BIOLOGY

Biology is the study of life. It deals with the classification of organisms, their interactions with each other and with their environments, and the structure-function relationships on the cellular and molecular levels. Dated back in 1978, the Department of Biology is among the earliest departments in the University. Since then, there was a gradual increase in the number of academic staff in different fields. Currently, there are 17 faculty members in the department. Our policy is to keep the department up-to-date with the essential sub-disciplines by either sending particular staff to do their graduate studies in recognized international universities or by hiring distinguished expatriates in the required fields of Biology. We are aiming for a contemporary department in teaching and scientific research in the fields of ecology, marine biology and biotechnology, both locally and regionally. For this, the Department works to provide biology concepts, knowledge and values that meet the national goals for higher educations. This is achieved through our commitment to a renewed academic level, developed scientific research, competitive modern undergraduate and postgraduate programs, and featured community services. The department started to offer partial e- learning courses such as marine pollution course. Our community services include scientific consultations to different sectors, delivering specialized scientific lectures and offering workshops and training courses. The department houses 12 teaching laboratories consisting of 4 general and 8 specialized labs such as cell biology, plant physiology, biochemistry, mycology, marine biology and environment, genetic molecular biology, biotechnology and microbiology. In addition, the department is also supplied with aquarium room, computer lab, sterilization room, water distillation and purification, cold room and a greenhouse used for seasonal propagation of indoor plants.

Our Faculty members provide skills training and professional development for undergraduate and postgraduate students. They are internationally known in research and education. Moreover, they are interdisciplinary, collaborating with colleagues in different departments at UOB and around the world.