Program Overview

Molecular Biology and Genetics Program

The study of molecular biology and genetics provides a strong foundation for understanding all life forms, from bacteria to plants to complex vertebrate systems. Emerging technologies in personalized medicine, agriculture, and even solutions to environmental pollution have their basis in the molecular functions of cells.

Program Description

The Molecular Biology and Genetics Department provides training in required courses in genetics, cell biology, biochemistry, computational biology, and programming, and offers electives for specialization in areas such as cancer genetics, population genetics, and genetic engineering. To prepare students for the demands of a profession in these fields, students are educated in the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in their area of interest through training in concepts and theories as well as hands-on experience with research methods in the research lab.

Collaborations and International Opportunities

The Molecular Biology and Genetics Department encourages collaborations with other relevant programs in Turkey and at international universities worldwide. Many of our students take advantage of our international opportunities for study and internships. In the past years, our students have studied abroad through our institutional collaborations, Erasmus, World Exchange, and BAU International Programs in the United States, United Kingdom, South Korea, Canada, Portugal, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.

Career Prospects

Molecular Biology and Genetics have a bright future both globally and within Turkey. In Turkey, the demand for trained graduates to fill positions in these fields is increasing each year. Our graduates will have the chance to work in both public and private sectors, such as pharmaceutical, biomedical, biotechnology, agriculture, and food sectors, research-development units, environmental protection, and quality control departments. Graduates will be qualified to work at research institutes as researchers or in administrative roles, or in the medical sector as genetic specialists, such as hospitals, research labs, clinical genetics departments, pediatric genetics departments, and in vitro fertilization units. Another option for our graduates is the academic path, for which they may continue their graduate education at Turkish or foreign universities.

Research Areas

• Cancer genetics
• Population genetics
• Genetic engineering
• Computational biology
• Biochemistry
• Cell biology
• Genetics

Education and Training

The program provides training in concepts and theories, as well as hands-on experience with research methods in the research lab. Students are educated in the most up-to-date knowledge and skills in their area of interest. The program also offers electives for specialization in various areas.