The Undergraduate Program of Studies of the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics is a highly specialized and adapted to the subject of the Department, as clearly defined by the Government Gazette of its establishment. Furthermore, it is fully consistent with the strategy of the Institution to always aim for teaching and research excellence, in order to provide students with excellence in knowledge and infrastructure and to facilitate the interconnection with the international and domestic scientific community. Thus, after completing their studies, students rightfully acquire the specialized title of Molecular Biologist – Geneticist.
Studies at the Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics last four academic years and are organized into 8 semesters. The academic year begins on September 1 of each year and ends on August 31 of the following year. Each academic year includes two semesters: the winter and the spring. Based on the current legislation, each semester includes at least 13 weeks of teaching while each examination period lasts 3 weeks. During the first two years of their studies, students become familiar with the basic concepts and principles of Molecular Biosciences as well as with modern methods and techniques. During the third and fourth years, students delve into the study of Molecular Biology and Genetics as well as their applications. Students have the opportunity to follow modern and emerging trends in specialized fields through the elective courses offered from the fourth semester of studies. In semesters A-C, only mandatory courses are taught which the General Assembly of the Department considers absolutely necessary for the scientific training of the Molecular Biologist – Geneticist. Consequently, the student is obliged to successfully attend all of them in order to obtain a degree. From the 4th semester, in addition to the compulsory courses, elective courses are also taught, from which the student is required to choose eight. Students are required to declare the elective courses they intend to attend at the beginning of each semester.
During the 8th semester, students choose one of the following options:
- Diploma/Graduate Thesis
- 10 elective courses
- Certificate of Pedagogical and Teaching Competence
The purpose of the diploma thesis is to familiarize the students with the resolution of a scientific issue, his adaptation to the environment of the Molecular Biosciences laboratory and the acquisition of experience in the method of writing a scientific paper. The Thesis is an experimental, research work aimed at practical training in laboratory techniques, the organization of experimental protocols, the sharpening of the student’s critical thinking skills, the understanding of scientifically documented research practice, the use of bibliography, the analysis-evaluation of results and the writing of an independent scientific text.
