VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Department of Biological Sciences

Bachelor of Science in Bioinformatics

Introduction

The BS-Lateral in Bioinformatics is designed for students who have completed 14 years of education in disciplines other than Bioinformatics but wish to transition into this cutting-edge interdisciplinary field. Bioinformatics combines biology and computer science to analyze and interpret complex biological data, playing a crucial role in genomics, drug discovery, personalized medicine, and biotechnology.

This 2.5-year degree equips students with essential skills in computational biology, programming, data analysis, and biological database management, preparing them for careers in biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT, and biotech industries. Graduates will gain expertise in algorithm development, machine learning, and genomic data interpretation, making them highly sought-after in academia, research institutions, and the biotech sector.

By merging biological sciences with computational techniques, this program offers a fast-track pathway for students to enter the rapidly growing field of bioinformatics.

Objectives

The program aims to:

  • Provide students with core knowledge in bioinformatics, including genomic analysis, structural biology, and computational modeling.
  • Develop programming (Python/R), statistical, and big-data analysis skills for biological research and industry applications.
  • Train students in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, AI in biology, and drug discovery tools.
  • Prepare graduates for careers in biotech firms, research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare data science.

Eligibility Criteria

a) Applicants must hold an Associate Degree/BSc or equivalent (14 years of education) from an HEC-recognized institution with at least 45% marks or a CGPA of 2.00/4.00.

b) Candidates from non-bioinformatics backgrounds (e.g., biology, computer science, chemistry) must complete deficiency courses in a bridging semester.

 

Note: Admissions are based on open merit, and the program is currently available only to students within Pakistan.

Assessment Criteria

     

Award of Degree

To earn the BS-Lateral in Bioinformatics, students must Complete the minimum credit hours as per the curriculum with a minimum CGPA of 2.00/4.00.

 

Duration

Minimum duration is 5 semesters Includes one deficiency semester for students from non-bioinformatics backgrounds.

Project / Internship / Practicals

     

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 66
Total Semesters 5
Duration 2.5 years


BS-Lateral (Bioinformatics)
Bridging Semester
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIF401 Bioinformatics I Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIF501 Bioinformatics II Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIO101 Basic I-Biology Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS101 Introduction to Computing Interdisciplinary Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS201 Introduction to Programming Major Bridging Semester 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIF401P Bioinformatics I (Practical) Major Bridging Semester 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
BIF501P Bioinformatics II (Practical) Major Bridging Semester 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
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
BIO401 Biostatistics Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS403 Database Management Systems Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS408 Human Computer Interaction Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS502 Fundamentals of Algorithms Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MB504P Methods in Molecular Biology (Practical) Required 2 (Theory:0, Practical:2)
CS403P Database Management Systems (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
MB504T Methods in Molecular Biology (Theory) Required 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIF601 Bioinformatics Computing I Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIO502 Genomics Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BT505 Biosensors Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS504 Software Engineering - I Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BT511T Introduction to Biotechnology (Theory) Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
BIF601P Bioinformatics Computing I (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
BT511P Introduction to Biotechnology (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 
Semester No. 3
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIF499A Final Year Project Required 3 (Theory:0, Practical:3)
BIF602 Bioinformatics Computing II Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIO601 Proteomics Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS602 Computer Graphics Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS620 Modelling and Simulation Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BT512T Microbial Biotechnology (Theory) Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
BT512P Microbial Biotechnology (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 
Semester No. 4
Course Code Title Category Sub Category Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIF499B Final Year Project Required BIF499A
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BIF604 Special Topics in Bioinformatics Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS607 Artificial Intelligence Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS614 Data Warehousing Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
CS607P Artificial Intelligence (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
 


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