A Scientific Workshop at Thamar University Discusses the Description of the PhD Programs in Microbiology and Zoology
□ Thamar University Media / Muharram 13, 1448. June 28, 2026
■ In line with the directives of Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Al-Haifi, the Rector of Thamar University, aimed at developing postgraduate programs and enhancing the quality of academic programs according to national and international academic accreditation standards, the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, in cooperation with the Faculty of Applied Sciences, organized a workshop this morning to discuss and approve the descriptions of the PhD programs in Microbiology and Zoology, which will consist of two research projects and a dissertation. The workshop was attended by university leaders, specialists, faculty members, and academic experts.
At the workshop, Professor Dr. Mohammed Mohammed Hassan Al-Haifi, the Rector of the University, delivered a speech in which he affirmed that Thamar University continues to implement its strategic vision of a well-planned expansion of high-quality postgraduate programs that meet the needs of national development and the requirements of scientific research. He pointed out that the introduction of doctoral programs in specialized scientific fields represents an important step towards strengthening the university's academic and research standing, supporting the production of scientific knowledge, and linking it to the needs of society.
The University Rector explained that the university places great importance on developing academic programs according to quality standards and academic accreditation, ensuring the graduation of researchers who possess scientific competence and the ability to innovate and contribute to addressing scientific and developmental issues. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between colleges and specialized centers to develop robust academic programs that respond to global scientific advancements.
At the start of the workshop, Professor Dr. Adel Abdulghani Al-Ansi, the Vice-Rector of the University for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, welcomed the participants, outlining the workshop's objectives and themes. He emphasized that reviewing and approving academic program descriptions is a cornerstone of quality assurance and fulfilling academic accreditation requirements, achieved by aligning learning outcomes with the university's strategic goals and development needs.
The Dean of the Center noted that the university is steadily expanding its high-quality graduate programs, thereby enhancing its research capabilities and providing researchers with broader opportunities to pursue their studies within the country. He affirmed that these new programs are a response to the needs of society and the labor market, and contribute to supporting the scientific research and innovation ecosystem.
The workshop included a scientific presentation by Associate Professor Dr. Fouad Ahmed Ali Saad on the PhD program description document in Microbiology. He reviewed the program's philosophy, objectives, scientific fields, targeted learning outcomes, and admission and graduation requirements. He also discussed its role in preparing researchers specializing in microbiology, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, immunology, molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, and their environmental and industrial applications.
Dr. Abdulkarim Mohammed Al-Mawshki, the Head of the Academic Programs Development Unit at the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, also gave a comprehensive presentation on the PhD program in Zoology. He addressed the program's objectives, research areas, and its role in preparing specialized research personnel in animal physiology, histology, parasitology, public health, biodiversity, and environmental issues, thus contributing to scientific research and addressing environmental and health challenges.
During the workshop, Dr. Al-Mawshki reviewed the concepts of academic program quality and academic accreditation. He explained that program quality represents a continuous development and improvement process aimed at enhancing learning outcomes and achieving beneficiary satisfaction. Academic accreditation, on the other hand, is an external evaluation process that grants educational institutions confidence and official recognition of their commitment to national and international standards.
From his part, Professor Dr. Abdulqawi Dabwan Saeed, the Dean of the College of Applied Sciences, affirmed that the PhD programs in Microbiology and Zoology represent a qualitative addition to the university's graduate studies programs. He stated that these programs are part of the college's efforts to develop its academic programs and enhance scientific research in accordance with quality and academic accreditation standards. He also expressed his appreciation for the university leadership's support in establishing specialized programs that meet the needs of society and development.
Participants also discussed in detail the targeted learning outcomes for the two programs and their alignment with national academic accreditation standards and internationally recognized standards for designing graduate programs. They further discussed admission and graduation requirements, study plans, and mechanisms for continuous evaluation and improvement. Following this discussion, participants approved the program descriptions after incorporating several scientific and developmental observations that contribute to enhancing the quality of the programs and ensuring their compliance with academic accreditation requirements.
The workshop concluded with the attendance of Professor Dr. Essam Wasel, the Rector's Assistant Centers Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Hutrum, the General Secretary of the University, Dr. Amal Al-Mujahid, the Dean of the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, Dr. Rashid Al-Sanafi, the Vice Dean of the Center for Academic Development and Quality Assurance, and Nasser Najad, the General Secretary of the Center. The Certificates of participation were distributed to the attendees.