Biotechnology merges advance science with the modern technology. This is one of the most innovative fields. It is always expanding and changing. Biotechnology is basically a crossway where biology incorporates with technology. It helps justifying the quality of life for all human beings by utilizing the concepts of cellular and molecular processes. Although this is a new field of undergraduate study, but its principles have been using for hundred thousands of years; for instance, milk is fermented into yogurt is an application of biotechnology.
Have you just done with your intermediate studies with excellent grades? You can start your academic career in biotechnology by studying a BS, and proceed on to an MS. You can also continue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in your expertise subject if you want to be a scientist in the field.
This associative area includes content covering the fields of microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, cellular biology, etc. In addition to these fields, environmental science and engineering are also included. These areas should examine from a practical view point whereas the theoretical knowledge should apply for the advancement of human beings in multiple ways to suit their requirements.
Undergraduate Degree in Biotechnology
The undergraduate degree in biotechnology includes 3 to 4 years for total course. Time duration may exceed or fall behind depending on the university you have enrolled in. The program includes lectures, theoretical sections, practical work, field work, different assignments, and other independent study quizzes. These methodologies shape up the academic expertise and provide you with hands-on training for job outlooks.
The subjects include in BS biotechnology are:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Amino Acids
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
- Cellular Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemical Engineering
- Proteins
- Genome and Post-Genome Biology
- Bacteriology
- Bioethics
- Bioinformatics
Graduate Degree in Biotechnology
The undergraduate studies relate to theory more. You cannot study specializations in BS degree while graduate degree let you select the specialization in your favorite subject.
Postgraduate or doctoral degrees contain two-year courses with major experimental works along with the practical and hands-on training. Biotechnologists perform various experimental techniques in the industry, followed by attainments, thesis preparation, examinations, and its oral defense.
Master degrees usually take over 4 to 6 years. Coursework and practical are followed by the first two years and the research work in the remaining years. For the completion of doctoral degree, a thesis is prepared and then followed by oral examinations.
The several sectors in postgraduate studies in biotechnology include:
- Genetics
- Molecular biology
- Microbiology
- Drug discovery
- Agricultural sciences
- Therapeutic sciences
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Animal sciences.
Best Universities to Study Biotechnology in Pakistan
Like all other medical fields, biotechnology degree has a great scope in Pakistan. Numerous strong posts are offered in the environmental, medical, agriculture, energy, and manufacturing industry. Not only in Pakistan, biotechnologists are provided with multiple jobs in abroad as well. The graduates enjoy good opportunities in multiple sectors like research fields, medical labs, agriculture, pharmaceutics, and genetic engineering. A biotechnologist can also pursue careers in the food, biochemical, and petroleum industry.
There are many universities in Pakistan that provide courses in biotechnology. They all are reputed universities around the world. You might be thinking now that which university is best for biotechnology? Which university covers the best research work? Which universities biotechnologists are in high demand in Pakistan? To answer all your questions, we have collected a list of best universities to study biotechnology in Pakistan. Read the article to the end and know the answers to all your questions.
1. University of Punjab
The best university on top of the list is the “University of Punjab”. The University of Punjab has managed to gain well-known reputation in the field of biological sciences, particularly in biotechnology. University of Punjab has always been the first priority of students because of its sound research and excellent academic achievements.
In 1997, University of Punjab established the department of “The Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology”. It includes courses in biochemistry and biotechnology along with research in cell culture and cell biology. Plus, recombinant DNA technology, molecular biology, protein chemistry and computational biology have been included as majors in biotechnology.
Experienced professors, well-known lecturers, a beautifully designed building, best research labs, computer facilities, a library, and a refreshing working environment make University of Punjab a number one choice for students. Currently, University of Punjab is offering 4 degree programs; BS, M.Sc., MS, and Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. More than 600 students are enrolled in this department. The university also provides fully funded scholarships to hardworking and deserving students all around Pakistan. The university has been offering exchange courses for study abroad as well.
2. Government College University Lahore
GCU provides a professional program in the industrial biotechnology. It is one of the most innovative fields that include multiple advance products like organic acids, alcoholic beverages, enzymes, amino acids, detergents, baker’s yeast, health care products, bio plastics, biofuel, and biodiesel.
Institute of Industrial Biotechnology (IIB) was first started in the year 2005 at GCU Lahore. In the past few years, IIB has gained the competitive reputation not only in the university but all around Pakistan as well. The aim of IIB is to produce professionals and experts in Biotechnology and Microbiology fields.
IIB department is known best because of its research methodologies. The research work involves a several other fields such as Fermentation Technology, Protein Purification, Enzymology, Molecular Biology, Tissue Culture, Bioprocess Technology, Bioenergy, and Bioinformatics. Students are guided on daily basis by the help of well- organized workshops and conceptual seminars. A large number of students are getting GCU Lahore full-bright scholarships. The university also offers exchange courses for study abroad.
3. Quaid-e-Azam University (QUA)
Present in Islamabad, QAU is a well-known university both in domestic and foreign platforms. This is because of its high-quality education, A-grade research, professional staff, published journals, and genuine scientific research on an international level.
In 2006, The Department of Biotechnology was established at Quaid-i-Azam University under the section of Biosciences. The department offers courses and research in all degree levels; BS, MS, and Ph.D. in biotechnology. Students are provided with the well-equipped research labs in all the biotechnology departments. The research is mostly carried on interdisciplinary programs like plant biotechnology, medical biotechnology, bioprocess technology, and microbial biotechnology.
4. Government College University Faisalabad
GCU Faisalabad is one of the best universities that offer courses in biotechnology degree. It has “Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology (BNB)”, which counter bridges between multiple disciplines. It combines statistics methodologies into biological sciences education.
Biotechnology includes biological systems (flora and fauna) and uses technical methods to modify products for mankind. While bioinformatics is a fusion of Biosciences, Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Sciences. This degree offers to develop new databases, computer programs, and software for use in biological sciences.
GCU Faisalabad provides high-quality research of biotechnology, bioinformatics, and genetic engineering by the help of advance computational and statistics methods. BNB’s goal is to imply innovative researches in the genomic field. It is also exploring creative methods of decoding the human genome.
5. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
University of Agriculture is known as one of the best universities in the field of biotechnology. Its department “Centre of Agricultural Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB)” is considered to deal with the quality education and practical in biotechnology. CABB receives a huge amount of funds by HEC every year.
CABB carries out A-level scientific research at both national and international levels. University offers five degrees; BS, MSc, MPhil, PhD. Biotechnology and Ph.D. Molecular Genetics. The research work is involved in transgenic development, OMICS approaches for germplasm characterization, virology, somatic hybrid development, dengue characterization, plant-insect interaction, and diagnostic facilities for GMO detection.
6. University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore
Other than veterinary and animal sciences, UVAS also offers degree in Biochemistry and Biotechnology. In 2009, The Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology (IBBT) was established after the recondition of the departments of Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, and Department of Biochemistry.
Multiple disciplines related to biotechnology are offered in UVAS such as BS Biotechnology, BS Biochemistry, MSc Biochemistry, MSc Biotechnology, MSc Chemistry, and M. Phil/Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and M. Phil Forensic Science. Currently, over 650 students are enrolled in IBBT.
UVAS biotechnology program makes students expert in all aspects of the biotechnology. Their research work is acknowledged all around the world. Recently, COVID-19 vaccine has also been prepared in UVAS BSL 3 lab. The students in UVAS are offered internships to pursue their studies for a professional degree.
7. COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus
COMSATS University Islamabad-Abbottabad has been offering a degree in biotechnology since 2008. But the official department was established in 2019 as the “Department of Biotechnology”. It provides degree programs at all levels such as BS, MS, and Ph.D.
CUIA provides the best quality research with the advanced technologies in the field of Health Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, and Industrial Biotechnology. In order to cover the future challenges, university has collaborated with national and international universities to broader the sector of their research network.
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