Department of Bio
Contact Info
Head of Department:
Mr. Uk On Norong
- Email: biology.info(at)rupp.edu.kh
- Office Room: #413 Campus I
Introduction
Students studying in the Department of Biology gain knowledge about plants and animals, and build crucial laboratory research and fieldwork skills. Students spend the first year studying the Foundation Studies course, and the remainder of their degree gaining a solid grounding in general biology. Increasingly, the Cambodian market demands laboratory-trained professionals in the agricultural, medical and food production industries. All the degrees offered by the Department of Biology teach students the skills they will need to work in medical laboratories, plant breeding farms, beer brewing or food production plants. Graduates may also work for environmental organizations, relevant government ministries or undertake further training to become teachers in their own right.
Background
The Department has been supported by various international organizations over the years, including Maryknoll (staff development and preparation of student resources), Australian Volunteers International (capacity building and curriculum development) and AUPELF (financial support). In 2002, with assistance from Dr. Sambath Chung, a professor from the United States, the department developed a genetics lab to demonstrate the basic and fundamental principles of genetics, and to enable original research within the university.
Admission
Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Biology is administered by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, based on sound results in the High School Certificate subjects of Biology and Chemistry.
Assessment
Students are assessed through examinations throughout their degree.
Resources
Departmental staffs have access to two departmental computers for research purposes, and overhead projectors to aid the course of their teaching. The department also administers seven laboratories, including an animal genetics laboratory.
Activities
In the Department of Biology, laboratories are available for studying botany, zoology and microbiology. There is also a research laboratory that has been mainly equipped through a microbial research project of Osaka University, and a herbarium established through a project of Sud Expert Plantes. A field station on campus provides students the opportunity to study the cultivation of plants and the raising of small animals, and the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation provides facilities such a museum and a library, equipment for field research and support for research by 4th year BSc students in addition to managing its Msc programme.
The learning environment is improving as innovative teaching methods are introduced with the assistance of international collaboration or support by international agencies, and with the return of teachers from graduate studies abroad. Every year, there is a field trip for 4th year students to an interesting area in Cambodia, where they can apply their knowledge and observe biological processes in nature. Perhaps more interesting to all students is the party before Khmer New Year, which helps build close relationships in the student body.turn of teachers from graduate studies abroad. Every year, there is a field trip for 4th year students to an interesting area in Cambodia, where they can apply their knowledge and observe biological processes in nature. Perhaps more interesting to all students is the party before Khmer New Year, which helps build close relationships in the student body.