ISLAMABAD, June 10: Ministry of Science & Technology will strengthen Departments of Microbiology and Biochemistry at Hazara University. The project will be completed in a period of 24 months at a cost of Rs 37 million.

The project has been launched to provide a platform for long-needed quality education to the youth of Hazara and to conduct basic and applied research in microbiology and biochemistry. Under the project cooperation will be made with organizations within and outside Pakistan to equip the scientists with knowledge, skills and technology in these disciplines. The project also envisages expertise in the field of animal and human microbiology.

Microbiology and biochemistry are among the core disciplines necessary for improvement in any biological science. Microbiology deals with physiology, genetic and biochemical processes that are basis of life and almost all biological principles can be demonstrated through exploitation of microbiology.

The study is not only important to eradicate and control microbial infections but the whole building of biotechnology is based on principles of microbiology.

Despite its importance there are very few such departments throughout the country and none in the NWFP. In this regard the Hazara University will be a pioneer to establish such a facility.

The plan will be executed in two stages of one year each. Initially the project director in consultation with faculty heads will assign important research topics to the faculty members to initiate scientific work in microbiology & biochemistry.

A four-year B. Sc. Hons (equivalent to M. Sc.) and research programmes will also be started during the first stage. The educational programmes initiated during the first phase will continue while experimental work will also be initiated during the second stage. The department will also hold a seminar/conference.