Science - Biochemistry

Chairperson: Prof. Mahmoud Khalil

Professors: Prof. Jamilah Borjac

Associate Professors: Dr. Dalia El Badan, Dr. Ghada Khawaja

Assistant Professors: Dr. Nawal El Hakawati, Dr. Rana El Hajj, Dr. Noura Abou Zeinab, Dr. Tarek Houry

The mission of the Ph.D. Program in Biochemistry is to provide research-based graduate training and accredited high-quality education beyond the traditional boundaries. It seeks distinction in knowledge production that encompasses different fields. Our research mission is to create new concepts to solve novel scientific issues.

The objectives of the Ph.D. program in Biochemistry are to:

1. Provide graduate students with advances in biochemical concepts and principles.
2. Arrange for students to become familiar with the latest techniques in biochemistry and 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 about the methods of disseminating their knowledge to others.
6. Promote the capacity for lifelong learning.

1. Knowledge and understanding:
   
   
1. Exploring the biochemical and molecular processes that occur in various cell types.
2. Acquiring the skills of proposal writing for the funding of research projects.
3. Discuss the mechanisms of disease incidence and the strategies for the treatment of human diseases at the molecular and cellular levels.
4. Mastering the aspects of the modern disciplines of biochemistry at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels.
5. Describing a variety of experimental methods in biochemistry.
6. Merging knowledge of biochemistry and related disciplines such as molecular biology, biotechnology, and biomedical science.
7. Identifying and efficiently using biochemical databases and literature sources.
8. Applying the ethical principles of the discipline for citing sources, using human subjects, and teamwork.
   
   
2. Intellectual abilities:
   
   
1. Tackling challenging scientific questions in the field of biochemistry.
2. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research projects, analyze the obtained data, and draw reasonable conclusions.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in integrating knowledge in various concepts in biochemistry.
4. Demonstrate skills and expertise in biochemistry for various career opportunities.
5. Use critical thinking to evaluate biochemistry problems.
6. Display the ability to acquire continuous learning.
7. Make hypotheses, select results, and analyze the obtained data to confirm or reject these hypotheses.
   
   
3. Professional and Practical Competencies:
   
   
1. Conduct experimental biochemical and molecular approaches and strategies to solve biochemical problems.
2. Effectively conduct research projects in biochemistry.
3. Operate and practice laboratory instrumentations efficiently.
4. Conduct the experimental results and observations clearly and draw scientific conclusions.
5. Prepare relevant research publications in peer-reviewed journals.
   
   
4. General and transferable skills:
   
   
1. Communicate scientific information clearly and precisely, both in written and oral forms.
2. Work effectively in a professional or laboratory setting.
3. Recognize and respond to the need for lifelong learning.
4. Can function effectively independently or as a member of a team.
5. Self-management and handling of difficult scientific concepts.

To obtain the Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry, the student should successfully complete a total of 40 credit hours, of which 18 credit hours are for course work, maintaining a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0, and 22 credit hours for the dissertation to be defended successfully. Before registering the dissertation, the student must pass a comprehensive exam after passing his/her 18 credits of courses.

• The student should sit for the comprehensive exam after completing all courses and achieving a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.00.
• The period between completing all courses and the comprehensive exam must not exceed three months (one semester).
• The comprehensive exam consists of two parts: a written part and an oral part.
• The oral exam is held within a maximum of two weeks after the written exam.
• The student is evaluated in both the written and oral exams as an integrated unit.

1. Pursue a postdoctoral position in biochemistry and related subjects.
2. Acquire an assistant professor of biochemistry position or related fields at universities.
3. Research positions in research laboratories and facilities, industry, and governmental agencies.

PhD applicants with a professional master's degree in biochemistry (or a related subfield) must successfully complete the following requirements prior to admission to the doctoral program:

• General Research Methodology (GREM 600) (3 Crs.)
• Research Techniques (BIOL 682) (3 Crs.) Equivalent to Specialized Research Methodology
• Thesis (BIOL 690) (6 Crs.)

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)