In the1950s, the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA molecule caused the emergence of new opinions and established the foundation of Molecular Biology. In the 1960s, new strategies were started to be developed for gene mapping and chromosome identification. In the 1970s, genetics engineering or recombinant DNA technologies were developed with isolation and recombination of genetics materials from two different organisms, thereby creating novel organisms economically beneficial to humanity.

Today, millions of dollars are spent for identification and characterization of the genes and for the research projects including the elucidation of gene functions in all the living systems. According to the reports, economical benefits provided to humanity through the use of new biotechnologies emerged from such research activities is enormous. The education and research in the field of molecular biology constitute the center of gravity of modern biology in developed countries. Hence, the applications in biotechnology and other applied fields of biology is practiced efficiently. Furthermore, education and training in molecular biology is crucial and obligatory for the specialization in the other fields of biology too. Therefore, strategies for the education- training and research in the field of molecular biology have been improved and used in many countries over the world.

In Turkey, it is a fact that there is a significant need for trained people who are well equipped with the basic concepts indicated above and knowledge of molecular biology. As a result, great difficulties were accounted when searching for educated people especially during the establishment of biotechnology research programs. The construction of new biological departments bringing a revolutionary point of view to biology and enhancing the integration of education-training-research and technology concepts is of vital importance for Turkey not to fall back in time. Taking these into consideration, the Molecular Biology and Genetics Department was established in the Faculty of Science and letters in I.T.U.

The needs of our country as summarized below have been taken into consideration during the establishment of Molecular Biology and Genetics Graduate Program

New method and product development for the protection of human and nature health using the techniques and tools of molecular biology and biotechnological applications, and development of facilities for effective usage of these tools. Subheadings include but not limited with:

a) Medical, agriculture-forestry, food, textile, chemistry and other sectors where related industrial biotechnological applications are inevitable.

b) The needs to prevent environmental pollution and to maintain the ecosystems

c) The needs for the diagnosis and therapy of human genetics disorders

Molecular Biology and Genetics Department was established as Biology Department with an emphasis on molecular biology and genetics in 1998, and 22 students were registered in 1999. Based on the high demands of students, Biology Department was transformed into Molecular Biology and Genetics Department by making necessary revisions in the undergraduate program with the encouragement and support of ITU Senate and also with the approval of Board of higher education in October 1999.