Outline of an Undergraduate Program in Outline of an Undergraduate Program in Biotechnology at KFUPMBiotechnology at KFUPM

Dr. Amjad KhalilDr. Amjad Khalil

Associate Professor of BiotechnologyAssociate Professor of Biotechnology

Biotechnology Research GroupBiotechnology Research Group

College of ScienceCollege of Science

KFUPMKFUPM

PART APART A

BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A STRATEGIC BIOTECHNOLOGY AS A STRATEGIC GOALGOAL

INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

What is Biotechnology?What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology applies Biotechnology applies scientific and engineering scientific and engineering

principles to living organismsprinciples to living organisms in order to produce in order to produce products and services of value to society. products and services of value to society.

Biotechnology has been identified Biotechnology has been identified as one of the as one of the frontline technologies todayfrontline technologies today being developed and used being developed and used to understand and manipulate biological molecules for to understand and manipulate biological molecules for applications in medical, agricultural, industrial and applications in medical, agricultural, industrial and environmental sectors of the national economy. environmental sectors of the national economy.

INTRODUCTION/CONTINTRODUCTION/CONT

Biotechnology is not new. Biotechnology is not new. Examples of the ‘old’ technologies Examples of the ‘old’ technologies

include include fermentationfermentation (such as in the (such as in the production of beer from malt) and production of beer from malt) and plant plant propagationpropagation and breeding. and breeding.

INTRODUCTION/CONTINTRODUCTION/CONT

However, there is a However, there is a new biotechnologynew biotechnology which has emerged in the last 25 years which has emerged in the last 25 years and which has been built on new and which has been built on new knowledge of DNA structure and knowledge of DNA structure and manipulations.manipulations.

In particular, it has allowed geneticists to In particular, it has allowed geneticists to move genetic materialmove genetic material from one life form from one life form to another in a way that was not to another in a way that was not previously possible.previously possible.

Importance of BiotechnologyImportance of Biotechnology

Biotechnology is expected to be the Biotechnology is expected to be the engine of global economyengine of global economy during the during the 21st century.21st century.

The growing biotechnology industry and The growing biotechnology industry and its sectors considered the new directions its sectors considered the new directions for for long-term economic growth. long-term economic growth.

Importance of BiotechnologyImportance of Biotechnology

- - Rabid advances in Rabid advances in genome sciencegenome science are are opening up a multitude of new business opening up a multitude of new business opportunities in the life science-related opportunities in the life science-related industries. industries.

- To accompany this growth, - To accompany this growth, manpower manpower appropriately trained and educated in appropriately trained and educated in biotechnology is certainly needed.biotechnology is certainly needed.

Need for Biotechnologists in the Need for Biotechnologists in the KingdomKingdom

Despite the urgent needs for biotechnologists Despite the urgent needs for biotechnologists as professional manpower, as professional manpower, none of the none of the academic institutesacademic institutes in the kingdom of Saudi in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia offers any program of biotechnology. Arabia offers any program of biotechnology.

One of the main objectives of the suggested One of the main objectives of the suggested program is to program is to supply the market of the supply the market of the KingdomKingdom and the region with well-trained, and the region with well-trained, professional biotechnologists. professional biotechnologists.

Need for Biotechnologists in the Need for Biotechnologists in the KingdomKingdom

KFUPM could become KFUPM could become the first universitythe first university in the in the Kingdom and the gulf region to successfully Kingdom and the gulf region to successfully graduate biotechnologists with strong graduate biotechnologists with strong background in different disciplines of background in different disciplines of biotechnology.biotechnology.

In the near futureIn the near future ,hospitals, pharmaceutical ,hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and research institutes will need a industry, and research institutes will need a well trained biotechnology professionals.well trained biotechnology professionals.

Need for Biotechnologists in the Need for Biotechnologists in the KingdomKingdom

In the last few years, the gulf region lunched two projects on In the last few years, the gulf region lunched two projects on Biotechnology. Biotechnology. First, Jeddah BioCityFirst, Jeddah BioCity as an international as an international pioneering company in the transference of biotechnology via the pioneering company in the transference of biotechnology via the creation of projects in research and development to produce a creation of projects in research and development to produce a high economic return. high economic return.

Second, Second, Dubai Biotechnology Park (DuBiotech)Dubai Biotechnology Park (DuBiotech) is designed to be is designed to be the center of excellence in biotechnology that will link the center of excellence in biotechnology that will link government, academia and industry through national and government, academia and industry through national and international collaboration to develop new technologies and international collaboration to develop new technologies and products to address regional health and environmental issues. products to address regional health and environmental issues.

The presence of these biotechnology centers in the gulf region The presence of these biotechnology centers in the gulf region will increase the demand for well trained and professional will increase the demand for well trained and professional biotechnologists in the near future.biotechnologists in the near future.

Why at KFUPM?Why at KFUPM?

KFUPM has established a KFUPM has established a very strong and very strong and reputable sciences and engineeringreputable sciences and engineering programs, programs, Thus it could play a very important role in Thus it could play a very important role in preparing students with strong science preparing students with strong science background in the field of Biotechnology. background in the field of Biotechnology.

KFUPM will be the KFUPM will be the first universityfirst university in the area in the area

that has taken the lead in proposing to design that has taken the lead in proposing to design such a program, which could serve the such a program, which could serve the community and the students by transferring community and the students by transferring the new technology to Saudi universities and the new technology to Saudi universities and companies.companies.

BIOTECHNOLOGY AS BIOTECHNOLOGY AS STRATEGIC CHOICESTRATEGIC CHOICE

Taking a strategic decision by KFUPM to go for Biotechnology Taking a strategic decision by KFUPM to go for Biotechnology program will be an program will be an excellent point in its history.excellent point in its history.

The opportunity exists for KFUPM to position itself as an The opportunity exists for KFUPM to position itself as an important contributor to the advancement and evolution of important contributor to the advancement and evolution of biotechnology in this century. biotechnology in this century.

The Biotechnology team believes that KFUPM can become known The Biotechnology team believes that KFUPM can become known as a as a major national key playermajor national key player in the area of biotechnology. in the area of biotechnology.

The The university support for this strategic initiativeuniversity support for this strategic initiative is an is an opportunity to build excellence in an area affecting all forms of opportunity to build excellence in an area affecting all forms of life.life.

To achieve success in the area of To achieve success in the area of biotechnology KFUPM should do the biotechnology KFUPM should do the followings:followings:

Formation of Biotechnology steering Formation of Biotechnology steering committee .committee .

Build human resources in the area of Build human resources in the area of biotechnology. biotechnology.

Develop scientific and technological Develop scientific and technological capabilities. capabilities.

Linkages between academic institutions and Linkages between academic institutions and industry.industry.

Successful Examples from the rest of the Successful Examples from the rest of the worldworld

There are a variety of lessons that KFUPM can There are a variety of lessons that KFUPM can learn from the organization and management learn from the organization and management of biotechnology in other countries, of biotechnology in other countries, particularly developing countries such as particularly developing countries such as Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand and China, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand and China, which have made significant strides in the which have made significant strides in the development and commercialization of development and commercialization of biotechnology over the past two decades. biotechnology over the past two decades.

BrazilBrazil

Brazil is emerging as one of the Brazil is emerging as one of the developing country leaders in developing country leaders in biotechnology . biotechnology .

Excellent achievement in Excellent achievement in citrus crop citrus crop diseases and cancer .diseases and cancer .

Development of vaccinesDevelopment of vaccines for diseases for diseases such as tuberculosis, and hepatitis Bsuch as tuberculosis, and hepatitis B. .

NigeriaNigeria

Nigeria is one of the African countries that has Nigeria is one of the African countries that has

embarked on a determined program to exploit embarked on a determined program to exploit biotechnology for the benefit of its peoples and biotechnology for the benefit of its peoples and to to ensure that Nigeria becomes a key participant in the ensure that Nigeria becomes a key participant in the international biotechnology arena within the next international biotechnology arena within the next decade. decade.

The Federal Government provided the National The Federal Government provided the National Biotechnology Development Agency with Biotechnology Development Agency with US $263 US $263 million per annum for three yearsmillion per annum for three years as a take-off grantas a take-off grant to to fund the executive programs in agriculture, health, fund the executive programs in agriculture, health, industry, environment and human resource industry, environment and human resource development. development.

CubaCuba

- - Cuba is a developing country that has made significant strides Cuba is a developing country that has made significant strides in biotechnology.in biotechnology. - - 35 national research institutes35 national research institutes dedicated to health-related dedicated to health-related biotechnology biotechnology - - 25 agricultural centers25 agricultural centers apply biotechnology approaches. apply biotechnology approaches. - Produces the - Produces the world’s only successful anti-meningococcal world’s only successful anti-meningococcal vaccine, which is patented worldwidevaccine, which is patented worldwide. . - Cuba has invested more than - Cuba has invested more than US $1000 millionUS $1000 million in its in its biotechnology research centers alone. biotechnology research centers alone.

USAUSA

USA has the largest and most profitable USA has the largest and most profitable

biotechnology industry, consisting of biotechnology industry, consisting of more than more than 1,300 companies1,300 companies, with , with combined combined revenues of over $22 billionrevenues of over $22 billion and employing and employing 162,000 people162,000 people..

Some of the biotechnology companies Some of the biotechnology companies are of the are of the top 15 Nasdaq-listedtop 15 Nasdaq-listed companiescompanies . .

AustraliaAustralia

The number of biotechnology companies The number of biotechnology companies 160 160 companies.companies.

The total biotechnology sector generates The total biotechnology sector generates annual revenue of roughly R4 billion.annual revenue of roughly R4 billion.

The Australian Government spends roughly The Australian Government spends roughly one billion rand a year on biotechnologyone billion rand a year on biotechnology research. Most of this money is spent through research. Most of this money is spent through the universities.the universities.

JordanJordan In the last 10 years, Jordan moved into the area of Biotechnology In the last 10 years, Jordan moved into the area of Biotechnology

and achieved number of good goals such as:and achieved number of good goals such as: 1- 1- Four universities offer undergraduateFour universities offer undergraduate Biotechnology programs, Biotechnology programs,

and and one graduate programone graduate program.. 2- 2- TwoTwo centers of Biotechnologycenters of Biotechnology:: A- Biotechnology center at Jordan University affiliated with Hamdi A- Biotechnology center at Jordan University affiliated with Hamdi

Mango Center for Scientific Research.Mango Center for Scientific Research. B- The Virtual Biotechnology Center directed by The Higher B- The Virtual Biotechnology Center directed by The Higher

Council for Science and Technology .Council for Science and Technology . 3- 3- Two Pharmaceutical CompaniesTwo Pharmaceutical Companies work in the area of work in the area of

Biotechnology for developing Recombinant Drugs.Biotechnology for developing Recombinant Drugs. 4- Jordan developed a 4- Jordan developed a National Biosafety Framework as main National Biosafety Framework as main

components of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.components of Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety.

Conclusions of Part AConclusions of Part A

To achieve a significant progress in the field of To achieve a significant progress in the field of biotechnology, biotechnology, KFUPM requires a body KFUPM requires a body (committee) to champion biotechnology(committee) to champion biotechnology. .

establishing well-funded and staffed agencies establishing well-funded and staffed agencies dedicated to biotechnology is essential. dedicated to biotechnology is essential.

The need to build up a scientific and technological The need to build up a scientific and technological capabilities. capabilities.

Investment in biotechnology must be based on an Investment in biotechnology must be based on an explicit explicit national goal of generating productsnational goal of generating products and and processes and commercializing these on domestic and processes and commercializing these on domestic and international markets. international markets.

PART BPART B

OUTLINE FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE OUTLINE FOR THE UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AT PROGRAM IN BIOTECHNOLOGY AT

KFUPMKFUPM

VisionVision

The KFUPM undergraduate program of The KFUPM undergraduate program of Biotechnology aims at taking Biotechnology aims at taking a leading a leading role in research, innovation, education role in research, innovation, education and postgraduate training in theand postgraduate training in the Gulf and Gulf and Middle East regions. Middle East regions.

The program will support and enhance The program will support and enhance the the technology transfer, industrial technology transfer, industrial development and community servicesdevelopment and community services . .

MISSIONMISSION

The mission of the program will be The mission of the program will be provided provided high quality education, high quality education, research, and community serviceresearch, and community service in the in the area of biotechnology and related fields.area of biotechnology and related fields.

Specific components of this mission are:Specific components of this mission are: 1- 1- To conduct basic and applied researchTo conduct basic and applied research that expands that expands

knowledge in the area of biotechnology and provides knowledge in the area of biotechnology and provides innovative solutions and differentiating technologies innovative solutions and differentiating technologies for the Saudi industries and for the healthcare for the Saudi industries and for the healthcare services.services.

2- 2- To provide high-quality education in biotechnologyTo provide high-quality education in biotechnology and its related sciences, and to prepare professionals and its related sciences, and to prepare professionals for the ever increasing complexity of the systems in for the ever increasing complexity of the systems in this field and extend collaborative links both nationally this field and extend collaborative links both nationally and internationally.and internationally.

3. 3. To provide high-quality professional training and To provide high-quality professional training and consultation in the area of biotechnology.consultation in the area of biotechnology.

Program ObjectivesProgram Objectives

Develop Develop basic laboratory skillsbasic laboratory skills, perform standard , perform standard techniques, and work with the state of the art-techniques, and work with the state of the art-instruments.instruments.

To broadly educate studentsTo broadly educate students for positions in the for positions in the biotechnology industry and to prepare students for biotechnology industry and to prepare students for graduate and professional study in the life science.graduate and professional study in the life science.

Students will be able to Students will be able to solve problems in biological solve problems in biological sciences using biotechnology approachessciences using biotechnology approaches..

Linking research establishments with economic and Linking research establishments with economic and service sectorsservice sectors by concentrated comprehensive by concentrated comprehensive marketing to facilitate the creation of new highly marketing to facilitate the creation of new highly skilled work force and jobs that will benefit the Saudi skilled work force and jobs that will benefit the Saudi community.community.

BENEFITS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY BENEFITS OF BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAMPROGRAM

Benefits to the societyBenefits to the society

the biotechnology program is beneficial the biotechnology program is beneficial to the society as a whole because to the society as a whole because KFUPM, a leading university in science KFUPM, a leading university in science and technology, and technology, will contribute to the will contribute to the scientific training of under graduate scientific training of under graduate student of this program and provide the student of this program and provide the community with well trained graduatescommunity with well trained graduates with adequate scientific knowledge and with adequate scientific knowledge and skills.skills.

Benefit to KFUPMBenefit to KFUPM

The University will play an important The University will play an important role in role in creating, developing and creating, developing and advancing research and development in advancing research and development in biotechnologybiotechnology which benefit the which benefit the Kingdom and the region.Kingdom and the region.

Benefit to the Industry and Benefit to the Industry and Economy of KSAEconomy of KSA

Biotechnology is a goldmine in the developed Biotechnology is a goldmine in the developed economies. economies.

KFUPM will help in KFUPM will help in linking research establishments linking research establishments with economic and service sectorswith economic and service sectors by concentrated by concentrated comprehensive marketing to facilitate the creation of comprehensive marketing to facilitate the creation of new highly skilled work force and jobs that will new highly skilled work force and jobs that will benefit the Saudi industry and economy. benefit the Saudi industry and economy.

KFUPM biotechnology program will encourage the KFUPM biotechnology program will encourage the government to support the investment in government to support the investment in BiotechnologyBiotechnology applications which are expected to applications which are expected to have futuristic concept that blends innovative have futuristic concept that blends innovative research and manufacturing in an economic research and manufacturing in an economic container that would contribute to the welfare and container that would contribute to the welfare and prosperity of KSA society.prosperity of KSA society.

Benefit to studentsBenefit to students

Biotechnology program will help the students to Biotechnology program will help the students to acquire a acquire a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and physics. and physics.

This program will put heavy emphasis on This program will put heavy emphasis on methodology through laboratory experiencemethodology through laboratory experience that that provides students with state-of-the-art provides students with state-of-the-art biotechnology instruments and skills. biotechnology instruments and skills.

Students will be able to Students will be able to apply the principles of apply the principles of biotechnology to solve problemsbiotechnology to solve problems encountered in encountered in medicine, public health, research and medicine, public health, research and development, agricultural, industrial and development, agricultural, industrial and environmental sciences.environmental sciences.

Major Biotechnology CoursesMajor Biotechnology Courses

This program should expose the students to number of core courses in This program should expose the students to number of core courses in Biotechnology in order to give them the knowledge and the experience to be Biotechnology in order to give them the knowledge and the experience to be an excellent professional Biotechnologists and become qualified to into the an excellent professional Biotechnologists and become qualified to into the market of the biotechnology positions., such courses include:market of the biotechnology positions., such courses include:

General Microbiology General Microbiology Introduction to Biotechnology Introduction to Biotechnology Principle of Genetics Principle of Genetics Biochemistry Biochemistry Cell Biology Cell Biology Molecular Biology Molecular Biology Microbial Biotechnology Microbial Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Molecular Genetics Methods in Recombinant DNA Tech Methods in Recombinant DNA Tech Applied Molecular Biology Applied Molecular Biology Proteomics and Protein Technology Proteomics and Protein Technology Mammalian tissue culture Mammalian tissue culture Plant Tissue Culture Plant Tissue Culture Ethics in Biotechnology Ethics in Biotechnology BioinformaticsBioinformatics

Career OpportunitiesCareer Opportunities

Lab specialist in biotechnology, food, pharmaceuticalLab specialist in biotechnology, food, pharmaceutical, medical and agrotechnology , medical and agrotechnology industries .industries .

Research assistant as part of a larger research teamResearch assistant as part of a larger research team, conducting experiments in the , conducting experiments in the laboratory or in the field.laboratory or in the field.

Forensic and medical laboratory specialistForensic and medical laboratory specialist. Examine DNA and other scientific evidence . Examine DNA and other scientific evidence relating to criminal investigations and analyze DNA from clinical samples from patients relating to criminal investigations and analyze DNA from clinical samples from patients for diagnosis of genetics diseases. for diagnosis of genetics diseases.

Environmental consultantEnvironmental consultant by assess and monitor environmental contamination and help by assess and monitor environmental contamination and help in developing and implementing bioremediation programs to clean up the environment. in developing and implementing bioremediation programs to clean up the environment.

Scientific journalist and media presenterScientific journalist and media presenter: by writing articles and help in preparing : by writing articles and help in preparing broadcast programs to communicate the importance of scientific development to the broadcast programs to communicate the importance of scientific development to the public. public.

Sales representative / marketingSales representative / marketing professional sell and provide advice about special professional sell and provide advice about special scientific products to clients in research, help to solve specific problems related to scientific products to clients in research, help to solve specific problems related to equipment applications and experimental procedures.equipment applications and experimental procedures.

List of UniversitiesList of Universities

1- Drexel University / USA1- Drexel University / USA 2- Whitehead University/MIT2- Whitehead University/MIT 3- University of Queensland / Australia3- University of Queensland / Australia 4- North Iowa University / USA4- North Iowa University / USA 5- University of Maryland University College/USA 5- University of Maryland University College/USA 6- Purdue University Calumet / USA 6- Purdue University Calumet / USA 7- University College London / England7- University College London / England 8- Indiana University / USA8- Indiana University / USA 9- University of Georgia / USA9- University of Georgia / USA 10- Lund University / Sweden10- Lund University / Sweden 11- University of Helsinki / Finland11- University of Helsinki / Finland

CONCLODED STATMENTCONCLODED STATMENT

Biotechnology is one of the frontline Biotechnology is one of the frontline technologies today and considered to be the technologies today and considered to be the engine of global economyengine of global economy during the 21st during the 21st century.century.

Biotechnology solve problems in biological Biotechnology solve problems in biological sciences for the benefits of humanity, provided sciences for the benefits of humanity, provided high quality education, research, and high quality education, research, and community service.community service.

Lessons should be learned from the Lessons should be learned from the experience of other countries , and to start experience of other countries , and to start now is better than 10 or 15 years later.now is better than 10 or 15 years later.

THANK YOUTHANK YOU