Science - Biology

Chairperson Dr. Mahmoud Khalil

Associate Professors Dr. Jamilah Borjac

Assistant Professors Dr. Ghada Khawaja, Dr. Tarek Houri, Dr. Rana El Hajj, Dr. Nawal El Hakawati

The mission of the Biology Graduate 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.

The objectives of the graduate program in Biology are to:

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 life-long learning.
4. Prepare the students for many career options in biological sciences.
5. Guide students to carry out scientific projects and publish in high ranked scientific journals.
   

a- Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Master aspects of the modern disciplines of biology.
2. Highlight the interdisciplinary approach of biology.
3. Illustrate the scientific methods and techniques for laboratory and field work in different biological sciences.
4. Identify and efficiently use of biological databases and literature sources.

b- Intellectual Abilities:

1. Demonstrate a wide knowledge of major concepts, principles and theories associated with biology.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply concepts and methodologies of biological science to carry out research projects, analyze the obtained data and draw reasonable conclusions and interpretation of the data obtained.
3. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and utilize scientific literature in biological sciences.
4. Use critical thinking and principles of logic to solve problems in biology disciplines.
5. Show the ability to pursue further education as an independent life-long professional learning.
6. Demonstrate skills and expertise in biology disciplines for various career opportunities.

c- Professional and Practical Competencies:

1. Design plans and conduct research projects to solve problems in biological sciences.
2. Conduct research projects and report papers results and observations clearly.
3. Operate laboratory instrumentation efficiently.
4. Conduct excellent critical thinking and formulation of scientific hypotheses.

d- General and Transferable Skills:

1. Effective scientific communication skills, both in written and orally.
2. Work effectively either independently or in multi-disciplinary teams.
3. Recognize and respond to the need for lifelong self-learning for a successful career.
4. Use effective interpersonal and team working skills including demonstrating an appreciation of interdisciplinary nature of science and of the validity of different points of view.
5. Self-manage and pursue professional development and think independently, set tasks and solve problems.
   

To obtain PhD Degree in Biology, The student should successfully complete a total of 40 credit hours; including 18 credit hours of course work with a CGPA of no less than 3.0 and successfully defend the dissertation (22 credit hours). Student has to pass a comprehensive exam after passing at least 15 credit hours of courses before registration of his/her dissertation.

The minimum period of study for a PhD is three years and the maximum is six years from the date of enrollment in the program.

• Pursue a postdoctoral position in various biological sciences.
• Acquire an assistant professor of biology position at universities.
• Research and consultant positions at universities, pharmaceutical industry, governmental agencies, and research councils.

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)