About the Department of Biological Sciences
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Kurdistan was established in 2006 with the launch of its Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in General Biology. This program admitted six cohorts of students until October 2011. Commencing in October 2009, the department began admitting students to a B.S. program in Cell and Molecular Biology with a specialization in Biotechnology, which continued until the 2014 intake. As of October 2015, this program was formally renamed the B.S. in Biotechnology, and student admissions have been conducted annually through the national university entrance examination since then. Furthermore, a B.S. program in Cell and Molecular Biology was introduced in October 2018, with annual student admissions. The department has also contributed to teacher education, having admitted students to Biology Education programs in 2006 and 2023, training successful educators for employment within the Ministry of Education.
At the postgraduate level, the Department of Biological Sciences offers three Master of Science (M.S.) programs. The M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology has been admitting students since October 2008. The M.S. in Biochemistry was added to the department's portfolio in October 2015, followed by the M.S. in Animal Physiology in October 2020.
Currently, the academic staff of the department comprises nine faculty members (two full professors, one associate professor, and six assistant professors), supported by one departmental staff member. Nearly two decades since its inception, the department's record reflects the unwavering dedication of its faculty in establishing numerous laboratories and delivering a diverse curriculum in the biological sciences. The department is now in a phase of consolidation and qualitative growth.
Additionally, two active student scientific associations, the "Lodish" Cell and Molecular Biology Association and the Biotechnology Scientific Association, operate within the department.
At the postgraduate level, the Department of Biological Sciences offers three Master of Science (M.S.) programs. The M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology has been admitting students since October 2008. The M.S. in Biochemistry was added to the department's portfolio in October 2015, followed by the M.S. in Animal Physiology in October 2020.
Currently, the academic staff of the department comprises nine faculty members (two full professors, one associate professor, and six assistant professors), supported by one departmental staff member. Nearly two decades since its inception, the department's record reflects the unwavering dedication of its faculty in establishing numerous laboratories and delivering a diverse curriculum in the biological sciences. The department is now in a phase of consolidation and qualitative growth.
Additionally, two active student scientific associations, the "Lodish" Cell and Molecular Biology Association and the Biotechnology Scientific Association, operate within the department.
Message from the Head of Department
The Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Kurdistan, comprising nine dedicated faculty members specializing in diverse fields of the biological sciences, offers two Bachelor of Science (B.S.) programs in "Biotechnology" and "Cell and Molecular Biology," and three Master of Science (M.S.) programs in "Cell and Molecular Biology," "Biochemistry," and "Animal Physiology." The department provides a scientific, dynamic, and human-centered environment for cultivating the next generation of researchers and specialists in the biological sciences. Leveraging the expertise of its young and motivated faculty, advanced laboratory equipment, and the unique ecological potential of the Kurdistan province, the department has made significant strides in education, research, and the expansion of scientific frontiers. Nurturing creative students and producing high-impact scientific articles and books are among the department's proudest achievements.
As a cornerstone of the Faculty of Basic Sciences, the Department of Biological Sciences plays a fundamental role in the advancement of biological education and research in western Iran. We believe that biology serves as a bridge between nature and technology, offering sustainable, bio-centric, and ethical solutions to global and regional challenges. Therefore, our mission extends beyond teaching and research to a profound commitment to human values, scientific ethics, and the conservation of the region's biological heritage. We cordially invite students, researchers, and enthusiasts to join us in scholarly dialogue, scientific collaboration, and constructive engagement.
With its highly qualified faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and a region-focused research vision, the department is active not only within the basic sciences but also in interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as agriculture, environmental science, fisheries, chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. The primary research areas of the department include:
As a cornerstone of the Faculty of Basic Sciences, the Department of Biological Sciences plays a fundamental role in the advancement of biological education and research in western Iran. We believe that biology serves as a bridge between nature and technology, offering sustainable, bio-centric, and ethical solutions to global and regional challenges. Therefore, our mission extends beyond teaching and research to a profound commitment to human values, scientific ethics, and the conservation of the region's biological heritage. We cordially invite students, researchers, and enthusiasts to join us in scholarly dialogue, scientific collaboration, and constructive engagement.
With its highly qualified faculty, well-equipped laboratories, and a region-focused research vision, the department is active not only within the basic sciences but also in interdisciplinary collaborations with fields such as agriculture, environmental science, fisheries, chemistry, and pharmaceutical sciences. The primary research areas of the department include:
- Study of the enzyme inhibitory activity of compounds from natural sources for potential drug discovery
- Phytochemistry and biotechnology of plant secondary metabolites
- Behavioral and molecular neuroscience
- Investigation of behavioral and molecular alterations associated with morphine addiction
- Analysis of cognitive functions and gene/protein expression of signaling molecules in the brain using animal models
- Mitochondrial dynamics and neurodegenerative diseases
- Nano-biotechnology and microbial biotransformation
- Biomineralization and biocontrol in agriculture
- Metabolic engineering
- Study of plant biodiversity and medicinal plants
- Systematics, ecology, biogeography, and phylogeny of vertebrate helminth parasites
- Anticancer activity of natural and synthetic compounds
- Bioinformatics and the study of protein structure and function
