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 major is to provide undergraduate students with the concepts, principles and methodologies of various disciplines of biology, and to develop a broad base of knowledge across the sub-disciplines that comprise biological sciences. Students will be prepared for many career opportunities in biological sciences.

The biology major curriculum:

1. Provides students with knowledge and understanding of the major areas of biology subdisciplines.
2. Includes laboratory work to help students to carry out and interpret laboratory and field work in biological sciences.
3. Promotes the capacity for life-long learning.
4. Prepares the students for many career options in biological sciences.
5. Requires that the student conduct a research project in biological sciences followed by oral and written presentation of this project.
   

a- Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Broad knowledge and understanding in various biological sciences (such as genetics, physiology, microbiology, ecology, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology and endocrinology).
2. Illustrate the scientific methods and techniques for laboratory and field work in different biological sciences.
3. Master aspects of the modern disciplines of biology.
4. Identify and use of biological databases and literature sources.

b- Intellectual Abilities:

1. Demonstrate broad knowledge and understanding of various biological processes.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply concepts and methodologies of biological science to carry out experiments, analyze the obtained data and draw reasonable conclusions or interpretations.
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. 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 experiments to solve problems in biological sciences.
2. Analyze and evaluate experimental results and observations clearly and draw scientific conclusions.
3. Operate and practice basics laboratory instrumentations 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.
   

To obtain the Bachelor Degree in Biology, students must successfully complete a total of 97 credit hours + IC3, where the standard duration of study is 6 semesters. There is one general semester of study for the students of the Biology Program.

• Post-graduate studies in various biological and Environmental sciences.
• Admission to biomedical schools.
• Teaching biology courses.
• Employment in research laboratories and facilities, pharmaceutical industries and government agencies.

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)