In an
effort to safeguard the biodiversity of central and west Asia and
North Africa, the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS)
at the American University of Beirut (AUB), in collaboration with
the International
Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), is offering
graduate studies and training programs in Plant Genetic Resources,
Conservation and Use.
Structure of
the Program
Degree
option
The program
begins in October and lasts for two years (4 semesters and 2 summer
terms). The first three semesters are spent at the American
University of Beirut and are devoted to course lectures and
extensive laboratory exercises. Courses are completed in six weeks
and consist of morning and afternoon sessions given jointly by FAFS
Faculty Members and IPGRI staff.
As part of
their graduation requirement, students undertake a thesis research
project in a regional country of their choice. During this period a
faculty advisor from AUB and a graduate committee including
scientists from AUB, IPGRI, and a regional institute where
applicable, will guide students and encourage them to develop their
own research projects to meet their own interests or those of their
respective institutes. Successful completion of the two-year program
including a thesis will lead to a M.Sc. degree from the American
University of Beirut.
Examples
of related thesis work completed at AUB: Evaluating and
characterizing safflower germplasm (1999), Germplasm
characterization and climatic zoning for viticulture in Lebanon
(1998), Methods of evaluating germplasm and their applicability to
wheat genotypes (1998), Survey and characterization of almond (Amygdalus
species) germplasm in Lebanon (1997),
Non-degree
option
The
American University of Beirut is aware of the different training
needs of students from a wide range of backgrounds. Students are
welcome to apply to individual courses from the program. Students
are not candidates for a university degree although some may be
university graduates. A certificate of attendance and completion
will be awarded to participants.
Short training
course option
Sponsored
individuals or small groups may be accepted for a two-week period of
specialized and supervised training, to develop their competencies,
knowledge, and skills in the field of biotechnology and applications
in plant genetic resources. A certificate of attendance and
completion will be awarded to participants.
Description of
Courses
Characterization
of Plant Genetic Resources. Overview of basic concepts in molecular
biology and discussion of morphological and molecular techniques and
their use in assessing plant diversity.
Statistical
Methods. Statistical techniques needed to design experiments and
analyze and interpret agricultural research data.
Population
Genetics. Introduction of basic genetic concepts and their use in
assessing genetic diversity.
Survey and
Collection of Plant Genetic Resources. Conducting ecogeographic
surveys, planning and executing field missions, handling and
processing of collected material.
Methods in
Plant Conservation and Use. Application of different conservation
methods including in situ, ex situ conservation, and techniques of
germplasm use and regeneration.
Documentation
of Plant Genetic Resources. Overview of methods of documentation,
information exchange and management of plant genetic resource data.
Global Issues
in conservation. Analysis and discussion of global issues related to
conservation and the role of governmental, local, regional, and
international organizations.
Graduate
Seminar: Global Issues in Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources.
The American
University of Beirut
The purpose
of the American University of Beirut is to share in the education of
the youth of the Middle East, in the service of its people, and in
the advancement of knowledge. The American University of Beirut is a
private, non-sectarian institution of higher learning, founded in
1866, which functions under a charter from the State of New York. It
is administrated by a private, autonomous Board of Trustees.
Application
Procedure Application for admission to the degree option program may
be obtained from the Office of the registrar, American University of
Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. An application fee of $50 is
charged. Applicants may apply for admission to the first or to the
second semester of the academic year. Completed applications
forms should reach the Office of the Registrar by May 31 for
applicants who wish to begin graduate study in October, and by
January 5 for applicants who wish to begin in February.
Application
for admission to the non-degree and the short training course
options may be obtained from the Office of Extension Programs. An
application fee of $15 is charged.
English
Requirement All lectures and instructional materials are in english.
Accordingly, candidates must demonstrate a level of English
proficiency. This may be done in any one of the following ways:
By passing
the English Entrance Examination (EEE) of this university with a
minimum score of 500 for the degree option program and 425 for the
non-degree and short training course options.
By
achieving a minimum score of 600 in the test of English as a Foreign
Language (TOEFL) for the degree option program and 475 for the
non-degree and short training course options.
Admissions
Requirements For the Degree Option To be eligible for admission an
applicant must hold a university degree preceded by a secondary
school certificate recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education.
The applicant must also have an average, in the field of his or her
intended graduate study or related fields, acceptable to the Faculty
Graduate Committee.
Contacts
The American
University of Beirut
Dr.
Salma N. Talhouk
Faculty of
Agricultural and Food Sciences
P.O. Box:
11-0236
Beirut,
Lebanon
Tel:
961-1-343002
Fax:
961-1-744460
Email: ntsalma@aub.edu.lb
(April 19,
1999)
International
Plant Genetic Resources Institute
