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.
M.Phil. Biosciences
The Department of Biosciences embraces the full breadth of modern, vibrant and internationally leading Biosciences programs. The MPhil program covers all aspects of the field, that strongly supports multidisciplinary integration and empowering students with flexibility to tailor their education to their skills and interests.
Students will gain skills and knowledge of their chosen field through a research project with planning research and the presentation their work through written, oral and visual communication.
Program Goals
Our goal is to provide research friendly environment to develop meaningful skills in scientists such as reading and critical evaluation ability, independent thinking, consideration, and maintaining of ethical standards by using a variety of methods for investigation and analysis.
Program Objectives
Provision of a research culture that will help students in lifelong learning and make them enable to understand the concept and difficulties of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
Eligibility Criteria
- Sixteen years of education or 4-year education (124 credit hours) after HSSC/ F. A./ F. Sc./ Grade12 or Equivalent
- Minimum of 2.5 CGPA/60% marks in previous education in the same subject relevant to the field of study.
Coursework
Course work of 24 credit hours in the first year is required to be completed with a minimum of 3.0 CGPA on a scale of 4.0.
Scheme of Study (Semester wise)
- Duration: 2 years
- Semester: 4
- Credit Hours: 30
Semester - Ⅰ |
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| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| BSC501 | Research Methodology | 3+0 |
| BSC503 | Biostatistics & Experimental design | 3+0 |
| BSC505 | Scientific Communication Skills | 3+0 |
| BSC507 | Biosafety & Biosecurity | 3+0 |
Semester - Ⅱ |
||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| BSC502 | Techniques in Biological research | 3+0 |
| BSC504 | Cell to Systems | 3+0 |
| BSC506 | Advanced Bioinformatics | 3+0 |
| BSC508 | Advanced Biotechnology | 2+1 |
Semester - Ⅲ & Ⅳ |
||
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
| BSC509 | Thesis | 6 |
Research Proposal/Synopsis:
- Research proposal/synopsis of student fulfilling the coursework requirements is to be duly forwarded by the research supervisor(s), Chairperson, and Dean to the university's BASR in the prescribed format.
- The synopsis shall be accompanied by an ethical approval from the university's ethical committee, only if the study involves interventions prescribed by the ethical committee.
- Prior approval shall be requested from the BASR, before making any change in the previously approved research study.
Thesis
- The thesis (equivalent to 6 credit hours) is to be submitted to the university's BASR after internal evaluation by the Chairperson.
- 2 external examiners from any other university, shall evaluate the student's thesis. Their comments shall directly reach the BASR, which would further communicate the remarks to the student, research supervisor(s), and the Chairperson.
- Oral defense of the research work shall be done in the presence of an external examiner accompanied by the Dean. On the basis of the final remarks of the external examiner and Dean, forwarded by the Chairperson, the BASR will decide on the award of the degree.
Prospects and Career Pathway:
-
Independently handle the issues about:
- Environment
- Agriculture
- Research/academic organizations
- Diagnostic and health industry
- Food sector
- Nutrition
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Biotechnological industry
- Earn an entry into renowned national and international organizations/institutions
-
Can set up small businesses related to:
- Healthcare
- Food processing units
- Biotechnological processes
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