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The BSc in Cell and Molecular Biology (CAMB) program contributes to Khalifa University鈥檚 desire to become a center of excellence in science, engineering, and medicine within the region and beyond.听 This is aligned with the UAE鈥檚 strategic plans, which aim to shift the reliance on the oil-based economy to a knowledge based one by focusing on science, engineering, and health sciences.
The program aims to offer comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of Cell and Molecular Biology to students interested in pursuing careers in life sciences or medicine. It will graduate students who are critical thinkers with the ability to use their scientific knowledge to solve problems in life sciences and to effectively communicate them various stakeholders.
Two to three years after completing the program, the graduates will:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
The course credit hours are designated as (lecture hours/week 鈥� lab hours/week 鈥� total credit hours). For example, (3-3-4) would mean 3 hours/week lectures, 3 hours/week lab, with a total course credit of 4 CH.
BIOL 111 General Biology I (3-0-3)
This course covers the biological principles that apply to life, with emphasis on the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Topics include cell structure, energy and metabolism, genetics and molecular biology, including mitosis, meiosis, regulation of gene expression and genomics. This course serves as a foundation for more advanced and complex concepts that students will learn in their advanced biology courses.
BIOL 112 General Biology II (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 111
This course covers broad topics including evolution and taxonomy of protists, fungi, plants, and animals. It provides fundamental information about evolutionary relationships between different species using taxonomy and phylogenetic trees, as well as an explanation of the major plant and animal anatomical structures and their physiological functions. Finally, the course presents an overview of the ecology and interactions between populations and ecosystems.
BIOL 211 General Genetics (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 111
This course introduces fundamental concepts of Mendelian and molecular genetics such as functions of genetic material, mechanisms of inheritance, and genetic mutations. Additionally, the course discusses epigenetic modifications and their relationship to chromatin states. Finally, the course discusses population genetics and the factors behind genetic variation within populations. In addition to theoretical knowledge, case studies from the medical literature are introduced so students can link theory and practice.
BIOL 301 Cell Biology (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 112 AND CHEM 311
This course focuses on the biology of the cell in terms of structure and function and the functional interaction of the cell with its microenvironment. Topics include the extracellular matrix, cell migration, intracellular compartmentalization, protein modifications and transport, and signal transduction pathways. The course also covers different cell death processes specifically apoptosis and autophagy. Stem cells technology and its ethical issues are also covered in this course.
BIOL 321 Applied Microbiology (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 111
The course covers the basic biology, structure, function, ecology and evolution of bacteria and viruses. The course covers principles related to microbial growth, metabolism, genetics and the scientific methods used in microbiology, and key discoveries such as pasteurization, vaccination and antibiotic treatment. The course introduces emerging microbiological issues, such as drug resistance and how the gut microbiome impacts human health.
BIOL 350 Molecular Biology (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 211 AND BIOL 301
This course explores advanced topics in molecular biology, focusing on cell signaling, genetic engineering and its diverse applications, RNA biology, synthetic biology and its applications, microbiome and its connection with human health, advanced treatment for cancer, mRNA vaccines, and emerging technologies in molecular biology.
BIOL 351 Methods in Cell and Molecular Biology (1-6-3)
Corequisite: BIOL 350
This course provides hands-on experience in modern molecular and cellular techniques. Students learn experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication through laboratory work focusing on cell signaling, genetic manipulation, and microscopy.
BIOL 399 Internship (0-0-1)
Prerequisite: GENS 400 and minimum of 70 credits earned by the end of the preceding semester, including at least 24 credits in core major courses.
The internship provides students with practical, on-the-job experience which allows them to integrate theory with real-world situations. It is academically supervised by a faculty member and professionally supervised by the company鈥檚 designated internship supervisor who provides feedback to the university about the student鈥檚 progress. The duration of the internship is a minimum of 8 consecutive weeks, and is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
BIOL 411 Immunology (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 301, BIOL 321
This course is an introduction to mammalian immunology, emphasizing the molecular and cellular basis of innate and acquired immunity, and covering topics like vaccine design, immune-based therapeutics, and organ transplantation.
BIOL 431 Bioinformatics (2-3-3)
Prerequisite: BMED 342 or BIOL 312
This course introduces students to bioinformatics tools and methods for analyzing genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and epigenomic data. Ethical issues related to data and privacy are also discussed.
BIOL 432 Anatomy and Physiology (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 301
Students explore the fundamental principles of anatomical and physiological structures of the human body, emphasizing the integration of all body systems to maintain homeostasis. Moreover, students analyze the structure and function of each system, paying particular attention to their interrelationships.
BIOL 435 Developmental Biology (2-3-3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 350, BIOL 351
The course provides an overview of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the development of organisms, focusing on genetic pathways, cell differentiation, morphogenesis, and the use of stem cells in medical treatments.
BIOL 497 Senior Research Project I (0-0-3)
Prerequisite: Senior Standing, or departmental approval
BIOL 498 Senior Research Project II (0-0-3)
Over the course of two semesters, students work closely in small teams with a faculty member to address a significant and complex question at the boundary of knowledge in Cell and Molecular Biology. The team combines and applies a broad range of theoretical and practical research techniques to the question and exercises advanced critical thinking and evaluation. The team is guided through the whole research process 鈥� from hypothesis generation to data acquisition, analysis, and conclusion 鈥� and is encouraged to produce professional-standard reports and presentations.
CHEM 116 General Chemistry II (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: CHEM 115
This is the second course in the General Chemistry series. Topics include intermolecular forces, colligative properties, kinetics, equilibria, thermodynamics, and introductory organic and inorganic chemistry. The importance of chemistry for both nuclear and environmental sciences is introduced.
CHEM 211 Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: CHEM 115
This course introduces students to the foundations of organic chemistry by focusing on the structures, properties and chemical reactivity of functional groups such as alkenes, aromatic compounds, alcohols, ethers, amines, and carbonyl compounds. It also covers isomerism, stereochemistry, and major organic reactions analyzed through reaction mechanisms.
CHEM 241 Introduction to Analytical Chemistry (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: CHEM 116
This course introduces the principles and practices of analytical chemistry, covering qualitative and quantitative measurements, statistical data analysis, titration, electroanalytical techniques, chromatography, and sample preparation methods.
CHEM 311 Biochemistry (3-3-4)
Prerequisite: CHEM 211 or CHEM 221
This course provides a working knowledge of biochemical concepts and techniques, emphasizing biomolecules and macromolecules such as proteins, enzymes, lipids, and carbohydrates, supported by laboratory activities.
HUMA 140 Introduction to Psychology (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
This course examines historical and current topics related to the mind and behavior, covering biology, development, memory, learning, social psychology, and psychological disorders.
HUMA 141 Introduction to Sociology (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 102
This course analyzes social and cultural forces influencing human behavior, including social interaction, organization, socialization, and population dynamics.
HUMA 156 Human Behavior and Well-Being (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: None
This course explores biological, psychological, and sociological factors influencing human behavior, with real-world cases on health and social issues, and the application of behavioral science concepts.
HUMA 277 Introduction to Logical Reasoning (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: ENGL 102
This course develops logical thinking and critical analysis skills, emphasizing valid reasoning and argument evaluation in both scientific and everyday contexts.
MATH 252 Introduction to Applied Statistics (3-0-3)
Prerequisite: MATH 112
This course introduces probability, descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, and regression, with applications to biosciences and engineering.
PHYS 122 University Physics II (3-2-1-4)
Prerequisite: PHYS 121, MATH 112
This course covers electromagnetism, electric circuits, electromagnetic waves, and optics, supported by laboratory experiments illustrating the discussed concepts.