About the Biology Department

Biology deals with the origin, history, characteristics, and habits of life. Our approach to biology education is dynamic in order to keep the program current with advances being made in the field. At The American University in Cairo (AUC), as in many colleges and universities, there is a growing tendency to merge what has historically diverged into widely segregated fields: botany and zoology, classical and modern molecular approach, and field and laboratory studies.

Today, with recent advances in the fields of biomedicine, molecular biology, and genetics, as well as growing political interests in the environment and biodiversity, the discipline is growing, with increasing opportunities in the job market for well-trained biologists.

The mission of the Department of Biology at AUC is to provide its students the opportunity to explore life at all levels, from the molecular to the environmental. The Department of Biology is committed to excellence in teaching and research in order to provide the integrative and conceptual foundations of life and biomedical sciences, implementing a liberal arts education. The Department of Biology is strategically designed to train students to be independent learners, problem solvers, and critical thinkers and have them ready to contribute to society as responsible and ethical experts in their profession. Our vision is to contribute to strengthening the field of biological science, both nationally and internationally, by educating future scientists.

Values

Excellence

We continually strive to be among the best in all we do in teaching, research, creative expression, service to our communities and service to each other in our daily interactions.

Diversity

We seek to treat all individuals with dignity and fairness and to promote understanding and respect for a diversity of perspectives, traditions and experiences.

Social Responsibility

We are committed to exploring the challenges that confront Egypt, the region and the world by using our intellectual and creative capabilities to address these challenges, serve our communities, and have a positive and sustainable impact on development, business, the environment and society.

Integrity

We believe that individuals are accountable for their actions, and as members of a community, our individual actions have an impact on others. We are stronger as a community when we reflect on the consequences of our decisions and actions, and we uphold the principles of academic integrity, including fairness, accountability and honesty.

Lifelong Learning

We believe that the pursuit of knowledge, understanding and personal and professional development should continue throughout one’s lifetime.

Accreditation

The Biology (BSc) program is accredited by the Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria.

To read more about the annual student enrollment and graduation data, check the AUC Profile and Factbook.