GENERAL INTRODUCTION

D ear students, dear future professors, scientists, geneticists, engineers, leaders, successful people, We are happy that you have decided to spend the most exciting years of your life in gathering knowledge from the field of genetics and bioengineering at GBE Department of Interna-

tional Burch University. Within that time, through the lectures, exams, projects and, most importantly, through the open persistent communications with your assistants (friends) and professors (mentors), you will have a chance to meet and accumulate all their knowledge and life experience which they will truthfully share with you each year, semester and day of your study. As a favor for that, we are expecting a very simple thing from you: just give the best you can as a student! We are not asking too much, are we? At the end, do not be afraid to be successful and remember: no matter if you are going to stay with us three, five, or eight years, you have to know that you will be member of Burch family for life.

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Who Are We ?

International Burch University (IBU) was established in 2008 in Sarajevo, capital of

Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the goal of presenting a unique opportunity to re-

think the very idea of a modern university and formulate a blueprint for the future.

Upon the Sarajevo Canton Ministry of Education decision, teaching process was

started according to Bologna System of Education (3+2+3) entirely in English lan-

guage within three faculties.

IBU is owned by The Stirling Education Fund from the UK. The Department of Ge-

netics and Bioengineering was opened in 2011/2012 academic year and immediate-

ly became a popular area of study. The educational program of Genetics and Bioen-

gineering Department that is unique in the Balkans region is based on three years

for undergraduates, two years for MSc, and three years for PhD students. The first

year of the undergraduate program is dedicated to the study of basic natural sci-

ences such as physics, calculus, and biology, in addition to English reading and

writing skills and programming classes. The second and third years are mainly com-

posed of basic genetics and bioengineering courses, some of which are the tech-

nical elective courses, which aim to improve the students' academic and profession-

al skills according to their interests. The MSc and PhD programs are composed of a

combination of course work in the first two semesters followed by independent

research in the following year for MSc pursuits and the following two years for PhD

pursuits. Both degrees culminate in the writing of a thesis/dissertation and a de-

fense in front of a committee.

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Who Are We ?

Our main aims are:

• To promote applicable genetics, bioengineering, and biotechnological knowledge through education and state-of-the-art technologies.

• To develop local, regional, and international collaborations, as well as smart partnerships with internationally recognized institutions and industries.

• To create and continuously improve curricula that meet the demands of local and European industries.

• To motivate students to be recognized for academic excellence equipped with good skills and virtue.

• To achieve and maintain teaching excellence through quality improvement, evaluation of learning outcomes, consistent monitoring, and review of teaching programs.

• To publish papers in high quality peer-reviewed journals and books.

The laboratory facilities are composed of five laboratories, namely a broad Scientific

Research Laboratory (which could be used for selected graduate-level experi-

ments), Microbiology Research Laboratory used for undergraduate, Master and

doctoral projects in fundamental sciences, Human Cell Culture Laboratory, Molecu-

lar Biology and Genetics Laboratory, and Microbiology, Chemistry and Bioengineer-

ing Laboratory. Research equipment capacity includes laboratory components such

as UV/vis spectrophotometers, laminar flow working platforms for different purpos-

es, thermocyclers (PCR and qPCR), capillary electrophoresis, vertical and horizontal

electrophoresis systems, professional molecular imager, fume hood, autoclaving

systems, inverted and electronic microscopes, etc. The aforementioned enable, but

are not limited to scientific procedures such as gene cloning and transfer, blotting

techniques, spectrophotometry, SDS-PAGE and agarose gel electrophoresis, various

chromatography procedures, and cell and tissue culture techniques. These tech-

niques form the focal point of our research interests, that include microbial ge-

netics, biomedical engineering and medical devices, population genetics and phylo-

genetics.

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MISSION

The mission of the GBE Department is to prepare the students, both in theory and

practice, for leadership in the globally competitive fields of life science, genetic

engineering, biotechnology, industry, academia, and research. The program has

been developed to meet the increasing demand in these fields of industry and re-

search. Students of this Department would find unique opportunities of employ-

ment and research in the areas of applied genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics,

biomedical engineering, pharmacy and drug design, nanotechnology, genomic and

proteomic research, neurosciences, etc.

VISION

The main vision of the GBE Department is to be one of the leading research and teaching programs in the South-Eastern Europe with special reference to Balkan countries and to always be a preferential department which is dynamic, interdisci-plinary, ethic, enterprising, engrossing, open to original concepts, high quality in science, and modern. The goals of the program are to give education about technology used in basic med-

ical, biological, and engineering sciences and to graduate technical persons who are

capable of establishing a connection between the academia and the needs of indus-

try surrounding them.

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GBE ACADEMIC STAFF

Prof. Dr. Damir Marjanović, Rector of the International Burch University damir.marjanovic@ibu.edu.ba Leading Balkan scientists in the field of forensic genetics, but also in population genetics and molecular anthropology. Dr. Marjanović’s publication record includes 170 publications, both articles in journals as well as books and book chapters and highly regarded projects and national and international collaborations. Additionally, he has been an invited speaker at more than 40 international scientific events, and his media presence continues to highlight his impact in the fields of fo-rensic and population genetics as well as molecular anthropol-ogy. Lastly, in 2011 Dr. Marjanović was chosen as the scientist of the year in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Prof. Dr. Mirsada Hukić mirsada.hukic@ibu.edu.ba Dr. Hukić is the leading Bosnian and one of the leading Euro-pean scientists in the fields of microbiology and microbial genetics. Her publication record includes 12 books, more than 60 various scientific publications, more than 200 conference papers and poster presentations as well as several highly re-garded project awards and national and international collabo-rations. Furthermore, her media presence continues to high-light her impact in the fields of microbiology, virology, and infectious diseases.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Lejla Smajlović Skenderagić, Head of GBE Department l.smajlovic.skenderagic@ibu.edu.ba

Dr. Lejla Smajlović Skenderagić received BSc degree in

General Biology and MSc and PhD in biological sciences

(Genetics) from Faculty of Science, University of Sarajevo.

She has 16 years of experience working as a Senior DNA

scientist in the field of forensic genetics, including over 12

years occupying a managerial position in the DNA

laboratories of International Commission on Missing Persons

(ICMP). She works as an international forensic DNA expert

consultant. She is a member of International Society for

Forensic Genetics – ISFG and her main research areas cover

forensic genetics, STRs, SNPs and population genetics.

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GBE ACADEMIC STAFF

Assist Prof. Dr. Serkan Doğan, Secretary General of the International Burch University serkan.dogan@ibu.edu.ba Dr. Dogan is the first to be awarded a PhD degree at our Department where he continued on as Assistant Professor. He published several scientific papers in high quality journals and participated at several international conferences. Dr. Dogan is an enthusiastic and professional geneticist, who enjoys being part of, as well as leading, a successful and productive team. His research interests include STRs, SNPs, Population Genetics, Y chromosome and Forensic DNA Analyses.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amina Kurtović Kozarić amina.kurtovic@ibu.edu.ba

Dr. Kurtović Kozarić is an established prenatal and molecular

cytogeneticist at the Department of Pathology, Clinical Center

of the University of Sarajevo since 2007. Furthermore, Dr.

Kurtović Kozarić was a Fulbright Scholar at the Cleveland Clin-

ic, Department of Translational Hematology and Oncology

Research, in 2012. Her publication record includes high quality

scientific articles, including two articles in Nature.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Enisa Omanović Mikličanin enisa.omanovic@ibu.edu.ba Dr. Omanović Mikličanin is the most prominent scientist in the

field of nanotechnology in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her publi-

cations include a number of high quality papers in chemistry-

related scientific journals and numerous conference papers.

Dr. Omanović Mikličanin’s research interests are analytical

chemistry, nanotechnology, nanosensors, and physical chem-

istry.

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GBE ACADEMIC STAFF

Assist. Prof. Dr. Almir Badnjević almir.badnjevic@ibu.edu.ba Dr. Badnjević is one of the leading European professionals in

the field of Medical Devices and Biomedical Engineering. He

holds PhD degree in the field of Biomedical Engineering. His

publication record includes more than 20 publications both

articles in Journals and Conference Proceedings. Dr. Badnjević

is currently Director of VERLAB Ltd. He is Executive Director of

BH Medical and Biological Engineering Society and organizer

of the First Conference on Medical and Biological Engineering

(CMBEBIH) that took place in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herze-

govina.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Monia Avdić monia.avdic@ibu.edu.ba Dr. Avdić obtained her MSc in the Biology Department, Facul-

ty of Natural Sciences, University of Sarajevo and continues

her PhD studies at GBE Department, International Burch Uni-

versity. She published scientific articles on clinical bacteriolo-

gy and microbial resistance in indexed journals and confer-

ence proceedings. Her research interests include biofilms,

antibiotic resistance, and molecular diagnostics.

Senior Teaching Assistant Adna Ašić adna.asic@ibu.edu.ba Ms. Ašić obtained her MSc degree at GBE, International Burch

University and is currently enrolled in PhD studies at the same

Department. She published several scientific articles in in-

dexed journals and international conference proceedings. Ms.

Ašić’s research interests include pharmacogenetics and per-

sonalized medicine, population genetics, and phylogeny.

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GBE ACADEMIC STAFF

Senior Teaching Assistant Sabina Halilović sabina.halilovic@ibu.edu.ba Ms. Halilović obtained her BSc and MSc degrees from the GBE

Department at International Burch University and has newly

enrolled in PhD studies at the same Department. Her research

interests include cell culturing, genetics and fields associated

with artificial neural networks and molecular biology.

Consequently, she has cooperated in publishing papers on

these topics.

Senior Teaching Assistant Larisa Bešić larisa.besic@ibu.edu.ba Ms. Bešić obtained her MSc at GBE, International Burch Uni-

versity and is currently engaged in PhD studies at the same

Department. Her bibliography includes scientific articles in

indexed journals and international conference proceedings.

Ms. Bešić’s research interests include cancer biology, hema-

tology and population genetics.

Industry Expert Lejla Gurbeta gurbeta.lejla@ibu.edu.ba Mr. sc. Lejla Gurbeta obtained her MSc at Faculty of Electrical

Engineering, University of Sarajevo. Her bibliography includes

scientific articles in indexed journals and international confer-

ence proceedings. Her research interests include biomedical

engineering, medical devices, artificial neural networks. She is

currently Head of Laboratory for inspection of medical devices

– Verlab Ltd. Sarajevo organizer of the International Confer-

ence on Medical and Biological Engineering (CMBEBIH), Sara-

jevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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GBE LABORATORIES

GBE laboratory 1: Scientific Research laboratory The Scientific Research laboratory is used by our MSc and PhD students for the purpose of conducting their graduate research projects. This laboratory is also available for the research groups that are active at our Department for their re-search experiments that are presented either via participation at international con-ferences or via journal publication. The lab holds modern equipment including: thermocyclers (both PCR and qPCR), capillary electrophoresis, spectrophotometer, molecular imager, laminar flow working platforms, electrophoresis machines, cen-trifuge for DNA/RNA samples, -80⁰C freezer, growing chamber, vortex, spin-down, pH meter, analytical balance, and stirring hot plates. Some that are currently under-way or have previously been conducted in this laboratory include:

• Multiplex STR PCR amplification and DNA profiling

• An integrated approach to personalization of warfarin-mediated anticoagulant

therapy (in cooperation with BioGlobe GmbH, Hamburg, Germany)

• Molecular mechanisms of PTSD within the DAAD Stability Pact for South East-

ern Europe 2015

• Forensic botany: DNA isolation methods for T. officinale (organic and inorganic

extraction)

• G-quadruplex formation in DNA primers

• Heavy metal accumulation in Brassica sp.

• Boron accumulation in bacteria

• Effect of silica and nanosilica on wheat and barley gene expression

• Effect of antioxidants on melanin expression.

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GBE LABORATORIES

GBE laboratory 2: Microbiology Research laboratory The Microbiology Research laboratory holds modern equipment for a range of ex-periments in fundamental biological sciences. It is used by our undergraduate, Master and doctoral students and researches for their projects and final works in fields related to microbiology, immunology and physiology. Some of the equipment present in the lab includes the following: microscopes, incubator, laminar flow working platform, dry sterilization oven, ultrasonic cleaning unit, as well as all other disposables necessary for researchers' protection and maintaining sterile condi-tions. Projects that are performed in this lab include:

• The study of antibiotic effect on biofilm formation in bacteria

• The study of the effect of environmental conditions on biofilm formation in bacteria

• The study of heavy metal effect on biofilm formation in bacteria

• Antibacterial properties of garlic (Allium sativum) • Antimicrobial resistance of clinical isolates.

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GBE LABORATORIES

GBE laboratory 3: Human Cell Culture laboratory Human Cell Culture is the youngest laboratory at our Department established in fall semester 2017/2018 academic year. This laboratory is equipped with biosafety level 2 laminar flow platform, micropipettes, CO2 incubator, inverted microscope, as well as sterile cell culture glassware and disposables. This laboratory is intended for our Master and PhD students for performing their experiments and for project partici-pation. In cooperation with the Faculty of Dentistry and Clinical Center (both within Sarajevo University), our Master students used this laboratory for investigating opti-mum growth conditions and suitable culture media for human PDL cells.

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GBE LABORATORIES

GBE laboratory 4: Molecular Biology & Genetics laboratory

This laboratory is used for Molecular Biology, Genetics, Human Genetics, and Fo-rensic Genetics lab exercises. It offers an opportunity for DNA and protein isolation and analysis since it contains all necessary equipment, such as centrifuge, analytical balance, heating block, stirring hot plate, vortex, spin-down, electrophoresis ma-chines, micropipettes, and working cabinet. Exercises performed in this laboratory include (and are not limited to):

• Micropipetting techniques

• Fingerprint analysis

• Forensic anthropology

• Presumptive and confirmatory tests for biological evidence

• DNA isolation methods (organic, inorganic, commercial kits)

• Protein isolation

• DNA and protein spectrophotometry

• Agarose gel electrophoresis and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).

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GBE LABORATORIES

GBE laboratory 5: Microbiology, Chemistry & Bioengineering laboratory This is a highly versatile laboratory used for a range of fundamental, as well as applied sci-ence courses at undergraduate studies. In terms of fundamental sciences, students are tak-ing laboratory courses in General Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Systems Physiology, Plant Physiology and Tissue Culture, and Immunology and Immunogenetics. Also, this lab is fully equipped for conducting student exercises that are part of the chemistry courses held at the University, including General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry. Addition-ally, this lab is equipped with PASCO sensors, which enables our students to get practical experience in bioengineering-related courses, such as Biomedical Instrumentation, Biosen-sors, and Biomedical Signals and Systems. Lab equipment includes analytical balance, pH meter, hot plate, equipment for titration experiments, Randall hot extraction apparatus, and a fume hood. As for bioengineering part of the laboratory equipment, the following items can be found: contamination monitor, infusion pumps, fluid management system, and plug-style test load. Examples of exercises performed in this lab are:

• Cation identification

• Identification of classes of organic compounds (hydrocarbons, alcohols, carboxylic acids,

esters)

• Synthesis reactions (aspirin, benzoic acid, saponification, esterification)

• Chromatography techniques (paper chromatography, thin layer chromatography, col-

umn chromatography)

• Analysis of organic macromolecules (amino acids, proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates,

fats and lipids)

• pH measurements and titration reactions

• Spectrophotometric measurements

• Media preparation

• Microscopy (analysis of prokaryotic/bacterial and eukaryotic/plant and animal cells,

observation of cellular organelles, osmosis and diffusion, and cell division)

• Biochemical testing of bacteria

• Preparation of blood smears and blood cell counting

• Coagulation time and ABO blood types

• Analysis of organ systems.

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GBE LABORATORIES

GBE laboratory 6: Wet room This room is used by GBE Department staff, researchers and students for steriliza-tion and cleaning purposes. Potentially hazardous and infectious waste is sterilized in this room, as well as glassware, disposables, solutions and growth media for all laboratory needs. Apart from autoclave, this room possesses ice machine and water distiller.

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Co-operating laboratory : Verlab Medical device inspection laboratory “Verlab Ltd.” Sarajevo is metrology laboratory appoint-ed by the Institute of Metrology of Bosnia and Herzegovina, for the provision of testing and verification of medical devices with measuring function in all public and private healthcare institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Verlab is one of the best equipped laboratories for the verification and certification of medi-cal equipment in this part of Europe, possessing etalons and equipment of world renowned manufacturers such as Fluke Biomedical, IMT, Messa labs and other.

The main activity of laboratory is inspection of medical devices with measuring function and consulting in the field of healthcare. Laboratory staff are highly qualified, specialized and trained in this area. This is achieved by constant education through visits to various educa-tional seminars in the field of metrology and medical technology.

To achieve quality service toward customers, Verlab works with external collaborators from medical, biomedical and engineering industry, which contribute to the work, presentations and educational lectures on equipment and modern diagnostic and analytical techniques. Verlab is also dedicated in supporting academic work enabling students summer internships.

GBE LABORATORIES

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Co-operating laboratory : Prolab Prolab Sarajevo is the largest private medical and biochemistry laboratory in B&H which is

performing biochemical, hematological, coagulation and immunochemistry analyses, as

well as DNA analysis in co-operation with Genos laboratory from Zagreb, Croatia. The

laboratory is equipped with modern equipment manufactured by the leading world

companies, such as Abbott, Olympus, Eppendorf and others.

Co-operating laboratory : Genos Established as an academic startup in 2007, Genos is the first private DNA laboratory in the region and one of the leading scientific institutions in Croatia in the field of DNA analysis, as well as the leading institution in the world in the field of the analysis of glycans. The company's DNA laboratory has been involved in development of high quality products in the fields of human and animal genetics. Remarkable scientific and business results also meant growth of the company in terms of people and activities, therefore a new company was established at the end of 2014, Genos DNA Laboratory, focused exclusively on development of products and services for private clients and institutions. Following newest trends in genetics, task of this new company based on knowledge is, apart from even better positioning of the existing tests on the market, to develop new tests that will help in reducing risks of illnesses and improving quality of life, and all these in terms of personalized medicine.

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2018/2019 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

FALL SEMESTER

09/09/2018 Jewish New Year – Rosh Hashanah*

11/09/2018 Islamic New Year*

13/09/2018 – 14/09/2018

Entrance Exams/Interviews for Master and PhD Students – 2nd Enrollment Period

18/09/2018 Yom Kippur*

21/09/2018 Entrance Exams/Interviews for Master and PhD Students – Results Announcement

24/09/2018 – 28/09/2018

Fall Semester’s Academic Preparation Week

27/09/2018 – 28/09/2018

Fall Semester’s Courses’ Registration (2018/2019 Academic Year)

01/10/2018 Beginning of Classes

19/11/2018 – 27/11/2018

Mid-term Examinations

25/11/2018 Statehood Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina (non-working day)

25/12/2018 Roman Catholic Christmas (non-working day)

01/01/2019 – 02/01/2019

New Year (non-working days)

07/01/2019 Orthodox Christmas (non-working day)

11/01/2019 Last Day of Classes

14/01/2019 – 18/01/2019

Study Week (Preparation for Final Exams)

21/01/2019 – 01/02/2019

Final Examinations

11/02/2019 – 22/02/2019

Make-up Examinations

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2018/2019 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

SPRING SEMESTER

18/02/2019 – 22/02/2019 Spring Semester’s Academic Preparation Week

21/02/2019 – 22/02/2019 Spring Semester’s Courses’ Registration (2017/2018 Academic Year)

25/02/2019 Beginning of Classes

01/03/2019 Independence Day of Bosnia and Herzegovina (nonworking day)

08/03/2019 International Women’s Day

06/04/2019 Official Day of the City of Sarajevo

15/04/2019 – 23/04/2019 Mid-term Examinations

20/04/2019 Pesach – Jewish Holiday*

21/04/2019 Catholic Easter (non-working day)

28/04/2019 Orthodox Easter (non-working day)

01/05/2019 – 02/05/2019 International Labor Day (non-working days)

05/06/2019 Eid al-Fitr (non-working day)

07/06/2019 Last Day of Classes

10/06/2019 – 14/06/2019 Study Week (Preparation for Final Exams)

17/06/2019 – 28/06/2019 Final Examinations

05/07/2019 Graduation Ceremony of International Burch University

08/07/2019 – 19/07/2019 First Make-up Exams

11/08/2019 Eid al-Adha (non-working day)

01/09/2019 Islamic New Year*

02/09/2019 – 13/09/2019 Second Make-up Examinations

18/09/2019 Second September’s Make-up Examinations (only one exam allowed for taking)

27/09/2019 End of 2018/2019 Academic Year

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2018/2019 ACADEMIC CALENDAR

SUPPLEMENTARY CLASSES

18/07/2019 Application for Supplementary Classes (deadline)

19/07/2019 Supplementary Classes Courses’ Registration

22/07/2019 Beginning of Supplementary Classes

*For those who celebrate

Note: When a holiday falls on Sunday, the following Monday is treated as holiday

Ref. No.: 01-174/18

Date: 29/06/2018

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CURRICULUM

International Burch University upholds the Bologna Process, whereby the BSc, MSc, and PhD programs are based on the 3 + 2 + 3 principle. The BSc program takes three years to complete, and it and enables students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to succeed in the genetics and bioengineering profes-sion. The courses that are part of the first year curriculum aim to provide the stu-dents with basic knowledge in engineering and fundamental sciences, as well as to improve their English language skills. The courses in the second and third year offer a more detailed insight into genetics and molecular biology and the basic principles of engineering-related biological sciences. As exposure to laboratory environments is of utmost importance during a degree in the sciences, particular emphasis is placed on the development of necessary laboratory skills. This is achieved through lab exercises that are mandatory parts of each course within the curriculum, and students’ attendance and participation are strictly upheld.

Through the MSc program, graduates have an opportunity to gain advanced

knowledge in various and highly specialized fields of genetics and bioengineering.

Through a mandatory thesis completion, graduates will begin to develop a sense of

independent research as well as scientific writing. Lastly, the PhD course curriculum

offers students to focus in more detail on a scientific area of their interest and

awards them with abilities to analyze and interpret the results of scientific work,

both through publications in scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals and

through the analysis of already published work.

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BACHELOR PROGRAM CURRICULUM

FIRST SEMESTER

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 101 Introduction to Genetics and Bioengineering 2 2 5

GBE 103 General Biology 3 2 6

MTH 101 Calculus I 3 2 6

CEN 111 Programming I 3 2 6

ELT 117 Advanced Reading and Vocabulary I 2 2 5

BOS 101 Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian Language I 0 2 2

GRM 101 German Language I 0 2 2

TOTAL 13 12 30

SECOND SEMESTER

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 102 Cell Biology 2 2 5

GBE 108 General Chemistry 3 2 6

MTH 102 Calculus II 3 2 6

PHY 104 General Physics 3 2 6

GBE 105 Histology and Embryology 2 2 5

BOS 102 Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian Language II 0 2 2

GRM 102 German Language II 0 2 2

TOTAL 13 12 30

THIRD SEMESTER

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 201 Genetics 3 2 6

GBE 211 Organic Chemistry I 2 2 4

GBE 217 Microbiology 2 2 5

GBE 219 Molecular Biology I 2 2 5

GBE 323 Biomedical Instrumentation 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective I 2 2 5

TOTAL 13 12 30

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BACHELOR PROGRAM CURRICULUM

FOURTH SEMESTER

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 202 Biostatistics 2 2 4

GBE 206 Molecular Biology II 2 2 5

GBE 210 Biochemistry 3 2 6

GBE 330 Biosensors 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective II 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective III 2 2 5

TOTAL 13 12 30

FIFTH SEMESTER

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 303 Internship 0 4 5

GBE 307 Bioinformatics 2 2 5

GBE 309 Human Genetics 2 2 5

GBE 325 Biomedical Signals and Systems 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective IV 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective V 2 2 5

TOTAL 10 14 30

SIXTH SEMESTER

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 392 Genetics and Bioengineering Project 0 4 5

GBE 304 Forensic Genetics 2 2 5

GBE 338 Immunology and Immunogenetics 2 2 5

GBE 321 Intelligent Systems 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective VI 2 2 5

GBE xxx Technical Elective VII 2 2 5

TOTAL 10 14 30

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BACHELOR PROGRAM CURRICULUM

TECHNICAL ELECTIVE COURSES

Code Course Name T P ECTS

GBE 320 System Physiology 2 2 5

GBE 322 Principles of Neurobiology 2 2 5

GBE 324 Biomaterials 2 2 5

GBE 326 Cytogenetics 2 2 5

GBE 327 General Biotechnology and Biosafety 2 2 5

GBE 328 Introduction to Research Methods 2 2 5

GBE 329 Population Genetics 2 2 5

GBE 331 Environmental Biology 2 2 5

GBE 332 Plant Stress Physiology 2 2 5

GBE 333 Plant Physiology and Tissue Culture 2 2 5

GBE 334 Analytical Chemistry 2 2 5

GBE 335 Genomics and Proteomics 2 2 5

GBE 337 Biomechanics 2 2 5

GBE 339 Recombinant DNA Technology 2 2 5

GBE 340 Plant Pathology 2 2 5

GBE 341 Biophysics 2 2 5

GBE 342 Organic Chemistry II 2 2 5

GBE 343 Virology 2 2 5

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REGULATIONS AT THE GBE DEPARTMENT Attendance Policy

Academic success is closely related to students’ presence and involvement in lec-tures, which is why attendance is strictly upheld. Should a student’s attendance drop below 70% in any course, and their absence remains unexcused, they are not permitted to enter the final exam for that course. Consequently, the student is expected to re-take the course in the following academic year. (Laboratory attend-ance is not regulated by this rule, but can be considered on a case-to-case basis if needed.)

Policy on Medically Excused Absences

Absences due to illness may be excused medically. It is the student’s obligation to submit a medical excuse with a valid letterhead by the health institutions and that is signed and stamped by a medical doctor no later than a week (five working days) after the first day of the student’s return after her or his absence. Medical excuses that are received later than five business days are not accepted. Students are expected to strictly abide by the policy on medically excused absences, and a lack thereof will be subject to academic evaluation by the Department Head. Absences from academic exercises, for whatever reason, including representing the University in extracurricular and athletic activities, do not excuse nor relieve a stu-dent from responsibility for any part of the work in the course required during the period of absence. Upon her or his return, the student is expected to make up any and all missed work in an appropriate time frame to ensure success in the course.

Registration

Registration is open, and students may register, through the end of the second week of lectures. In the case of a missed deadline, the Office of the University Rec-tor will be notified. The aforementioned rules also apply to transfer students who transferred before the end of the second week of the semester.

Transfer Students

Transfer students may apply for transfer and start attending the lectures at any time before the mid-term exam week. However, it is advisable to transfer as early as possible in the semester as mid-terms are obligatory. Transfer requests may be submitted to the Faculty secretary, after which the Head of the Department ap-points a committee that determines course equivalence and makes a decision.

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REGULATIONS AT THE GBE DEPARTMENT Grade Cancellation of Final Exams

Students may cancel up to two grades during one academic year. Please note that grade cancellation refers to the cancellation of the final exam grade, which the student has a chance to retake. We understand that students are not always ready to take the exam on the scheduled exam date. If that is the case, and you plan on not taking the final exam and instead plan to take the make-up, you must notify the professor of that course and go through an appeal process with the Head of the Department, as well as the Faculty secretary. Once your appeal is approved, and you take the make up exam instead of the final exam, please be aware that this counts as a final exam grade cancellation.

Grading Structure Grading structure at the International Burch University is organized as follows: 10 (A) – outstanding performance without errors or with minor errors, carries

95-100 points, 9 (B) – above average, with few errors, carries 85-94 points, 8 (C) – average, with notable errors, carries 75-84 points, 7 (D) – generally good, but with significant shortcomings, carries 65-74 points, 6 (E) – meets minimum criteria, carries 55-64 points, 5 (F) – performance does not meet minimum criteria, less than 55 points.

Additional Classes

A minimum of five students is needed in order for the Department to open an ad-ditional course during the summer school. Any one student may take a maximum of three additional courses, should they have taken them during that semester and failed. Additional classes last seven weeks, during which intensive lectures are orga-nized twice a week. During additional classes, students are given a chance to im-prove their attendance, term paper and mid-term exam points, while final exam from the course is taken in September.

Cost: Tuition and Fees The tuition fee for one academic year for undergraduate studies is 7,000 KM for local and 10,000 KM for international students. The tuition fee for graduate stud-ies (MSc and PhD) is 5,000 KM. All study material is in electronic form and is availa-ble for students free of charge.

32

REGULATIONS AT THE GBE DEPARTMENT

International Burch University Identification Cards All students receive an International Burch University identification card that is the property of the University and is intended for University purposes only. The card is required for entrance onto the University campus, and, in addition to serv-ing as an ID, helps maintain student safety as well as campus security. When the first term students arrive on campus, they must bring government issued identifications to facilitate photo and identity validation before they can receive their International Burch University ID cards. Every student will keep their ID card while they are enrolled at IBU and is responsible for his or her ID card and the con-sequences of its misuse. ID cards are not transferable; a student may not allow any other person to use his or her ID card for any purpose. A student who alters or falsi-fies his or her ID card or produces or distributes false identification cards of any kind is subject to disciplinary action. Lost cards should be reported immediately. A re-placement fee is associated with the loss of an ID card, and it will be determined by University administration. The University also offers its students access to regular and electronic libraries, which are also free of charge. As work in the laboratory is part of the academic re-quirement, students are expected to bring their own lab coats. We also ask our stu-dents to follow lab rules and exercise proper care around laboratory equipment. In case of a damaged or destroyed laboratory piece of equipment, students will be asked to take financial responsibility for the replacement.

33

GBE LABORATORY RULES

As work in the laboratory is part of the academic requirement, students are ex-pected to bring their own lab coats. We also ask our students to follow lab rules and exercise proper care around laboratory equipment. In case of a damaged or de-stroyed laboratory piece of equipment, students will be asked to take financial re-sponsibility for the replacement. Furthermore, lab rules are of utmost importance as they ensure safety of students and instructors as well as productive and satisfy-ing experiment and laboratory results and exercises. As the GBE laboratories are a shared space by all GBE staff and students of all levels, responsibility and accounta-bility are strictly upheld for the safety of everyone as well as the wonderful science. That is why the GBE Department has crafted a list of lab rules, which are as follows:

• Students must wear lab coats at all times while in the laboratories. These are NOT to be worn outside of the GBE corridors as the safety of University staff as well as the lab coats is compromised.

• Gloves are to be worn at all times while working with chemicals and biological material.

• Goggles must be worn while working with liquids.

• Closed-toe shoes must be worn, which means that flip flops and sandals are strictly prohibited.

• Jewelry is not allowed in the laboratory, which is why we ask you to take it off and place it into your locker before the experiment begins.

• Long hair must be tied back.

• Experiments are not allowed to be performed without the supervision of a la-boratory assistant or professor.

• All students should be present at laboratory sessions, as their absence without a medical excuse will not be accounted for.

• If a student should damage or destroy laboratory goods, he/she is responsible for any and all financial fees associated with repairs and/or replacements.

• Students must be on time to ensure that laboratory lectures/exercises take place without interruptions. Students who are late more than 5 minutes will not be allowed to enter the laboratory exercise, and the absence will be deemed unexcused.

34

35

ACADEMIC ADVISORS AND MENTORSHIP

The aim of mentoring is to foster intellectual independence and a sense of curiosi-ty in our students within a unique studying experience. The institution therefore takes pride in the one-on-one mentoring system it has developed. For undergraduates, we look at academic performance and other cultural indicators of their capacity for success, such as essays, obstacles overcome, and extracurricu-lar activities and work. For graduate students, we include research experience, test scores, letters, essays, working experience, scientific publication record, and a range of other variables to assess students’ potential to succeed. You will soon find that our professors and assistants are truly always available to their students within and outside office hours. (However, to make sure you make the most of their time, we ask you to make an appointment if you seek to meet them outside of office hours.) Our ultimate aim is to enable our students to study not only before the exams, but throughout the entire semester, via coursework, lab work, projects, and seminars. In order to achieve excellence, professors and stu-dents work together in an intellectually stimulating atmosphere and, in doing so, students are prepared for their future endeavors, be they academic or professional. Finally, students are given a chance to choose mentors for their GBE projects during the third year of undergraduate studies and pursue their careers in a specific direc-tion in the future. Apart from mentors, students have academic advisors available to them at any

time. Academic advisors are there to help and guide students in different aspects of

their lives and studies. This may include the registration process, finding internship

opportunities, finding the most suitable field for their further development, but it

may also include any other needs the student may have. During the upcoming aca-

demic year, three senior teaching assistants are appointed as academic advisors,

namely Sabina Halilović for the first year, Larisa Bešić for the second, and Adna

Ašić for the third year students.

36

INTERNSHIP

Internships for academic credit add a significant workplace experience to students’ education as they permit students to interact with professionals in the fields of work in which they may one day decide to pursue their career goals. Students earn a total of 5 ECTS of academic credit for their internships and gain valuable “on the job” work experience. Students must complete a 30-working-day (6 weeks) summer practice in a company working in the field of genetics and bioengineering on a part-time basis (4 hours per day). If the company accepts a student for a total of 30 days, the student must work for at least 6 hours per day, so that at the end of the internship period, students will have completed at least 120 hours of work. The single requirement for the acceptance of the internship is the Internship Chairman’s consent. Observations from internship must be documented and presented in the form of a clear and concise technical report (Internship Notebook), along with a hardcopy of short report which shows student’s opinion about internship: what have they learnt and what is the main focus of the company they were working for, which the student brings to the In-ternship Committee for evaluation. The company must send two more documents to the University’s address via post: Company’s Evaluation of the Student and The Internship Acceptance Form. The former directly affects the student’s grade from this course, whereas the latter serves as a proof and acknowledgement of the internship. Students enroll in the Internship course, “GBE 303 Internship”, in the 5th semester. We advise students to do the internship during the summer break between the end of the 4th and the beginning of the 5th semester for several reasons:

• After the completion of the first two semesters, students usually do not have enough

technical knowledge for doing the internship. Completing the internship in this period will

not have the desired outcome for the student.

• Postponing the internship to the summer break after the 6th semester means that the

student can graduate in as early as September which may affect their plans for seeking ap-

propriate job positions or pursing a Master program.

• Doing the internship before the beginning of the 5th semester gives the Internship Com-

mittee enough time to appropriately judge and mark the internship report.

International Burch University helps students find the internship opportunity they will enjoy and from which they will learn the most. The Department also facilitates the process of getting the internship opportunities in domestic companies while it at the same time guides the students so that they find one of their own interest that they feel suits them best. Our students are urged to apply to one of several local companies the University has part-nered with (BioSave, Verlab, and BiomedicaLab). However, they are also urged to seek out national or international companies that interest them.

37

INTERNSHIP

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38

GBE PROJECT

The GBE Project is a requirement for undergraduates in their last year of BSc studies who wish to graduate. (We highly recommend thinking about the project before the third year.) 1. Professors will offer possible topics (and fields of study) for GBE projects at the

beginning of the fall semester of the upcoming academic year. Students who are in the fifth semester of their undergraduate studies are eligible to choose any of the offered topics following consultations with professors.

2. Students are obliged to fill in the Supervisor and Co-supervisor Appointment

form in the first week of November. In that form, students are finally deciding on their mentor and co-mentor, if applicable. The form can be obtained at the Department web-site and is submitted to the Student Affairs Office.

3. Deciding on the exact topic of the project should be done as soon as possible.

Until the end of fall semester, students have to fill in the Undergraduate The-sis Proposal Form (also obtained from the web-site) and submit it to the Stu-dent Affairs Office. In that form, students will state the topic of their project and give a short and concise abstract (around 250 words), followed by about 5-8 key words. Department/Faculty council will approve/reject the topic of the GBE project. After the topic gets approved, it can be changed within 30 days.

4. Until the end of April, students are obliged to submit the first draft version of their projects to mentors for the first check. Mentors have two weeks to check the project and give their corrections. After that, students are given an addi-tional week to apply those corrections. In that way, theses can be finalized by the end of May. Defense committee members are then given two weeks to read and comment on the project content, after which defense can be orga-nized. Information on project formatting can be found at the Department web-site.

5. After the final version of the project is ready, students are advised to check it for plagiarism using any of the software packages available online. Copying from the previously published literature is strictly forbidden and is resulting in unsuccessful project defense.

39

GBE PROJECT

6. Students are given three dates for GBE project defense, the first one being the last day of the final exams, the second being the last day of the first make-up exams and the third one being the last day of the second make-up exams (roughly, end of June, mid-July and mid-September, respectively). Projects are defended in form of oral presentations accompanied by a PowerPoint document, after which committee members are asking the questions. The committee is consisted of three members: mentor (member), chairman, and member.

7. Defense is evaluated with a single grade from “extraordinary” (A) to

“fails” (F). The grade is made by the majority vote of the committee. If a stu-dent fails the defense of the GBE project, s/he has the right to repeat the defense or to request the selection of new topic to be approved within the same or another course.

8. At the time of defense, committee members are filling in and signing an ap-

propriate form (Jury Report for the Final Work) and that (third) form is sub-mitted to GBE Project Coordinator for student archive.

9. Following successful defense and submitting project copies, students have to

fill in the Withdrawal form that can be obtained in the Student Affairs. In that form, students are stating the reason for withdrawing from the universi-ty and are collecting signatures from the heads of relevant units as follows: student’s mentor, the Head of the Department, Student Affairs, Accounting Office, Library, Accommodation and Health Office, Alumni Office, and IT Cen-ter. Upon completion of these procedures and submission of the form to the student affairs, students will be able to get their diplomas.

10. It is highly recommended to submit project copies at the time of defense. If

that is the case, committee members’ signatures will be collected for the students. Otherwise, students are obliged to collect signatures by them-selves, which could be a potential problem, especially if the committee mem-bers are not full time professors.

11. It is important to note that students are not allowed to defend their pro-

jects before they pass all courses taken during undergraduate studies.

40

GBE PROJECT

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41

GBE ACHIEVEMENTS

Erasmus Mobility in Wroclaw, Poland GBE Department senior teaching assistants Larisa Bešić and Adna Ašić took part in Erasmus Mobility Program with Wroclaw University of Science and Technology in Wroclaw, Poland. Our assistants spent a week at the Faculty of Chemistry and visit-ed several departments from this Faculty, namely Department of Biochemistry, De-partment of Chemical and Process Engineering, and Department of Chemistry of Organic Compounds and Polymers. They were given an opportunity to learn about WUST laboratories and teaching style, as well as to establish international coopera-tion between our University and Faculty of Chemistry at WUST.

Research Project in Hamburg, Germany GBE Department senior teaching assistant Adna Ašić performed a part of her PhD project experimental work at the BioGlobe Laboratory in Hamburg, Germany. While in Hamburg, Ms. Ašić analyzed mutation distribution at 31 SNP loci related to pre-disposition to inherited thrombophilia and warfarin pharmacogenetics using MALDI-TOF MS technology. She also got introduced to ion-torrent next-generation se-quencing platform for exon sequencing. This research effort is, apart from being a topic of Ms. Ašić’s PhD dissertation, also a part of the project that aims to develop models for successful routine clinical application of personalized medicine of throm-bosis.

42

GBE ACHIEVEMENTS

Book Promotion The end of 2017 was marked by the global promotion of the book "Inspection of Medical Devices - for Regulatory Purposes". The editors of the book are Almir Badnjević, Mario Cifrek, Ratko Magjarević and Zijad Džemić. About 20 other experts from the field took part in the preparation of the book. What is important to point out is the book publisher, which is one of the world's leading publishing houses, Springer, which has overseen the "Nature" publishing house since 2015. This is also the first time that Springer made the official promotion of a book in B&H, where special thanks go to the editors of this book, who managed to award this event to Bosnia and Herzegovina and organize it.

GBE Staff Publications GBE Department academic staff members have always been very successful in pub-lishing their research in scientific journals. We are recommending reading articles published in previous academic year by our professors and assistants.

• Pagani L, Lawson DJ, ..., Marjanović D, ..., Villems R, Willerslev E, Kivisild T, Metspalu M. (2016). Genomic analyses inform on migration events during the peopling of Eurasia. Nature. 538:238-242.

• Badnjević A, Gurbeta L, Čustović E. (2018). An Expert Diagnostic System to Automatically Identify Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Clinical Settings. Scientific Reports. 8(1):11645.

• Ašić A, Kurtović-Kozarić A, Bešić L, Mehinović L, Hasić A, Kozarić M, Hukić M, Marjanović D. (2017). Chemical toxicity and radioactivity of depleted uranium: the evidence from in vivo and in vitro studies. Environmental Research. 156:665-673.

• Bešić L, Muhović I, Ašić A, Kurtović-Kozarić A. (2017). Meta-analysis of depleted uranium levels in the Balkan region. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. 172:207-217.

• Bešić L, Muhović I, Mrkulić F, Spahić L, Omanović A, Kurtović-Kozarić A. (2018). Meta-analysis of depleted uranium levels in the Middle East region. Journal of Environmental Radioactivity. 192:67-74.

• Ašić A, Marjanović D, Mirat J, Primorac D. (2018). Pharmacogenetics of novel oral anticoagulants: a review of identified gene variants & future perspectives. Personalized Medicine. 15:209-221.

43

GBE ACHIEVEMENTS: BURCHGENE

BurchGene is currently the only magazine on genetics, bioengineering and related scientific fields in our country and region primarily written, edited and managed by motivated students and professors from the GBE Department at IBU, but also involving collaborators from the Faculty of Science in Sarajevo. Currently, BurchGene is the semestral magazine, therefore providing its readers and public with two well-designed and carefully prepared issues per academic year. Up to now, five issues were promoted. Topics discussed and described in previous issues belong to the very wide spectrum of biological sciences, ranging from genetics and biotechnology to biomedical engineering and bioinformatics. The magazine content does not include only articles, but also scientific and conference posters, reports and interviews with the most prominent scientists and experts in our country and abroad Each published issue is followed by a promotion at International Burch University, whereby all topics and contents of a particular issue are presented.

In case you are interested in participating in creation of new BurchGene issues, feel free to contact the magazine executive editor Nermin Đuzić on email address nermin.djuzic@stu.ibu.edu.ba.

44

PROSPECTIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Genetics and bioengineering is one of the fastest growing disciplines in science to-day. The unique combination of traditional methods and approaches used in ge-netics combined with innovative approaches of bioengineering enable a multidisci-plinary approach to solving various biomedical, forensic, microbiological, engineer-ing, and other related problems. Upon completion of the BSc program at Interna-tional Burch University, students are able to pursue their careers in various fields, including medical diagnostics, forensic laboratories, agricultural laboratories, hema-tology laboratories, bioinformatics, food industry, pharmaceutical companies, etc. Some of the job possibilities are enlisted below.

Numerous laboratories dealing with biochemical and medical analyses of human samples, as well as those related to medical devices and instrumentation, represent job possibility for our students, as they get familiar with these disciplines both in theory and in practice.

Genetics laboratories: Any laboratory related to genetic engineering is an oppor-tunity for our students, as they are prepared for working in the fields like human genetics, forensic biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, tissue culture, and many others.

Hospitals and polyclinics offer a wide range of opportunities, some of them being work and improvement in the labs for molecular diagnostics, cytogenetics, patholo-gy, and biochemistry. Laboratory skills acquired by our students during their under-graduate education would be of the highest importance in these labs, since they mostly relay on molecular techniques, such as DNA and RNA isolation, PCR and qPCR, capillary electrophoresis, and FISH. Also, classical biochemical and microbio-logical tests, including blood and urine analyses, that are regularly performed is these laboratories, are well known to our students.

Forensic laboratories: Identification of war victims in forensic labs is done through DNA profiling and comparison with the closest relatives, which a topic cov-ered during undergraduate studies at IBU, thus giving our students respectable background for work in these centers. On the other hand, police labs are also based on forensic science. Our students have both theoretical and practical knowledge of all techniques needed for work in these labs that function within the legal system of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

45

PROSPECTIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Agriculture and food safety laboratories are mostly based on the usage of pro-tein detection methods, such as ELISA. They incorporate molecular biology and mi-crobiology to give excellent results in plant tissue sample analysis, food analysis, and ecology-related tests and are another chance for improvement of laboratory skills.

IVF centers and cryopreservation laboratories: With their knowledge of cell biology, cell division, fertilization, and stem cell genetics, our students would be of great importance in these labs.

Pharmacology companies are enabling their employees to get familiar with the process of drug testing, production, and quality assurance, and to learn how to use modern equipment, such as HPLC machine. Through different chemistry-related courses, our students gain fundamental knowledge necessary for pursuing their careers in this area of industry.

46

PROSPECTIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES Hi, my name is Adna Ćuk, and I started my education

at Burch University in year 2012 at the Department of

Genetics and Bioengineering. My biggest dream was to

be a doctor, never an engineer, but that changed

when I came to Burch and started exploring and learn-

ing what exactly bioengineering is. It means that you

need to know many things from medicine, biology,

electrical engineering and economics. International

Burch University gave me all that in form of lectures

and labs. Besides that, I got an opportunity to speak

English fluently and to develop some skills that I did

not own before. Through conferences, seminars and

projects at the University, I developed many different skills and met really great

scientists from different parts of the world.

In 2015, I continued my Master degree studies, again at Burch University because I

wanted to continue that great educational story. During that period, I started to

volunteer at the University. My job was related with research in the field of popula-

tion genetics and students in the lab. After three months, I got my first job offers

and have since worked in cord blood banks “BioSave” and “Future Health Biobank”

as a manager of medical affairs. I got a great opportunity to do genetic counseling

and work with something for what I spent four years of my education.

I can say that International Burch University is very innovative university which is

focused on the promotion of young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina and makes a

good story in supporting young people.

47

GBE IN SOCIAL MEDIA

The Department of Genetics and Bioengineering has an official non-profit Facebook

page for the announcements of Department news: https://www.facebook.com/

Genetics.Bioengineering. Additionally, there are three closed student groups for

students to share information, discuss about new events, and communicate. The

access to the closed student groups is granted by the administrator of the group

only.

48

F.A.Q

Q. What is the general phone number and mailing address of the University?

A. The contact information for the University is listed below.

International Burch University Francuske revolucije bb, Ilidža 71000 Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina Tel: +387 33 944 400 Fax: +387 33 944 500 E-mail: info@ibu.edu.ba

Q. Are there campus tours for visitors?

A. Yes, there are campus tours for visitors on a regular basis, and we are happy to show you our laboratory facilities. Please contact our Marketing and Communica-tions Office for further information and/or to schedule a tour. You are also more than welcome to contact our staff for more specific information.

Q. What are career prospects for Burch students upon graduation?

A. For an elaboration of career prospects of GBE Graduates, please visit the “Career after Graduation” tab under “About GBE” in the GBE home page. For further or more specific questions, please visit the Career Office.

Q. Where can I find out about Burch events?

A. Please contact our Marketing and Communications Office for further information regarding events. You can also find GBE specific events on the GBE home page and University wide events on the University web page. Of course, you are also more than welcome to contact our staff for more specific information.

Q. Where can I find information about the application process?

A. Information regarding the application process, as well as documentation that is required for admission can be found on the Student Affairs Office web page, for both undergraduate and graduate studies.

49

F.A.Q

Q. What are the exam rules of IBU?

A. Students whose names cannot be found on the exam list will not be permitted to take the exam.

1. Students are not allowed to leave the classroom within the first 20 minutes of exam start time, and students will not be permitted into the exam after that.

2. During the exam the ID cards of students shall be kept on their desks. 3. Cell phones must be kept turned off during the exam. 4. No electronic devices (other than calculators where needed) are to be used

during exam time. 5. Students must neither accept nor hand materials (pencils or erasers) during

exam time. 6. In accordance with item (a) of the 7th article of Student Discipline Regulations,

those who cheat during an examination are suspended from the university for one month. The item (a) of the 8th article of the same regulations ordains suspension for one or two semesters.

“ Article 7. Actions and circumstances entailing suspension from the University for periods of one month are as follows:

a) Cheating, allowing cheating, or attempting to cheat on any examination for the first time. Article 8.

Actions and circumstances entailing suspension from the University for one or two semesters are as follows:

a) Cheating, allowing cheating, or attempting to cheat on any examination (repeating). “

Q. How can I cancel my exam grade if I am not satisfied with my performance?

A. Students are given two make-up opportunities. In case of a course failure, the student has the right to take the make-up exam. If the student has passed the exam but is not satisfied with the final grade, then she/he should give an official form stating that he/she wants to cancel his/her final exam grade and attend the make-up exam. In one academic year, the student has right to cancel maximum two of his/her grades. If students have passed a course without entering the final exam, but wish to attend the make-up exam in order to get a better grade, it is recom-mended to write an official form stating that he/she wants to cancel his/her final exam grade and attend the make-up exam.

50

F.A.Q

Q. Where can I find information about financial aid?

A. Burch offers numerous scholarships to its students, and those are determined based on merit, as well as performance in the scholarship exam. For further infor-mation and how to apply, please visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.

Q. What courses does Burch offer?

A. Burch offers a wide spectrum of courses to its students in all three cycles of study. Courses are usually segmented into mandatory courses and electives that the students can choose from. For a more detailed description of courses that were offered in the past few years, please visit the “Course Description” tab under “GBE Students” on the home page.

Q. How many students are admitted every year?

A. The number of students admitted varies annually. The Admissions Committee considers all required documents in its attempt to evaluate each applicants poten-tial for enriching the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering.

Q. Does Burch offer additional class opportunities?

A. Yes, Burch as well as the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering offer sum-mer school opportunities that vary on a yearly basis depending on the courses that are offered.

Q. Does Burch offer courses for non-native speakers?

A. Yes, Burch offers courses of English to non-native speakers as part of the GBE curriculum and outside of it.

Q. Who can use the Burch libraries?

A. Current students of all three cycles and staff have full access to all Burch librar-ies during the hours of operation. The library facilities are designed to be used for studying and reading.

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F.A.Q

Q. What laboratories are available to students?

A. Students that are studying within GBE have access to all laboratory facilities. This includes the Genetics and Molecular Biology; Microbiology, Chemistry, and Cell Bi-ology and, depending on the research project and interests, students can access the Scientific Research Laboratory, Microbiology Research Laboratory and Human Cell Culture Laboratory for their scientific research needs. For a more detailed descrip-tion of the laboratory capacities as well as the equipment, please visit the Laboratories section at our web-site.

Q. What are internship opportunities for students?

A. Students are encouraged to either seek out internship opportunities on their own, or to apply within our partner companies/institutions that accept a number of students over the summer months. Some of our partners include: biochemistry and diagnostics laboratories (BioSave, VERLAB, and BioMedicaLab), clinical centers and INGEB.

Q. What are the opportunities for pursuing Master studies abroad?

A. There are many opportunities for graduate degree pursuits abroad. Our past

graduates continued their Master studies in Turkey, Germany, Austria, Norway and

Cyprus.