The Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis Raise Awareness on Smoking Hazards at Barz Private High School

On Monday, October 6, 2025, a group of fourth-year students from the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis at Cihan University–Erbil visited Barz Private High School to conduct a health awareness activity titled: Smoking: Its Types and Consequences.

The university students, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Hawri Fatih, Head of the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, were warmly received by Mr. Rasti Ghafur, the school principal. In his welcoming remarks, Mr. Ghafur commended the students for promoting cooperation between higher education institutions and schools.

Following the reception, Salih Shwan, a student from the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis, presented the seminar in the school hall. He clearly described the various forms of smoking, including conventional cigarettes, cigars, hookahs, heated tobacco products (IQOS), and electronic cigarettes (vapes). Salih Shwan emphasized that all these products contain more than 7,000 toxic chemical substances, such as nicotine, tar, formaldehyde, lead, and carbon monoxide. He scientifically explained the harmful effects of these substances on overall health, particularly on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, noting that they reduce oxygen levels in the blood, destroy lung and heart cells, alter brain chemistry, and cause genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of cancer.

In another part of his presentation, addressing the high school students, Salih Shwan clarified that electronic cigarettes are not a safe alternative. He explained that vaping causes oxidative stress, DNA damage, and weakens the immune system.

The seminar concluded with practical advice on quitting all forms of smoking, emphasizing the importance of adopting a smoke-free lifestyle to protect both general and biochemical health.

Volunteers

# Image Name Duration Credits
1 Hawri Fatih Sami Aldawoodi Hawri Fatih Sami Aldawoodi 2 80

On Monday, December 28, 2025, Rizgar Salih, a third-stage student in the Media Department at Cihan University-Erbil, discussed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) by university students during a television program on Speda Satellite Channel.

The program, Amroy Speda, dedicated one of its segments to ‘The Use of Artificial Intelligence by University Students’. For this segment, the channel invited Rizgar Salih to share his insights. At the beginning of his talk, he stated: Artificial Intelligence is not entirely new, but it has now become widespread, especially among students, as it is a highly supportive tool that can provide significant benefits in education.

He added, Artificial Intelligence complements human work and advances society, but we must not forget that it cannot completely replace human jobs and professions.

Later, Rizgar Salih noted: University students should make the most of AI’s features, but they must not let it replace their own critical thinking. At university, we have various tasks and responsibilities; it is normal to use AI as an assistant to gather information or manage time. However, we must not rely entirely on it to complete all our tasks, as this could ultimately harm our academic and scientific development.

Regarding lecturers’ perspectives on students’ use of Artificial Intelligence he pointed out that many allow it, provided it is used correctly and within certain limits, so that students benefit rather than suffer harm. He also mentioned that many lecturers guide students on how to use AI effectively and responsibly.

In his concluding remarks, Rizgar emphasized that students must stay updated and aware of contemporary technological changes. Since the current era is known as the age of Artificial Intelligence, he stressed that it is essential not to remain ignorant of these advancements.

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, on the occasion of Flag Day, the Department of Media at Cihan University–Erbil organized a field activity at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood, under the supervision of Assistant Lecturer Ahmed Jamal Hama Karim.

The activity was participated by students from both the first and second stages of the Department of Media. During the activity, the students distributed Kurdistan flags and informational brochures to citizens at Milli Market in the Newroz neighbourhood of Erbil city. The brochure content included information about the Kurdistan flag and its components, as well as the history of raising the Kurdistan flag for the first time by Peshawa Qazi Muhammad. In addition, the brochure referred to the 2009 decision of the Kurdistan Parliament, which designated December 17 of each year as Flag Day.

The purpose of the activity was to commemorate Flag Day, raise public awareness about the history and symbolism of the Kurdistan flag, and foster loyalty and national identity among citizens. These aims reflect one of the main objectives of the Department of Media in organizing this meaningful activity.

On Sunday, December 7, 2025, the Media Department at Cihan University–Erbil launched an intensive two-day training workshop on the university campus for students from various academic levels. The sessions focused on helping students envision their professional future and discussing modern methods and mechanisms that enable them to enter the rapidly developing and highly competitive media job market with confidence and competence.

The Media Department also welcomed Mr. Manaf Mubarak, Director of Projects at the German DW Network, in an academic visit aimed at enhancing students’ professional capabilities and connecting theoretical knowledge with international field experience.

During the sessions, Mr. Mubarak devoted a substantial portion of the sessions to technical and practical training. He provided students with a detailed explanation of the DPA application, demonstrating how to use it effectively as a tool for journalistic work and news coverage. This reflects the university’s commitment to equipping its students with the latest digital tools used in major international media institutions, ensuring the development of a media generation that is both knowledgeable and technically proficient.

At the end of the sessions, the Media Department expressed its gratitude to Mr. Mubarak for his time and dedication to the students. The department remains committed to opening doors to international media centers and providing more opportunities for students to enrich their journalistic experience.