Genetic and molecular engineering, known as genetic modification, involves the direct manipulation of genetic material in various living organisms in a way that cannot occur naturally. Any living organism modified through genetic engineering is called a genetically modified organism. Through the specialty of genetic engineering in various universities, students are taught and trained to modify genes and integrate them into living organisms to improve them, whether for humans, plants, animals, or any microorganisms, using modern techniques to produce new compositions and genetically modified crops. One of the most critical roles of genetic modification is therapeutic, working on solving reproductive problems resulting from genetic or hereditary issues through microscopic injection.
Importance of Studying Genetic and Molecular Engineering
The importance of studying genetic and molecular engineering lies in scientific research purposes that rely on genetic modification. These techniques are used in medical fields to produce drugs such as insulin or vaccines to prevent diseases like viral hepatitis. In agricultural fields, genetically modified crops with new traits resistant to diseases and weather factors are produced, reducing fertilizer consumption, increasing agricultural land, and increasing agricultural production. Genetically modified plants and animals have been developed to produce low-cost drugs.
Genetic engineering is also used in industry to produce high-efficiency, low-cost fertilizers. It is also relied upon in waste recycling processes, the production of microbes capable of providing sugar that can be used to produce ethanol, and the production of biofuels and bioenergy.
Curriculum for Genetic and Molecular Engineering Program
The duration of study for the bachelor’s degree is four years, and the curriculum in most Turkish universities includes a variety of study programs. However, the content may vary between universities, so students should check the study content (Course Description) on the university’s website they wish to enroll in before registration.
First Academic Year
- General Introduction to Biology and Chemistry
- Mathematics for Biological Sciences
- Physics for Biological Sciences
- Biostatistics
- Organic Chemistry
- Introduction to Bioinformatics
Second Academic Year
- Molecular Genetics
- Computing for Biological Sciences
- Molecular Biology
- Advanced Study in Molecular Genetics
- Advanced Study in Bioinformatics
Third Academic Year
- Human Physiology
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- Biotechnological Techniques
- Genomics
Fourth Academic Year
- Genomics and Proteomics
- Advanced Study in Genetic and Molecular Engineering
Turkish universities usually provide practical training to their students inside or outside university campuses during the third and fourth years before graduation to ensure students’ ability and qualifications to obtain job opportunities in various factories and institutions.
Career Opportunities for Genetic and Molecular Engineering Graduates
- Research centers
- International organizations
- Medical laboratories
