Diploma in Bioinformatics
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the amount of biological data generated through advanced technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). The field of bioinformatics has emerged as a result of this exponential growth in data, and it has become crucial in analyzing and interpreting this data. Bioinformatics involves the application of computational tools and techniques to solve biological problems, intending to understand biological systems at a deeper level.
The post-genomic age has brought about a shift in focus from studying individual genes, proteins, or interactions to studying entire biological systems. This has been made possible by the rapid development in the field of bioinformatics. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in bioinformatics, who can effectively analyze and interpret large-scale biological data.
To address this demand, a one-year diploma program in bioinformatics has been introduced. The program consists of two semesters, each comprising five courses. The courses have been carefully selected to provide students with a strong theoretical and experimental foundation in bioinformatics.
The focus of the diploma program is on a systems-level approach to bioinformatics. This means that students will be trained to understand biological systems as a whole, rather than studying individual genes or proteins. In the second semester, students will have the opportunity to choose from two major tracks in system biology, namely genomics, and proteomics.
Genomics is the study of the entire set of genetic material (DNA) of an organism, while proteomics is the study of the entire set of proteins in an organism. Both genomics and proteomics are critical in understanding biological systems, and students will have the opportunity to gain expertise in either of these tracks.
The diploma program in bioinformatics is open to students with a background in biological sciences, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, and computer sciences. The knowledge and skills gained through this program can be applied in a wide range of fields, including drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and agricultural biotechnology, among others.
Objectives of the program
- To provide students with a strong theoretical and experimental foundation in bioinformatics
- To train students in a systems-level approach to bioinformatics, enabling them to understand biological systems.
- To provide students with the opportunity to gain expertise in either genomics or proteomics, two major tracks in system biology.
- To prepare students to effectively analyze and interpret large-scale biological data using computational tools and techniques.
- To meet the growing demand for professionals with expertise in bioinformatics, who can contribute to a wide range of fields including drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and agricultural biotechnology.
Admission Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (14 years) from a recognized university or institute in a relevant field of Biological or Life Sciences, with at least 45% marks or a CGPA of 2.00 out of 4. No additional prerequisites are required.
The formula for Calculating Merit
- Annual System
2. Semester System
- Where there is a 4 CGPA
- Where there is a 5 CGPA
Course exemption is not available for this program
Degree Duration
The program is structured as a one-year course, comprising two semesters with each semester having a duration of 18 weeks. Each semester consists of five courses.
Study Scheme
Semester 1
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
ZOO505
|
Cell and Molecular Biology |
Required |
|
4 (Theory:3, Practical:1) |
|
|
BIF101
|
Introduction to Bioinformatics |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BIO301 |
Essentials of Genetics |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:2, Practical:1) |
|
|
CS201 |
Introduction to Programming |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
STA301 |
Statistics and Probability |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3), Practical:0) |
|
|
VU001 |
Introduction to e-Learning |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:1), Practical:0) |
|
Semester 2
| Course Code | Subject Title | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BIF401
|
Bioinformatics I |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BIF502
|
Genome Informatics |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BIO502 |
Genomics |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BIO601 |
Proteomics |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
CS403 |
Database Management Systems |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
CS441 |
Big Data Concepts |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
CS620 |
Modelling and Simulation |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
ZOO630 |
Research Methods in Biology |
Elective |
|
3 (Theory:2, Practical:1) |
|
|
BIF402 |
Ethical and Legal Issues in Bioinformatics |
Required |
|
2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) |
|
Assessment of Study Progress
The evaluation of student’s academic progress is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester, including assignments, online quizzes, Graded Discussion Boards (GDBs), mid-term and final-term exams. The mid and final-term exams are conducted at VU’s designated exam centers and typically account for 80-85% of the total marks for a course.
Practical
To successfully complete a course, it is mandatory for a student to attend the practical classes. These practical classes will be conducted in designated laboratory cities assigned by VU at the time of admission, and every student is required to participate in them
Lab Cities (For Biological Sciences Programs) | |||
LAHORE | FAISALABAD | MULTAN | RAWALPINDI |
PESHAWAR | KARACHI | GUJRANWALA | ABBOTTABAD |
SAHIWAL | JALALPUR PIRWALA | BAHAWALNAGAR | BAHAWALPUR |
JHELUM | MUZAFFARGARH | NANKANA SAHIB | D.G. KHAN |
QUETTA | NAROWAL | HYDERABAD | PATTOKI |
GUJJAR KHAN | |||
Important Note:
The University follows a merit-based admission process for students applying to Biological Sciences programs, with seats allocated based on the available capacity of each laboratory city. Once a student is admitted to a particular lab city, they will not be permitted to change their allocated laboratory city post admission.
Awarded of Diploma
To receive a Diploma in bioinformatics, students must complete a minimum of two semesters of coursework, consisting of at least 30 credit hours, and achieve a minimum CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.
Fee Structure
| Degree Program | Admission Fee | Registration Fee | Security Fee | Admission Processing Fee | Semester Enrollment Fee | Per credit hour fee | Fee of Convocation | Fee payable at admission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Diploma |
3,000 |
2,500 |
2,000 |
600 |
1,000 |
1300 |
2,000 |
13,000 |
Semester fee within Pakistan
Semester fee Approximately Rs. 21,500/-
Disclaimer
- The courses are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up to date with those taught at top universities, considering the needs of local industry and the job market.
- The University may alter its fee structure from time to time.