Outline of a Graduate Program and Research Unit in Biotechnology at KFUPM

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Program Goals

• To provide postgraduate education to qualified
  students to prepare them for a career in
  Biotechnology
• To build up professional manpower as forensic and
  medical laboratory specialists
• To build up professional manpower as
  environmental biotechnologists
• To teach and train future biotechnology
  researchers and professionals who will satisfy
  the present and future need of the Kingdom in
  this vital field.
• To offer a firm grounding in the science of
  biotechnology.
• To provide an introduction of biotechnology to
  the management of biotechnological organizations.
  
• To create, develop and advance research and
  development in biotechnology.
• To attract biotechnology experts from the world
  to train and develop local expertise .

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Need for Biotechnologists in the Kingdom

• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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) .

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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• PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

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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

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Thesis Track, Core Courses, 20 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
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Thesis Track, Elective Courses
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
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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

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Non-Thesis Track, Core Courses, 20 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
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Non-Thesis Track, Elective Course
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
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Program requirements3 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 .

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• 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.

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• 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.

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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.

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• THANK YOU

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• 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 worlds only successful
  anti-meningococcal
• vaccine, which is patented worldwide.
• - Cuba has invested more than US 1000
  million in its
• biotechnology research centers alone.

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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 .

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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.

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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.