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

1. Outline of a Graduate Program and Research Unit in Biotechnologyat KFUPM Dr. Amjad Khalil Associate Professor of Biotechnology Department of Physics College of Science KFUPM

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 .

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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) .

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

21. 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

22. Thesis Track, Core Courses, 20 Credits

23. 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:

24. 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

25. Non-Thesis Track, Core Courses, 20 Credits Core courses of Non-Thesis track BIOT 598 Research project 4 Credits

26. Non-Thesis Track, Elective Course Electives courses, 18 credits from the followings

27. 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 .

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. Conclusion • Biotechnology is one of the frontline technologies today and considered to be the engine of global economyduring 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.

31. THANK YOU

32. 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.

33. 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.

34. 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 yearsas a take-off grant to fund the executive programs in agriculture, health, industry, environment and human resource development.

35. 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.

36. 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 .

37. 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.

38. 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- Twocenters 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.