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Welcome to the  Department of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation at the intersection of biology, technology, and engineering, with a focus on harnessing biological systems for sustainable solutions. 


The Department of Biotechnology is committed to advancing knowledge and innovation at the intersection of biology, technology, and engineering, with a focus on harnessing biological systems for sustainable solutions. It offers students a strong foundation in molecular biology, genetics, microbiology, bioinformatics, and bioprocess engineering, while emphasising practical applications in healthcare, agriculture, industry, and environmental management. Through research, innovation, and hands-on training, the department prepares graduates to develop cutting-edge biotechnological products, processes, and services that address global challenges such as food security, disease control, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability.  

Our Programs

Programs under the Department of Biotechnology

BSc in Biotechnology

The B.Sc. program in Biotechnology is a four years study which includes theoretical knowledge and skills in basic biology, basic biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Agricultural Biotechnology (Plant Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology), Medical Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Biotechnology tools, Nano-biotechnology, Fungal Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology. All our students are enrolled in the regular program and there is no extension program.

Graduate profile

The graduates of Biotechnology program will be expected to:

  • Work at governmental, non-governmental or private institutions in agricultural, medical, industrial, environmental protection, forensics sectors as researchers and graduate assistants, laboratory technicians, service providers, and development workers;
  • Have basic understanding of technical and scientific tools of Biotechnology;
  • Be aware of and adopt current advances of technology in life science.
  • Identify problems; design and execute research projects in biotechnology and related areas.
  • Follow and adapt standard procedures to carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis in Biotechnology laboratories;
  • Work in Biotechnology processing industry as a junior expert;
  • Assist regulatory bodies in using and managing Biotechnology products;
  • Apply basic IT knowledge and data processing skills in Biotechnology;
  • Apply basic biotechnological principles for innovation;
  • Capable  of  understanding  current  issues  and  debates  in  Biotechnology  and  biosafety  at national and international levels;
  • Pursue further specialized educations in various fields of Biotechnology and related fields.
  • Write scientific papers in order to disseminate scientific knowledge of biotechnology
  • Be entrepreneurs who will invest their knowledge in different sectors life sciences

Potential employers of Biotechnology graduates includes

  • Bio and Emerging Technology institute in Addis Ababa.
  • National Agricultural Biotechnology Research Centers (NABRC).
  • Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR) all over Ethiopia.
  • Biotechnology and genetic engineering firms.
  • Food and drink manufacturers
  • Environmental and conservation (sewage and waste treatment, fuel, pollutant degradation) companies
  • Horticulture and agriculture organizations (food and drink science)
  • Private hospitals
  • Pharmaceutical and chemical companies
  • Universities and research institutions.

Available resources and facilities

We have one General Biotechnology Laboratory to carryout practical activities for different courses such as cell biology, general microbiology, and principles of genetics, biochemistry, enzymology and enzyme Technology.

We have also one Central Molecular Biology Laboratory to perform molecular related techniques such as DNA isolation, quantification and quality determination; PCR technique; agarose gel electrophoresis; blotting techniques; genetic engineering etc.

Both laboratories provide service for students and researchers from the department and from others.