Department of Biocontrol Technologies

The Department of Biocontrol Technologies aspires, through its educational programs, to establish a technical educational system that responds to the needs and requirements of society and service institutions related to the field. The department aims to contribute to the scientific and technological advancement in biocontrol and the integrated management of agricultural pest control, while reducing the use of chemical substances in agricultural production.

Head of Department

The Department of Biocontrol Technologies is one of the agricultural departments within the college. It was established in 2007 in response to the region’s need for this vital specialization. The area is characterized by extensive agricultural lands frequently affected by plant pathogens and pests, which provides ample opportunities for the employment of the department’s graduates.
At the outset, the department faced several challenges due to the lack of laboratories. As a result, scientific visits were conducted to laboratories in nearby institutes and colleges, including those of Al-Musayyib Technical Institute.

After 2010, the academic and training staff began to grow gradually. The department currently includes 18 academic staff members, among them 2 Professors, 9 Associate Professors, 1 Lecturer, and 6 Assistant Lecturers, in addition to 13 agricultural engineers.
At present, the department offers both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biocontrol Technologies.

The department seeks to achieve its goals and aspirations by creating an appropriate educational environment and providing all necessary material and human resources. It is committed to graduating qualified professionals capable of serving the community with scientific competence and technical skills in the field of biological resistance against pests and pathogens that attack plants, in accordance with internationally recognized quality standards in technical education.

The Department of Biocontrol Technologies aims to prepare technical personnel equipped with scientific and practical knowledge in pest and disease control affecting agricultural crops, using modern biocontrol techniques as alternatives to chemical pesticides and their associated drawbacks—such as environmental pollution and harmful effects on human health and non-target organisms including fish, bees, and others.

• Technical Knowledge:
  To provide fundamental understanding of the principles of biological pest control in agriculture, as well as supporting knowledge in related fields such as microbiology and ecology.

• Technical Skills:
  To develop essential skills for designing and implementing experiments, addressing crises and pest problems, and formulating practical plans for the application of technical knowledge in integrated pest management programs.

• Communication Skills:
  To enhance students’ ability to organize and present information effectively—verbally, in writing, or through informational posters—and to emphasize professional communication and sound decision-making in the workplace.

• Preparation for Graduate Studies:
  To ensure adequate breadth and depth of knowledge to enable success in postgraduate studies and lifelong learning programs.

• Professional Preparation:
  To cultivate an appreciation for issues arising in professional practice, including teamwork, leadership, occupational safety, and professional ethics.

The Department of Biocontrol Technologies aspires, through its educational programs, to establish a technical educational system that meets the requirements of society and relevant service institutions, thereby advancing scientific and technological progress in the field of biocontrol and integrated pest management while minimizing the use of chemicals in agricultural production.