PhD – Biotechnology
December 14, 2024 2024-12-14 20:31PhD – Biotechnology
PhD – Biotechnology
Objectives of the Program
- Provide in-depth knowledge in various biotechnological domains while also equipping students with advanced research methodologies, laboratory techniques, and analytical skills to conduct high-impact research in the field of biotechnology.
- Develop students’ ability to identify and solve complex problems in biotechnology, encouraging critical thinking and innovation in applying biotechnological solutions to address local challenges.
- Develop effective communication skills, both written and oral, to enable graduates to disseminate their novel ideas, research findings, and possible solutions to scientific challenges while collaborating with diverse stakeholders, thus engaging with the broader scientific community.
- Foster community engagement by encouraging graduates to translate research findings into practical applications contributing to the improvement of public health, agriculture, and the environment in Pakistan.
Scope of the Program
The BS program at Kinnaird has been running successfully for the last 16 years, attracting a large number of bright applicants, most of whom continue their education in the M.Phil Biotechnology program at Kinnaird, which has also grown significantly with healthy student enrollment. It is now the need of the time to launch a PhD program in Biotechnology to provide opportunities for higher education in a women-only, safe, and pleasant environment.
This program will also allow the Biotechnology faculty at Kinnaird College to grow in their research capital and reach the utmost of their potential. The significance of Biotechnology cannot be overstated, particularly in the realms of healthcare, where it underpins the development of novel drugs, diagnostics, and therapeutic strategies.
Moreover, by addressing prevalent health challenges in Pakistan, such as infectious diseases, genetic disorders, and cancer, a PhD program in Biotechnology holds immense potential to positively impact public health outcomes.
The PhD program is designed to deliver exceptional education centered on advanced research with a goal to instill in our female students the skills necessary to thrive as valuable contributors to society in Pakistan, in turn fostering the socioeconomic growth of the nation. With a focus on cutting-edge research across diverse biotechnological fields such as genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and bioprocess engineering, the program aims to drive innovation and develop transformative technologies and solutions.
Recognizing Pakistan’s heavy reliance on agriculture, the program can also underscore the importance of biotechnological interventions in crop improvement, pest management, and the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices. This can contribute to food security and economic growth.
By establishing a PhD program at Kinnaird College for Women, we aim to fortify the nation’s human capital in biotechnology, thereby enhancing its scientific prowess and fostering a culture of inclusivity by attracting talent from diverse backgrounds. Furthermore, the initiative holds promise in empowering women in Pakistan by providing them with opportunities for innovative excellence.
Eligibility Criteria
- MPhil degree in Biotechnology or a closely related field of natural sciences (i.e. Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, or Chemistry, etc.).
- Minimum CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0 in the Semester System) or First Division (in the Annual System) in M.Phil./MS/Equivalent is required.
- GRE General / HEC HAT General with a minimum score of 60% OR HEC HAT General type test conducted by Kinnaird College with a minimum score of 60%.
- Subject-Specific test with a minimum score of 60%.
- Successful qualification in the Departmental Admission Interview, which is an integral part of the admission process.
Course Structure
List of Core Courses
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIOT XXX | Research Methodology & Scientific Writing* | 3 (3-0) |
List of Elective Courses
| Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| Advances in Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Bioethics, Biosecurity and Biosafety | 3 (3-0) |
| Advanced Cytogenetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Agriculture Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Animal Cell Culture | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Animal Molecular Biology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Biochemistry | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Biosensor Technologies | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Cell and Molecular Biology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Environmental Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Fermentation Technology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Forensic Sciences | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Fungal Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Genomics | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Health Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Immunology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Laboratory Research Techniques | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Microbiology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Neurobiology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Pharmacogenomics | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Physiological Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Plant Molecular Biology | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Plant Tissue Culture | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Population Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Protein Chemistry | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Proteomics | 3 (3-0) |
| Advances in Vaccine Research | 3 (3-0) |
| Animal Breeding and Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Applications of Nanobiotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Applied Genetic Analysis | 3 (3-0) |
| Aquatic Biotechnology and Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Behavioral Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Bioethics, Biosecurity, Biosafety & Dual Use Education | 3 (3-0) |
| Biofilms-Natural Communities | 3 (3-0) |
| Biologics | 3 (3-0) |
| Biometrical Techniques in Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Biopharming in Plants, Principles and Techniques | 3 (3-0) |
| Biophysics | 3 (3-0) |
| Bioprocess Technology | 3 (3-0) |
| Bioremediation and Biodegradation | 3 (3-0) |
| Bioresources and Gene Pool Conservation | 3 (3-0) |
| Biostatistics & Laboratory Mathematics | 3 (3-0) |
| Biotechnology Law & Regulation | 3 (3-0) |
| Biotechnology of Nonrenewable Resources | 3 (3-0) |
| Cancer Biology | 3 (3-0) |
| Cancer Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Cellular Signaling | 3 (3-0) |
| Clinical Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Conservation Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Current Trends in Molecular Medicine | 3 (3-0) |
| DNA Barcoding | 3 (3-0) |
| DNA Damage and Repair | 3 (3-0) |
| Drug Discovery | 3 (3-0) |
| Ecological and Evolutionary Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Epigenetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Forensic Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Gene Mapping | 3 (3-0) |
| Gene Therapy | 3 (3-0) |
| Genetic Epidemiology | 3 (3-0) |
| Genetics of Ageing | 3 (3-0) |
| Genetics of Infectious Diseases | 3 (3-0) |
| Human Molecular Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Medicinal Plant Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Metabolic Engineering and Biofuels | 3 (3-0) |
| Metabolic Pathways in Plants | 3 (3-0) |
| Metabolomics | 3 (3-0) |
| Microbial Enzyme Technology | 3 (3-0) |
| Mitochondrial Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Modern Biotechnology: Principles & Applications | 3 (3-0) |
| Modern Languages (any foreign language) | 3 (3-0) |
| Molecular Microbial Ecology | 3 (3-0) |
| Molecular Systematic | 3 (3-0) |
| Molecular Techniques in Crop Improvement | 3 (3-0) |
| Molecular Virology | 3 (3-0) |
| Neuro-Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Plant Microbe Interaction | 3 (3-0) |
| Probiotics | 3 (3-0) |
| Professionalism Molecular Biology | 3 (3-0) |
| Quantitative Genetics | 3 (3-0) |
| Recent Trends in Biochemical Engineering | 3 (3-0) |
| Recombinant DNA Technology | 3 (3-0) |
| Regulation of Gene Expression | 3 (3-0) |
| Research Methods in Biotechnology | 3 (3-0) |
| Signal Transduction | 3 (3-0) |
| Stem Cell Biology | 3 (3-0) |
Faculty and Supervision
The faculty at the Department of Biotechnology consists of experienced and highly qualified scholars with expertise in various sub-fields of health biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, bacteriophage, nanotechnology, and industrial biotechnology. They provide quality education and research guidance to students.
- Prof. Dr. Iram Anjum (Principal)
- Dr. Samina Hassan (Head of the Department)
- Dr. Humera Kausar
- Dr. Tanveer Majeed
- Dr. Sumaira Anjum
- Dr. Shumaila Zulfiqar
Academic Support and Resources
Students will have access to:
- A dedicated faculty advisor.
- Comprehensive library resources, including access to academic journals and databases.
- Research workshops and seminars.
- Opportunities for conference presentations and publications.
- Collaborative research projects with faculty and peers.
Research Facilities
- Research centers and institutes affiliated with the department
- Areas of faculty expertise
- Access to archives, libraries, and databases