Molecular Biology and Genetics

1. Graduates will apply fundamental and advanced knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and related disciplines to address biological and biomedical problems in academic, clinical, or industrial settings.

2. Graduates will demonstrate technical competence in modern laboratory and computational methods, enabling them to contribute effectively to research, diagnostics, and innovation in the life sciences.

3. Graduates will uphold ethical standards and scientific integrity, showing responsibility, perseverance, and professionalism in their scientific and community engagements.

4. Graduates will communicate scientific concepts clearly and effectively in both written and oral forms to diverse audiences, contributing to scientific dissemination, collaboration, and public understanding.

5. Graduates will actively engage in multidisciplinary and multicultural environments, collaborating with peers, NGOs, and professional organizations to enhance societal well-being and sustainable scientific advancement.

The Molecular Biology and Genetics (MBGE) Undergraduate Program was established in 2016 within the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities, under the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. The program offers a 4-year, Bachelor of Science degree in English. 

Our program is designed to teach students how to examine the fundamental properties, structures and functions of molecules that make up life, and the interactions of these molecules with each other; biologically, chemically and physically. Our program has a special focus on understanding how these molecules and their cellular mechanisms give rise to the genetic underpinnings of human diseases, in light of global scientific and technological developments and issues.

With faculty of multidisciplinary expertise, we aim to train a new generation of theoretically and technically skilled, ethically driven independent and perseverant scientists. Scientist who will be educated to have a strong background in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, bioinformatics, cell biology, microbiology and immunology. With these credentials, they are eligible to work towards the betterment of both local and global communities in the fields of medicine, life and pharmaceutical sciences, health and public policy, agriculture, food production and environmental sciences.

The academic staff in our program is part of several committees in charge of its’ continuous development. These committees include educational measurement, sustainability and evaluation committee, quality assurance and assessment committee, curriculum committee, the social activities and alumni committee, and the accreditation committee. These committees are asked to observe the daily operations and overall functioning of the program and report their findings to the program coordinator and the department chair to help ensure that all activities are carried out smoothly and efficiently. They monitor the implementation of various tasks, address any issues that arise, and make advisory decisions to keep the program properly aligned with its goals. By providing guidance and oversight, the committees play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and effectiveness of the program. 

The planning of social and alumni events is done together with the MBGE Student Club members where students can get involved in the organization of such events. Our recently established MBGE Student Club, is open to all members of the CIU community and partakes in the organization of educational seminars, charity events, awareness/outreach activities and runs CIU’s first student science magazine, the Helix. In addition to the program’s own student club, a wide range of social clubs/ societies are present at CIU, in which all MBGE students can engage in. These clubs provide our students with various extracurricular opportunities to develop themselves in science, art, humanities, culture, sports, policy and business; while creating a safe, open-minded, multicultural space to interact and foster experiences with their peers from other programs.

Furthermore, the MBGE program encompass a diverse array of stakeholders, including numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Turkish Biologist Association (Bio-Der), Turkish Science and Technology Society (BİLTED), Universal Patient Rights Association (EHHD) and Rare Disease Network (NGHA). These NGOs provide students with invaluable opportunities to enhance their educational experience. By collaborating with NGOs, students can access a wealth of resources, engage in community outreach programs, participate in cutting-edge research projects, and gain practical experience in their field. This symbiotic relationship not only enriches students' academic and professional development but also contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge and towards societal well-being.

In order to graduate from the MBGE program, it is necessary to succeed in all of the courses listed in the curriculum of the program by receiving D/ S from each course and by completing 240 ECTS (131 in credits). Students must have a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 2.00 out of 4.00 to graduate.

Based on MBGE_BSC_EN_2024 curriculum

TR Applicants

TR Students who are successful in the exams conducted by the Higher Education Council Student Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM) and are entitled to enroll in our university in line with their preferences can complete the registration process with the necessary documents for registration from our Registration and Liaison Offices throughout Turkey or from the Registrar’s Office on campus.

TRNC Applicants
TRNC citizens and TR citizen candidate students who have completed their entire high school education in TRNC. They are placed in undergraduate programs in line with their success in the CIU Student Placement and Scholarship Ranking Exam and the programs they prefer.

Students who are successful in the exam can register from the TRNC Marketing Office.

International Applicants
International Applicants can directly apply online to our undergraduate programs using the application portal.

The MBGE curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of the basic sciences with an emphasis on genetic principles, including hypothesis-driven experimental design, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for research and development in both academic and industrial settings. Our students are therefore equipped with the technical skills and professional acumen necessary for careers in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, clinical research, agriculture, healthcare and policy and civil service. 

Graduates of the study program in Molecular Biology and Genetics have a wide range of career opportunities in various fields. Some possible career paths include:
1.Research Scientist: Graduates can work in research laboratories conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to scientific discoveries in areas such as genetics, genomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology.
2.Biotech Industry: Graduates can work in biotechnology companies involved in developing pharmaceuticals, genetic engineering, diagnostics, and other biotech products.
3.Academia: Graduates can pursue careers in academia as professors, researchers, or academic advisors in universities and research institutions.
4.Genetic Counseling: Graduates can work as genetic counselors, helping individuals and families understand genetic conditions, assess risks, and make informed decisions about their health.
5.Forensic Science: Graduates can work in forensic labs analyzing DNA evidence, identifying genetic markers, and assisting in criminal investigations.
6.Pharmaceutical Industry: Graduates can work in pharmaceutical companies on drug development, clinical trials, and regulatory affairs related to genetic and molecular research.
7.Entrepreneurial opportunities: Graduates can venture in to the business world and establish their own national or international company in the area of MBGE or be a partner in such company.

The measurement and evaluation methods applied for each course are defined in the “Syllabus” prepared by the relevant faculty member/s and included in the Information package. Regarding exams and course grades, relevant articles of Cyprus International University Associate Degree, Undergraduate Education and Examination Regulations are applied. 

Exams take place in accordance with the University’s ‘Regulations on the Principles of Examination and Evaluation of the Associate and Undergraduate Degree Programs’. Exams in MBGE program are basically carried out as 1 mid-term and 1 final exam in each course. However, instructors may give additional quizzes, assignments or other forms of assessments including oral presentations.

Skill oriented evaluations are paid particular attention during laboratory courses. Laboratory courses have their own evaluation system where some instructors choose to have a laboratory quiz, others choose to assign a series of lab reports or lab practical evaluations. The results from these evaluation methods reflect towards the cumulative grade of the course with lab section.
CIU’s grading system is used by all instructors of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. In special situations, curve system is applied automatically by the CIU-SIS algorithm. If students have any issue regarding the evaluation of the exam, they can make an appeal to the faculty administration for re-evaluation by an indep endent committee.

Our program follows the regulations set by the Higher Education Planning, Evaluation, Accreditation and Coordination Council of Northern Cyprus (YÖDAK) and the learning outcomes of each course are designed and monitored using the Structure of the Observed Learning Outcomes (SOLO) Taxonomy. The scope of learning based on the outlined learning outcomes and their associated workload is indicated by the ECTS credits. ECTS credits represent the workload and describe the learning outcomes of a given course. Our MBGE program curriculum is designed to have a total of 244 ECTS credits. This is based on ECTS rules set by the university. 

https://ciu.edu.tr/en/study/ects

https://ciu.edu.tr/en/study/ects https://ciu.edu.tr/sites/default/files/2022-06/ciu-solo-table-verbs-taxonomy.pdf

 National Qualifications Framework For Higher Education In Turkey (NQF-HETR) are included in the PDF document.

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and Program Learning Outcomes are included in the PDF document.

Program-Specific Higher Education Qualifications Framework & Program Outcomes are included in the PDF document.

Asst. Prof. Vural Yılmaz

Asst. Prof. Deran Erdengiz

Asst. Prof. Çiçek Topçu

Asst. Prof. Simge Karagil