Introduction

The faculty of Biological Sciences aims to provide a stimulating and diverse research environment of international standings within which important and existing areas of modern Biology, Biotechnology and Medicine can be investigated at the molecular, cellular and organism Level. The worthy Vice Chancellor on recommendation of the Syndicate has sanctioned 25 additional teaching and 44 support staff positions for the faculty of Biological Sciences, Plant Sciences, Biotechnology and National Center for Bioinformatics (NCB).NCB was established as a faculty affiliated research center in 2008 through funding by Higher Education Commission. It is housed in 53000 square feet building comprising 8 research and 2 computational labs. Currently, NCB has been provided 8 academic and 13 supporting staff positions. Besides, it integrates Department of Computer Sciences, other Departments of Biological Sciences and Department of Mathematics.

NCB is offering BS( 4 years), M.Phil(2 years) and Ph.D programs in the area of Bioinformatics. The major goal of NCB is to promote quality training and research in the area of Bioinformatics. Bioinformatics originated as a cross-disciplinary field as the need for computational sections to research problem raised in biomedicine. The field evolved as computation became cheaper and widespread during the 80s, as the internet grew during the 90s, and as high throughput technologies become common in the 2000s. The use of computational methods in biomedicine deals with the analysis, storage, manipulation and interpretation of macromolecules such as DNA, RNA and proteins. Conversely, wet lab analysis of computationally predicted functionally relevant motifs/segments of macromolecules further enhances our understanding of complex mechanisms occurring in cells.

Major objectives   

• To promote advance studies and research in Bio-informatics and allied fields such as Genomics and Proteomics.

• To Train young scientists for research and help in developing a high-profile scientific and technical talent in Universities, R&D organizations and industries.

• To undertake joint investigation and collaborative research in multiple areas of Bioinformatics.

• To promote cooperation in inter-disciplinary relationship with teaching and research institutions in Pakistan.

• To arrange conferences, seminars and refresher courses for researchers from Pakistan, OIC member states and from other developing countries in the region.

•  English Medium Instruction (EMI) refers to the use of the English language to teach academic subjects