VU Virtual University of Pakistan
Department of Biological Sciences

Diploma (Diploma in Molecular Biology)

Introduction

Diploma in Molecular Biology has been designed for students who are willing to adopt Molecular Biology as an area for their higher education. It is aimed to give students a complete walk through the field and to provide an enduring foundation for future professional growth. Molecular Biology is the study of the structure and function of genes and the proteins they encode, including genome sequencing, recombinant DNA technology and macromolecular structure determination, and the study is imperative for human development and advances in medical sciences. Diploma in Molecular Biology will inculcate in students the ability to undertake technical assignments in their organizations. The program mode will be hybrid (theoretical part of the each course will be delivered online while practical sessions will be conducted at different VU labs; Karachi, Multan, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad and Peshawar), which gives them an edge on other universities. Mobile lab and smart lab are two other initiatives of the bioscience faculty to provide practical facility at the doorstep of students. Diploma in molecular biology (1-year) degree program at Virtual University of Pakistan will facilitate all the students from all over Pakistan to get higher education at their own convenience. Students will just have to attend the university lab once in a semester for a period of three weeks only, while rest of the time they can study online at their own houses.

Objectives

The objectives of Diploma in Molecular Biology are:

  1. To provide students with technical expertise that will enable them to undertake technical assignments in various organizations.
  2. To enhance the knowledge of students in modern molecular biology approaches.
  3. To make them skilled in basic molecular biology techniques
  4. The diploma will strengthen the previous knowledge/ credentials of the students.
  5. To make the students ready for services in various molecular biology and research labs

Eligibility Criteria

Bachelor’s degree (14 years) from a recognized University/ Institute in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Forensic Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Animal Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, Pharmacy, Wildlife, Fisheries, Zoology or equivalent degree in Biological Sciences with at least 45% marks or CGPA 2.00 out of 4.

Note:

 

Merit Calculation Formula

a) For Annual System:



b) For Semester System:
 

  1.      In case of CGPA out of 4:


     
  2.      In case of CGPA out of 5:

Course Exemption:

Course(s) exemption is not allowed.

 

Duration:

It is a one-year duration program that comprises two semesters. Each semester has 18 weeks duration.

Assessment Criteria

The students’ study progress evaluation mechanism is based on continuous assessment throughout the semester by giving assignments, quizzes, Graded discussion board (GDBs), course practical’s (where in applicable), mid-term and final term examinations as per VUP guidelines.

Award of Degree

To become eligible for the award of Diploma in Molecular Biology, a student is required to complete at least 30 credit hours course work including practical with minimum CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.

Project / Internship / Practicals

Participation in practical classes of a course(s) will be compulsory for a student to qualify respective course(s). Each student will participate in practical classes at the VU designated lab cities which were allocated at the time of admission. List of the VU Lab cities is published on VU website link www.vu.edu.pk >> Home >> Admission Schedule

Note: The University admits students of Biological sciences programs on merit as per the available seats against each lab city during the admission session. Once a student is admitted against a particular lab preference then he/she will not be allowed to change his/her lab city after admission.

Scheme of Study

Total Credit Hours 30
Total Semesters 2
Duration 1 Year


Diploma (Diploma in Molecular Biology)
Semester No. 1
Course Code Title Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIO505T Essentials of Genetics (Theory) Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MB501T Cell Biology (Theory) Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
MB502T Molecular Biology (Theory) Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0)
BT511T Introduction to Biotechnology (Theory) Required 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0)
MB504P Methods in Molecular Biology (Practical) Required 2 (Theory:0, Practical:2)
BIO505P Essentials of Genetics (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
BT511P Introduction to Biotechnology (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
MB501P Cell Biology (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
MB502P Molecular Biology (Practical) Required 1 (Theory:0, Practical:1)
MB504T Methods in Molecular Biology (Theory) Required 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
VU001 Introduction to e-Learning Required 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0)
 
Semester No. 2
Course Code Title Type Pre Requisite Credit Hours Specialization
BIF501 Bioinformatics II Required 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) Bioinformatics
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)