School of Science:: The University of Jordan ::

Program Specifications

Bachelor of Biological Sciences / Program Overview

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​Teaching at the Department of Biological Sciences has started in 1965 to qualify students majoring in biological sciences to teach and conduct research in high schools and research laboratories, respectively. To meet the societal needs, in 1974, the Department modified its curriculums, by establishing a minor in clinical analysis, to qualify graduates to fulfil the demands of the market and fill positions in clinical diagnostics laboratories and in laboratories associated withpublicand private hospitals. In 1980 a new undergraduate program in biological analysis was established, and since then the Department of  Biological Sciences started to offer two undergraduate degrees, one in biological sciences and a new one in biological analysis, in addition to the master’s and PhD programs that are already being offered by the department. During the academic year 2015/2016 and with initiative from the Department of  Biological Sciences, the decision was finalized by UJ administrationto establish a new Department of Clinical Analysis; seeded by faculty and staff from the parent Biological Sciences Department, to offer undergraduate program of clinical analysis, which is no longer offered by the Department of  Biological Sciences.

 

The field of  biological sciences is highly dynamic, with disciplines ranging from biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, biotechnology, plant and animal biology and physiology to ecological interactions of all the biosphere elements from microbes to plants, animals and humans.​


 Vision:

 

The Department of  Biological Sciences will excel in undergraduate and graduate teaching and research in all sub-areas of biology by improving existing capabilities and introducing modern biologicaltechniques to provide better understanding of  science and promote the professional development of the graduatesto meet the scientific challenges our students and society are facing. The Department is also committed to promoting services to the public consistent with the mission of the university. 

 

Mission:

The mission of  Department of  Biological Sciences is to provide opportunities for personal and professional development to students, staff and facultythrough excellence in teaching and scientific research. The department focuses on teaching and research in five major cognitive fields: biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, and ecology. Therefore, the curriculum in the Department helps understand the main principles in these areas and stimulates the analytical thinking of students, continuously challenging their interests to learn more. Hands-on experience is a major focus of the Department through the inclusion of practical laboratory components to many of the taught courses, in order to create a cadre of graduates able to handle the challenges of the labour market in their field. The ultimate goal of this mission is to promote the growth and development of skilled professionals, effective teachers, competent scientists and informed citizens.

Reasons behind developing this program:

 

The program has been established, and its curriculums are rigorously and continuously modified to fulfil the needs of the local and regional market. Moreover, the program has been founded to provide the students with the scientific knowledge in the different sub-areas of  biological sciences to satisfy their eager for knowledge in the field they like. Another reason for establishing this program is to fulfil the societal needs with graduate passionate for biological sciences, who will be capable of making a change in their future career perspectives.

Program aims:

 

1.      The formation of cadres with high competencies specialized in the field of life sciences, and able to contribute to the application and dissemination of knowledge in life sciences

2.      Create a generation that has the ability to engage in continuous professional development and achieve functional goals of development

3.      Filling the gap between supply and demand in the labour market of qualified national cadres in the fields of biological sciences.

4.      Providing scientific and modern technical consultations for the society.

5.      Continuing development of the curriculum of the program in order to reach a course that provides the studentswith the following:

    • Basic and essential knowledge and skills in biological sciences.
    • Opportunities to develop theirqualifications through hands-on laboratory experience in the department laboratories
    • Mastery of laboratory practices and management.
    • Comprehensive background in bioethics.

6.      Provide the students with the necessary support, and guidance to enable them to pass the academic and practical stages of the program.

7.      Formulate the curriculum of the program in an innovative manner, keeping pace with its counterparts in international programs in biological sciences.

8.      The use of different means in the educational process, including:

    • First: Computer-assisted learning.
    • Second: Learning through research projects.
    • Third: Presentation of special topics in the field by students and training on research survey.

9.      Graduation of technicians and specialists in life sciences who have high educational and research skills.

10.  Making graduates of the biological sciences program a base for continuing education through conferences, seminars and workshops

11.  Increase the level of health awareness among members of society about infectious diseases and chronic diseases.

12.  Raising the society's culture about the scientific advancements in the field of biological science.

13.  Create an educational environment that promotes learning and academic excellence, and promotes knowledge through joint research among the research and teaching community

14.  Improve the educational level, to enhance the creative thinking and teamwork among students, enabling graduates to perform their leadership roles in their community and beyond.

15.  Serve the community through extensive and in-depth research on current and futures issues and problems of life sciences in society.

16.  Improve the program by adhering to international standards in the practice and implementation of control and quality systems and obtaining international accreditation of the program.

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