تويت
Applied Biotechnology Program starts at SurCollege of Applied Sciences -Sur CAS
By Khalsa Al Aamri and Fatma Al Harbi
SUR -- Sur College of Applied Sciences, Ministry of Higher Education, has received its first batch of students for its Applied Biotechnology Program.
This bachelor’s degree program includes three specializations: Marine Biotechnology; Technology-Dynamic Farming; and Food and Environmental Biotechnology.
Dr. Mohamed Farooq, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology, said the program "aims to prepare young scientists, who will be able to improve the use of our natural resources, detect challenges and work out how to confront them.”
He said, “We will prepare them to work in specific sectors, such as the preservation of the environment and waste disposal using biotechnology. We will also prepare them and provide them with expertise for the application of biotechnology to solve problems."
The Ministry of Higher Education has introduced the Applied Biotechnology Program with the aim that these graduates will prove to be a key engine for comprehensive and sustainable development, for economic diversification and would offer solutions to a range of local and global challenges. These include, the red tide phenomenon in the Sultanate; waste and recycling processes and investment opportunities in global scientific discovery.
Other areas that can benefit from biotechnology scientists are the setting up of new service centers incubators; the fields of plant and animal production, industrial production and marine resources, and the area of food production, energy and food safety.
Dr. Salma Al Musharfi, Assistant Dean at Sur CAS, and a faculty of the Applied Biotechnology Department, said: "Since the beginning of launching the program, the college has been in contact with academics in the field of biotechnology in the Sultan Qaboos University and regional universities, such as Arabian Gulf University. The aim is to build a program with a strong base in terms of the design of the study plan, up-to-date scientific laboratories and availability of the current data in this field.”
A student, Mi Al Daurah, said she chose this new program because it cares about the environment and nutrition and these matters interest her.
But others are not so sure of their choice. Bilqis Al Nakaily said, "It was random, but I'm receptive to this specialty." Alia Al Deabih said she too chose at random. "I had no knowledge of it, but I was amazed by the dynamic specialty -- I love biology."
While there are still many inquiries and concerns about the program being studied for the first time in government colleges, government institutions reportedly believe there will be many job opportunities for these students as the sector further develops. One of the important objectives of promoting this program, they say, is to reduce the Sultanate’s dependence on oil.
The writers are students of the Communication Program, Sur College of Applied Sciences