Molecular Biology and Genetics
The Molecular Biology and Genetics programme at Istanbul Technical University is a four-year undergraduate degree taught fully in English. In this programme, students learn about living cells, DNA, genetics, molecular processes and biological systems. Courses include biology, chemistry, genetics, cell biology and molecular lab work. Students also study bio-informatics, biotechnology basics, and laboratory techniques. The programme combines theory and lab practice so that graduates understand life at molecular level and can work on research or biotechnology problems.
The department has modern labs and experienced instructors. Students get opportunities for hands-on lab work, experiments, genetic analysis, cell culture and bioinformatic data study. Istanbul’s academic and research environment gives students access to research projects, collaborations and internships. With this education, graduates have a strong foundation to work in research centres, biotechnological firms, health sector, environmental biology, or continue their studies in graduate school — both in Türkiye and internationally.
Key information
Key Facts
- Degree: Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Standard period of study: 8 semesters (4 years)
- Location: Istanbul, Turkey
- Study Type: Undergraduate, full-time, English-medium
- Admission semester: Fall semester only
- Area of study: Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Life Sciences
- Main language: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations of Sciences
- Biology I
- General Chemistry
- Basic Mathematics / Statistics
- English / Academic Skills Course
Semester 2 – Core Natural Sciences
- Biology II / Cell Biology
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics or General Science Course
- Laboratory Practice
Semester 3 – Core Genetics & Molecular Biology I
- Genetics
- Biochemistry I
- Molecular Biology I
- Statistics / Data Analysis for Biologists
Semester 4 – Core Genetics & Molecular Biology II
- Molecular Biology II
- Bioinformatics & Computational Biology Basics
- Microbiology / Immunology Fundamentals
- Laboratory / Elective Course
Semester 5 – Applied Biotechnology & Research Methods
- Biotechnology Fundamentals
- Genetic Technologies / Genetic Engineering
- Cell Culture & Laboratory Techniques
- Elective Course
Semester 6 – Advanced Topics & Specialisation
- Genomics / Proteomics or Bioinformatics Advanced
- Environmental & Evolutionary Biology or Ecology
- Research Methods & Scientific Writing
- Elective or Lab Course
Semester 7 – Research Project & Professional Preparation
- Molecular Biology & Genetics Research Project (Team Work)
- Advanced Elective (Biotech, Bioinformatics, Ecology, etc.)
- Seminar / Scientific Methods / Technical Writing
- Elective Course
Semester 8 – Graduation Project & Career Prep
- Final Year Research Project / Thesis-style Project
- Advanced Elective or Specialisation Course
- Professional Development / Career Preparation Course
- Graduation & Diploma Award
Career Opportunities
Graduates from this programme can work as research assistants, lab technicians, genetic analysts, biotechnology specialists, bioinformatics analysts, environmental biologists, or in health and pharmaceutical industry. They may join university labs, research centres, biotech companies, hospitals, environmental agencies or food and agriculture firms. With strong knowledge in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology and bioinformatics, graduates can also pursue graduate studies (MSc/PhD) in life sciences, medical sciences, biotechnology, genetics or related fields — inside Türkiye or abroad.
Why Choose This Program
This programme is a great choice for students who are curious about life, biology and how living systems work on a molecular level. You learn how genes, cells and molecules interact, and you practise doing experiments in well-equipped labs. The mix of theory and hands-on work helps you understand biology deeply and gain real research skills. This makes you ready for jobs in science, research or biotech right after graduation.
Also, studying at ITU gives you access to good labs, experienced instructors and opportunities for internships or research projects. You build skills in biology, genetics, programming (bioinformatics), data analysis and scientific thinking — skills that are useful in many different careers. If you want a future in science, medicine, environment, research or biotechnology, this programme gives a strong start and many possible paths.
Contact Information
İstanbul Technical University – Faculty of Science (Department of Molecular Biology & Genetics)
Ayazağa / Maslak Campus,
Istanbul, Turkey
Tel: +90 212 285 33 00
Email: info@bio.itu.edu.tr
Molecular Biology & Genetics Department – Programme Office
Istanbul Technical University
Tel: +90 212 285 33 00
Email: mbg@itu.edu.tr
