Science - Biochemistry

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 Biochemistry Graduate Program is to provide research based graduate training and an accredited high quality education beyond the traditional boundaries. It pursuits distinction in knowledge production that encompass different fields. Our research mission is to create new concepts in solving novel scientific issues.

The objectives of the graduate program in Biochemistry are to:

1. Provide graduate students with advances in the biochemical concepts and principles.
2. Arrange for students to become familiar with the latest techniques in biochemistry and in related disciplines such as molecular biology.
3. Guide students to become independent scientists.
4. Train students to develop proficiency in critical analysis of scientific research problems.
5. Educate students the methods of disseminating their knowledge to others.
6. Promote the capacity for life-long learning.
   

a- Knowledge and Understanding:

1. Discuss the biochemical and molecular processes in different types of cells (human, animals, plants and microorganisms).
2. Discuss the mechanisms of diseases incidence and the strategies to treat human diseases at the molecular and cellular levels.
3. Master aspects of the modern disciplines of biochemistry at the molecular, cellular and organism levels.
4. Describe various experimental techniques of biochemistry.
5. Merging knowledge of biochemistry and related disciplines such as molecular biology, biotechnology and biomedical science.
6. Identify and efficiently use of biochemical databases and literature sources.
7. State ethical principles of the discipline for citing sources, using human subjects, and working with colleagues.

b- Intellectual Abilities:

1. Demonstrate the ability to carry out research projects, analyze the obtained data and draw reasonable conclusions or interpretations.
2. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate and utilize scientific literature.
3. Demonstrate skills and expertise in biochemistry for various career opportunities.
4. Use critical thinking and principles of logic to evaluate problems in biochemistry disciplines.
5. Show the ability to pursue further education as an independent life-long professional learning.
6. Make hypotheses, select results, analyze the obtained data to confirm or reject these hypotheses.

c- Professional and Practical Competencies:

1. Obtain the ability to design experimental biochemical and molecular approaches and strategies to solve biochemical problems.
2. Obtain the ability to carry out research projects in biochemistry.
3. Operate and practice laboratory instrumentations efficiently.
4. Conduct experimental results and observations clearly and draw scientific conclusions.
5. Prepare publishable research in the field of research.

d- General and Transferable Skills:

1. Communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both orally and in writing.
2. Work effectively in a professional or laboratory setting.
3. Recognize and respond to the need of life-long learning.
4. Can function effectively independently or as member of a team.
   

To obtain PhD Degree in Biochemistry, 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.

Career Opportunities for PhD students:

1. Postdoctoral position in biochemistry and related subjects.
2. Professors of biochemistry or related fields in universities.
3. Researchers in research laboratories and facilities, industry and government.
   

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)