College of Science and General Studies Degree Programs

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Life Sciences

Vice Dean for Acaemic& Student Affairs: Ali Hendaoui, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, College of Science & General Studies. Ph.D., University of Paris13, France.

Director of Life Science Program: Saddam Musleh Muthana, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of Science & General Studies. Ph.D., University of California Davis, USA

Program History

The Life Sciences program at Alfaisal University is an interdisciplinary program at the interface of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental, and Biomedical Sciences. The program received the Ministry of Education’s approval in 2013. The program aims to serve the national policy in developing a knowledge-based economy in key science areas such as biological, biomedical, chemical, environmental, and technology disciplines. The Kingdom has ample need for growth in basic science instruction to produce competent students who will contribute to sustainable development and economic growth. The program curriculum and training prepare the students to pursue further graduate studies in various fields, including biological sciences, biomedical sciences, environmental sciences, chemical sciences, and in biotechnology & nanotechnology fields.

Curriculum & Study Plan

The Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences offers two tracks for students to choose from: Biological Sciences & Nanotechnology, and Environmental Sciences & Sustainability. The first two years are common for all tracks, and in the 3rd year students start taking courses that are specific for the track of their choice. Student also have access to a variety of advanced electives courses to choose from including cancer biology, forensic science, medicinal chemistry, bioinformatics, and special topics. The Life Sciences Program requires a total of 134 credit hours for completing the program. This includes general education requirement & elective courses (23 credits), college requirement courses (25 credits), program requirement courses (53 credits), track requirement courses (18 credits), program electives (15 credits), and summer internship (0 credits). Student who meets requirement conditions may take one or more graduate courses to fulfill program graduation requirements (maximum of nine credit-hours).