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Undergraduate and Graduate Programs 2024-2025


MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND GENETICS

Tayfun Özçelik, M.D., Chair

Academic Staff
Courses

The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics provides undergraduate and graduate courses in basic and applied areas of molecular biology and genetics. The undergraduate program offers B.S. degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics and the graduate program leads to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Molecular Biology and Genetics. The department is equipped with modern facilities for gene expression analysis, cell biology, protein chemistry, recombinant DNA technology and animal experiments. The education is research oriented. The undergraduate program concentrates initially on basic knowledge in life sciences and related fields, followed by a specialized training in molecular biology and genetics. Research laboratories of the department are used for graduate student training and for the senior projects for undergraduate students. The main research activities of the department are on molecular genetics, molecular biology, molecular cell biology, basic and applied immunology, structure-function relationship of proteins and new biotechnologies.

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM

The undergraduate program aims to equip students with basic knowledge in life sciences with special emphasis on molecular biology and genetics. The education program in the first two years concentrates on basic knowledge in biology and genetics in addition to physics, chemistry and mathematics. The last two years are dedicated to a specialized training in molecular biology, molecular cell biology and molecular genetics, bioinformatics. Theoretical courses are completed with laboratory courses with hands-on experiments.

CURRICULUM

FIRST YEAR

Autumn Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
CHEM 101  Principles of Chemistry I  3  4  4  6.5
ENG 101  English and Composition I  5    3  5
GE 100  Orientation      1  2
MATH 101  Calculus I  4    4  6.5
MBG 101  Biology I  3  4  4  6.5
TURK 101  Turkish I      2  3.5

Spring Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
CHEM 102  Principles of Chemistry II  3  4  4  6.5
ENG 102  English and Composition II  5    3  5
MATH 102  Calculus II  4    4  6.5
MBG 102  Biology II  3  4  4  6.5
TURK 102  Turkish II      2  3.5

SECOND YEAR

Autumn Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
CS 115  Introduction to Programming in Python  3  4  4  6.5
GE 250  Collegiate Activities Program I      -  1
HIST 200  History of Turkey  3    4  6.5
MBG 210  Genetics  3  4  4  6.5
PHYS 101  General Physics I  3  3  4  6.5
  Technical Elective      3  -

Spring Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
GE 251  Collegiate Activities Program II      1  2
MATH 262  Statistical Methodology  3    3  5
MBG 223  Molecular Genetics  3  4  4  6.5
PHYS 102  General Physics II  3  3  4  6.5
  Arts Core Elective      3  -
  Restricted Elective      3  -

THIRD YEAR

Autumn Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
COMD 358  Professional Communication  3    3  5
HUM 111  Cultures Civilizations and Ideas I  3    3  5
MBG 291  Summer Practice I      -  7
MBG 301  Molecular Biology of the Cell I  3    3  5
MBG 311  Biochemistry I  3  4  4  6.5
MBG 324  Molecular Biology of the Gene  3  4  4  6.5

Spring Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
HUM 112  Cultures Civilizations and Ideas II  3    3  5
MBG 302  Molecular Biology of the Cell II  3  4  4  6.5
MBG 312  Biochemistry II  3    3  5
MBG 316  Physiology  3    3  5
MBG 338  Microbiology  3  4  4  6.5

FOURTH YEAR

Autumn Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
MBG 391  Summer Practice II      -  7
MBG 416  Science and Ethics  3    3  5
MBG 491  Senior Project I    6  3  5
  Restricted Elective      3  -
  Technical Electives (2)      6  -

Spring Semester

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
  Non Technical Elective      3  -
  Restricted Electives (2)      6  -
  Social Science Core Elective      3  -
  Technical Elective      3  -

RESTRICTED ELECTIVES

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
MBG 230  Experimental Approaches in Molecular and Cellular Biology  3    3  5
MBG 326  Introduction to Bioinformatics  3    3  5
MBG 418  Genomics  3  4  4  6.5
MBG 466  Introduction to Cellular and Molecular Biology of the Brain  3    3  5
MBG 470  Immunology  3    3  5
MBG 472  Introduction to Stem Cells  3    3  5
MBG 473  Biomolecules, Biomaterials and Bioprocesses  3    3  5
MBG 474  Introduction to Computational Biology  3    3  5
MBG 481  Protein Chemistry  3    3  5
MBG 483  Developmental Biology  3    3  5
MBG 485  DNA Damage and Repair Mechanisms  3    3  5
MBG 487  Special Techniques in Molecular Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 488  Introduction to Human Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 489  Genetics and Biology of Cancer  3    3  5
MBG 492  Senior Project II    6  3  5

MINOR PROGRAM

MBG minor program aims to provide introductory knowledge in life sciences with the selected emphasis on Molecular Biology and Genetics. The curriculum in the minor program provides a foundation in basic areas with the following aspects; the structure and expression of genes, biochemistry of proteins, cell signaling, development, the basis of inherited diseases, molecular biology of cancer, genomics and bioinformatics. Students are required to take four fundamental courses. "Biology I and II" provide essential knowledge about molecules of the life, central dogma, DNA, RNA, proteins, organization of the cell, and embryogenesis and genetic diseases. These courses also provide an introduction to cell division and differentiation, molecular biology methods, recombinant DNA technology, and biotechnology, which help prepare the students for advanced courses. The "Principles of Genetics" course covers Mendelian genetics, theory of inheritance, genetic mapping, and population genetics topics in general. Finally, "Molecular Biology of the Cell" investigates how the molecular mechanisms, which are studied in the other courses, serve the cells. These courses will supply the knowledge for the minor candidates who will choose two advanced courses offered from our department related to their specific interests. Additional advanced courses can be selected according to the students' specific needs toward their future career. The department appoints an advisor for students in the program. All elective courses are subject to advisor approval.

Prerequisite Courses: None

CURRICULUM

Courses

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
MBG 101  Biology I  3  4  4  6.5
MBG 102  Biology II  3  4  4  6.5
MBG 209  Principles of Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 301  Molecular Biology of the Cell I  3    3  5
  Electives (2)      6  -

ELECTIVE COURSES

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
MBG 316  Physiology  3    3  5
MBG 326  Introduction to Bioinformatics  3    3  5
MBG 416  Science and Ethics  3    3  5
MBG 418  Genomics  3  4  4  6.5
MBG 473  Biomolecules, Biomaterials and Bioprocesses  3    3  5
MBG 474  Introduction to Computational Biology  3    3  5
MBG 487  Special Techniques in Molecular Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 488  Introduction to Human Genetics  3    3  5

GRADUATE PROGRAM

The graduate programs are organized to provide an excellent training in basic and applied research areas of molecular biology and genetics. The main research activities of the department are on molecular genetics (genetic predisposition to cancer, tumor suppressor genes, gene-disease associations), molecular biology (regulation of transcription, differential expression, epigenetics), molecular cell biology (cell cycle, apoptosis, signal transduction). Immunology, bioinformatics, metabolic diseases.

Master of Science in Molecular Biology and Genetics

Admission: All applicants are required to have a B.S. degree in molecular biology and genetics, biology, or in a related field of science or engineering. Students with a B.S. degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or a related field may also apply; however, such students may be requested to take several undergraduate courses in molecular biology and genetics to acquire necessary background in the field. Evaluation of applicants is based on their ALES (Akademik Personel ve Lisansüstü Eğitimi Giriş Sınavı - Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Examination) scores, past academic records, reference letters and an interview. Applicants who are not Turkish citizens and Turkish citizen applicants who are residents of another country may take GRE instead of ALES. All non-native speakers of English are required to submit a proof of satisfactory knowledge of English.

Degree Requirements: In addition to at least 21 credit units of course work, the M.S. degree candidate must prepare and successfully defend a thesis. Expected duration to complete the M.S. program is four semesters; the maximum duration is six semesters.

CURRICULUM

Courses

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
GE 500  Research Methods and Academic Publication Ethics      -  1
GE 590  Academic Practices      -  12
MBG 502  Advanced Cellular Biology  3    3  5
MBG 503  Advanced Molecular Biology  3    3  5
MBG 505  Advanced Molecular Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 599  Master's Thesis      -  71
  Seminars in Molecular Biology and Genetics      -  -
  Unrestricted graduate electives (4)      12  -

The descriptions provided here for different elective course groups are only for guidance. The complete list of courses in each elective group are given in the electronic registration system.

Unrestricted Graduate Elective Courses: Selected 5XX or higher level courses with at least 3 credits offered by different departments.

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Genetics

Admission: All applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree in molecular biology and genetics or in biology. Other related professional degree holders such as M.D. or veterinary M.D. may also apply. Evaluation of applicants is based on their ALES (Akademik Personel ve Lisansüstü Eğitimi Giriş Sınavı - Academic Personnel and Postgraduate Education Entrance Examination) scores, past academic records, reference letters and an interview. Applicants who are not Turkish citizens and Turkish citizen applicants who are residents of another country may take GRE instead of ALES. All non-native speakers of English are required to submit a proof of satisfactory knowledge of English.

Degree Requirements: 21 credit units of course work beyond the M.S. level or 42 credits of course work beyond the B.S. level is required. Ph.D. candidates must pass a qualifying exam and then must prepare a thesis work proposal. Preparing and defending a dissertation based on original research is the essence of the program. A paper based on the candidate's thesis must be accepted or published in a reputable journal before the dissertation can be defended. The expected duration to complete the Ph.D. program is eight semesters for students who enter the program after an M.S. degree, and ten semesters for those who enter after a B.S. degree. The maximum durations are twelve and fourteen semesters, respectively.

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Genetics

CURRICULUM

Courses

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
GE 500  Research Methods and Academic Publication Ethics      -  1
GE 690  Academic Practices      -  24
MBG 601  Human Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 602  Molecular and Cellular Immunology  3    3  5
MBG 603  Molecular Bases of Cancer  3    3  5
MBG 699  Ph.D. Dissertation      -  203
  Seminars in Molecular Biology and Genetics      -  -
  Unrestricted graduate electives (4)      12  -

Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular Biology and Genetics (After a Bachelor's Degree)

CURRICULUM

Courses

Code Course Name Hours Credit ECTS
Credit
Lec. Other
GE 500  Research Methods and Academic Publication Ethics      -  1
GE 690  Academic Practices      -  24
MBG 502  Advanced Cellular Biology  3    3  5
MBG 503  Advanced Molecular Biology  3    3  5
MBG 505  Advanced Molecular Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 601  Human Genetics  3    3  5
MBG 602  Molecular and Cellular Immunology  3    3  5
MBG 603  Molecular Bases of Cancer  3    3  5
MBG 699  Ph.D. Dissertation      -  203
  Seminars in Molecular Biology and Genetics (2)      -  -
  Unrestricted graduate electives (8)      24  -

The descriptions provided here for different elective course groups are only for guidance. The complete list of courses in each elective group are given in the electronic registration system.

Unrestricted Graduate Elective Courses: Selected 5XX or higher level courses with at least 3 credits offered by different departments.

MBG Graduate Elective Courses: All 5XX or higher level MBG coded courses with at least 3 credits.

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