Pokhara University introduces BSc in bio-chemistry

Himalayan News Service
Kathmandu, August 14,

For the first time in the history of Nepal, Pokhara University (PU) has introduced bio-chemistry as a subject in the Bachelor's level under the science stream.

The university had earlier decided to start this from the start of the academic year in August 2000 by giving the go-ahead to Universal Science College, Kathmandu.

The college delayed its launching in order to develop the necessary infrastructure for its smooth running.

From this year the programme will be launched with the joint efforts of Universal Science College and Kathmandu Women’s College. Gyanwali, founder principal of Universal Science College informed that the programme would start from September this year.
Speaking at the orientation seminar, he said said that the college is fully determined to fulfil its goal and is ready to face all challenges upfront, adding, “We will run the classes irrespective of the number of the students enrolling for the course.”

Bharat Jha, assistant dean of Institute of Medicine of Tribhuvan University, informed that Nepal has imported ‘low-grade’ manpower from Sri Lanka and India to fulfil the demand of bio-chemistry in various fields.

“No bio-chemistry graduates would be left idle once he successfully completes the course as the demand is much higher than the supply,” he said.
Decks have also been cleared for the introduction of a Master’s level programme in bio-chemistry, he also informed.

Purushottam Banskota, vice-chancellor of the Pokhara University informed that he would help the faculty members to be trained in order to increase their efficiency and improve the quality of teaching.

He also expressed joy in the efforts of the college and said that he would give all possible support in making the programme a success.

On the occasion, Mohan Bikram Gyawali, chairman of the subject committee highlighted the salient features of the curriculum adding, “The curriculum was designed in keeping with SAARC standards and after exhaustive research.”

He also informed that equal emphasis has been given to practical classes.

Students intending to study the subject need to pay a sum of Rs 1,25,000 over a three-year period.

The Pokhara University is also thinking of launching a one-year honour’s degree too in the same subject.