Diploma in Molecular Biology
The Diploma in Molecular Biology is a one-year program designed for students who are interested in pursuing higher education in the field of molecular biology. The program provides a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology and equips students with the necessary skills to excel in their future professional careers.
Molecular Biology is a field that focuses on the study of genes and the proteins they encode, including genome sequencing, recombinant DNA technology, and macromolecular structure determination. It is an essential area of study that is vital to the advancement of medical sciences and human development.
The Diploma in Molecular Biology program is designed to provide students with technical expertise that will enable them to undertake technical assignments in their organizations. The program is delivered in a hybrid mode, with the theoretical aspects of each course being delivered online, while practical sessions are conducted at different VU labs located in Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Peshawar. This mode of delivery provides students with a competitive edge over other universities.
In addition, the bioscience faculty has taken two initiatives, the mobile lab and the smart lab, to provide practical facilities at the doorstep of students. This ensures that students can study in a conducive environment that is both convenient and accessible.
The Diploma in Molecular Biology program at the Virtual University of Pakistan is designed to facilitate students from all over Pakistan to pursue higher education at their convenience. Students are required to attend the university lab once a semester for a period of three weeks only, while the rest of the time they can study online from the comfort of their own homes.
Objectives
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of molecular biology
- To equip students with the necessary technical skills to excel in their future professional careers
- To focus on the study of genes and the proteins they encode, including genome sequencing, recombinant DNA technology, and macromolecular structure determination
- To contribute to the advancement of medical sciences and human development
- To offer a hybrid mode of delivery with theoretical aspects of each course is delivered online and practical sessions conducted at different VU labs.
- To provide practical facilities at the doorstep of students through mobile lab and smart lab initiatives
- To facilitate students from all over Pakistan to pursue higher education at their convenience
- To require students to attend the university lab once a semester for a period of three weeks only, while allowing them to study online from their own homes for the rest of the time.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree (14 years) from a recognized university or institute in fields such as Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Forensic Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Animal Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacy, Wildlife, Fisheries, Zoology or an equivalent degree in Biological Sciences with at least 45% marks or CGPA 2.00 out of 4.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BIO201
|
Cell Biology |
Required |
|
4 (Theory:3, Practical:1) |
|
|
BIO302
|
Molecular Biology |
Required |
|
4 (Theory:3, Practical:1) |
|
|
BIO203 |
Methods in Molecular Biology |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:1, Practical:2) |
|
|
BIO301 |
Essentials of Genetics |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:2, Practical:1) |
|
|
BT301 |
Introduction to Biotechnology |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BIF501
|
Bioinformatics II |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BIO502
|
Genomics |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BIO601 |
Proteomics |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BT302 |
Immunology |
Required |
|
3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) |
|
|
BT502 |
Seminar-I |
Required |
|
1 (Theory:1, 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), and 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
In order to receive the molecular biology diploma, 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.