MS Human Genetics

Introduction:

The vision behind this post-graduate program is to produce highly skilled professionals who will be actively engaged in research in the field of human genetics. Pakistan is facing a challenge of ever-increasing burden of genetic disorders due to high incidence of consanguineous marriages, cancer and other non-communicable diseases. Our graduates will contribute towards mitigating these challenges, by undertaking basic and translational research, using the latest tools and techniques in molecular biology. The faculty members at the Department of Biological Sciences are highly qualified and experienced PhDs with diverse research expertise and background. This set of highly competent faculty members will provide an educational program in Human Genetics at par with that of any internationally recognized university. The emphasis of this post-graduate program will be problem solving research for the benefit of our patients and the community at large. The program aims to nurture confident individuals who are effective contributors towards the growth of the nation.

Need Assessment:

Modern molecular biology and genomics are poised to have a profound impact on human health by contributing not only to the understanding of the fundamental basis of human diseases but also by becoming invaluable tools in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of various diseases. Generations of family marriages has led to the manifestation of various genetic diseases and syndromes in Pakistan. The expression of rare and unique phenotypes in families with genetic disorders has allowed the identification of novel genes as well as the elucidation of their functions. However, Pakistani researchers are still dependent on foreign collaborators for much of the functional genomics work due to a lack of adequate training and infrastructure to support such work. The establishment of a post-graduate program of international standards in the field of human genetics at NUMS will provide skilled workforce dedicated to work in the fields of molecular medicine, genomics and translational sciences.

Mission:

The mission of this program is to promote academic, research and professional excellence in the field of Human Genetics for the definitive benefit of our society.

Objectives:

This a research-based program with a focus on areas that can translate into direct benefit for our population. The major objective of the post-graduate program in Human Genetics is to impart advanced concepts of human genetics to prepare our graduates for the challenges in the field of human health and disease; develop solutions through the successful accomplishment of comprehensive, problem-based research projects. The newly established basic translational sciences laboratory at NIASR serves as the parent postgraduate research laboratory where MS students will carry out their research.

Outcomes:
  • Our graduates will recognize problems relevant to human population and disease genetics, investigate and develop valid conclusions with fundamental knowledge in biology, genetics, and computational science.
  • The graduates will be capable to find solutions to problems related to the ever-increasing burden of genetic diseases.
  • Our graduates will be accomplished individuals capable of working in a multidisciplinary environment.

Overall Employment Opportunities for MS Human Genetics Graduates:

Those students, who wish to enter the job market will have a variety of possible employment opportunities as:

  • Teaching and research in college biology programs.
  • Administrative positions in government departments.
  • Clinical or research laboratory manager to carry out day-to-day activities in a variety of laboratories.
  • Quality assurance/control scientist employed to improve quality processes in diagnostic procedures carried out at molecular genetics labs/departments as per international guidelines. 
  • Research scientist - A member of a research group who will help to write grant proposals, designs and carry out experiments, produce and analyze data.

Admission Criteria/Eligibility:
  • Sixteen years of education in the relevant discipline (including MSc, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Zoology, BS Animal Sciences, Biochemistry, Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Medical Laboratory Technology, Molecular Biology and any other discipline as decided by University Admission Committee) from HEC recognized institute
  • NUMS Entry Test 50% score
  • The candidate for graduate programs will be interviewed by the Graduate Admission Committee
  • Merit Computation for graduate programs shall be as follows;

Score

Weightage

Previous Academic Score(s)

25%

NUMS Entry Test Score

50%

Interview

25%

Total

100 %

  • The Committee shall submit the final merit list of the selected candidates to the Registrar for admission into the University.
Courses:
To Download Scheme of Study Click Here
Commencement of Session

Session

Tentative Date

Admission Open

18 May 2022/Wednesday 

Last Date to Apply Online

10 June 2022/Friday 

NUMS entry test 

Saturday 25 June 2022

Interview 

Monday 18 July 2022

Display of 1st Merit List

Wednesday 20 July 2022

Commencement of Course

Monday 26 September 2022

Tuition Fee

Fee Structure

MS Human Genetics 

Tuition Fee (Semester) 

68,000

Tuition Fee (Annual) 

136,000

Exam Fee (Per Paper) 

2,700

One Time collected @ time of Admission

Admission Fee

10,000

Registration Fee

5,000

Sub Total

15,000

Security (Refundable)

10,000

Institutes offering this course:
  • NUMS, Rawalpindi