poster made by a student of Environmental Sciences

The fusion of recombinant DNA technology and genetic engineering techniques with the traditional methodologies has enormously strengthened this discipline with vast potential and applications. Humans around the world are already reaping immense benefits from these advancements in the fields of health, agriculture, industry and environment. Biotechnology is a highly interdisciplinary field. Whereas it requires inputs from biochemistry, microbiology, chemistry, genetics, engineering, and computer sciences, the aspects like product development, marketing and business have also to be included in formal training programs in biotechnology.

Teaching and research in the field of biotechnology must be strengthened in Pakistan not only to assimilate the progress made in the world but also to undertake research for solving the country's specific problems. This would only be possible by producing well-trained scientific manpower in the country. It is, therefore, imperative to initiate well-planned academic programs in the emerging areas of science like biotechnology.

Realizing importance of the field, the Departments of Environmental and Biosciences have initiated graduate program (MS/PhD) in the discipline of Biotechnology. The courses and research schemes have been designed keeping in view the students' background, current developments in the field, country's specific need and the guidelines set by the Higher Education Commission.

• To impart and integrate education in the discipline of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering   in Pakistan through tangible research and development
• To develop human resource in this emerging area of science with the realization of meeting local   and   foreign   demands   of qualified professionals.
• The aim is to prepare graduates and carry out research in the   areas   of environmental,   industrial, agricultural and health biotechnology.

• Understanding   and   manipulating   genetic mechanisms   underpinning  biotic, abiotic environmental stresses, quality and yield related traits in a number of important crop and medicinal plant species
• Exploring genetic diversity in plant species using genome based technologies for high yield, energy potential   (bio-fuels)   and   soil   improvement (reclamation)
• Discovery   and mapping of   genes    related with agriculture,   environment   and   health improvements, through comparative genomic and association mapping techniques
• Microbiological   studies   of drinking   water, wastewater, plant and human diseases
• Cell and tissue culture and   genetic   engineering in microbes and plants
• Medicinal   plants:   exploration,   identification   of biochemical compounds, genetic understanding and biochemical activities  

Biotechnology careers encompass areas of research, development, production, business, law (forensics), and community services.
Rapid expansion of knowledge in life processes at molecular level has increased realization of the potential application of Biotechnology in human welfare. The activity has gained a tremendous boost in recent past and will continue to grow in the coming decades throughout the world.
The need of trained manpower in this area will continue to grow in future and the graduates of the proposed program will, therefore, be able to fill the existing gap.

After completing degree program, the graduates shall be able to opt either for teaching, research, development and services in agriculture, health, education, and industry. Based on the quality training, and prominent standing of CIIT in academics and research, the graduates of our program are expected to be highly competitive in the job market.
Excellent career opportunities, await the graduates of COMSATS.

• The eligibility criteria will be in conformity with that of the CIIT policies. However, following general considerations will be applicable to all candidates.
• All applicants having 16 years of education, in relevant fields (Biotechnology, Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agriculture, Environmental Sciences, Biosciences, Microbiology, MBB,      B Pharmacy (Pharm D) , DVM, M.Sc. in Genetics/ Chemistry/, Botany/Zoology or Forestry), will be eligible to apply for admission to MS/PhD program in Biotechnology.
  
• The entrance test conducted by the NTS will be considered as qualifying examination.
  Applicants that are unable to qualify the entry test will not be eligible to get admission to the program. However, qualifying the test does not necessarily mean admission to the program.

• Number of Credits: 30 = (24 Taught + 6 Thesis/dissertation)
• Semester I: 4 Core Courses
• Semester II: 2 Core + required elective courses
• Semester III/IV: Thesis research