Department overview

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• Graduating students with high scientific and professional qualifications that meet the needs of the stakeholders.
• Accomplishing distinguished scientific research related to community issues.
• Building and activating partnerships with stakeholders.
• Enhancing, diversifying financial, and investment resources.

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Enriching knowledge of biotechnology and its applications and developing integrated human cadres to achieve food security and environmental sustainability.

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The Plant Biotechnology Program equips students with essential knowledge in cell and tissue culture, molecular genetics, gene modification, and protein/nucleic acid studies. Its aim is to develop modern biotechnologies that enhance agricultural productivity, food security, and resource efficiency, while upholding environmental, ethical, and social standards. The curriculum integrates both theory and practice to address local and regional agricultural challenges, strengthen Saudi Arabia’s role in agricultural trade, and support sustainable development.

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• Citizenship: Responsibility.
• Integration: Focus on defining specializations.
• Innovation: Rooting, producing, and applying knowledge.
• Respect: For ideas, performance, and diversity.
• Justice: Reinforcing transparency and belonging.
• Empowerment: Supporting students and capacities.
• Excellence: In performance.
• Commitment: Toward partners.

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The Department of Agricultural Biotechnology was established in 2006 within the College of Agricultural and Food Sciences to align with global scientific progress and national development priorities. The department equips students with modern biotechnological skills and supports research that addresses challenges in food security, climate resilience, and sustainability.

It currently offers a B.Sc. in Plant Biotechnology, with plans to expand into Animal and Food Biotechnology and to launch postgraduate programs. Guided by the Saudi National Biotechnology Strategy (2024), the department plays a vital role in advancing innovation and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in agricultural biotechnology.

Faculty and Staff

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Admission Requirements for the Program

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• The student must demonstrate a genuine interest in joining the program.
• The student must have successfully completed no fewer than 53 credit hours of general courses.
• The student must pass the course Principles of Biotechnology with a grade of C or higher.
• Preference will be given to applicants with the highest cumulative GPA.

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The official job title of the department has been registered with the Civil Service Bureau at the Ministry of Labor in Saudi Arabia, along with the reclassification of the bachelor’s degree in the College of Agricultural and Food Sciences for all specializations, including Plant Biotechnology. The designated job title and defined fields of employment are as follows:Biotechnology Specialist

• Biotechnology Specialist (Ministry of Environment, Water, Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Health, Ministry of Education, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, King Abdullah City for Science and Technology, as well as in the NEOM project).
• Teaching Assistant.
• Researcher or Research Assistant.
• Quarantine Inspector.
• Quality Control Officer in regulatory bodies.
• Forensic and Criminal Analysis Specialist.
• National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development.
• Sergeant or Staff Sergeant at the Special Forces for Environmental Security.
• Agricultural Specialist.
• Specialist in plant tissue culture laboratories.
• Laboratory Technician.
• Agricultural Researcher

Please consult the Unified Saudi Occupational Classification Guide, available through the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Projects and Research

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The department has a set of advanced laboratories that are utilized for both teaching and research purposes

Based on the expertise and research backgrounds of our scholars, the faculty members of the Department of Agricultural Biotechnology lead a range of research activities in various fields, including:

• Providing consultations in the field of plant biotechnology.
• Developing strategies for agricultural advancement to address climate change.
• Extraction of plant secondary metabolites for the production of pharmaceuticals and natural nutraceuticals.
• Application of plant micropropagation techniques on a commercial scale.
• Detection and identification of plant pathogens in farms using biotechnology methods.

Accomplished projects

• Identification of the genetic diversity of Potato virus Y (PVY) in Saudi Arabia.
• Providing comprehensive consultancy services for date palms in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.
• Apply gene silencing techniques to control the red palm weevil.

On going projects

• Identification of the genetic diversity of Potato virus Y (PVY) in Saudi Arabia.
• Providing comprehensive consultancy services for date palms in Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah.
• Exploring the genetic potential and nutritional value of Hassawi rice to support food security in Saudi Arabia.
• Enhancing the survival chances of mangrove seedlings in terrestrial environments.
• Evaluating the efficiency of mangrove trees in carbon sequestration and storage.
• Study plant biodiversity in the AlUla region.

Alumni

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Each academic year, we teach more than 26 students and contribute to the graduation of approximately 20 students from our program.

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Graduates of the program possess the following abilities:

• Leadership and Innovation in providing practical solutions to agricultural and environmental challenges.
• Application of Biotechnology to address problems and enhance productivity and sustainability.
• Keeping Pace with Scientific Advances and employing up-to-date knowledge in tackling academic and professional challenges.
• Active Participation in scientific and cultural activities to stay updated with developments in biotechnology.
• Commitment to Values and Research Ethics, reflecting integrity, dedication, and responsibility.
• Community Service and Contribution to food security and environmental sustainability in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Files of Interest

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Program Handbook in Arabic

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Academic plan (1447 H – 2025/26 G)

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Study plan

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Meet Our Faculty – Academic Profiles

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Essential skills for the cooperative training course

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Alumni

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Electronic Forms for Students

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Academic Advising Forms

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Form for Resolving Student Registration Issues

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Form for Extension of Faculty Services

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Academic Advising Guide

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“Adeedak Kafo” Guide (Support Guide)

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Faculty Handbook

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Regulations and Bylaws

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Academic Integrity Policies and Rules

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Electronic Services for University Admission and Registration

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Mazaya Program for Exclusive Offers

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Saudi Public Libraries

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Arab and International Libraries

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Exam quality evaluation survey

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Student satisfaction survey on services provided by the department

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Faculty and technicians satisfaction survey

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Survey for expected graduates of the plant biotechnology program

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Survey for alumni of the plant biotechnology program

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Stock holders survey

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Survey on skills, hobbies, and talents of plant biotechnology program students

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