DIPLOMA 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.
Admission 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.
Merit Calculation Formula
a) For Annual System:
Degree/Certificate |
Weightage |
Metric
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.20 |
Intermediate
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.30 |
Bachelor
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.50 |
Metric Score (Net) |
Sum of the above values |
b) For Semester System:
i. In case of CGPA out of 4:
Degree/Certificate |
Weightage |
Metric
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.20 |
Intermediate
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.30 |
Bachelor
|
((Obtained CGPA/5) +0.1) * 50 |
Metric Score (Net) |
Sum of the above values |
ii. In case of CGPA out of 5:
Degree/Certificate |
Weightage |
Metric
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.20 |
Intermediate
|
Obtained Marks/Total Marks * 0.30 |
Bachelor
|
((Obtained CGPA/8) +0.1) * 50 |
Metric Score (Net) |
Sum of the above values |
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 of Study Progress
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.
Course(S) Practical
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 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.
Award of Diploma
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.
Disclaimer
The courses may be revised time to time as a result of continuous review to bring them at par with courses from being taught at top-class foreign universities. While reviewing the courses, needs of local industry and job market are also given full consideration.
The University reserves the right to change fee structure from time to time.