The vision of the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics is to provide high-level research, education, and social contribution, with the aim of evolving into an institution with a leading role in the rapidly advancing fields of Molecular Biosciences, which lie at the heart of innovation in the sectors of Health, Food, Environment, and Agricultural Development.
The Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics (DMBG) has designed its Undergraduate Study Program (USP) within the framework of a structured process. In this design, the academic identity and orientation of the USP are defined, along with its objectives, subject areas, structure, and organization, the expected learning outcomes, and the intended professional qualifications in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework for Higher Education, as published in detail in the Department’s Study Guide. The USP of the DMBG is highly specialized and tailored to the Department’s field of study, as defined by the official Government Gazette establishing the Department. In addition, it aligns with the Institution’s strategy of consistently aiming for excellence in teaching and research, so that through appropriate infrastructure, students are provided with high-quality knowledge and are supported in connecting with both the international and national scientific community. Thus, upon completion of their studies, students are awarded the title of Molecular Biologist – Geneticist.
The USP of the DMBG is oriented toward developments in science and technology and toward the needs of the economy and development. Its academic identity is guided by the need to educate students in fundamental knowledge and skills within an academic framework that fosters critical thinking and provides the necessary knowledge for the formation of informed and well-rounded individuals. The USP also utilizes new pedagogical methods and technologies developed by the Center for Teaching and Learning Support of the Democritus University of Thrace (KEDIMA-DUTH), as well as the development and implementation of initiatives that support study programs offering modern skills and competencies, with the participation of all stakeholders in the design process (graduates, the labor market, etc.).
The Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics (MBG) has developed a modern Undergraduate Study Program (USP) and specialized Postgraduate Study Programs based on international standards, which it continuously evaluates and updates in order to remain at the forefront of scientific developments. At the same time, a constant objective of the Department is to make full use of the research potential of its faculty members, to develop and strengthen research collaborations with the Medical School of the Democritus University of Thrace (with which it forms the School of Health Sciences), as well as with other departments of the University. The Department also aims to maintain and expand collaborations with Research Centers and Institutes and research groups in Greece and abroad, as well as to establish productive partnerships with industry and small and medium-sized enterprises. In order to achieve its research goals and strengthen its infrastructure, the Department actively participates in applications for funding from competitive research programs with remarkable success, while also providing a range of specialized services to businesses, public sector organizations, industry, and other stakeholders.
The field of expertise of the graduates of the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics is among the most dynamic, continuously expanding, and rapidly evolving scientific areas. Graduates may practice their profession under any form of employment relationship, as well as through the provision of services, consultancy, and expert opinions.
The Undergraduate Study Program (USP) covers 22 subject areas and encompasses a wide range of the scientific fields represented in the Department, which are organized into the following scientific domains: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, Biotechnology, and Lifelong Learning – Professional Development. The strategy of the USP is aligned with the mission and vision of the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics (DMBG) and is consistent with the strategy of the Institution. Emphasis is placed on the quality of the education and research provided, the assurance of high-quality infrastructure and support for both staff and the student community, as well as on strengthening the connection with society.
Furthermore, the strategy of the USP focuses on enhancing extroversion, internationalization, and the connection with the labor market. These strategic objectives simultaneously strengthen the recognition and prestige of the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics at the local, national, and international levels. In addition, the strategy of the USP is linked to the broader strategy of the Institution, which is developed and analyzed around six main pillars:
Education: Improvement of the quality of educational work in order to achieve learning outcomes and provide knowledge, skills, and competencies in accordance with scientific trends, utilizing modern educational approaches.
Research: Promotion of research, strengthening of interdisciplinarity, innovation, and the dissemination of research results.
Connection with Society: Development of active links and joint initiatives with institutions and organizations, and strengthening interaction with the labor market.
International Orientation: Enhancement of the international presence of the Institution and improvement of its recognition.
University Environment: Upgrading the operation of the Department and further improvement of the services provided to members of the academic community within the framework of sustainable development.
Quality Assurance: Strengthening quality processes and continuous training of human resources in order to enhance the prestige of the Department at the local, national, and international levels.
