Faculty Img
  • Phone:

    +966-13-849-8887

  • Email:

    tashfaq@pmu.edu.sa

  • Office No:

    F-020

  • TABASSUM ASHFAQ

  • Job Title :

    LECTURER IN CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY

  • College :

    College of Sciences and Human Studies


  • Department :

    Mathematics & Natural Sciences


 

 

Dedicated and results-oriented Senior Academic Professional with over 28 years of experience in higher education across Saudi Arabia and India. Proven expertise in teaching Introductory Chemistry ,Biology, Mathematics as well as specialized Bachelor’s and Master’s level courses in Microbiology and Biotechnology. Demonstrated leadership as Head of Department and Principal, with a strong background in academic administration, curriculum design, and Board of Studies evaluation. Committed to fostering student success through innovative research guidance and project design. 

 

M.Phil. in Microbiology | 2005 – 2006

Annamalai University, Chennai
M.Sc. in Microbiology | 1994 – 1996
Specialization: Plant Pathology
Jnana Bharathi Campus, Bangalore University
B.Sc. in Chemistry, Zoology, and Microbiology | 1991 – 1994
Maharani’s College of Science for Women, Bangalore University

  • Primary Affiliation: Lecturer, Department of Humanities and Sciences (or relevant department), Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Khobar, Saudi Arabia.
  • Past Affiliation: Former Head of Department, Department of Microbiology & Biotechnology, Brindavan College, Bangalore, India.

Lecturer (Biology  Chemistry & Mathematics)
Prince Mohammed University (PMU) | Khobar, Saudi Arabia
February 2008 – Present

 

  • Delivering comprehensive instruction across multiple disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics, to a diverse student body.
  • Developing and updating curricula to meet international academic standards and institutional goals.
  • Contributing to the long-term academic success and accreditation efforts of the university over an 18-year tenure.
Principal (Pre-University Course)
Brindavan College | Bangalore, India
July 2005 – January 2006
  • Provided administrative leadership and academic oversight for the Pre-University division.
  • Managed faculty, student affairs, and institutional compliance.
HOD & Lecturer in Biotechnology
Dept. of Graduate Studies, Brindavan College | Bangalore, India
July 2001 – January 2006
  • Led the Biotechnology department, managing academic schedules, faculty performance, and laboratory resources.
  • Lectured on specialized Biotechnology topics to undergraduate students.
Lecturer in Microbiology & Biotechnology
Dept. of Post Graduate Studies, Brindavan College | Bangalore, India
August 2000 – January 2006
  • Instructed advanced coursework for post-graduate students, focusing on Microbiology and Biotechnology applications.
Visiting Faculty in Microbiology
Acharya Institute of Sciences | Bangalore, India
July 2000 – April 2002
  • Served as a subject matter expert, delivering specialized Microbiology modules for graduate courses.
HOD & Lecturer in Microbiology
Dept. of Graduate Studies, Brindavan College | Bangalore, India
June 1997 – June 2001
  • Directed departmental operations and academic standards for the Microbiology program.
  • Delivered core Microbiology lectures and supervised laboratory practicals.
Lecturer in Microbiology
S.J.R. College for Women | Bangalore, India
June 1996 – March 1997
  • Taught introductory and advanced Microbiology to undergraduate female students.
 

  • BIOL 1411: Introductory Biology
    • Description: A foundation in basic biological principles, covering the biological world from both a taxonomic (plant, animal, microbe) and process-based perspective.
    • Key Topics: Cell biology, genetics, physiology, ecology, diversity of living organisms, and the capture and use of energy.
    • Lab Component: Weekly three-hour exercises including microscopy, cell structure, Mendelian genetics, and basic mammalian anatomy.
  • CHEM 1411: General Chemistry I
    • Description: Introduction to the fundamental principles of chemistry for science and engineering majors, including states of matter, chemical stoichiometry, and atomic structure.
    • Key Topics: Measurements, periodicity of elemental properties, chemical bonding, molecular structure, solutions, and gas laws.
    • Lab Component: Experimental design, data collection, and analysis supporting theoretical principles like stoichiometry and thermochemistry.
  • CHEM 1422: General Chemistry II
    • Description: Advanced chemical principles building upon the foundation of CHEM 1411.
    • Key Topics: Chemical kinetics, equilibrium, acids and bases, and thermodynamics.
  • Natural Science Electives
    • Instruction in various core natural science subjects that support PMU's global competencies and student-centered learning outcomes.
Mathematics & Preparatory Courses

  • PRPM 0001: Introductory Algebra
    • Description: A foundational course designed to develop basic algebraic skills and numerical literacy required for higher-level mathematics.
    • Key Topics: Operations with real numbers, simplifying algebraic expressions, solving first-degree equations and inequalities, and an introduction to graphing in the Cartesian plane.
    • Outcome: Establishing the essential mathematical foundation and study habits necessary for students to progress into Intermediate Algebra and subsequent science courses.
    • PRPM 0012: Intermediate Algebra
      • Description: A foundational course designed to bridge the gap between basic arithmetic and college-level algebra, focusing on problem-solving and logical reasoning.
      • Key Topics: Real number systems, linear equations and inequalities, polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, and quadratic equations.
      • Outcome: Preparing students with the essential mathematical tools required for success in degree-level Science and Engineering programs.
Courses Taught at Previous Institutions
  • Microbiology (Post-Graduate & Graduate levels): Advanced microbial physiology, virology, immunology, and applied microbiology.
  • Biotechnology : Molecular biology, genetic engineering, cell and tissue culture, and bioprocess technology.
  • Pre-University Biology: Foundational cell biology, botany, and zoology for early college entry students

 

  • Project Assistant – CSIR Funded Project: Worked under the guidance of 

Dr. Savitha J.

 on the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) funded project: "Screening of PUFA (Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids) producing fungi from soil and its quantification." This role involved identifying oleaginous fungal strains and utilizing analytical techniques to measure lipid yield. 

Principal Investigator Roles (Student Mentorship)

  • Biofuel Development: Served as Principal Investigator for "Alcohol production from agricultural byproducts," a project conducted in collaboration with Post-Graduate Microbiology students. The research focused on the valorization of agro-industrial waste through microbial fermentation to produce bioethanol.
  • Enzymology & Microbial Assays: Led the project "Beta galactosidase producing Bacteria & assay" as Principal Investigator. This work involved the isolation of enzyme-producing bacteria and the development of colorimetric assays (like the ONPG test) to quantify enzymatic activity for potential dairy and industrial applications. 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Member, Board of Examinations (Microbiology & Biotechnology): Involved in setting high academic standards and curricula for the department.
  • Recognized Member, Board of Valuation: Responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of academic assessments.
  • Member, Practical Examination Panel: Oversees the evaluation of hands-on laboratory skills for undergraduate and postgraduate students.