Molecular Biology and Genetics Program
Molecular Biology and Genetics, one of the fastest-growing branches of biological sciences in recent years, examines the structures, functions of all living or extinct organisms at the molecular level, and their relationships with each other and the environment. In response to global developments in molecular biology and genetics in the late 20th century and the need to train qualified personnel in our country, the Molecular Biology and Genetics Program was established in 1996, recognized by OSYM in the same year, and gained undergraduate program status.
Sharing the same academic staff and physical infrastructure under the Department of Biological Sciences alongside the Biology program, the program provides unique education tailored to the needs of this field in terms of curriculum and laboratory practices. Focused primarily on Genetics, Molecular Biology, and Molecular Genetics, the METU Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Program offers a dynamic educational program specifically arranged for its students, encompassing Plant Biology, Biostatistics, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Ecology, Evolution, Physiology, Structural Biology, and Microbiology. Students are provided with the opportunity to diversify and enrich their educational programs through departmental and non-departmental elective courses.
In the METU Molecular Biology and Genetics Undergraduate Program, current research is carried out in educational support research laboratories including Plant Sciences, Biochemistry, Biomaterials, Ecological Genetics, Cancer Biology, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology, Microbiology, Biophysics, Molecular Genetics, Neurophysiology, Molecular Endocrinology, Structural Biology, and Systematics.
Students are also given the opportunity to participate in research and development activities within the Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Center located in the department building and the Biotechnology research unit affiliated with our department.
Students are equipped with learning and research skills to meet the future needs of the country and to follow the latest developments in molecular biology and genetics. Graduates of the METU Molecular Biology and Genetics program have the opportunity to continue their education in both domestic and international master's and doctoral programs required to become academics.
In addition, graduates can work in state positions within government sectors such as ministries, research institutes, and State Economic Enterprises. In the private sector, they take on roles in research and development and quality control units within the pharmaceutical and food industries. In the medical sector, they are sought-after professionals in hospitals, private analysis laboratories, and IVF (in vitro fertilization) units.
Furthermore, they can work as founders or researchers in research and development companies located in Technoparks. Working as sales representatives and technical consultants in private companies engaged in the import and export of medical and biological products, METU Molecular Biology and Genetics graduates will also be able to benefit from broader opportunities with the future development of emerging sectors like stem cell research.