This department has been established in College of Science in 1958 G (1378 H) to prepare specialized qualified scientific caders, still contributing in achieving the progress of our sincere nation (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) in so numerous fields as general and higher education, health, agriculture and society employ.

            During the undergraduate study, the department students were provided with the necessary scientific knowledge, on the other hand, the department staff-members offer specialized courses during the first level to students of the preparatory stage of Health Sciences, Agriculture and other College of Science departments as biochemistry, microbiology and geology.

            By the mercy of Allah, the Almighty, then by the efforts of those in charge about education under the patronage of his excellency King Abdulla Bin Abdel-Aziz , this department has been developed significantly in number of teaching staff members, lecturers, technicians, equipment and laboratories. It has more than 40 members in different certain specializations in the field of animal sciences, they contribute in implementing researches in numerous fields published in the most famous scientific periodicals and journals, besides editing, translating, writing and preparing many scientific books. Furthermore, the department is supplied with more than 30 assisting members including lecturers, demonstrators, specialists and technicians. In addition to more than 40 laboratories prepared and well-equipped for the sake the students practical studies at different levels, a quite number of these laboratories serve the staff members and post-graduate students. The department started in offering M. Sc. Degree in 1981 G (1401 H) and Ph.D in 2001 G (1421 H) so far more than 60 male and female students were granted master degree whereas a number of male and female students obtained pH.D. degree.

            Regarding the specialized scientific units which serve inside and outside the department, there is a central lab-highly equipped to introduce services to different research groups. There is also a recent and completed unit for transmission and scanning electron microscope. The museum of the department is a unique collection of models and samples of animal classes, it usually receives so many interested visitors from different sectors.