Molecular Biology and Genetics Abdullah Gül University (AGU)

Overview

The Molecular Biology and Genetics course from Abdullah Gül University (AGU) main studies involve that how genes on the DNA are transcribed into RNA and RNA is subsequently translated into proteins. Proteins are as the functional units in a cell, they serve as an enzymes, structural proteins and transport proteins form building blocks to effector molecules in cellular organisms. 

For example, starting from recognition  of double stranded structure of DNA by J. Watson and F. Crick in 1953, recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibodies, transgenic applications in an individual animal, plant, or single-celled life form and genome editing allowed revolutionary developments in this field.

Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics search for an answer in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics using modern technologies and working interdisciplinary. Approach of our department to interdisciplinary studies enables connection between important fields such as basic biology, medicine, food industry and pharmaceutics.

What does a molecular biologist do?

• A molecular biologist is defined as a scientist who uses the molecular techniques in order to find answers to scientific questions with regard to life using different approaches varying from cell biology to animal models. After an intensive training for four years with a bachelor degree, molecular biologists can continue their education with Master’s degree or PhD. Since the nature of being a scientist, molecular biologists ask questions and work hard to hypothesize and try to prove/refute them. These studies help them to understand the functions of biological systems. In order to reveal molecular mechanisms in complex organisms like human beings, they use different model organisms such as bacteria, yeast, fruit fly, worm and mouse. At the present time, medically important problems can be solved by using this model systems as well as cell cultures. Considering the abovementioned points, molecular biologists have an important responsibility as well as highly regarded position in society.  

Career opportunities:

• The graduates of the programme will be employed in public and private sector. Among these institutions and institutions, pharmaceutical companies and institutions engaged in biotechnological research and production, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture, IVF (In vitro fertilisation) Centers, Hospitals and Diagnostic Laboratories, Hygiene Schools, Forensic Medicine, TUBITAK, Special research centers, Technoparks and sectors like these are included. 
• A significant number of students who have graduated from the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics continue their academic and post-doctoral studies and choose academic career and work as a faculty member in both national and international universities. 
• As the language of instruction is English, our graduates will be able to work abroad, in companies in the USA and European Union countries. They will be able to work in various sectors such as research-development (R&D) and project design depending on the institution and expertise of our graduates.