Official government website of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia How to verify

Links to official Saudi educational websites end with edu.sa

All links to official educational websites of government agencies in Saudi Arabia end with .edu.sa.

protocol for encryption and security. HTTPS for encryption and security.

Secure websites in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia use the HTTPS protocol for encryption.

Registered with the Digital Government Authority with no: 20250413538

Colleges

Section list

Principles of Biotechnology

Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles and diverse applications of biotechnology, focusing on the use of biological systems, organisms, and molecules in developing products and technologies that serve society. The course covers core concepts in molecular biology, genetics, genetic engineering, and recombinant DNA technology, in addition to cell and tissue culture, microbial biotechnology, and bioprocessing. It also reviews the applications of biotechnology in veterinary medicine, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection. The course discusses the ethical, legal, and social aspects related to biotechnology, aiming to equip students with an integrated understanding of this field and its role in addressing contemporary global challenges.

Credits: 2

Objectives of the course :

By the end of this course, students are expected to be able to:

Identify the basic concepts and principles of biotechnology and its various fields of application.
2. Explain the role of living organisms, cells, and biomolecules in biotechnological processes and applications.
3. Explanation of the fundamental principles of genetics, molecular biology, and genetic engineering related to biotechnology.
4. Describe basic biotechnologies such as recombinant DNA technology, cell and tissue culture, and bioprocessing.
5. Identifying biotechnology applications in the fields of veterinary medicine, agriculture, industry, and the environment.
6. Explanation of the role of biotechnology in improving the quality of life and contributing to sustainable development.
7. Analysis of the ethical, legal, and social issues associated with the use of biotechnology.
Applying fundamental knowledge in biotechnology to understand biological problems and contemporary challenges.
Developing scientific thinking skills and problem-solving abilities related to biotechnology applications.
10. Enhancing communication and teamwork skills through scientific activities and projects.

Course outputs :

By the end of the course, the student will be able to:

I: Knowledge and understanding:

Explains the basic concepts and principles of biotechnology, its historical development, and its scientific significance.
2. Describes the role of living organisms, cells, and biomolecules in various biotechnological applications.
3. Explains the principles of genetics, molecular biology, and genetic engineering related to biotechnology.
Explains the applications of biotechnology in the fields of veterinary medicine, agriculture, industry, and the environment.
5. Discusses the ethical, legal, and social aspects related to the use of biotechnologies.

II: Skills:

6. Applies the fundamental concepts of biotechnology in interpreting biological problems and practical applications.
7. Uses basic biotechnology-related technologies and tools in laboratory or educational activities.
Analyzes scientific data and information related to biotechnology applications.
9. Evaluates the role of biotechnology in addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges.
10. Employs basic scientific research skills to obtain information from reliable scientific sources.

Third: Values, Independence, and Responsibility:

Adheres to laboratory ethics and biosafety principles.
12. Works effectively within a team to accomplish biotechnology-related activities and projects.
13. Takes responsibility for self-learning and knowledge development in vital modern fields.
Demonstrates scientific communication skills in presenting and discussing topics and applications of biotechnology.
Makes decisions based on scientific evidence when discussing biotechnology issues.

Additional information:

* Credit hours: 2 credit hours.
Course level: Bachelor's degree.
Language of Instruction: English.

Course Main Topics:

1. Introduction to Biotechnology.
2. History of Biotechnology and its Development.
3. Basic Concepts in Cell Biology and Genetics.
4. The structure and function of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
5. Recombinant DNA Technology.
6. Genetic Engineering and Gene Cloning.
7. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
8. Microbial Biotechnology.
9. Plant biotechnology.
10. Animal Biotechnology.
11. Medical Biotechnology.
12. Industrial Biotechnology and Bioproduction Processes.
13. Environmental biotechnology.
14. Biosecurity, Bioethics, and Regulatory Issues.
15. Modern and Emerging Trends in Biotechnology.

Teaching Strategies:

Interactive lectures.
Classroom discussions.
* Demonstrative laboratory offers and experiments.
Case studies.
Group projects.
Student presentations.
Problem-based learning.

Evaluation Methods

Quizzes.
Duties and Reports.
Laboratory Activities and Reports .
Midterm exam.
Group projects and presentations.
Class participation and activities.
Final test.

Suggested References:

Brown, T. A. Introduction to Biotechnology.
Glick, B. R., Pasternak, J. J., & Patten, C. L. (2010). *Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA*.
Primrose, S. B., & Twyman, R. M. Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics.
Clark, D. P., & Pazdernik, N. J. Biotechnology.
Thieman, W. J., & Palladino, M. A. Introduction to Biotechnology.

Teaching hours:

Lectures: 1 hour per week.
Lab: 1 hour per week.

Additional notes

This course provides students with a solid foundation for understanding the principles of biotechnology and its applications in various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental management. It also focuses on developing students' scientific literacy, understanding recent innovations in biotechnology, and recognizing the associated ethical and social dimensions. This course serves as a fundamental basis for transitioning to advanced courses in biotechnology and related life sciences.

Last updated: 2026-06-29