Wolkite University Biotechnology Department

Biotechnology is one of the rapidly growing 21^th century technology which supports discovery and innovation to alleviate the challenges in health, agriculture, food processing, industry and environmental sectors. Biotechnology is defined as any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms or parts thereof to make, modify products or processes for the benefits of human kind. The estimated world population in 2050 is 9.1 billion. The research did to feed this rapidly growing populations are not as rapid as the rate of population growth. Therefore the agricultural biotechnology would have a rapid solution to the challenges faced to increase agricultural production.  Currently different biotechnological tools have different solutions for, different type of climate change that is happening due to human made activity and different type of acute and chronic diseases that spreads in different continents of the world.  In developing country like Ethiopia, the potential application of biotechnology is yet underutilized due to lack of trained manpower, facility and government policy support in biotechnology. Hence, biotechnology program launched in Wolkite Universities, Ethiopia to produce competent graduates who will be able to understand the potentials, and impact of biotechnological solutions on agriculture, industry, health, environment and societal context.
      Objective of the program
The undergraduate Biotechnology program aims at producing graduates who are well equipped with knowledge and skills in Biotechnology so as to efficiently exploit the potential of this new field in bringing country’s development in terms of economy, health and environment.
     Vision of the Department
To be a centre of excellence in the field of biotechnology equipped to create graduates who endeavor for the welfare of mankind.
      Missions of the Department
Excel in biotechnology quality education and research for professional growth and opportunity in a wide range of   careers.
Facilitate students to function as competent, innovative and professional biotechnologists to satisfy the needs of the society, academia and industry.
      Programme Outcomes
Graduates will apply knowledge of Biotechnology and other related life science concepts to solve problems associated with agriculture, health, industry and environment.
Graduates will be able to select and apply appropriate biotechnology tools and techniques in biological manipulation, and bioprocess engineering and environmental protection.
Laboratory Facilities
Currently the department of biotechnology has established basic biotechnology laboratory having molecular biology laboratory, and plant cell and tissue culture. Plant Biotechnology laboratory, Microbial Biotechnology laboratory and Bioinformatics laboratory are going on to be established.
Program Profile
The B.Sc. program in Biotechnology is a four years study which includes theoretical knowledge and skills in Molecular Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology (Plant Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology), Medical Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Biotechnology tools, Nan biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology.
Graduate Profile
The graduates of Biotechnology program will be expected to work in agricultural, medical, industrial, environmental protection, forensic investigation and research institutes.
Program Requirements for Admission
Students who have successfully completed the preparatory school education and meet the country’s minimum university entrance requirements shall be admitted to the program. Additionally diploma holders from recognized institutions in the fields of biological sciences, Chemistry, Medical & Health sciences, Agriculture, Environmental sciences and other related disciplines can be admitted to the program.
Human resources of the department
The Department members are engaged in high impact research in the areas of molecular biology, bioinformatics, biotechnology and community service. The department conducts different training, and research with the support from Wolkite University and other institutes.
                 Research Themes
Agricultural biotechnology
Molecular Biology and BioinformaticsIndustrial and environmental Biotechnology
Medical Biotechnology