lifelong learning.
6. Prepares students for many career options in biochemistry and related disciplines.
7. The student must conduct a research project in biochemistry followed by an oral and written presentation of this project.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
   
   
1. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of fundamental biochemical reactions and processes in living organisms.
2. Understanding the mechanisms of disease incidence and strategies to treat human diseases at the molecular and cellular levels.
3. Mastering the aspects of the modern disciplines of biochemistry at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels.
4. Understanding and practicing various experimental techniques of biochemistry.
5. Merging knowledge of biochemistry and related disciplines such as molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical science.
6. Recognizing and making use of biochemical databases and literature sources.
   
   
2. Intellectual abilities:
   
   
1. Acquire a broad understanding of various biochemical aspects and pathways.
2. Showcase the ability to conduct experiments, assess acquired data, and formulate logical conclusions or interpretations.
3. Display the capacity to rigorously analyze and make practical use of the scientific literature.
4. Demonstrate skills and expertise in biochemistry for various career opportunities.
5. Apply critical reasoning and logical foundations to evaluate problems within the field of biochemistry.
6. Demonstrate the ability to pursue further education as independent professional learning.
   
   
3. Professional and Practical Competencies:
   
   
1. Acquire the ability to design experimental biochemical and molecular approaches and strategies to solve biochemical problems.
2. Analyze and evaluate the experimental results and observations clearly and draw scientific conclusions.
3. Apply fundamental instruments efficiently in practical operations.
   
   
4. General and transferable skills:
   
   
1. Convey scientific data with clarity and precision, through spoken and written means.
2. Work effectively in a professional or laboratory setting.
3. Acknowledge and address the requirement for continuous learning.
4. able to work effectively autonomously or collaboratively within a team.

To obtain the bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, students must successfully complete a total of 97 credit hours and obtain an Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC3), where the standard study duration is 6 semesters.

1. Post-graduate studies in biochemistry, molecular biology, biotechnology, cosmetic science, and related life science programs in addition to chemistry program.
2. Employment in the fields of forensic science, food science, agricultural research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries.
3. Technical research positions.
4. Clinical laboratory technicians.
5. Teaching Biology
6. Admission to biomedical schools.

5 credits are selected from the University Mandatory courses list.

At least one course from social sciences and one course from humanities should be selected among the university elective courses.

** A total of 6 credits is required as faculty electives.

Students can enroll in any course offered by the Faculty of Science.

The program utilizes a number of well-equipped laboratories for practical work and research. The Laboratories serving the program are:

1. Biology Laboratory
2. Biology Research Laboratory
3. Microbiology Laboratory
4. Biochemistry Laboratory
5. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Specialized Laboratory
6. Microbiology Specialized Laboratory
7. Tissue Culture Laboratory
8. Animal House Facility (Breeding Room)
9. Animal House Facility (for Post Graduate Students)