Molecular Biology and Genetics | Faculty of Arts and Sciences

About The Program

Molecular Biology and Genetics Program Content

Molecular Biology and Genetics, a constantly evolving, interdisciplinary science, investigates the fundamental properties, structures, and functions of the molecules that make up life, their interactions with each other, and the cellular responses resulting from these interactions. The Molecular Biology and Genetics Department is a department that produces graduates who are entrepreneurial, research-oriented, internationally qualified, committed to ethical values, understand the workings of living things at the molecular level, apply their knowledge for the benefit of society, and develop solutions to problems, all through an innovative and high-quality program. Established within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Haliç University in the 2000-2001 academic year, the department graduated its first students in 2004. The Turkish Department, suspended from 2021 to 2025, recommenced student intake in the 2025-2026 academic year and continues to provide education with its specialized academic faculty. It continues to provide education with its expert academic staff. In addition to undergraduate education, it also began offering graduate programs in the 2004-2005 academic year. Our department, which provided education in Turkish from its establishment until the 2019-2020 academic year, opened the Molecular Biology and Genetics (English) Program in the 2020-2021 academic year. The Molecular Biology and Genetics Department resumed accepting students in the 2025-2026 academic year.

Haliç University's Molecular Biology and Genetics Department offers students a high-quality education program, well-equipped laboratory infrastructure, and a team of expert and experienced faculty members. The duration of education in our department is 4 years. Students in our Molecular Biology and Genetics (English) Program who do not have a sufficient English proficiency score in the English proficiency exam are subject to a one-year English preparatory program. In the first two years of the undergraduate program, students are given courses primarily in basic science subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology to provide them with a scientific foundation. In the last two years, compulsory theoretical and laboratory courses such as molecular biology, molecular genetics, molecular biology techniques and applications, and cell molecular biology are given. In addition to compulsory courses in cancer biology and genetics, genetic engineering, stem cell biology, RNA science, bioinformatics, molecular microbiology, and microbial technology, elective courses in specialized fields and outside the field are offered to allow students to explore different aspects of their department. The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics also offers double major and minor program opportunities with departments such as Mathematics, Engineering, Midwifery, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Psychology. Furthermore, students are given the opportunity to study abroad within the scope of the Erasmus Exchange Program. At the end of 4 years, our students graduate as well-equipped graduates who are preferred in their fields. Thanks to the skills they acquire during their undergraduate education, graduates are preferred in R&D centers, hospital genetic laboratories, private genetic diagnostic laboratories, IVF centers, the Forensic Medicine Institute, agriculture, animal husbandry, and the pharmaceutical industry, or they can continue their careers as academics.

VISION

To be a department that makes a name for itself with its research environment, collaborations with other universities, scientific studies, and quality.

MISSION

To provide knowledge-based, research-oriented education. To be a department that produces graduates who are entrepreneurial, inquisitive, internationally minded, committed to ethical values, understand the workings of living things at the molecular level, apply their knowledge for the benefit of society, and develop solutions to problems, all through an innovative and high-quality program.

Molecular Biology and Genetics Department Program Outcomes (PO)
PO 1.1	Possessing sufficient knowledge in the fields of molecular biology and genetics.
PO 1.2	Ability to apply the theoretical knowledge required by the fields of molecular biology and genetics within their respective fields.
PO 1.3	Ability to apply the skills required in the field of molecular biology and genetics (applied) in the field.
PO 2.1	Ability to identify, define, and interpret problems in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics.
PO 2.2	The ability to select appropriate analysis and modeling methods to solve problems in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics.
PO 2.3	Ability to apply appropriate analysis and modeling methods to solve problems in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics.
PO 3.1	The ability to understand and interpret any process, event, phenomenon, equipment, or product.
PO 3.2	Ability to solve the problems encountered using appropriate and modern methods.
PO 4	The ability to show interest in different disciplines outside of one's field for personal and professional development.
PO 5.1	The ability to select and use modern tools necessary for applications in Molecular Biology and Genetics.
PO 5.2	Ability to effectively utilize information technologies for applications in Molecular Biology and Genetics.
PO 6	In the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics, the ability to design, experiment, conduct field work, collect data, analyze results, report, archive, decode and/or interpret text.
PO 7	The ability to take responsibility for and solve unexpected complex situations that may be encountered in applications in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics, both individually and as a team member, and to communicate effectively.
PO 8.1	The ability to communicate effectively in Turkish, both orally and in writing, in order to plan and conduct academic research in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics, independently or in collaboration with stakeholders.
PO 8.2	Ability to communicate in writing and orally in at least one foreign language in order to plan and conduct academic research in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics, independently or in collaboration with stakeholders.
PO 9	Having an awareness of the necessity of lifelong learning, being able to access information, following developments in science and technology, and possessing the ability to continuously update oneself.
PO 10	In the collection, interpretation, dissemination, and application of data related to the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics, possessing social, scientific, and ethical values and an awareness of protecting these values is crucial.
PO 11	Understanding the universal and societal impacts (environmental problems, economy, sustainability, etc.) and legal aspects of Molecular Biology and Genetics applications.

Molecular Biology and Genetics Program Teaching Objectives (PTO)
PTO1	proficient in the fundamental principles of Molecular Biology and Genetics and advanced laboratory techniques , and who can develop solutions to problems needed in the field in accordance with professional ethical standards.
PTO2	To educate graduates who are socially responsible and able to work harmoniously with national and international multidisciplinary teams.
PTO3	To train individuals who possess the ability to design and conduct original research, have advanced academic qualifications, and have the potential to study at national and international graduate institutions and become academics.
PTO4	To cultivate individuals who can pursue lifelong professional development and thereby contribute to societal progress.

Message from the Head of Department

Dear Students,

The Molecular Biology and Genetics department is one of the fields where science is rapidly developing and shaping the future of humanity. University life is not only about acquiring academic knowledge; it is also a process of self-improvement, generating new ideas, and gaining different perspectives on life. In this process, our expectation from you is that you keep your interest in science alive and never give up on researching and learning.

Our entire academic staff is always there to support you in your best possible development. I believe that as long as you maintain your scientific curiosity, you will achieve significant success in the future.

If you too wish to become curious, inquisitive, and questioning individuals as part of this important journey, we would be delighted to welcome you to our department.

Sincerely,

Prof. Dr. M. Burcu IRMAK YAZICIOĞLU

Head of Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics

MELİHA BURCU IRMAK YAZICIOĞLU

Professor

Head of department

MELİHA BURCU IRMAK YAZICIOĞLU

Professor

Head of department

ALLİSON PINAR ERONAT

Asst. Prof.

Faculty Member

allisonpinareronat@halic.edu.tr

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DENİZ KANCA DEMİRCİ

Asst. Prof.

Faculty Member

denizkanca@halic.edu.tr

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FATMA YELDA ÜNLÜ

Asst. Prof.

fatmayeldaunlu@halic.edu.tr

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CEREN KÜPÇÜK

Research Assistant

Instructor

cerencolak@halic.edu.tr

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HATİCE KURNAZ

Research Assistant

Instructor

haticekurnaz@halic.edu.tr

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İPEK GÜREL

Research Assistant

Instructor

ipekgurel@halic.edu.tr

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ŞAFAK ŞENER

Research Assistant

Instructor

safaksener@halic.edu.tr

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The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics was founded in 2000-2001 Academic Year within the Faculty of Science and Letters of Haliç University. Our department graduated its first students in 2004 and continues providing education with its academic staff, who are experts in their fields. Besides our undergraduate program, our department has also started to offer a graduate education program since as of 2004-2005 academic year. Subsequent to the program change as part of Bologna Process since 2012, we have started to use European Credit System (ECTS).

Those who complete the Molecular Biology and Genetics department curriculum receive a "Bachelor's Degree in Molecular Biology and Genetics".

Associate and undergraduate degree programs accept students according to the exam held by the Center for Evaluation, Selection and Placement (ÖSYM) or the decisions of the Council Of Higher Education (YÖK).

Our graduates with a bachelor's degree can apply to master and doctorate programs in various fields such as Molecular Biology and Genetics, Genetic Engineering, Biology, Bioinformatics, Medical Biology, Medical Genetics, Pharmacogenetics, Food Engineering and Forensic Science.

1.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY1001	General Biology I	3+0+2	7	Compulsory
BİY1003	General Chemistry I	3+0+2	6	Compulsory
HLÜ1001	Calculus I	5+0+0	6	Compulsory
HLÜ1003	Physics I	3+0+2	6	Compulsory
OZD0101	Turkish Language I	2+0+0	2	Compulsory
OZD0105	Advanced English I	3+0+0	3	Compulsory

2.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY1002	General Biology II	3+0+2	7	Compulsory
BİY1004	General Chemistry II	3+0+2	6	Compulsory
HLÜ1002	Calculus II	5+0+0	6	Compulsory
HLÜ1004	Physics II	3+0+2	6	Compulsory
OZD0102	Turkish Language II	2+0+0	2	Compulsory
OZD0106	Advanced English II	3+0+0	3	Compulsory

3.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY2001	Genetics	3+0+0	5	Compulsory
BİY2003	Genetics Laboratory	1+0+2	3	Compulsory
BİY2005	Cell Biology	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY2007	Organic Chemistry I	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY2009	Ecology	2+0+0	3	Compulsory
HLÜ0040	Scientific Writing and Presentation Skills	1+2+0	3	Compulsory
OZD0103	History of Turkish Revolution and Atatürk's Principles I	2+0+0	2	Compulsory
OZD0130	Career Planning	2+0+0	2	Compulsory
AİS2XX1	Area Elective	-	4	Elective
BİY2100	Principles of Immunology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY2110	Virology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY2120	Biotechnology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY2130	Structure and Function of Plants	3+0+0	5	Elective

4.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY2002	Fundamental Microbiology	3+0+0	5	Compulsory
BİY2004	Fundamental Microbiology Laboratory	1+0+2	3	Compulsory
BİY2006	Physiology	3+0+0	5	Compulsory
BİY2008	Organic Chemistry II	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY2012	Organic Chemistry Laboratory	0+0+2	3	Compulsory
BİY2014	Molecular Genetics I	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
OZD0104	History of Turkish Revolution and Atatürk's Principles II	2+0+0	2	Compulsory
AİS2XX2	Area Elective	-	4	Elective
BİY2100	Principles of Immunology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY2110	Virology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY2120	Biotechnology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY2130	Structure and Function of Plants	3+0+0	5	Elective

5.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY3001	Biochemistry I	3+0+0	5	Compulsory
BİY3003	Molecular Genetics II	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY3005	Molecular Biology Techniques I	2+0+0	3	Compulsory
BİY3007	Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory I	1+0+2	3	Compulsory
BİY3009	Population Genetics	2+0+0	3	Compulsory
SBF4010	Biostatistics	1+2+0	4	Compulsory
AİS3XX1	Area Elective (2 Pieces)	-	8	Elective
BİY3100	Brain Neurobiology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3110	Enzymology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3120	Stem Cell Biology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3130	RNA World	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3140	Human Genetics	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3150	Genetic Basics of Physiology and Endocrinology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3160	Application of Molecular Biology in Forensic Sciences	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3170	Basic Pharmacology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY3180	Microbial Technology	3+0+0	5	Elective
FEF0000	Internship	0+0+0	4	Elective

6.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY3002	Biochemistry II	3+0+0	5	Compulsory
BİY3004	Evolution and Biodiversity	2+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY3006	Molecular Biology Techniques II	2+0+0	3	Compulsory
BİY3008	Molecular Biology Techniques Laboratory II	1+0+2	3	Compulsory
BİY3012	Bioinformatics	3+0+0	3	Compulsory
ADS3XX2	Non- Area Elective	-	4	Elective
AİS3XX2	Area Elective (2 Pieces)	-	8	Elective

7.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY4001	Molecular Cell Biology I	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY4003	Molecular Biology Applications I	2+0+0	3	Compulsory
BİY4005	Molecular Biology Applications Laboratory I	1+0+2	3	Compulsory
HLÜ0020	Professional Ethics	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
ADS4XX1	Non- Area Elective (2 Pieces)	-	8	Elective
AİS4XX1	Area Elective (2 Pieces)	-	8	Elective
BİY4100	Genetic Engineering	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4101	Research Techniques in Molecular Biology and Genetics I	1+0+2	4	Elective
BİY4110	Cancer Biology and Genetics	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4120	Medical Microbiology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4130	Pharmacogenetics	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4140	Animal Tissue Culture	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4150	Advanced Bioinformatics	2+2+0	4	Elective
BİY4160	Gene Therapy	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4170	Developmental Biology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4180	Biomaterials	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4190	Molecular Microbiology	3+0+0	7	Elective

8.Semester Course Plan

Ders Kodu	Ders Adı	T+U+L	AKTS	Ders Türü
BİY4002	Molecular Cell Biology II	3+0+0	4	Compulsory
BİY4004	Molecular Biology Applications II	2+0+0	3	Compulsory
BİY4006	Molecular Biology Applications Laboratory II	1+0+2	3	Compulsory
FEF4000	Graduation Project	0+2+0	6	Compulsory
ADS4XX2	Non- Area Elective (2 Pieces)	-	6	Elective
AİS4XX2	Area Elective (2 Pieces)	-	8	Elective
BİY4100	Genetic Engineering	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4102	Research Techniques in Molecular Biology and Genetics II	1+0+2	4	Elective
BİY4110	Cancer Biology and Genetics	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4120	Medical Microbiology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4130	Pharmacogenetics	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4140	Animal Tissue Culture	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4150	Advanced Bioinformatics	2+2+0	4	Elective
BİY4160	Gene Therapy	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4170	Developmental Biology	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4180	Biomaterials	3+0+0	4	Elective
BİY4190	Molecular Microbiology	3+0+0	7	Elective

1) To successfully complete all the necessary requirements of their education program;
2) To complete 120 ECTS for two-year associate degree programs, 240 ECTS for four-year undergraduate programs, 300 ECTS for the five-year programs granting both undergraduate and graduate degrees and 360 ECTS for six-year programs;
3) To pass all the compulsory and elective courses required by the program;
4) To acquire at least 2.00 CGPA;
5) To not be discharged from the University.

The graduates of our undergraduate program can be employed in several sectors such as medical and genetic research and development centers, genetic diagnostic centers, forensic science laboratories, or genetic engineering related to biology, pharmaceutical industry, food, agriculture and livestock and microbiology.

The academic standings of the students of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is determined with regard to “the Regulations of Haliç University on Associate Degree and Undergraduate Education”

(1) Final grade refers to the equivalent of raw final grade in 4.00 grading system specified by reckoning students’ studies in a half year/year and their mid-term/final exam grades based on the prevenient weights; apart from single course, grade-increase and exemption exams.

(2) Relative or absolute evaluation systems are used to calculate students’ final grades. The type of evaluation system is designated by the concerned Board of Directors before the beginning of an academic year. The Equivalence Table issued by the Council of Higher Education is utilized for the equivalence between 4.00 and 100 grading systems.

(3) On the purpose of success evalution in a course; mid-term exams, additional exams, trainings in fields and working places, practices, assignments, projects, workshops, seminars, class attendance, laboratory and other relevant studies in a mid-term comprise 40% of the course evalution score. The instructor of the relevant course announces mid-term study types and the contributions of these studies and final exam grades to the final grade in the course and proclaims all the mid-term studies and final exam grades to the students.

(4) In absolute evalution system, academic ranking is determined for raw academic rankings according to the absolute ranges laid down in this Directive. However, in relative evalution system, academic ranking is ascertained based upon average raw academic rankings and their statistical distribution.

(5) Assessment and evaluation principles of relative and absolute evaluation systems, provisions and limitations of final grade calculations in the relative evaluation system and academic success levels are defined by the Senate and published on the website of University.

(6) In both evaluation systems, the students, who do not take a final or re-sit examination of a course and who has not received 40 points out of 100 in the aforesaid examinations; fails the course.

(7) The point and letter equivalences of academic ranking levels in the absolute evaluation system is given below: Final Grade Letter Grade Meaning Grade Range 4.00 AA Excellent 90-100 3.50 BA Very Good 80-89 3.00 BB Good 70-79 2.50 CB Fair 65-69 2.00 Acceptable 60-64 1.50 DC Partially Acceptable 55-59 1.00 DD Partially Acceptable 50-54 0.00 FF Fail 0-49 0.00 NA Not Attended 0

(8) Apart from the final grades in Article 7, students’ academic success level in a course is determined by use of nonnumeric expressions as shown below:

a) NA (Not Attended): It is given for the courses which students have failed due to absence and treated as FF grade for credit courses and U grade for non-credit courses.

b) I (Incomplete): It is given when students are not able to complete necessary course studies such as internship, project, assignment, laboratory experiments etc., even though they pass the course. It is mandatory to give a grade to those students who have received I grade, when they make up their incomplete studies in 15 days after the exam period. Otherwise, this grade turns into FF grade.

c) S (Satisfactory): It is given to the students who have successfully completed their internships and credit courses.

ç) T (Transfer/Exempt): It is given for the courses which had been taken in another higher education institution and accepted as exempt when its accreditation was approved by the concerned board of directors.

d) W (Withdrawal): It is given for the courses from which students have withdrawn.

e) P (Passing): It is given when students still attend non-credit courses which expand more than one semester.

(9) The letter grades and coefficients mentioned in this Article applies for students’ course accreditation or evaluation of numeric grades taken in another higher education institution.

(10) A student who receives one of AA, BA, BB, CB and CC is regarded as successful in the relevant course.

Dr. Faculty Member Deniz KANCA DEMİRCİ

Böl.Sekreteri Ergün ÇİÇEK