VU BS Lateral Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
The BS-Lateral in Biotechnology program is tailored for individuals who have already completed 14 years of education in non-biotechnology areas and aim to shift into this progressive discipline. Biotechnology combines life sciences with technology to bring advancements in medicine, agriculture, environmental management, and industrial processes.
Spanning 2.5 years, the degree provides core learning in genetic engineering, microbiology, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing. It prepares students for diverse roles in research, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and agricultural sectors. Through this program, graduates gain solid technical and problem-solving expertise, making them well-suited for employment in an expanding industry.
By connecting basic sciences with advanced biotechnological practices, the program delivers an efficient route for professional growth within one of today’s most influential STEM domains.
Objectives
The program aims to:
Provide students from non-biotechnology fields with essential knowledge and competencies in biotechnology through a focused and comprehensive curriculum.
Develop graduates who possess both theoretical understanding and hands-on expertise to meet the demands of healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology sectors.
Foster critical thinking, research capabilities, and problem-solving skills to support innovation and sustainable advancements in biotechnology.
Prepare students with industry-relevant analytical and technical abilities, opening diverse career pathways in the rapidly expanding biotechnology industry.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates holding an Associate Degree, BSc, or equivalent qualification (14 years of education) from an HEC-recognized university/institution with a minimum of 45% marks or a CGPA of 2.00/4.00 are eligible to apply.
Applicants with a two-year Associate Degree, BSc, or equivalent qualification in disciplines other than Biotechnology will be required to complete prescribed deficiency courses through a bridging semester.
Note: Admissions are offered on open merit and are available only to eligible candidates residing in Pakistan.
Award of Degree
To be eligible for the award of a BS-Lateral in Biotechnology, students are required to complete a minimum credit hours according to the prescribed scheme of studies with at least a CGPA of 2.00 out of 4.00.
Duration
The minimum residential time for the BS-lateral in Biotechnology is 5 semesters, including one deficiency semester.
Study Scheme
| Bridging Semester | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| BIO504T | Biochemistry I (Theory) | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| BIO5101 | Introduction to Biotechnology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| BIO5105 | Cell Biology | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| BIO732 | Gene Manipulation and Genetic Engineering | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| MB502T | Molecular Biology (Theory) | Major | Bridging Semester | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | |||||
| MIC501T | Microbiology (Theory) | Major | Bridging Semester | 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) | |||||
| VU001 | Introduction to e-Learning | General Education | Bridging Semester | 1 (Theory:1, Practical:0) | |||||
| Semester No. 1 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| BIO506T | Biochemistry II (Theory) | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Bioinformatics | ||||
| BT101 | Ecology, Biodiversity & Evolution-I | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT601 | Virology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Molecular Biology | ||||
| CS201 | Introduction to Programming | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT513T | Principles of Biochemical Engineering (Theory) | Major | Required | 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT612T | Fermentation Technology (Theory) | Major | Required | 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| Semester No. 2 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| BIF101 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Bioinformatics | ||||
| BIO401 | Biostatistics | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Bioinformatics | ||||
| BIO503 | Biological Physics | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT302 | Immunology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Molecular Biology | ||||
| BT405 | Nano Biotechnology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT504 | Genomics and Proteomics | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Molecular Biology | ||||
| CS442 | Introduction to Data Science | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Computer Science | ||||
| Semester No. 3 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| BTI619 | Internship | Major | Field Experience / Internship | Required | 6 (Theory:6, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | |||
| EDU301 | General Methods of Teaching | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Education | ||||
| MCD504 | Acting and Performance | Interdisciplinary | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Mass Communications & Journalism | ||||
| Semester No. 4 | |||||||||
| Course Code | Title | Category | Sub Category | Type | Pre Requisite | Credit Hours | Specialization | ||
| BT619 | Research Project | Major | Capstone Project | Required | 6 (Theory:6, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | |||
| BT401 | Genetic Resources & Conservation | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT503 | Environment Biotechnology | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT505 | Biosensors | Major | Required | 3 (Theory:3, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||
| BT613T | Agriculture Biotechnology (Theory) | Major | Required | 2 (Theory:2, Practical:0) | Biotechnology | ||||