Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, organisms, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. It encompasses a wide range of disciplines related to the study of animals, plants and microorganisms. Apart from biological sciences such as genetics, microbiology, tissue culture, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology, this branch of science also assimilates diverse subjects like physics, mathematics, chemical engineering, and informatics etc. It is an interdisciplinary branch of science that is rapidly gaining significance and opportunities for youngsters who want to explore the new frontiers of science are simply immense.
Keeping in view the pivotal importance of Biotechnology, the government of Pakistan has prioritized investing to meet the challenges in the development of Biotechnology in the country. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is also committed to the development of Biotechnology in the province which is visible from its various research programs in collaborations with different universities and other R & D institutions in the province through the forum of Directorate of Science and Technology (DoST). Soon after the inauguration of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (AWKUM), the foundation stone of the department of Biotechnology was laid. The department of Biotechnology AWKUM has hired highly qualified faculty (mostly foreign PhDs), firmly committed to make the department lead Biotechnology not only in the region but to make it up to the international standards. Our prime objective is to establish the department to investigate innovative spheres in Biotechnology through education and research, for the creation of goods and services to the society at large.
Scope of Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a relatively new field of science but its hold the promise of many human modern-day problems in safe, cheap and easy and more effective ways. Biotechnology is
- Hope for all the dwindling fuel resources in the form of Biofuels.
- A tool for all the genetic diseases it allows us to operate at the genetic level.
- An alternative solution for food market inflation.
- A guide to finding out an answer for global warming and other environmental problems.
Its scope lies in research. More and more industries are going to involve Biotechnology and the human race will be much dependent on Biotechnology.
Career Opportunities for Biotechnology Graduates:
The scope of biotechnology is very vast and mind-blowing. Graduates from Biotechnology discipline can find career opportunities not only in the industrial sector such as food and beverages industry, textiles industry, medicines and pharmaceuticals industry, and other biological products industry but also in agriculture, animal husbandry, nutrition, environmental conservation, and education. The list is a long and an envious one.