Outline of a Graduate Program Outline of a Graduate Program and Research Unit in and Research Unit in

BiotechnologyBiotechnology at KFUPMat KFUPM

Dr. Amjad KhalilDr. Amjad Khalil

Associate Professor of Associate Professor of BiotechnologyBiotechnology

Department of PhysicsDepartment of Physics

College of ScienceCollege of Science

KFUPMKFUPM

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

Research UnitResearch Unit

Dr. Amjad Khalil , ChairmanDr. Amjad Khalil , Chairman Dr.Radwan Abdel-al Dr.Radwan Abdel-al Dr. Nabil MaalejDr. Nabil Maalej Dr. Assad Al-ThukairDr. Assad Al-Thukair Dr. Abdulhafez Selim Dr. Abdulhafez Selim

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

What is Biotechnology?What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology applies Biotechnology applies scientific and engineering scientific and engineering

principles to living organismsprinciples to living organisms in order to in order to produce products and services of value to produce products and services of value to society. society.

Biotechnology has been identified Biotechnology has been identified as one of the as one of the frontline technologies todayfrontline technologies today being developed being developed and used to understand and manipulate and used to understand and manipulate biological molecules for applications in medical, biological molecules for applications in medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental agricultural, industrial and environmental sectors of the national economy. sectors of the national economy.

Importance of Importance of BiotechnologyBiotechnology

Biotechnology is expected to be Biotechnology is expected to be the the engine of global economyengine of global economy during the 21st century.during the 21st century.

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

Importance of Importance of BiotechnologyBiotechnology

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

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

Program GoalsProgram Goals1.1. To provide postgraduate education to qualified To provide postgraduate education to qualified

students to prepare them for a career in Biotechnologystudents to prepare them for a career in Biotechnology2.2. To build up professional manpower as forensic and To build up professional manpower as forensic and

medical laboratory specialistsmedical laboratory specialists3.3. To build up professional manpower as environmental To build up professional manpower as environmental

biotechnologistsbiotechnologists4.4. To teach and train future biotechnology researchers To teach and train future biotechnology researchers

and professionals who will satisfy the present and and professionals who will satisfy the present and future need of the Kingdom in this vital field. future need of the Kingdom in this vital field.

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

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

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

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

Program learning Program learning OutcomesOutcomes

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

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

The ability to develop novel The ability to develop novel biotechnology ideas and products.biotechnology ideas and products.

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

Program learning Program learning outcomes/Cont.outcomes/Cont.

The ability to use up-to-date biotechnology tools. The ability to use up-to-date biotechnology tools. Understanding of professional and ethical Understanding of professional and ethical

responsibility.responsibility. Acquiring adequate knowledge in science and Acquiring adequate knowledge in science and

technology.technology. The ability to communicate effectively The ability to communicate effectively Acquiring working knowledge in computers and Acquiring working knowledge in computers and

their utilization in biotechnology and biology their utilization in biotechnology and biology (bioinformatics).(bioinformatics).

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

Need for Biotechnologists Need for Biotechnologists in the Kingdomin the Kingdom

Despite the urgent needs for Despite the urgent needs for biotechnologists as professional biotechnologists as professional manpower, manpower, none of the academic none of the academic institutionsinstitutions in the kingdom of Saudi in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers any program of Arabia offers any program of biotechnology. biotechnology.

One of the main objectives of the One of the main objectives of the suggested program is to suggested program is to supply the supply the market of the Kingdommarket of the Kingdom and the region and the region with well-trained, professional with well-trained, professional biotechnologists. biotechnologists.

Need for Biotechnologists Need for Biotechnologists in the Kingdomin the Kingdom

KFUPM could become KFUPM could become the first universitythe first university in the Kingdom and the gulf region to in the Kingdom and the gulf region to successfully graduate biotechnologists successfully graduate biotechnologists with strong background in different with strong background in different disciplines of biotechnology.disciplines of biotechnology.

In the near futureIn the near future ,universities, ,universities, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and research institutes will need well trained research institutes will need well trained biotechnology professionals.biotechnology professionals.

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

The new The new drug and gene therapydrug and gene therapy and and the new sophisticated diagnostic the new sophisticated diagnostic tools will require Biotechnology tools will require Biotechnology experts to work in hospitals and experts to work in hospitals and pharmaceutical companies. pharmaceutical companies.

Need for Need for Biotechnologists in the Biotechnologists in the

KingdomKingdom

Need for Need for Biotechnologists in the Biotechnologists in the

KingdomKingdom The reliance of the Kingdom on The reliance of the Kingdom on petrochemical petrochemical

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

The scarcity of The scarcity of water resourceswater resources in the in the Kingdom also requires the use of Kingdom also requires the use of Biotechnology in waste water management Biotechnology in waste water management and treatment. and treatment.

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

KACSTKACST

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

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

Al-FAISAL UNIVERSITYAl-FAISAL UNIVERSITY

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

Biotechnologists in the Biotechnologists in the RegionRegion

In the last few years, the gulf region lunched two In the last few years, the gulf region lunched two projects on Biotechnology. projects on Biotechnology. First, Jeddah BioCityFirst, Jeddah BioCity as an international pioneering company in the as an international pioneering company in the transference of biotechnology via the creation of transference of biotechnology via the creation of projects in research and development to produce projects in research and development to produce a high economic return. a high economic return.

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

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

Why at KFUPM?Why at KFUPM?

KFUPM has established a KFUPM has established a very strong and very strong and reputable sciences and engineeringreputable sciences and engineering programs, Thus it could play a very programs, Thus it could play a very important role in preparing students with important role in preparing students with strong science background in the field of strong science background in the field of Biotechnology. Biotechnology.

KFUPM will be the KFUPM will be the first universityfirst university in the in the

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

BIOTECHNOLOGY AS BIOTECHNOLOGY AS STRATEGIC CHOICESTRATEGIC CHOICE

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

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

The Biotechnology team believes that KFUPM can The Biotechnology team believes that KFUPM can become known as a become known as a major national key playermajor national key player in in the area of biotechnology. the area of biotechnology.

The The university support for this strategic initiativeuniversity support for this strategic initiative is is an opportunity to build excellence in an area an opportunity to build excellence in an area affecting all forms of life.affecting all forms of life.

Benefit to the Industry and Benefit to the Industry and The Economy of KSAThe Economy of KSA

KFUPM will help in KFUPM will help in linking research linking research establishments with economic and service establishments with economic and service sectorssectors by concentrated comprehensive by concentrated comprehensive marketing to facilitate the creation of new marketing to facilitate the creation of new highly skilled work force and jobs that will highly skilled work force and jobs that will benefit the Saudi industry and economy. benefit the Saudi industry and economy.

KFUPM biotechnology program will KFUPM biotechnology program will encourage the government to support the encourage the government to support the investment in Biotechnologyinvestment in Biotechnology applications applications which are expected to have futuristic which are expected to have futuristic concept that blends innovative research concept that blends innovative research and manufacturing in an economic and manufacturing in an economic container that would contribute to the container that would contribute to the welfare and prosperity of KSA society.welfare and prosperity of KSA society.

Career OpportunitiesCareer Opportunities Lab specialist in biotechnology, food, pharmaceuticalLab specialist in biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, medical , , medical ,

environmental and agrotechnology industries .environmental and agrotechnology industries . Research assistant as part of a larger research teamResearch assistant as part of a larger research team, conducting , conducting

experiments in the laboratory or in the field.experiments in the laboratory or in the field. Forensic and medical laboratory specialistForensic and medical laboratory specialist. Examine DNA and . Examine DNA and

other scientific evidence relating to criminal investigations and other scientific evidence relating to criminal investigations and analyze DNA from clinical samples from patients for diagnosis of analyze DNA from clinical samples from patients for diagnosis of genetics diseases. genetics diseases.

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

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

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

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONPROGRAM DESCRIPTION

THESIS TRACKTHESIS TRACK

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

1- Completion of core courses 20 credits1- Completion of core courses 20 credits

2- M.S research thesis 6 credits 2- M.S research thesis 6 credits

3- Completion of electives 6 credits 3- Completion of electives 6 credits

Total 32 creditsTotal 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 TRACKNON-THESIS TRACK

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

1- Completion of core courses 20 credits1- Completion of core courses 20 credits

2- Completion of elective courses 18 credits 2- Completion of elective courses 18 credits

3- Completion of Biotech project 4 credits3- Completion of Biotech project 4 credits

Total: 42 Total: 42 CreditsCredits

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 546BIOT 546 Biostatistics 3

BIOT 549 Special topics in biotechnology 3

Non-Thesis Track, Elective Course

Program requirementsProgram requirements[3 Years Plan][3 Years Plan]

A- Research lab and facilities A- Research lab and facilities

The following four laboratories are requiredThe following four laboratories are required

1- Molecular Biology Lab.1- Molecular Biology Lab. 2- Microbiology Lab.2- Microbiology Lab. 3- Biochemistry and Enzymology Lab.3- Biochemistry and Enzymology Lab. 4- Animal (human) Tissue culture Lab.4- Animal (human) Tissue culture Lab.

Service Lab :Service Lab :

contained equipments required by all labs, such as contained equipments required by all labs, such as autoclaves, -80 Freezer, Ice make, large shakers , autoclaves, -80 Freezer, Ice make, large shakers ,

dishwasher , dishwasher , water distillation system, which can be shared by all water distillation system, which can be shared by all

researchers .researchers .

B- Manpower requirements B- Manpower requirements

Five faculty members specialized in:Five faculty members specialized in:

1- Molecular Biology, PhD. 1- Molecular Biology, PhD.

2- Biochemistry, PhD. (IMMEDIATE NEED)2- Biochemistry, PhD. (IMMEDIATE NEED)

3- Biotechnology , PhD. (IMMEDIATE NEED)3- Biotechnology , PhD. (IMMEDIATE NEED)

4- Plant Biotechnology, PhD.4- Plant Biotechnology, PhD.

5- Pathology, PhD.5- Pathology, PhD.Four Lab Technicians. 2 are needed immediately.Four Lab Technicians. 2 are needed immediately.

C- Spaces and facilitiesC- Spaces and facilities

1- The biotechnology laboratories require 1- The biotechnology laboratories require

an area of approximately around 300 M2 an area of approximately around 300 M2

(4 labs plus service lab of approximately (4 labs plus service lab of approximately

60 M2 each).60 M2 each).

2- Offices for faculty and staff.2- Offices for faculty and staff.

3- Computer Room with a special Server 3- Computer Room with a special Server

or Workstation for the bioinformatics or Workstation for the bioinformatics course.course.

ConclusionConclusion

Biotechnology is one of the frontline Biotechnology is one of the frontline technologies today and considered to be technologies today and considered to be the engine of global economythe engine of global economy during the during the 21st century.21st century.

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

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

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Successful Examples from the rest of the Successful Examples from the rest of the worldworld

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

BrazilBrazil

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

Excellent achievement in Excellent achievement in citrus crop citrus crop diseases and cancer .diseases and cancer .

Development of vaccinesDevelopment of vaccines for diseases for diseases such as tuberculosis, and hepatitis Bsuch as tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. .

NigeriaNigeria

Nigeria is one of the African countries that has Nigeria is one of the African countries that has

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

The Federal Government provided the National The Federal Government provided the National Biotechnology Development Agency with Biotechnology Development Agency with US US $263 million per annum for three years$263 million per annum for three years as a as a take-off granttake-off grant to fund the executive programs to fund the executive programs in agriculture, health, industry, environment in agriculture, health, industry, environment and human resource development. and human resource development.

CubaCuba

- - Cuba is a developing country that has made Cuba is a developing country that has made

significant strides significant strides in biotechnology.in biotechnology. - - 35 national research institutes35 national research institutes dedicated to health- dedicated to health-

related related biotechnology biotechnology - - 25 agricultural centers25 agricultural centers apply biotechnology apply biotechnology

approaches.approaches. - Produces the - Produces the world’s only successful anti-world’s only successful anti-

meningococcal meningococcal vaccine, which is patented worldwidevaccine, which is patented worldwide. . - Cuba has invested more than - Cuba has invested more than US $1000 millionUS $1000 million in in

its its biotechnology research centers alone. biotechnology research centers alone.

USAUSA

USA has the largest and most USA has the largest and most

profitable biotechnology industry, profitable biotechnology industry, consisting of more than consisting of more than 1,300 1,300 companiescompanies, with combined , with combined revenues revenues of over $22 billionof over $22 billion and employing and employing 162,000 people162,000 people..

Some of the biotechnology companies Some of the biotechnology companies are of the are of the top 15 Nasdaq-listedtop 15 Nasdaq-listed companiescompanies . .

AustraliaAustralia

The number of biotechnology companies The number of biotechnology companies 160 companies.160 companies.

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

The Australian Government spends The Australian Government spends roughly roughly one billion rand a year on one billion rand a year on biotechnologybiotechnology research. Most of this research. Most of this money is spent through the universities.money is spent through the universities.

JordanJordan

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

1- 1- Four universities offer undergraduateFour universities offer undergraduate Biotechnology Biotechnology programs, and programs, and one graduate programone graduate program..

2- 2- TwoTwo centers of Biotechnologycenters of Biotechnology:: A- Biotechnology center at Jordan University affiliated A- Biotechnology center at Jordan University affiliated

with Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research.with Hamdi Mango Center for Scientific Research. B- The Virtual Biotechnology Center directed by The B- The Virtual Biotechnology Center directed by The

Higher Council for Science and Technology .Higher Council for Science and Technology . 3- 3- Two Pharmaceutical CompaniesTwo Pharmaceutical Companies work in the area of work in the area of

Biotechnology for developing Recombinant Drugs.Biotechnology for developing Recombinant Drugs. 4- Jordan developed a 4- Jordan developed a National Biosafety Framework as National Biosafety Framework as

main components of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety. main components of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.