Science - Biology

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 Biology Master Program is to achieve national and international recognition for integrated research and education in the biological sciences. Students will be prepared for many career opportunities in biological sciences.

1. Engage the student with current developments in bioscience and their applications.
2. Gain a thorough understanding of scientific research and interpret laboratory and field work in biological sciences.
3. Promote the capacity for lifelong learning.
4. Prepare students for many career options in biological sciences.
5. Guide students to carry out scientific projects and publish in high-ranked scientific journals.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
   
   
1. Mastering the aspects of modern biology.
2. Highlighting the interdisciplinary approach of biology.
3. Illustrating the scientific methods and techniques for laboratory and field work in different biological sciences.
4. Identify and efficiently use biological databases and literature sources.
   
   
2. Intellectual abilities:
   
   
1. Tackling challenging scientific questions in the field of biology.
2. Demonstrate a wide knowledge of major concepts, principles, and theories associated with biology.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply concepts and methodologies of biological science to conduct research projects, analyze the obtained data, and draw reasonable conclusions and interpretations of the data obtained.
4. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and utilize the scientific literature in biological sciences.
5. Use critical thinking to solve problems in biology disciplines.
6. Show the ability to pursue further education as independent lifelong professional learning.
7. Demonstrate skills and expertise in biology disciplines for various career opportunities.
   
   
3. Professional and Practical Competencies:
   
   
1. Design plans effectively and conducts research projects to solve problems in biological sciences.
2. Conduct research projects and generate observations and results concisely through reports.
3. Operate laboratory instrumentation efficiently.
4. Conduct excellent critical thinking and formulation of scientific hypotheses.
   
   
4. General and transferable skills:
   
   
1. Effective scientific communication skills, both written and oral.
2. Work effectively either independently or in multidisciplinary teams.
3. Recognize and respond to the need for lifelong self-learning for a successful career.
4. Use effective interpersonal and team-working skills by demonstrating an appreciation of the interdisciplinary nature of science and concept validation.
5. Self-management for professional development.
6. Think independently, set tasks, and solve problems.

To obtain the Master's degree in Biology, the student must successfully complete a total of 36 credit hours divided into 30 credit hours of course work and 6 credit hours for the thesis to be defended. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.33.

The minimum study period for a master’s degree is two years and the maximum is five years from the date of enrolment in the program.

• Graduate studies in various life sciences programs.
• Employment in the fields of molecular biology, microbiology, food industries, medical laboratories, biotechnology, and environmental fields.
• Teaching career at the high school and university levels.
• Lab analyst position.
• Science writer/Technical writer
• Science Communicator.
• Research positions in research laboratories and facilities, industries, and governmental agencies.
• Graduates can specialize in one of the following disciplines: Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Industrial Microbiology, Medical Microbiology, Natural Products, Environmental Sciences, Cancer Biology, Immunology, and Neurobiology

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)