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.
Ph.D. Biosciences
The Department of Biosciences at Salim Habib University (SHU) offers a PhD Biosciences program designed to address critical health-related issues affecting humans, animals, and plants. SHU provides state-of-the-art laboratories for advanced postgraduate research, supported by a diverse PhD faculty with extensive national and international research experience in areas such as disease mechanisms, diagnostics, bioinformatics, and genetic studies.
Our research efforts are focused on solving pressing challenges in food safety and security, environmental sustainability, and health concerns in the medical, agricultural, and livestock sectors. Utilizing cutting-edge in vitro, in vivo, and bioinformatics tools, we are committed to advancing knowledge and developing innovative solutions for a healthier world.
Program Objectives:
- Foster Advanced Research in Diverse Bioscience Domains: Leverage the expertise of a diverse faculty in biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, and medicinal plants to drive cutting-edge research that addresses critical health, agricultural, and environmental challenges.
- Promote Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Knowledge Integration: Encourage interdisciplinary research that combines molecular biology, computational tools, and biotechnology to create comprehensive solutions for complex bioscience problems in human, animal, and plant health.
- Enhance Bioinformatics and Biotechnology Applications: Equip students with the skills to apply bioinformatics and biotechnology to analyze biological data, improve disease diagnostics, and develop interventions for sustainable agricultural and medical practices.
Eligibility Criteria
- A minimum 30-credit hour MS/M. Phil degree (18 years of education with first division or CGPA of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00 or overall 60% marks in annual system or equivalent) in the relevant subject is a prerequisite, from any HEC recognized University. In case of a foreign degree, it will be ascertained that it is equivalent to Pakistani M.Phil./ MS degree from any recognized University/Institution.
- GRE/GAT, (Score = 60%) or
- SHU PhD admission test (Score =60%)
Ref: HEC Graduate Education Policy
Ph.D. Courses
PhD students must select any six courses (18 credit hours) from this list, to be completed preferably during the first year of their program.
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
| Advanced Bioinformatics | 3 |
| Inflammation and Disease | 3 |
| Biobanking | 3 |
| Environmental Surveillance | 3 |
| Immunohematology and Blood Banking | 3 |
| Infectious Diseases | 3 |
| Immunotechnology | 3 |
| Marine Biology | 3 |
| Research Seminar on Current Advances in Biosciences | 3 |
| Development of Research Proposal for Funding Agencies | 3 |
Note: The offering of seminar and independent study courses is subject to the approval of the departmental Graduate Research Committee (GRC). The list of courses is not exhaustive and may be updated at any time, with the addition or removal of courses subject to the approval of the Board of Studies (BOS). Additionally, the content of PhD courses will not be fixed; it will reflect the instructor’s expertise and incorporate the latest trends and state-of-the-art literature relevant to the course.
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