VU
Virtual University of Pakistan
Federal Government University

Introduction

The PhD in Biotechnology is intended to train professionals in research in all fields of biotechnology. It is a domain of applied biology that uses living organisms and bioprocesses to produce products in order to gratify the human needs. The aim of higher studies in Biotechnology is to equip the students with theoretical and practical skills that are essential to transform natural resources into useful products and complete original and innovative high quality research projects in the national and international enterprises. The scholars may seek their career in educational institutes, scientific research institutes, biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry at national and international level.

Note: PhD Biotechnology program is offered only once a year.

Program Objectives

  • To produce qualified researchers, innovators, trainers and consultants in the domain of biotechnology.
  • To produce leaders of biotechnology with complementary skills in the area of business and entrepreneurship.
  • To provide scientific research environment in the area of biotechnology.
  • To equip students with scientific, legal and intellectual property matters.

Program Structure

The PhD program is divided into various phases, the interplay of which routes a student to successful completion of the doctorate degree as shown in the following figure.

Figure: PhD program structure showing sequence and interaction of program components starting from establishing the eligibility of the candidate for admission to the final award of PhD degree.

Admission Eligibility Criteria

  • 18-year education i.e., MS/M.Phil in Biotechnology/Biological Sciences/Bioinformatics or equivalent with minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the Semester System) or 1st Division (in the Annual System).
  • Each candidate is required to pass the VU Entry Test with minimum 70% marks OR 60% marks in GRE Subject Test along with interview and presentation.

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Note

  • Limited seats are available on merit basis.
  • Only local students are eligible for admission as it is not available in overseas mode.

Course Exemption

Course(s) exemption is not allowed.

Duration

Degree Completion Duration

Courses of Study

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Note: Maximum 12 credit hours are allowed in a semester.

Deficiency Courses

If the schedule of courses pursued by a candidate does not provide adequate background for the degree course, which he/she intends to take up, he/she is required to qualify the deficiency course(s) during his/her initial semester(s) prescribed by the University. Credit hours for deficiency courses are not counted towards calculation of CGPA and award of degree.

Assessment of Study Progress

The students’ study progress evaluation mechanism is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester by giving assignments, Quizzes, Graded Discussion Boards (GDBs), academic papers, seminars, mid-term and final term examinations.

Research Thesis

The students are required to submit a Research Thesis. Topic of the thesis must be decided after consultation with the supervisor.

Award of Degree

For the award of the PhD in Biotechnology degree, a student is required to complete 18 credits of course work with minimum CGPA of 3 out of 4. The student has also to (1) pass written and oral comprehensive examinations securing minimum 60% marks with maximum two attempts, (2) defend PhD research proposal after completion of 18 credit hours of course, (3) get published minimum one first author research paper in HEC recognized journal, (4) get presented/read one first author research paper in a national/international conference, (5) get approved dissertation by two foreign experts.

Fee Structure

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Disclaimer

  • The courses may be revised time to time as a result of continuous review to bring them at par with courses from being taught at top-class foreign universities. While reviewing the courses, needs of local industry and job market are also given full consideration.
  • The University reserves the right to change fee structure from time to time.