Dean's Message
Welcome to the Faculty of Science at Salim Habib University (SHU), where we are committed to excellence in education and research across both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Currently, the faculty offers undergraduate programs in BS-Biosciences, BS-Microbiology, and BS-Biotechnology, as well as postgraduate programs, including M.Phil. and PhD in Biosciences. We are continuously exploring new frontiers in life sciences to further expand our academic offerings.
Pakistan faces a significant burden of diseases affecting humans, plants, and animals, which have a profound impact on our national economy and extend to global markets. These challenges not only strain healthcare systems and agricultural productivity but also disrupt the livelihoods of millions. Addressing these issues on both a national and international scale is crucial to ensure economic stability, environmental sustainability, and improved public health.
The Biosciences, Biotechnology, and Microbiology programs at Salim Habib University are designed to equip students with marketable and entrepreneurial skills by integrating diverse scientific domains. Our programs focus on developing innovative solutions to health-related challenges, including disease mechanisms, prevention, control measures, and drug discovery, while also addressing issues in agriculture, livestock, food safety, and environmental protection. Together, these programs offer a comprehensive education that prepares students for real-world challenges across multiple sectors.
To ensure the highest quality of education and research, SHU is proud to have a highly qualified PhD faculty with extensive national and international research experience, bringing cutting-edge knowledge from globally renowned institutions. Our state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern classrooms, advanced labs, and fully equipped computer facilities, ensures an optimal learning environment. We prepare students to integrate life sciences with other fields, fostering innovation and leadership to address today’s global challenges. Join us at SHU to become a leader in the scientific community and make a meaningful impact on society.
Dr. Arshad Mahmood
Professor
Dean, Faculty of Science
Introduction to the Department
What is Biosciences ?
Welcome to the BS Biosciences program, where science meets innovation to address some of the most pressing challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. This interdisciplinary field blends biological sciences with cutting-edge technology to explore and solve complex problems across various domains.
As a diverse discipline, Biosciences focuses on various genetic, infectious, and chronic diseases in humans, animal and plants. In the field of agriculture biosciences focus on detecting plant diseases and enhancing immunity through genetic and biochemical methods, while veterinary research addresses zoonotic diseases and improves livestock and wildlife health using molecular and immunological techniques. Understanding disease mechanisms is vital for developing effective treatments, with research spanning molecular pathways in humans, immune signaling in plants, and host-pathogen interactions in animals. Preventive strategies include vaccines, disease-resistant crops, and biosecurity measures, while control efforts involve designing therapies, using pesticides, and applying veterinary medicines. Biosciences drive advancements in production by enhancing pharmaceuticals, crop yields, and livestock productivity, while addressing fertility issues with advanced reproductive technologies.
This interdisciplinary field contributes to problem-solving on both national and global scales—evident in initiatives like disease-resistant crop development and innovative medical treatments—and offers diverse career opportunities in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology. Entrepreneurial projects, such as biotech startups and agricultural tech innovations, exemplify the sector’s dynamic potential, fostering job placement and growth in both local and international markets.
Our Faculty and Research Opportunities
The Department of Biological Sciences at Salim Habib University boasts a team of eight distinguished PhD faculty members. Beyond their roles as educators, our faculty are deeply involved in cutting-edge research across diverse fields, including Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology and Infectious Disease, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Virology, Cancer Biology, Epidemiology, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in these research programs, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to innovative discoveries.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Our teaching and research laboratories are equipped with some of the most advanced technology available in the field of Biology today. These state-of-the-art facilities support a wide range of research activities and ensure that students gain practical experience with the latest tools and techniques.
Explore the Future with Biosciences
The ever-evolving discipline of Biosciences provides crucial insights into the complexities of life and is integral to addressing many of today’s global challenges. By exploring the intricate details of life processes and their implications, our program equips students to contribute to the future of life on Earth.
Vision
To become the top ranked department recognized both nationally and internationally.
Mission
To produce skilled graduates with a comprehensive knowledge in life sciences through experiential learning and problem solving abilities. We aim to foster an exciting learning environment, which provide intellectual development and stimulate our students to serve as leaders of the world.
BS Microbiology
Microbiology is a diverse field encompassing both fundamental and applied sciences. To effectively identify microorganisms and harness their metabolic capabilities for commercial use, microbiologists need a solid understanding of microbial taxonomy, genetics, immunology, and physiology. This discipline focuses on the study of bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and protozoa present in our environment, offering insights into their cellular structures and metabolic pathways. Microbiology plays a crucial role in understanding the mechanisms behind infectious diseases, especially highlighted by recent epidemics and pandemics. This has underscored the significance of Microbiology as a promising career path.
Program Objectives
- To provide students with a solid understanding of various branches of Microbiology, including medical microbiology, immunology, fermentation technology, environmental microbiology.
- To expose students to advanced topics such as Nanobiotechnology and Marine Microbiology, fostering a deeper understanding of the field.
- To ensure students develop competencies in microbiological techniques, enabling them to analyze and address problems involving microorganisms effectively.
- To encourage collaboration across different scientific disciplines, recognizing the interdisciplinary nature of Microbiology.
- To equip students with the skills necessary for a successful career in Microbiology.
Internship and Career Prospects
Graduates of the BS Microbiology program will find a wealth of career opportunities in various domains. Potential career paths include roles in medical and research laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, environmental and conservation agencies, and academic institutions. With expertise in areas like genetics, microbiology, and bioinformatics, our graduates are well-prepared for careers in research, diagnostics, public health, and beyond.
Pharmaceutical Industries
Environmental Biotechnologist
Dairy industries
Food products and beverages industries
Waste water treatment
Probiotics
Forensic Microbiology
Agricultural Microbiologist & Plant Pathologist
Water industries
Fermentation & Bioprocess Engineer
Teaching and Research
Pathological and Diagnostic labs
Marine & Fisheries
Scheme of Study (Semester wise)
- Duration: 4 Years
- Semesters: 8
- Credit Hours: 130
1st Year |
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Semester - Ⅰ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| ENG101 | Functional English | - | 2+1 |
| IST101 | Islamic Studies/ Islam & world religions | - | 2+0 |
| MAT101/ BIO101 | Mathematics / Basic biology | - | 3+0 |
| BSC-102 | Biochemistry | - | 2+1 |
| BSC-103 | Chemistry | - | 2+1 |
| MIC-101 | Fundamentals of Microbiology-I | - | 2+1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | ||
Semester - Ⅱ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| ENG102 | Communication/ Writing Skills | - | 2+1 |
| PST101 | Pakistan Studies | - | 2+0 |
| MTH201 | Linear Algebra & Differential Equation | - | 3+0 |
| BSC-105 | Physiology | - | 2+1 |
| PHI101 | Philosophy, Logic and Critical Thinking | - | 3+0 |
| MIC-102 | Fundamentals of Microbiology-II | - | 2+1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 17 | ||
2nd Year |
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Semester - Ⅲ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| CSC105 | Programming fundamentals | - | 3+1 |
| PSY101 | Psychology | - | 3+0 |
| BSC-210 | Biostatistics | MTH-101 | 2+1 |
| MGT401 | Entrepreneurship | - | 3+0 |
| BSC-207 | Cellular Metabolism & Regulation | BSC-102 | 2+1 |
| MIC-202 | Community Service | - | 0+2 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | ||
Semester - Ⅳ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| MIC-203 | Medical Microbiology | MIC-101 | 2+1 |
| MIC-204 | Fundamentals of Immunology | - | 2+1 |
| MIC-205 | Introduction to metagenomics | - | 3+0 |
| MIC-206 | Microbial Taxonomy | - | 2+1 |
| MIC-207 | Introduction to Biotechnology | MIC-101 | 2+1 |
| MIC-208 | Bacterial Genetics | MIC-101 | 2+1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | ||
3rd Year |
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Semester - Ⅴ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| BSC-301 | Bioinformatics | MTH-101, 201, CSC105 | 2+1 |
| MIC-301 | General virology | MIC-101 | 2+1 |
| MIC-302 | Soil & Marine Microbiology | MIC-102 | 2+1 |
| MIC-303 | Biosafety & Biosecurity | MIC-101 | 2+1 |
| MIC-304 | Antimicrobial Agents | MIC-101, 203 | 2+1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | ||
Semester – Ⅵ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| MIC-305 | Epidemiology & Public Health | MIC-101, 102, 201 | 2+1 |
| MIC-306 | Food and Dairy Microbiology | MIC-101, 102 | 2+1 |
| MIC-307 | Introduction to Parasitology | MIC-101 | 2+1 |
| MIC-308 | Genetic Engineering and Its Applications | MIC-101, BSC-207 | 2+1 |
| MIC-309 | Introduction to Mycology | - | 2+1 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | ||
4th Year |
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Semester - Ⅶ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| ENG401 | Technical report writing | ENG-101 | 3+0 |
| MIC-401 | Cell and Tissue culture | MIC-101, 301 | 3+0 |
| MIC-411 | FPY-I | MIC-101, 102 | 0+3 |
| XXXxxx* | Elective I | - | 3+0 |
| XXXxxx* | Elective II | - | 3+0 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | ||
Semester – Ⅷ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Prerequisite | Credit Hours |
| XXXxxx* | Elective III | - | 3 |
| XXXxxx* | Elective IV | - | 3 |
| MIC-402 | Recent Advances in Microbiology | - | 3 |
| MIC-412 | FPY-II | FYP-I | 0+3 |
| MIC-413 | Field Experience/Internship | - | 0+3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 15 | ||
Dr. Muhammad Shakeel Ahmed Khan
Professor & Direct ORIC
Dr. Aqeel Ahmed
Professor
Dr. Affhan Shoaib
Associate Professor
Dr. Marriam Yamin
Assistant Professor
Dr. Shaheena Anwar
Assistant Professor
Dr. Madiha Kanwal
Assistant Professor
Dr. Afira Waqar
Assistant Professor
Ms. Hajira Kareem
Lecturer