Slide 1 - KFUPM

Outline of a Graduate Program and
Research Unit in Biotechnology

at
KFUPM



Dr. Amjad Khalil

Associate Professor of Biotechnology

Department of Physics

College of Science

KFUPM

Ad
-
Hoc Committee for M.S Degree
Program in Biotechnology and
Research Unit


Dr. Amjad Khalil , Chairman


Dr.Radwan Abdel
-
al


Dr. Nabil Maalej


Dr. Assad Al
-
Thukair


Dr. Abdulhafez Selim

INTRODUCTION


What is Biotechnology?


Biotechnology applies
scientific and engineering
principles to living organisms

in order to produce
products and services of value to society.



Biotechnology has been identified
as one of the
frontline technologies today

being developed and
used to understand and manipulate biological
molecules for applications in medical,
agricultural, industrial and environmental sectors
of the national economy.


Importance of
Biotechnology


Biotechnology is expected to be the
engine of global economy

during the
21st century.


The growing biotechnology industry
and its sectors are considered the
new directions for
long
-
term
economic growth.

Importance of
Biotechnology


-

Rapid advances in
genome science

are opening up a multitude of new
business opportunities in the life
science
-
related industries.


-

To accompany this growth,
manpower
appropriately trained and
educated in biotechnology is
certainly needed.

Program Goals


1.
To provide postgraduate education to qualified students to
prepare them for a career in Biotechnology

2.
To build up professional manpower as forensic and medical
laboratory specialists

3.
To build up professional manpower as environmental
biotechnologists

4.
To teach and train future biotechnology researchers and
professionals who will satisfy the present and future need of
the Kingdom in this vital field.

5.
To offer a firm grounding in the science of biotechnology.

6.
To provide an introduction of biotechnology to the
management of biotechnological organizations.

7.
To create, develop and advance research and development in
biotechnology.

8.
To attract biotechnology experts from the world to train and
develop local expertise .


Program learning Outcomes


The ability to apply knowledge for
biological applications to solve
biotechnological problems.


The ability to design and conduct
experiments, as well as to analyze and
interpret data.


The ability to develop novel biotechnology
ideas and products.


The ability to function on multi
-
disciplinary teams to identify, formulate,
and solve biomedical problems

Program learning
outcomes/Cont.


The ability to use up
-
to
-
date biotechnology tools.


Understanding of professional and ethical
responsibility.


Acquiring adequate knowledge in science and
technology.


The ability to communicate effectively


Acquiring working knowledge in computers and
their utilization in biotechnology and biology
(bioinformatics).


The ability to use the techniques, skills, and
modern tools necessary for biotechnology
practice.

Need for Biotechnologists in
the Kingdom


Despite the urgent needs for
biotechnologists as professional manpower,
none of the academic institutions

in the
kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers any program
of biotechnology.


One of the main objectives of the suggested
program is to
supply the market of the
Kingdom

and the region with well
-
trained,
professional biotechnologists.

Need for Biotechnologists in
the Kingdom



KFUPM could become
the first university

in
the Kingdom and the gulf region to
successfully graduate biotechnologists
with strong background in different
disciplines of biotechnology.


In the near future

,universities, hospitals,
pharmaceutical industry, and research
institutes will need well trained
biotechnology professionals.


The need for biotechnology expertise
will increase with the
fast
development in the areas of
medicine, environment, water
resources and security.


The new
drug and gene therapy

and
the new sophisticated diagnostic
tools will require Biotechnology
experts to work in hospitals and
pharmaceutical companies.

Need for Biotechnologists in
the Kingdom

Need for Biotechnologists in
the Kingdom


The reliance of the Kingdom on
petrochemical
industry

requires the exploitation of Biotechnology
for environment protection and biodegradation of
waste products.


The scarcity of
water resources

in the Kingdom also
requires the use of Biotechnology in waste water
management and treatment.


Finally, the
safety and security

of the people
requires Biotechnology expertise in the forensic
science and for the protection against Biological
weapons that may be used by enemies and
terrorists.

KACST


Based on the strategic importance of
Biotechnology in the Kingdom, King Abdul
Aziz City of Science and Technology
(KACST) has already taken the initiative by
establishing a Biotechnology and Genetic
Engineering Program in 1996.


The program strives to transfer
Biotechnology to the Kingdom and apply
to the development of agricultural, animal
and industrial production and to solve
many health, environmental and
agricultural problems.

Al
-
FAISAL UNIVERSITY


The College of Science and General
Studies offers four
-
year degree programs
for students who wish to pursue degrees
in the field of Genetics and Life Science
and Molecular Biology ( Biotechnology) .


Biotechnologists in the
Region


In the last few years, the gulf region lunched two
projects on Biotechnology.
First, Jeddah BioCity

as
an international pioneering company in the
transference of biotechnology via the creation of
projects in research and development to produce a
high economic return.



Second,
Dubai Biotechnology Park (DuBiotech)

is
designed to be the center of excellence in
biotechnology that will link government, academia
and industry through national and international
collaboration to develop new technologies and
products to address regional health and
environmental issues.


The presence of these biotechnology centers in the
gulf region will increase the demand for well trained
and professional biotechnologists in the near future.

Why at KFUPM?


KFUPM has established a
very strong and
reputable sciences and engineering

programs, Thus it could play a very
important role in preparing students with
strong science background in the field of
Biotechnology.




KFUPM will be the
first university

in the
area that has taken the lead in proposing
to design such a program, which could
serve the community and the students by
transferring the new technology to Saudi
universities and companies.

BIOTECHNOLOGY AS
STRATEGIC CHOICE


Taking a strategic decision by KFUPM to go for
Biotechnology program will be an
excellent point
in its history.




The opportunity exists for KFUPM to position
itself as an
important contributor to the
advancement and evolution of biotechnology in
this century.



The Biotechnology team believes that KFUPM can
become known as a
major national key player

in
the area of biotechnology.

The
university support for this strategic initiative

is
an opportunity to build excellence in an area
affecting all forms of life.

Benefit to the Industry and The
Economy of KSA


KFUPM will help in
linking research
establishments with economic and service
sectors

by concentrated comprehensive
marketing to facilitate the creation of new
highly skilled work force and jobs that will
benefit the Saudi industry and economy.



KFUPM biotechnology program will encourage
the government to support the investment in
Biotechnology

applications which are expected
to have futuristic concept that blends innovative
research and manufacturing in an economic
container that would contribute to the welfare
and prosperity of KSA society.

Career Opportunities




Lab specialist in biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical
, medical ,
environmental and agrotechnology industries .


Research assistant as part of a larger research team
, conducting
experiments in the laboratory or in the field.


Forensic and medical laboratory specialist
. Examine DNA and other
scientific evidence relating to criminal investigations and analyze DNA
from clinical samples from patients for diagnosis of genetics diseases.


Environmental specialists and consultant

by assess and monitor
environmental contamination and help in developing and implementing
bioremediation programs to clean up the environment.


Scientific journalist and media presenter
: by writing articles and help in
preparing broadcast programs to communicate the importance of
scientific development to the public.


Sales representative / marketing

professional sell and provide advice
about special scientific products to clients in research, help to solve
specific problems related to equipment applications and experimental
procedures.





PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

THESIS TRACK


The followings are the requirements for
the Master Degree in Biotechnology:



1
-

Completion of core courses 20 credits


2
-

M.S research thesis 6 credits


3
-

Completion of electives 6 credits


Total 32 credits



BIOT 600

M.S RESEARCH THESIS 6 Credits


Course

Title

CR

BIOT 520

Advanced Biochemistry

3

BIOT 521

Advanced Molecular Biology

3

BIOT 522

Microbial Physiology

2

BIOT 530

Cell biology

3

BIOT 523

Methods in Recombinant DNA
technology

3

BIOT 545

Boinformatics

3

BIOT 531

Pharmaceutical biotechnology

2

BIOT 599

Seminar in Biotechnology

1

TOTAL

20

Thesis Track, Core Courses, 20 Credits

Elective courses :

Candidates for the Master Degree in Biotechnology (thesis track) will also be
required to take 6 credits from the following list of courses:


Course

Title

CR

BIOT 524

Molecular Genetics

3

BIOT 541

Plant biotechnology

3

BIOT 532

Animal Tissue culture

3

BIOT 525

Virology

3

BIOT 542

Environmental Biotechnology

3

BIOT 543

Nanobiotechnology

3

BIOT 540

Ethics in biotechnology

3

BOT 533

Tissue engineering

3

BIOT 526

Microbial Biotechnology

3

BIOT 546

Biostatistics

3

BIOT 549

Special topics in biotechnology

3

Thesis Track, Elective Courses

NON
-
THESIS TRACK


The following are the requirements for the
Master Degree in Biotechnology (Non
-
Thesis
track)


1
-

Completion of core courses 20 credits


2
-

Completion of elective courses 18 credits


3
-

Completion of Biotech project 4 credits


Total: 42 Credits

Core courses of Non
-
Thesis track



Course




Title

CR

BIOT 520

Advanced Biochemistry

3

BIOT 521

Advanced Molecular Biology

3

BIOT 522

Microbial Physiology

2

BIOT 530

Cell biology

3

BIOT 523

Methods in Recombinant DNA technology

3

BIOT 545

Bioinformatics

3

BIOT 531

Pharmaceutical biotechnology

2

BIOT 599

Seminar in Biotechnology

1

TOTAL

20

BIOT 598 Research project 4 Credits

Non
-
Thesis Track, Core Courses, 20 Credits

Electives courses, 18 credits from the followings


Course

Title

CR

BIOT 524

Molecular Genetics

3

BIOT 541

Plant biotechnology

3

BIOT 532

Animal Tissue culture

3

BIOT 525

Virology

3

BIOT 542

Environmental Biotechnology

3

BIOT 543

Nanobiotechnology

3

BIOT 540

Ethics in biotechnology

3

BIOT 533

Tissue engineering

3

BOT 526

Microbial Biotechnology

3

BIOT 546

Biostatistics

3

BIOT 549

Special topics in biotechnology

3

Non
-
Thesis Track, Elective Course

Program requirements

[3 Years Plan]


A
-

Research lab and facilities



The following four laboratories are required



1
-

Molecular Biology Lab.


2
-

Microbiology Lab.


3
-

Biochemistry and Enzymology Lab.


4
-

Animal (human) Tissue culture Lab.




Service Lab :



contained equipments required by all labs, such as


autoclaves,
-
80 Freezer, Ice make, large shakers , dishwasher ,


water distillation system, which can be shared by all researchers .





B
-

Manpower requirements


Five faculty members specialized in:


1
-

Molecular Biology, PhD.


2
-

Biochemistry, PhD. (IMMEDIATE NEED)


3
-

Biotechnology , PhD. (IMMEDIATE NEED)


4
-

Plant Biotechnology, PhD.


5
-

Pathology, PhD.

Four Lab Technicians. 2 are needed immediately.


C
-

Spaces and facilities



1
-

The biotechnology laboratories require


an area of approximately around 300 M2


(4 labs plus service lab of approximately


60 M2 each).


2
-

Offices for faculty and staff.


3
-

Computer Room with a special Server


or Workstation for the bioinformatics course.




Conclusion


Biotechnology is one of the frontline
technologies today and considered to be
the engine of global economy

during the
21st century.


Biotechnology solve problems in biological
sciences for the benefits of humanity,
provided high quality education, research,
and community service.


Lessons should be learned from the
experience of other countries , and to start
now is better than 10 or 15 years later.








THANK YOU


Successful Examples from the rest of the
world



There are a variety of lessons that KFUPM
can learn from the organization and
management of biotechnology in other
countries, particularly developing
countries such as Cuba, Brazil, Argentina,
Thailand and China, which have made
significant strides in the development and
commercialization of biotechnology over
the past two decades.

Brazil



Brazil is emerging as one of the
developing country leaders in
biotechnology .


Excellent achievement in
citrus crop
diseases and cancer .


Development of vaccines

for diseases
such as tuberculosis, and hepatitis B
.

Nigeria




Nigeria is one of the African countries that has
embarked on a determined program to exploit
biotechnology for the benefit of its peoples and
to
ensure that Nigeria becomes a key participant in
the international biotechnology arena within the
next decade.



The Federal Government provided the National
Biotechnology Development Agency with
US $263
million per annum for three years

as a take
-
off
grant

to fund the executive programs in
agriculture, health, industry, environment and
human resource development.


Cuba




-

Cuba is a developing country that has made significant
strides


in biotechnology.


-

35 national research institutes

dedicated to health
-
related


biotechnology


-

25 agricultural centers

apply biotechnology approaches.


-

Produces the
world’s only successful anti
-
meningococcal


vaccine, which is patented worldwide
.


-

Cuba has invested more than
US $1000 million

in its


biotechnology research centers alone.


USA




USA has the largest and most
profitable biotechnology industry,
consisting of more than
1,300
companies
, with combined
revenues
of over $22 billion

and employing
162,000 people
.



Some of the biotechnology
companies


are of the
top 15 Nasdaq
-
listed



companies

.

Australia



The number of biotechnology companies
160 companies.



The total biotechnology sector generates
annual revenue of roughly R4 billion.



The Australian Government spends
roughly
one billion rand a year on
biotechnology

research. Most of this
money is spent through the universities.


Jordan


In the last 10 years, Jordan moved into the area of
Biotechnology and achieved number of good goals such as:


1
-

Four universities offer undergraduate

Biotechnology
programs, and
one graduate program
.


2
-

Two

centers of Biotechnology
:


A
-

Biotechnology center at Jordan University affiliated with
Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research.


B
-

The Virtual Biotechnology Center directed by The Higher
Council for Science and Technology .


3
-

Two Pharmaceutical Companies

work in the area of
Biotechnology for developing Recombinant Drugs.


4
-

Jordan developed a
National Biosafety Framework as
main components of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.


