VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Department of Biological Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology

Introduction

The BS-Lateral in Biotechnology program is designed for students who have completed 14 years of education in disciplines other than biotechnology and wish to transition into this dynamic field. Biotechnology integrates biology and technology to drive innovations in healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and industry.

This 2.5-year degree equips students with essential knowledge in genetic engineering, microbiology, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing, preparing them for careers in research, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and healthcare. Graduates will develop strong analytical and technical skills, making them highly employable in a rapidly growing sector.

By bridging foundational sciences with advanced biotechnological applications, this program offers a streamlined pathway for career advancement in one of the most impactful STEM fields.

Objectives

The program is designed to:

  • Enable students from non-biotech backgrounds to acquire core biotechnology competencies through a streamlined, intensive curriculum.
  • Produce skilled graduates equipped with practical and theoretical expertise to fill workforce needs in healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
  • Cultivate problem-solving and research skills to drive advancements in biotech applications and sustainable solutions.
  • Equip students with industry-aligned technical and analytical skills for diverse career opportunities in the growing biotech sector.

Eligibility Criteria

  1. Applicants having an Associate Degree/BSc/Equivalent (14 years of education) from an HEC recognized university/institute with at least 45% marks or CGPA 2.00 out of 4.00 are eligible.
  2. Applicants who have completed a two-year Associate Degree/BSc/Equivalent Degree Program differ from Biotechnology shall be required to complete deficiency courses through a bridging/deficiency semester.

Note: Seats are available on an open merit basis, exclusively for eligible students within Pakistan.

 

Assessment Criteria

   

Award of Degree

To be eligible for the award of a BS-Lateral in Biotechnology, students are required to complete a minimum credit hours according to the prescribed scheme of studies with at least a CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.

Duration

The minimum residential time for the BS-lateral in Biotechnology is 5 semesters, including one deficiency semester.

Project / Internship / Practicals

  

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 66
Total Semesters 5
Duration 2.5 years


BS-Lateral (Biotechnology)
Bridging Semester
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIO504T Biochemistry I (Theory) Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIO5101 Introduction to Biotechnology Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIO5105 Cell Biology Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIO732 Gene Manipulation and Genetic Engineering Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MB502T Molecular Biology (Theory) Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MIC501T Microbiology (Theory) Major Bridging Semester 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning General Education Bridging Semester 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIO506T Biochemistry II (Theory) Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Bioinformatics
BT101 Ecology, Biodiversity & Evolution-I Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT601 Virology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Molecular Biology
CS201 Introduction to Programming Interdisciplinary Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT513T Principles of Biochemical Engineering (Theory) Major Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT612T Fermentation Technology (Theory) Major Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) Biotechnology
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIF101 Introduction to Bioinformatics Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Bioinformatics
BIO401 Biostatistics Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Bioinformatics
BIO503 Biological Physics Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT302 Immunology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Molecular Biology
BT405 Nano Biotechnology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT504 Genomics and Proteomics Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Molecular Biology
CS442 Introduction to Data Science Interdisciplinary Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Computer Science
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BTI619 Internship Major Field Experience / Internship Required 6 (Theory:6, Practical:0) Biotechnology
EDU301 General Methods of Teaching Interdisciplinary Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Education
MCD504 Acting and Performance Interdisciplinary Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Mass Communications & Journalism
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BT619 Research Project Major Capstone Project Required 6 (Theory:6, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT401 Genetic Resources & Conservation Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT503 Environment Biotechnology Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT505 Biosensors Major Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Biotechnology
BT613T Agriculture Biotechnology (Theory) Major Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) Biotechnology
 


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