Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary field having the ability to tailor the genetic material of living organisms. It is based on biological process, systems and involving organisms modified by genetic engineering or isolated cells of plants and animals and the genetic manipulation of cell to produce new strains of plants or animals. Its essential components, therefore, are biological processes which are based on living cells and biochemical molecules like proteins, DNA, RNA, thus making a practical use of the recent scientific advances in areas applied life sciences. Biotechnology not only contributed by developing biological processes complementary to chemical technologies but also provid economical, efficient, clean, pollution-free biological technologies. The production of sophisticated bio-chemicals including drugs diagnostics and bacterial leaching of metals from ores by these biotechnological industries has not only replaced the inefficient, resource-consuming, often pollution-producing chemical technologies but also has exerted an environmental impact by slowing down the depletion of valuable non-renewable resources.

The Department of Biotechnology in University of Malakand was established in 2001. It was one of the pioneer departments in the country started BS (4 years) program in Biotechnology. Initially the faculty members were not highly qualified, while later on the faculty members were sent to technologically advanced countries for higher studies through various scholarship programs. After returning of the PhD qualified faculty members, then the department started MPhil and PhD programs in 2010. The faculty members have research specialities in diverse research areas in the field of biotechnology. The main areas of research are Plant biotechnology, Health biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology, Nano-Biotechnology and Environmental Biotechnology.

CHAIRMAN MESSAGE

It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to the Department of Biotechnology, University of Malakand. Biotechnology is definitely a most exciting field of study in twenty first century. Advancement in biotechnology has significant potential for improving the health, food production and poverty alleviation and is considered as a key for the sustainable socioeconomic growth. The department of biotechnology offers undergraduate (BS) and postgraduate (MPhil and PhD) programs for the students to acquire skills for their professional growth in the desired area of research in the field of biotechnology. It is my pleasure to greet prospective students, current students, alumni, and visitors. Thank you for visiting our website.

Fazal Hadi (PhD, Postdoc)/Chairman of the Department of Biotechnology.

The mission of the Department is to enhance the knowledge of the students in the new spheres of Biotechnology and to acquire new skills and techniques in the field of life sciences by providing them an excellent learning environment, quality education, and mentoring.

• To provide quality education in the fields of Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology and other related fields.
• To encourage research activities, exploring variety of technically feasible projects having socio-economic importance.
• To produce quality manpower that can fulfil the needs of tomorrow and compete in national and international arena of research and development.
  

Biotechnology thus, can be defined as industrial processes based on biological systems involving naturally occurring microorganism that have been modified by genetic engineering or isolated cells of plants or animals and the genetic manipulation of cell to produce new strains of plants or animals. Hence use of various biological processes to make products and perform services can be considered encompassed by Biotechnology: and its essential components, therefore, are biological processes which are based on living cells and biochemical molecules like proteins, DNA, RNA, thus making a practical use of the recent scientific advances in areas like molecular genetics. Biotechnology is a multidisciplinary approach having the ability to tailor the genetic material of living organisms. It is expected to bring revolution in human lives in the 21st century as physics did in the 20th century. The department of Biotechnology was established in 2001. Since then it offers admission in 4-Year BS (Honors) program.