2025/10/27 - 01:03 PM05/Jumada Al-Ula/1447 - 16:03
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As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance academic communication and foster a stimulating and supportive learning environment for new students, the Biology Department at the College of Science organized an introductory meeting for students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Plant Science and Technology program. The event took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM, in the college of pharmacy theater.
A number of faculty members from the Biology Department attended the meeting, along with some of the program's students. The meeting commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by student Hajar Al-Amri, marking the official opening of the program. Student Rayana Al-Marwani moderated and presented the event’s proceedings.
Following this, Dr. Ra'fat Affan, Head of the Biology Department and Assistant Professor of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, delivered a welcoming address in which he congratulated the new students on joining the College of Science and the Biology Department. He emphasized the department’s commitment to providing a dynamic academic environment that promotes scientific inquiry and research. Dr. Affan also urged students to approach their studies with diligence and enthusiasm, to embrace teamwork and confidence, and to recognize their vital role as the generation entrusted with building a sustainable and prosperous agricultural future.
Subsequently, Dr. Basma Al-Harbi, Chair of the Program’s Student Orientation Committee and Associate Professor of Plant Physiology, presented an overview of the program’s objectives and key themes. She highlighted the committee’s role in supporting and guiding students during their initial academic phase and outlined the detailed timeline of the orientation program, which includes a range of activities and events extending throughout the academic year. Dr. Al-Harbi also emphasized that the program aims to empower students to apply their knowledge in agricultural and field projects, foster creative and critical thinking, enhance teamwork and communication skills, and strengthen their competencies in research and problem-solving.
In a session focused on the program’s field activities, Ms. Habeeba Al-Maalawi, Lecturer in Plant Physiology, delivered a presentation on the importance of scientific field trips as a core component of the Plant Science and Technology curriculum. She explained that these trips play a crucial role in developing students’ applied skills and noted their diversity, which includes environmental exploratory visits, research visits to biotechnology and plant science centers, and tours of greenhouses and smart agricultural production facilities in the region.
To further enhance the program’s practical dimension, Dr. Kholoud Al-Balawi, Assistant Professor of Plant Sciences, introduced the “Project from Scratch”. The project engages University of Tabuk students in applied projects that progress from thinking of ideas to implementation, aiming to develop applied learning skills and prepare students for the labor market. Examples include rural farm projects, plant tissue culture, seed banks, and plant herbarium initiatives.
In a related context emphasizing innovation and the integration of modern technologies in plant sciences, Dr. Ibtisam Al-Atwi, Assistant Professor of Plant Biotechnology, delivered a presentation titled “Innovation from Scratch in Plant Biotechnology.” She discussed the students’ learning journey in applying modern biotechnologies—from DNA and genetic analysis techniques to advanced applications in smart agriculture and plant innovation.
The meeting concluded with an interactive discussion session in which students asked questions and exchanged insights with faculty members in the program. The event concluded with the distribution of plant souvenirs to attendees, symbolizing growth, learning, and the department’s commitment to nurturing innovation and sustainability.