Department of Biology, Yazd University
The Department of Biology at Yazd University commenced its educational activities in 2005 (1384 SH) with the General Biology major. Dr. Seyyed Mohammad Moshtaghioun served as the department’s first head. In October 2011 (Mehr 1390 SH), the department began offering graduate studies by admitting its first cohort of students to the Master’s program in Genetics.
To respond to the growing interest and motivation among applicants for contemporary biology fields and to train qualified personnel to advance biological sciences in the province, the department expanded its programs. In 2016 (1395 SH), the undergraduate program in Cell and Molecular Biology was launched, followed by the undergraduate program in Biotechnology in 2017 (1396 SH).
Academic Programs and Facilities
At present, the department accepts students in the following concentrations:
- Bachelor’s in Cell and Molecular Biology
- Bachelor’s in Biotechnology
- Master’s in Genetics
The department is supported by four educational laboratories (Cellular and Molecular Biology & Genetics, Plant Sciences & Biochemistry, Animal Sciences & Microbiology) and two research laboratories.
Faculty and Research
Faculty diversity covers several specializations, including:
- Genetics (3 faculty members)
- Animal Physiology (1 faculty member)
- Plant Physiology (2 faculty members)
- Microbiology (1 faculty member)
- Biochemistry (1 faculty member)
- Biotechnology (1 faculty member)
- Animal Food Hygiene (1 faculty member)
Currently, the department consists of eight faculty members, two laboratory technicians, and over two hundred undergraduate and graduate students. The faculty actively participates in various research domains such as Genetics, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbial Biotechnology, and Animal Physiology.
Future Prospects
Based on recent developments, the department is well positioned for expansion in both faculty and program offerings. There is significant potential to establish undergraduate and graduate programs in Microbiology, a doctoral program in Genetics, and a Master’s program in Plant Physiology. Achieving these goals will pave the way for balanced growth and ultimately the transformation of the department into a fully-fledged faculty.
Department Mission
Recognizing the essential role of biological sciences in solving future challenges to human life, the Biology Department at Yazd University emphasizes innovative approaches in teaching and research. Its mission is to provide students with a strong scientific foundation for understanding the principles governing living systems, alongside laboratory and quantitative skills necessary for conducting research and data analysis.