Faculty of Science
Welcome to the Faculty of Science at the American University of Madaba (AUM).
The Faculty of Science is devoted to providing distinction in research and community service to encounter not only the national needs of Jordanians, but also to race internationally with other professional schools in term of the quality of teaching, students’ readiness, and outstanding research.
The Faculty of Science has two major departments, the Department of Basic Sciences and Humanities and the Department of Biology and Biotechnology. On one hand, the Department of Basic Sciences covers the service courses such as Mathematics, Physics, Humanities, and Chemistry, which are required by different faculties at AUM. On the other hand, the Department of Biology and Biotechnology offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Biotechnology. Further, it affords students with a skilled education in the multifaceted field of biology and biotechnology. Students preparing for futures in molecular biology and forensic, genetics, histology and microtechniques, tissue culture, genetic counseling, embryology, clinical cytogenetics, microbial biotechnology, plant biotechnology and ecology will have a foundational knowledge in biological and biotechnological sciences and also can explore their specific interests in upper-level coursework designed by you and directed by our experienced faculty by broadening access to information and consolidation already existing partnerships with local and international organizations.
Our state-of-the-art laboratories set our biology & biotechnology degree program apart from those at other universities. Our labs are equipped with professional grade scientific technology that is outfitted into nearly every course. The scientific labs which are equipped with Real-time PCR, PCR, Gel documentation system, CO2 incubator, Inverted microscope, Fully automatic rotary microtome, Automatic tissue processor, High-speed centrifuges, FT-IR, UV-VIS spectrophotometers, Bacterial shaker incubator, Plant growth chamber, Nanodrop microvolume Spectrophotometer, CombiFlash chromatography, Microwave reactor, Rotary evaporators, and GC-MS, and ensures that our students will be trained to use these equipment and will graduate with not only theoretical knowledge and critical thinking skills but also with the ability to practice science in the lab, field, or examination room.
Our team at the Faculty of Science has a high-level of distinguished research with the intense participation of our undergraduates. In 2020-2021 our team had published more than twenty peer-reviewed publications through funded research either from the AUM or the Scientific Research Support Fund.
Thank for your interest in the Faculty of Science looking forward to having you.
Associate Prof. Wajdy Jum’ah Al-Awaida
Acting Dean Faculty of Science
Introduction:
Biology is the study of living organisms and life processes. It includes important disciplines such as Zoology, Plant Biology, Ecology, Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Biomedical Research, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Hematology, Oncology, Aerobiology, and more. The 21st century is defined by the age of biology and biotechnology, marked by a biological revolution fueled by rapid advancements in physics, electronics, and computing. These transformative developments have not only shaped our lives over the past five decades but also unveiled new tools and technologies that enable researchers to access large datasets. This wealth of information empowers scientists to tackle profound and intricate questions regarding the functioning of living systems.
Bioscience plays a crucial role in driving progress in medicine and health, facilitating the development of new pharmaceuticals to combat infectious diseases, ensuring the production of safe and nutritious food, promoting sustainable agriculture, and providing a foundation for addressing climate change. With these considerations in mind, it is evident that biology and biotechnology will play a central role in finding solutions to the major challenges facing humankind in the coming decades.
The Department of Biology and Biotechnology was established with the aim of becoming one of the leading institutions in the Middle East, contributing to scholarly, scientific, and technological advancements. Currently, the department offers a four-year B.Sc. program in Biology and Biotechnology, with aspirations to establish M.Sc. programs in the near future. The department's offices, teaching facilities, and research laboratories are located in the Science buildings at the heart of the AUM campus in Madaba.
Mission :
The mission of the Department of Biology and Biotechnology at American University of Madaba is to provide students with a comprehensive education in Biology and Biotechnology, equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and adaptability needed to excel in their chosen professions. We aim to foster a deep understanding of biological principles and their real-world applications, particularly in areas relevant to Jordan and the region. Through a dynamic learning environment, state-of-the-art facilities, and collaborative research opportunities, we strive to prepare graduates who are poised to contribute to scientific advancements, environmental sustainability, healthcare, and other critical fields.
Vision :
The Biology and Biotechnology department will have the means to prepare resourceful graduates functioning proficiently in a broad array of biology - related disciplines and capable of serving their communities. The department will also be a leading institution in scientific research and in serving the wider community through its expert consulting and providing solutions to real-world problems.
General Education Program Learning Outcomes
Department of Basic Science & Humanities
The department of Basic Science and Humanities is a multidisciplinary unit that serves freshman students from different faculties. It broadens students’ knowledge, and technical skills, and promotes social awareness through general education and career-focused courses. The department provides strong education and learning environment, which enables the students to enter all areas of their profession upon graduation and to adapt to changes that may occur during professional life. Students will be conversant with a wide range of topics relating to the natural sciences, be able to communicate effectively, and appreciate the scientist's professional and social role. The faculty tries to foster a learning environment enhanced by faculty who encourage leadership, independence, self-respect, promotion of justice, and compassion in students. This is dependent on a sound scientific knowledge base, well-developed expertise, critical thinking capabilities, moral reasoning, and communication skills..
The American University of Madaba graduates will have the following Program learning outcomes (PLO’s):
PLO1: Rational and Practical Skills
Intellectual and communicative skills are needed to succeed in the academic environment and to address globally complex challenges. This includes written and oral communication skills and quantitative and qualitative reasoning for complex and refined arguments.
PLO2: Civic and Global Leadership
Recognize the diversity of different societies, locally and internationally, in terms of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and age, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained to lead, recognize, apply and establish effective and useful interactions in crisis.
PLO3: Knowledge of Human Cultures
Knowledge from humanities, environmental, social sciences, and arts to better understand life ecology.
PLO4: Understanding of the Physical and Natural World (STEM Skills)
Creativity, Knowledge, and skills learned from Natural Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) in order to develop an interdisciplinary, diverse, and applied approach to the natural environment and an understanding of scientific reasoning and integration latest technology.
General Education List of Competencies (LoC’s) which achieve General Education PLOs
Knowledge
A1. Understanding essential facts in related topics.
A2. Comprehend basic concepts in related fields and their applications.
A3. Introducing and relating principles and theories.
A4. Clarifying sciences and humanities terminology in related fields.
Practical Skills
B1. Enhance oral, written and communication skills.
B2. Applying creative and critical skills.
B3. Develop interpersonal skills.
B4. Use of a Learning Management System (LMS) in the learning process to create and deliver content and monitor student participation and assessment.
Thinking Skills
C1. Enhance computer skills to solve and apply theoretical concepts in real life.
C2. Recognize, analyze, and apply quantitative and qualitative concepts in real-life models.
C3. Understand scientific reasoning for different problems and concepts.
Other Skills
D1. Promote critical thinking in solving and applying problems and concepts.
D2. Intellectual and independent creativity in reasoning learning natural sciences topics.
D3. Recognize and apply effective and useful interaction in complex problems.
General Education Courses
- Students are requested to check their study plans and advisors for the General Education Courses
Science
Math
903381 Numerical Analysis (3 C.H.)
903281 Probability and Statistics (3 C.H.)
903182 Statistics for Business (3 C.H.)
903105 Mathematics and Biostatistics (3 C.H.)
903103 Mathematics for Business (3 C.H.)
903102 Calculus 2 (3 C.H.)
903101 Calculus 1 (3 C.H.)
900106 General Statistics(3 C.H.)
402213 Linear Algebra (3 C.H.)
Physics
900185 Astronomy (3 C.H.)
904108 General Physics 2 Lab (1 C.H.)
904107 General Physics 1 Lab (1 C.H.)
904102 General Physics 2- (3 C.H.)
904101 General Physics 1- (3 C.H.)
Chemistry
902113 Organic Chemistry Lab. for Life Sciences 1 (1 C.H.)
902112 Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences 1 (3 C.H.)
902111 Organic Chemistry for Health Sciences (3 C.H.)
902107 General Chemistry lab (1Cr.Hrs.)
902101 General Chemistry (3 C.H.)
304156 Analytical Chemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
304150 Analytical Chemistry (2 C.H.)
Biology
304253 Microbiology and Immunology (3 C.H.)
301241 Basic Microbiology Lab (1 C.H.)
301240 Basic Microbiology (3 C.H.)
301237 Biochemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
301232 (201341) Biochemistry (3 C.H.)
201101 General Biology 1 (3 C. H.)
201017 General Biology Lab (1 C.H.)
900116 Bio-Ethics (3 C.H.)
Information Technology
900190 Digital Culture (3 C.H.)
900180 Computer Skills (3 C.H.)
401121 Programing Fundamentals (3 C.H.)
Other
900172 Development and Environment (3 C.H.)
900171 Science and Society (3 C.H.)
303111 Fundamentals of Nutrition (3 C.H.)
Humanities
Languages
900201 Technical Writing and Documentation (3 C.H.)
900131 English Communication Skills (2) (3 C.H)
900130 English Communication Skills (1) (3 C.H)
900120 Arabic Communication Skills (3 C.H)
702201 Writing 2 (3 C.H)
702132 English for Business
702107 Paragraph and Essay Writing
702106 Writing 1 (3 C.H)
702105 Reading Comprehension (3 C.H)
702104 Study Skills (3 C.H)
702103 Listening and Speaking (3 C.H)
702006 Italian /European language (3 C.H)
702005 Italian /European language 1 (3 C.H)
Art and Design
900141 Appreciation of Music (3 C.H)
900140 Appreciation of Art (3 C.H)
609210 Design history and theory (3 C.H.)
609136 3D drawing and perspectives (3 C.H.)
609121 Design methods and creative thinking (3 C.H.)
609120 Drawing and Rendering techniques (3 C.H.)
608225 Digital Photography and Imaging (3 C.H.)
608220 Color theory and applications 1 (3 C.H.)
608211 Introduction and History of Visual Communication (3 C.H.)
608130 Free-hand drawing (3 C.H.)
608125 Introduction to computer graphics and illustration (3 C.H.)
606211 History of Architecture and Art(3 C.H.)
606131 Technical Drawing (3 C.H.)
Cultural Studies
900118 Cultural Development (3 C.H)
900113 Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication (3 C.H)
704101 Introduction to Mass communication (3 C.H)
703251 Culture and Globalization (3 C.H)
Social Sciences
900150 Introduction to Economics (3 C.H)
900133 Research Methodology (3 C.H)
900124 Human Rights (3 C.H)
900123 Leadership and social responsibility (1 C.H)
900122 Entrepreneurship and Innovation (1 C.H)
900117 Civic Awareness (3 C.H)
900115 Social Ethics (3 C.H)
900114 Civilization and Thought (3 C.H)
900111 Military Science (3 C.H)
506151 Fundamentals of Human resources Management (3 C.H)
505103 Macroeconomics (3 C.H.)
505102 Microeconomics (3 C.H.)
505101 Principles of Risk Management (3 C.H.)
504101 Principles of Marketing (3 C.H.)
503101 Principles of Finance (3 C.H.)
502101 Principles of Management (3 C.H.)
501101 Principles of Accounting (3 C.H.)
Embarking on a journey in biology and biotechnology opens up a world of exciting opportunities and the potential to make a meaningful impact. If you are passionate about understanding living organisms, unraveling the complexities of life, and applying scientific knowledge to address real-world challenges, pursuing a degree in biology and biotechnology is an excellent choice. Here is a comprehensive career plan to guide you through your academic journey and beyond:
1. Academic Foundation: As a student of biology and biotechnology, you will lay a solid academic foundation by studying fundamental disciplines such as genetics, molecular biology, ecology, physiology, and bioinformatics. Emphasizing both theory and practical applications, your coursework will equip you with a deep understanding of biological principles and critical thinking skills.
2. Research Opportunities: Engage in research projects and internships to gain hands-on experience in scientific inquiry and methodology. Collaborate with faculty members and industry professionals, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in the field. This practical experience will enhance your problem-solving abilities and foster a spirit of innovation.
3. Specialization and Focus: Tailor your studies to match your interests and career goals. Explore specialized areas such as biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical research, environmental biology, or agricultural biotechnology. By delving deeper into these areas, you will develop expertise and open doors to niche career opportunities.
4. Graduate Studies: Consider pursuing advanced degrees such as Master's or Ph.D. programs to further specialize in your chosen field. Advanced degrees provide opportunities for in-depth research, teaching experience, and leadership roles in academia, industry, or government research institutions.
5. Industry and Careers: The biology and biotechnology industries offer a vast range of career paths. Explore opportunities in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research and development, clinical laboratories, government agencies, conservation organizations, agricultural and food industries, and regulatory bodies. Your skills will be in high demand for positions such as research scientist, biotechnologist, geneticist, environmental consultant, science policy analyst, or science educator.
6. Professional Development: Stay abreast of the latest advancements and trends in biology and biotechnology by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. Join professional societies and networks to expand your connections and access valuable resources. Continuous learning and professional development will ensure you remain at the forefront of your field.
7. Make an Impact: Biology and biotechnology offer the opportunity to contribute to solving global challenges. Address pressing issues such as healthcare, environmental conservation, food security, and sustainable agriculture. Your knowledge and expertise can lead to breakthroughs in disease prevention, genetic therapies, conservation efforts, and environmentally friendly practices.
8. Lifelong Learning: Cultivate a passion for lifelong learning and adaptability. The field of biology and biotechnology is dynamic, with rapid advancements and emerging technologies. Stay curious, embrace new developments, and continuously update your skills to remain competitive in an ever-evolving industry.
The Department of Biology and Biotechnology is committed to supporting you throughout your academic journey and preparing you for a successful and rewarding career. Through rigorous academic programs, hands-on experiences, and access to industry professionals, we will empower you to become a skilled biologist or biotechnologist capable of making a positive impact on society.
General Education Program Learning Outcomes
Department of Basic Science & Humanities
The department of Basic Science and Humanities is a multidisciplinary unit that serves freshman students from different faculties. It broadens students’ knowledge, and technical skills, and promotes social awareness through general education and career-focused courses. The department provides strong education and learning environment, which enables the students to enter all areas of their profession upon graduation and to adapt to changes that may occur during professional life. Students will be conversant with a wide range of topics relating to the natural sciences, be able to communicate effectively, and appreciate the scientist's professional and social role. The faculty tries to foster a learning environment enhanced by faculty who encourage leadership, independence, self-respect, promotion of justice, and compassion in students. This is dependent on a sound scientific knowledge base, well-developed expertise, critical thinking capabilities, moral reasoning, and communication skills..
The American University of Madaba graduates will have the following Program learning outcomes (PLO’s):
PLO1: Rational and Practical Skills
Intellectual and communicative skills are needed to succeed in the academic environment and to address globally complex challenges. This includes written and oral communication skills and quantitative and qualitative reasoning for complex and refined arguments.
PLO2: Civic and Global Leadership
Recognize the diversity of different societies, locally and internationally, in terms of gender, race, religion, ethnicity, and age, and demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained to lead, recognize, apply and establish effective and useful interactions in crisis.
PLO3: Knowledge of Human Cultures
Knowledge from humanities, environmental, social sciences, and arts to better understand life ecology.
PLO4: Understanding of the Physical and Natural World (STEM Skills)
Creativity, Knowledge, and skills learned from Natural Science (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics) in order to develop an interdisciplinary, diverse, and applied approach to the natural environment and an understanding of scientific reasoning and integration latest technology.
General Education List of Competencies (LoC’s) which achieve General Education PLOs
Knowledge
A1. Understanding essential facts in related topics.
A2. Comprehend basic concepts in related fields and their applications.
A3. Introducing and relating principles and theories.
A4. Clarifying sciences and humanities terminology in related fields.
Practical Skills
B1. Enhance oral, written and communication skills.
B2. Applying creative and critical skills.
B3. Develop interpersonal skills.
B4. Use of a Learning Management System (LMS) in the learning process to create and deliver content and monitor student participation and assessment.
Thinking Skills
C1. Enhance computer skills to solve and apply theoretical concepts in real life.
C2. Recognize, analyze, and apply quantitative and qualitative concepts in real-life models.
C3. Understand scientific reasoning for different problems and concepts.
Other Skills
D1. Promote critical thinking in solving and applying problems and concepts.
D2. Intellectual and independent creativity in reasoning learning natural sciences topics.
D3. Recognize and apply effective and useful interaction in complex problems.
General Education Courses
- Students are requested to check their study plans and advisors for the General Education Courses
Science
Math
903381 Numerical Analysis (3 C.H.)
903281 Probability and Statistics (3 C.H.)
903182 Statistics for Business (3 C.H.)
903105 Mathematics and Biostatistics (3 C.H.)
903103 Mathematics for Business (3 C.H.)
903102 Calculus 2 (3 C.H.)
903101 Calculus 1 (3 C.H.)
900106 General Statistics(3 C.H.)
402213 Linear Algebra (3 C.H.)
Physics
900185 Astronomy (3 C.H.)
904108 General Physics 2 Lab (1 C.H.)
904107 General Physics 1 Lab (1 C.H.)
904102 General Physics 2- (3 C.H.)
904101 General Physics 1- (3 C.H.)
Chemistry
902113 Organic Chemistry Lab. for Life Sciences 1 (1 C.H.)
902112 Organic Chemistry for Life Sciences 1 (3 C.H.)
902111 Organic Chemistry for Health Sciences (3 C.H.)
902107 General Chemistry lab (1Cr.Hrs.)
902101 General Chemistry (3 C.H.)
304156 Analytical Chemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
304150 Analytical Chemistry (2 C.H.)
Biology
304253 Microbiology and Immunology (3 C.H.)
301241 Basic Microbiology Lab (1 C.H.)
301240 Basic Microbiology (3 C.H.)
301237 Biochemistry Lab (1 C.H.)
301232 (201341) Biochemistry (3 C.H.)
201101 General Biology 1 (3 C. H.)
201017 General Biology Lab (1 C.H.)
900116 Bio-Ethics (3 C.H.)
Information Technology
900190 Digital Culture (3 C.H.)
900180 Computer Skills (3 C.H.)
401121 Programing Fundamentals (3 C.H.)
Other
900172 Development and Environment (3 C.H.)
900171 Science and Society (3 C.H.)
303111 Fundamentals of Nutrition (3 C.H.)
Humanities
Languages
900201 Technical Writing and Documentation (3 C.H.)
900131 English Communication Skills (2) (3 C.H)
900130 English Communication Skills (1) (3 C.H)
900120 Arabic Communication Skills (3 C.H)
702201 Writing 2 (3 C.H)
702132 English for Business
702107 Paragraph and Essay Writing
702106 Writing 1 (3 C.H)
702105 Reading Comprehension (3 C.H)
702104 Study Skills (3 C.H)
702103 Listening and Speaking (3 C.H)
702006 Italian /European language (3 C.H)
702005 Italian /European language 1 (3 C.H)
Art and Design
900141 Appreciation of Music (3 C.H)
900140 Appreciation of Art (3 C.H)
609210 Design history and theory (3 C.H.)
609136 3D drawing and perspectives (3 C.H.)
609121 Design methods and creative thinking (3 C.H.)
609120 Drawing and Rendering techniques (3 C.H.)
608225 Digital Photography and Imaging (3 C.H.)
608220 Color theory and applications 1 (3 C.H.)
608211 Introduction and History of Visual Communication (3 C.H.)
608130 Free-hand drawing (3 C.H.)
608125 Introduction to computer graphics and illustration (3 C.H.)
606211 History of Architecture and Art(3 C.H.)
606131 Technical Drawing (3 C.H.)
Cultural Studies
900118 Cultural Development (3 C.H)
900113 Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication (3 C.H)
704101 Introduction to Mass communication (3 C.H)
703251 Culture and Globalization (3 C.H)
Social Sciences
900150 Introduction to Economics (3 C.H)
900133 Research Methodology (3 C.H)
900124 Human Rights (3 C.H)
900123 Leadership and social responsibility (1 C.H)
900122 Entrepreneurship and Innovation (1 C.H)
900117 Civic Awareness (3 C.H)
900115 Social Ethics (3 C.H)
900114 Civilization and Thought (3 C.H)
900111 Military Science (3 C.H)
506151 Fundamentals of Human resources Management (3 C.H)
505103 Macroeconomics (3 C.H.)
505102 Microeconomics (3 C.H.)
505101 Principles of Risk Management (3 C.H.)
504101 Principles of Marketing (3 C.H.)
503101 Principles of Finance (3 C.H.)
502101 Principles of Management (3 C.H.)
501101 Principles of Accounting (3 C.H.)
Department of Biology and Biotechnology
Botany Lab
Plant Cell Culture and Transformation Lab
Histology and Micro-Techniques Lab
Genetics and Developmental Biology Lab
Zoology and Ecology Lab
Biochemistry Lab
Molecular Biology Lab
Microbiology Lab
Research Lab
Immunology Lab
Animal Cell Culture lab
Department Of Basics Sciences And Humanities
General Chemistry Lab
Organic Chemistry Lab
Analytical Chemistry Lab
Research Labs (organic and instrumental)
General physics Lab
The Faculty of Science is dedicated to understanding humanity, world and its places in the universe. By research, experiements and training, we introduce a new generation of experts to find solutions to the problems that science can solve.
- Biology and Biotechnology Program :
The Biology and Biotechnology program at AUM is designed to produce excellent scientists capable of building bright, new futures and, ultimately, saving lives. Students will branch off into more specialized fields of science and medicine after their time at AUM. Because of this, this broad-base program lays a strong and flexible foundation that graduates will use to continue their scientific journeys and build lifelong careers related to societal themes such as energy, water, health, or innovation, as well as careers in entrepreneurship or teaching.