Master of Science in Biotechnology

Program Description

Biotechnology deals with the living organisms and the products thereof in large scale industrial processes for human services. The field is highly interdisciplinary and requires inputs from the medical sciences, engineering, basic sciences, artificial intelligence, and computer science. Its potential has greatly increased by the recent developments in recombinant DNA technology in collaboration with traditional methodologies. High throughput technologies have strengthened this discipline immensely enhancing it potential and applications. In the current scenario, it is believed that Biotechnology can change people’s lives for the better. Biotechnology is one of the priority areas of the Government of Pakistan in which huge investments have been made to strengthen research and development activities in this field. Keeping in view ‘Skilling Pakistan’ vision of PAF-IAST, this program will help to produce highly skilled workforce for the biotech industry.

Why Study at PAF IAST?

Location and Ambience

PAF IAST is nestled in natural mountains that flank its campus from all sides. The institute offers one  ravishing view of snow-capped peaks of Nathiagali and natural winding trails. Furthermore, to its north-west is Tarbela Lake, a journey of only a few kilometers from the campus. Moreover, set in the middle of the campus is a natural lake, fed by the springs of surrounding mountains. The campus is just a 3-kilometer drive from the Hazara Motorway. This results in an ideal setting equally conducive to academic activity. Most importantly, major cities like Islamabad, Abbottabad, are just an hour’s drive, while small towns like Wah, Hasanabadal, Taxila, and Swabi can be reached in just half an hour. All these features make PAF IAST the best biomedical sciences university in KPK. 

Technology Advancement and Foreign Partnership

This institute is an emerging center of excellences, with its own technology park. Therefore, all faculty members hold PhD degrees in appropriate disciplines. By virtue of its wide array of facilities and the facilitation for its students to learn. Furthermore, they benefit both from classroom teaching and faculty trained at premier Austrian universities/institutions. The institution is ideally cut out for imparting state-of–the-art engineering and allied education in Pakistan. Moreover, the institute enjoys close linkages with top ranking universities in Austria and China. As a result, we have already concluded with them formal agreements regarding student and faculty exchange programs, provision of dual degrees in certain areas, and the training support from foreign faculty. 

Academia-Industry Relationship

There is a strong relationship between academia and industry. As a result, this paves the way for job opportunities for students even in the midst of their studies. PAF IAST will serve as a welcome platform for the industry to share their requirements for a skilled workforce. Therefore, this will enable the institute to incorporate their valuable inputs in practical vocational training and expose the students to industrial perspectives.

On-Spot Industry Internship

Firstly, it will be a mandatory requirement for every student to do an internship every semester in an appropriate industry. Secondly, this will garner them practical experience related to their respective degree programs. To crown it all, Technology Park will afford them rare opportunities to apply themselves innovatively and become promising entrepreneurs.

Need and Merit-based Scholarships

Different types of local and foreign scholarship opportunities are available on need and merit base.

Associated Careers

Teaching colleges/university, biotech/pharmaceutical industry, research organization, Medical scientists, Biological technicians, Medical and Clinical Lab Technologists & Technicians, Biochemists and Biophysicists, Microbiologists, Epidemiologists, R&D and Process Development Scientists, Biomedical research, pathology laboratories, biotechnology industries, Drug design and development/ Biopharmaceutical production, Genetically modified food production, Diagnostic test design and production, Biotechnology business plan analyst, Research with research institutes, universities, industry, or government agencies.

Semester-wise Course Break-up

Semester 1

Code

Course Title

Theory

BTY-803

Trends in Biotechnology

3

BTY-846

Clinical Diagnostic and Drug Discovery

3

BTY-8##

Elective I

3

BTY-8##

Elective II

3

 

Total Semester Credit Hours

12

Semester 2

Code

Course Title

Theory

BTY-804

Bioentrepreneurship

3

BTY-805

Research Techniques in Biotechnology

3

BTY-8##

Elective III

3

BTY-8##

Elective IV

3

SS-801

Research Methodology

2NC

 

Total Semester Credit Hours

12

Semester 3 & 4

Code

Course Title

Research

BTY899

Master Thesis

6

 

Total

30