GC University - An Overview

After 146 Years of its wonderful history, the Government College, Lahore was raised to the status of a University in 2002. It was renamed as the GC University Lahore. The academic life here has been re-shaped in accordance with its new challenges and we hope to fulfill the expectations that go with a University. The GCU is committed to act as a promoter of quality education for all.
This Institution is one of the oldest seats of learning in the Muslim world. As a seat of higher learning GC University blends grand old traditions and modern educational standards to meet the ideals set by persons like Dr. Leitner, philosopher the poet, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal and the Noble Laureate, Dr. Abdus Salam.
We have redesigned our syllabi and courses to prepare the young minds for productive careers. The University offers B.A/B.Sc. (4-year Hon.), M.A, M.Sc. (in some selected disciplines), M.B.A., M.Phil, and PhD programmes in all major disciplines. We also take steps to sensitize our students about the meaning of the University Motto: "Courage to Know." We try to make the students inquisitive, thoughtful and independent in pursuit of knowledge. Special measures are taken through discussions, co-curricular activities, writing of term papers and dissertations to make the learners confident in their understanding of innovative themes and topics. Every student is thus brought into the mainstream of the grand academic culture of the GC University. During their stay, the students are bound to benefit from the academic, intellectual and cultural environment of this celebrated educational institution.

Department of Philosophy

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies cherishes the rare distinction of being not only the oldest Postgraduate Department of GC University Lahore, but also of being the alma mater of Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the “Poet of the East”. Since its establishment in 1868, eminent thinkers and teachers like Thomas Arnold, S. G. Brett, L.P. Saunders and G. N. Chatterji, have been contributing to its academic development. Since Partition, the following distinguished scholars and professors have chaired the Department:
1. Prof. Qazi Aslam
2. Prof. Dr. Hamid ud Din
3. Prof. Muhammad Saeed Sheikh
4. Prof. Shahid Hussain
During its long history, the Department has continued to be one of the most important centres of Philosophical learning in South Asia, noted particularly for the promotion of a spirit of free inquiry and critical thinking. In order to meet the challenges of integrated learning, the Department introduced a new discipline of Interdisciplinary studies, renaming the Department as the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies.

A number of new courses and revised syllabi have been introduced by the Department. The Department is offering a number of new interdisciplinary courses to BA/BSc students in order to broaden their vision and to inculcate philosophical insight.

FACILITIES
Philosophy: The New Outlook:

During its long history, the Department has continued to be one of the most important centers of Philosophical Learning in South Asia, especially noted for the promotion of the spirit of free inquiry and critical thinking. At the beginning of 21st Century, with changing times and shifting paradigms, there is a need to have a fresh look at philosophy vis-a-vis other disciplines. In order to meet this challenge, new initiative has been taken to rename the department as the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies.

Many new courses and revised syllabi have been introduced in the light of contemporary vision of Philosophy, not only as theoretical wisdom but also as the most powerful interdisciplinary discourse and explanatory practice. Similarly the department is offering a number of new interdisciplinary courses to BA/B.Sc students in order to broaden their vision and inculcate philosophical insights in their respective areas of study.

Research

To be philosophical is to be original; it is to be open-minded and multidirectional. It is of the essence of an intellectual to entertain different ideas, ruminate over them and formulate new ones. The Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary studies should therefore be the natural seat of research work. Currently, a number of research projects are underway.

Research Journal

The Research Journal of the Department of Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies is titled “Quest”. It regularly publishes research articles of reputed national and international scholars.

Brett Philosophical Society

Being the oldest Society at the University, the Brett Philosophical Society provides students and staff members with a platform for active philosophical dialogue on contemporary issues.

COURSES
• BA (Hons.) Philosophy
• Philosophy as an Allied Subject
• M.Phil Philosophy

Department of Zoology

Introduction

The Department of Zoology is the oldest seat of learning imparting instructions at the Postgraduate level in Pakistan. The Postgraduate Programme at the Department was launched in 1908. In addition, it was the first centre to start teaching Zoology in this part of the Subcontinent until 1920 when the University of the Punjab established its Department of Zoology. The Zoology Department of the University of the Punjab was also housed in the building of the Department of Zoology at the then Government College Lahore and continued functioning here till 1963. During these years, the Zoology faculties of Government College Lahore and the University of the Punjab jointly managed the Postgraduate Programme.

In 1963, the Department of Zoology initiated its independent M.Sc Zoology Programme as a result of the untiring efforts of Dr. Nazir Ahmad (who had been promoted to Principal, Government College Lahore), Prof. Naseer-ud-Din Ahmad (Professor and Chairperson, Department of Zoology) and Dr. Ahsanul Islam (Professor of Zoology). Since the Department of Zoology had been affiliated with the University of the Punjab during all these years, it offered courses approved by the Board of Studies in Zoology of the University of the Punjab.

After attaining the status of an autonomous institution in 1997, and that of a University in 2002, curricula were upgraded and modernised in accordance with international standards.

Facilities
LIFE SCIENCES LIBRARY

The GC University Life Sciences Library located in the building of Institute of Biotechnology GC University Lahore has a rich and updated collection of books related to different fields of life sciences like Botany, Zoology, Bio-technology and Environmental Sciences etc, in addition to research journals including several volumes of the Linnasan Society. The Library holds exclusive research material on various subjects like Plant Morphology (bryophytes and angiosperms), Genetic Engineering, Crop Improvement and Environmental Studies, etc.

In the central and postgraduate libraries of the University, networked PCs are linked to a wide range of software, communication and print services. There is speedy access to the Internet that links the GCU libraries to many digital information networks connecting national and international universities.

Stephenson Natural History Museum

The Department of Zoology has one of Asia’s oldest and largest natural history museums; the Stephenson Natural History Museum, established by Dr. Lt. Col. Stephenson in 1906. It has more than 5,000 preserved specimens. It is a Museum used for teaching and research purposes at the various level. It also has some unique specimens like a two-headed duckling, two-headed calf, three-legged hen, etc. In addition, the Museum has a good collection of butterflies and bird skins. New specimens are added to the Museum on a regular basis. A new section called “The Fauna of Pakistan” has also been set up.

Research

The Department of Zoology has so far produced more than 1250 Zoologists with an M.Sc Degree. Our Zoologists have produced 750 theses and published more than 550 research papers. The Department has an experienced faculty actively involved in research activities in the fields of Toxicology, Immunology, Microbiology, Fisheries, Cell and Molecular Biology, Systematic Zoology, Medical Entomology and Paleontology.

The Department has established the following Research Groups:
• Immunology and Hematology Group
• Hematology
• Entomology Group
• Paleontology Group
• Microbiology Group
• Physiology & Fisheries Group
Research Journal

The Department has been publishing a scientific journal, "Biologia: Pakistan", which is an internationally refereed research journal, for the last 50 years. This journal is an organ of the Biological Society of Pakistan, headquartered at the Biological Laboratories of GC University Lahore. The journal is included in the list of national journals recognised by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC). The Department has a good collection of international journals that are received in exchange for Biologia: Pakistan.

HEC Approved Supervisors

The Department has four HEC approved PhD supervisors. Their fields of specialisation are Immunology, Biochemistry, Toxicology, Molecular Biology, Molecular Vector Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Toxicology, Fish Immunology and Entomology.

Research Laboratories

There are six general laboratories for Intermediate and Under/Postgraduate students. In addition, there are six research laboratories for conducting research at the Postgraduate level. The Department has recently procured modern sophisticated apparatus like fluorescent microscope with photographic attachment, tissue processing plant, Cryostat, Atomic Absorption, Spectrophotometer Visible and Ultraviolet, Ultracentrifuge, PCR and Gene Manipulator for conducting research activities on an advanced level.

Animal Maintenance and Rearing Facilities

The Department has an Insectary, a Frogary, a Fish Farm, a Rabbit House and Controlled Environment Rooms for conducting experiments under controlled conditions.

Academic Links

A foreign link has been developed between the Fish Immunology Laboratory of the Department and the Fish Immunology Research Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, UK, through the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) and the British Council. Under this Programme, faculty members and PhD scholars will conduct research jointly in the field of Fish Immunology.

Future Prospects

Degree holders are usually absorbed in the market as lecturers, medical representatives and researchers at research organisations. They also get jobs at fisheries, wildlife and public health departments, etc.

Department of Computer Sciences

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, the immense growth of numerous industries resulted in the instant need for young and vigorous IT professionals, who could utilize their skills internationally to support IT industry exports. The need for developing essential technologies remains, a new challenge for this century is knitting technology into the structure of society in supportive ways. Future scientific leaders and managers must not only understand how to program and mine for data, but also know when and how to apply a fastidious result to a fastidious problem.

The Department of Computer science is home to a vibrant and talented community of academics, researchers and students. Recognised for high quality teaching and research, we attract staff and students from all cities of Pakistan. Driven by our research expertise and supported by excellent facilities, our undergraduate and postgraduate courses help students to develop their academic abilities and the essential skills required for the workplace such as evidence-based analysis and decision-making, problem-solving and project management skills. Future employability and career success are supported by our professional placement schemes.

The Department of Computer Science, GC University Lahore was established in 1999 as an independent Department in the postgraduate block of the GC University. At present, the Computer Science Department has four Computer Labs vis-à-vis postgraduate lab, main lab, general lab and ICS lab, and these labs comprising of more than 230 computers. The department offers 4 years BS honor in Computer Science and 2 years MS in Computer Science degree programs. The courses both at MS and BS degree programs are selected through its Departmental Academic Committee and External Academic Committee keeping in view the modern computing needs both for software industry and academic research. The Department of Computer Science is having three main research groups which include Computer Networks & Information Security, Formal Methods & Mathematical Modeling, and Cybernetics & Quantum Information. These groups are lead by Ph.D. and M.S. faculty members of the Department.

The computer science department runs and administrates a network unit which provides optical interconnectivity and internet facilities to the various departments of the Government College University. At present, the network unit possesses high end servers under 2 main projects of HEC namely Pakistan Education and Research Networks (PERN1 and PERN2), and various IT facilities are provided through these servers. Besides the regular teaching to BS (CS) and MS (CS) programs the faculty of computer science is also engaged in teaching of computer related courses both at intermediate level and B.A/B.S (honor) level offered by the University. In the forthcoming academic session the Department intends to introduce more disciplines of information technology at under and postgraduate degree programs.

Department of Chemistry

The Department of Chemistry is one of the oldest thriving Departments of the University. It is housed in two Blocks: the Old Block was erected in 1896 and the New Postgraduate Chemistry Block was constructed in the 1990s. The New Postgraduate Block has seven well-equipped laboratories with modern apparatus. A galaxy of distinguished scientists has chaired the Department of Chemistry here at GCU Prof. Dunnicliff, a prescient scholar and educationist, joined the Department as Chairperson in 1917 while simultaneously chairing the Department of Inorganic Chemistry at the University of the Punjab. After the Professor’s promotion to Principal, Government College Lahore, Bhai Man Singh replaced him at the Department, becoming the first Indian Professor of Chemistry at GC. He remained Chairperson, Department of Chemistry, from 1936 to 1947. At the time of the Partition of the Subcontinent in 1947, Pir Ghulam Waris took over the responsibility of chairing the Department. Dr. Riffat Siddiqui held the Chair from 1950 to 1957. Dr. M.A. Azim became the Chairperson in 1958 and retired in 1970. The Chairpersons succeeding him are: Prof. Mahboob Shah Hashmi, Dr. Ahsan Akhtar, Prof. Masood Hassan Khan, Dr. Anwar Chaudhry, Dr. M. A. Rehman, Dr. B.A. Khokhar, Dr. M. Nasim Akhtar and Prof. M. Akram Kashmiri. Prof. M. Saeed Iqbal is the present Chairperson of the Department.

Facilities Library

The Library at the Department of Chemistry has an extensive collection of books, journals and other research material. The Library has material on Physical, Inorganic, Organic, Bio, Analytical and Applied Chemistry.

Laboratories

The Department has the following state of the art and well equipped laboratories.
• Materials Chemistry
• Physical Chemistry
• Natural Products
• Biochemistry
• Advanced Research Lab-I
• Advanced Research Lab-II
• Organic Lab
• Process Development Lab
• Applied Chemistry
• Inorganic Chemistry
• B.Sc Physics Chemistry
• B.Sc. Inorganic Chemistry
Research

Research Groups
• Metal-Based Drug Development
• Biomaterials
• Materials & Analytical Chemistry
• Biotransformations
• Natural Products
• Herbal Medicine
• Bioremediation
• Pesticides
• Surface Chemistry
Research Projects

The Department promotes a culture of inquiry and research and prods its students to carve a niche for themselves in the field of research. Currently, the Department has undertaken 25 research projects in collaboration with industries and research institutions.

Academic Programmes

The Department of Chemistry offers BSc (Hons.), MS, MPhil and PhD Degree Programmes.
List of Equipments in Chemistry Department
Description Make/Model
Single Crystal X-ray Diffractometer Bruker
CHNSO Elemental Analyzer Elementar
1HNMR JEOL (60 MHz) MY60FT
GC-MS QP2010, Shimadzu, Japan
HPLC (02) Shimadzu; Altech; with UV, DAD, RID & ELSD detectors
FTIR MIDAC M2000
FPLC BIO-RAD 2110
UV/Visible Spectrophotometers (03) Cessil CE-7200
Techom UV-2300
Shimadzu UV-1700
Fermentor
Electrophoresis DEP-1, Local

Institute of Industrial Bio-Technology

INTRODUCTION

The Institute of Industrial Biotechnology was established as the Biotechnology Research Centre at the Department of Botany in the early 1990s. The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) approved Rs. 48.087 million for the independent establishment of the Institute of Industrial Biotechnology in 2005. The Institute has advanced, and sophisticated instruments and apparatus are available to researchers in the fields of fermentation technology, enzymology, food microbiology, tissue culture and molecular biology.
MISSION STATEMENT

Untiring efforts for the development of human resource and sustainable industrial bioprocesses for Biotechnology.

All the Programmes of the IIB are based on the mission statement of the Institute and are aimed at developing indigenous human resource and industrial bioprocesses.

Programme Aim:

The aim of the Institute of Industrial Biotechnology is to develop indigenous manpower experts in the field of Biotechnology. This will increase the employability of qualified students in industrial research and development markets. The manpower will be highly instrumental in developing in-house technologies for the production of various Biotechnology products.

Curriculum Upgradation

• The Course contents of our Programmes are prepared according to the guidelines of the HEC and the QEC of GCU.
• The Departmental Curriculum Committee updates/revises the curricula regularly on the bases of latest trends and developments, and feedback from the concerned teachers and students.
• The courses are then approved by our Board of Studies which consists of renowned Scientists, Academicians and Industrialists.

Role of Faculty

• All the faculty members are engaged in R & D activities in addition to teaching and other activities.
• A large number of research students are being supervised by faculty members.
• The Institute organised an International Conference: “Business Opportunities in Industrial Biotechnology” in 2006. We are organising another International Conference on “Vaccine Production and Industrial Enzymes” in August, 2008.
• Several prestigious awards such as the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, fellowships of the Fellow Pakistan Academy of Science, Fulbright Scholarships, Best University Teacher awards and Productive Scientists of Pakistan have been awarded to the faculty of the IIB.

Institutional Support

• The University encourages foreign training of faculty members.
• Two faculty members have availed the Fulbright Scholarship for pre- and postdoctoral studies and two have specialised in bioenzyme preparation from China.
• The University also encourages Faculty Members to attend National & International Conferences & Seminars.

The Learning Process:

The learning process at the Institute is a blend of lectures (theory & practical), seminars, presentations, assignments, group tasks, research projects, internships in various industries, industrial study tours, self-directed readings and independent studies.

FACILITIES & RESOURCES
Facilities and resources available at present include equipment like Stirred Fermentors (7.5, 15 & 20 L), Rotary Shakers, HPLC, Scanning Spectrophotometer (UV double beam), Gel Electrophoresis & Documentation System, PCR, DGG Electrophoresis Freeze Dryer, Lab Cool, Growth Chambers (Bacteria & Fungi), Centrifuge Machines, Basket Centrifuge, Rotary Vacuum Filter, Spray Dryer, Laminar Flow and Vacuum Concentrator, etc. Highly qualified and experienced teaching staff is present to instruct and supervise students in the latest fields of Biotechnology.

Facilitation, Support and Guidance :

All equipment and facilities at the Institute are available to students and researchers. Students from other universities and organisations also benefit from these facilities. Two students of BSc Biotechnology are awarded scholarship by the HEC every year to support their studies. The University also provides support to deserving students in the form of Financial Aid. Teachers also guide students in matters of employment/placement.

Available Equipment

• Stirred Fermentors
• Rotary Shaking Incubators
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Scanning Spectrophotometer (UV/VIS Double Beam)
• Gel Electrophoresis & Documentation System
• Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE)
• Thermocycler (PCR Machine)
• Freeze Dryer
• Lab Cool & Growth Chambers
• Centrifuge Machines (Low, medium & High Speed)
• Basket Centrifuge
• Rotary Vacuum Filter
• Spray Dryer
• Laminar Air Flows
• Rotary Vacuum Evaporator
Research

The consumption of Biotech-products, including conventional Biotechnology and recombinant DNA products, exceeded Rs. 5.3 billion in 1997. The main contributors are fermentation-based products in vaccines, DNA products, antibiotics, alcohol, organic acids, enzymes, amino acids and Baker's yeast among industrial products. In the coming years, fermentation-based products and services would remain important contributors to Biotech-production.

During the last four decades, enzymes have shown steady growth. Production and application of traditional enzymes has considerably been improved and new applications have been found. The use of gene splicing techniques has helped in achieving dramatic increase in the activity and stability of traditional microbial enzymes. Most of the important gene manipulation in microbial strains has either been patented by big industrial houses or has been kept secret. These areas need to develop rapidly in our country.

In the next decade, applications of Biotechnology will be increasingly exploited for the development of viable recombinant products for animal and human health. The products include a range of new recombinant therapeutic proteins such as growth factor cytokines, haematopoietic factors, human and veterinary vaccines, and proteins of diagnostic importance. In addition, combinatorial approaches to obtain approved protein therapeutics and diagnostic tools, particularly where simple express hosts are used, will offer immense opportunities for alleviating human miseries.

Research Groups
• Fermentation Group
• Molecular Biology Group
• Tissue Culture Group
• Food Microbiology Group
Future Prospects

Biotechnology is a rapidly developing field of science, covering a wide range of industrial processes. Successful graduates from the institute have career opportunities in a number of international and national Biotech industries. In addition, they also have employment opportunities in different universities and research organisations of national and international fame.

Equipment in Botany LAB

Sr. No. Description
1 Incubator
2 Oven
3 Muffle Furnace
4 Multiguard BM 22 (Gas Analyser)
5 pH Meter
6 Digital Balance
7 Water Bath
8 Spectrophotometer
9 Air Pump
10 Hot Plat e Stirrer
11 Centrifuge Machine
12 BOD
13 COD
14 IRGA
15 Area Meter
16 Grinder
17 Lux Meter
18 Gas Analyzers
19 Conductivity Meter
20 Light Chambers
21 Laminar airflow cabinet
22 Autoclave (small)
23 Deep Freezer
24 Sanyo incubator
25 Sanyo Gallenkamp incubator shaker
26 Deep freezer
27 Microwave oven
28 Hotair oven
29 Water baths
30 Local incubator shaker
31 Laminar air flow cabinet
32 UV-lamp
33 pH meter
34 Microscope
35 Physical balance
36 Digital balance
37 Colony counter
38 Colorimeter
39 Spectrophotometer
40 Centrifuge
41 Temperature control centrifuge
42 Hot Plate
43 hotplate magnetic stirrer
44 Shaker
45 Incubators (Gallenkamp & Griffin)
46 Fermentor 7.5L
47 Fermentor 15L
48 Fermentor 25L
49 Spray drier
50 Minicold lab
51 Autoclaves (small)
52 Autoclave (japanses / large)
53 Thermocycler
54 Gel documentation system
55 HPLC (UV-detector)+PC
56 Ultrasonic water bath
57 Membrane filter
58 Electric stirrer
59 Camera Fitted Microscope

Biological Society

The Biological Society was established in 1954. The founding members of the Society were Dr. Sultan Ahmad, Dr. Muzzafar Ahmed, Dr. Abu-Baker, Prof. Ahsan-ul-Islam and Prof. Wais Hussain Bokhari. The Society launched what was later to become an international research journal – "The Biologia” – in June, 1955. Today, the journal is subscribed to by libraries in the UK, the US, Canada, Indonesia, Brazil, Jordan, Sudan, France, Saudi Arabia, India and the Netherlands.

The Biological Society arranges seminars and lectures on a wide variety of topics. It often asks scholars to present their scientific works before students. The Biological Society has published many monographs which serve as reference material for students and researchers.

Research:

The Department of Botany initiated research in two major research fields in 2001 at the Postgraduate level:
• Environmental Science
• Industrial Biotechnology
Research Journal

The Department has been publishing its research journal The Biologia for 51 years. This journal is an organ of the Biological Society of Pakistan which is headquartered here at GC University Lahore.

Herbal Plot

The establishment of the Herbal Plot in the Garden is another step towards improving and increasing the collection at the Botanic Garden. A Green House, Experimental Fields, Plant Breeding Enclosures and an Open-Top Chamber System are also present at the Botanic Garden to facilitate research activities. We also have a seed bank where we conserve germplasm of economically important plant species.

Kashyap Museum

Another one of Prof. Kashyap’s contributions to GCU was the establishment of a Museum in the Department. Prof. Kashyap took keen interest in the collection of plant specimens, not only from the Subcontinent, but also from China, Indonesia, the UK and the Philippines. A large number of specimens have been added to the Museum’s collection. Now, the Museum has almost 400 different plant specimens. These specimens cover all the disciplines of Botany ranging from Mycology, Phycology, Bryology and Pteridology. There are also specimens of Conifers and Angiosperms. Recently, some fruits and tropical plants collected from Singapore by Prof. Shabbir Ahmad have also been preserved in the Kashyap Museum. A complete list of entries has been prepared and the data is being computerised for reference purposes.

GCU Botanic Garden

The GCU Botanic Garden is being managed by the Department since 1912. It covers an area of seven acres. Since its establishment, the Botanic Garden has been appropriately looked after and well kept. It includes a number of wild flora as well as exotic and rare species. Presently, the Botanic Garden is home to 700 species. Dr. A. U. Khan has made a noteworthy contribution to the Department by publishing an index of the plant species present in the Garden entitled "Catalogue of Plants of GC University Lahore Botanic Garden" (1996). Another concise booklet entitled "A Brief Guide to Government College Lahore Botanic Garden" (2007) provides a historical overview of the Garden.

Pakistan Botanic Gardens Network Secretariat (PBGN) has published a report covering Jan 2007-Dec 2008. Please click here to read the contents of the report.

GCU Botanic Garden organized a 2nd Pakistan Botanic Gardens Conference on "Botanic Garden: A Vehicle to Strengthen the Public/private/NGO partnership for plant conservation" from February 02 to 04, 2009.

ADVISORY BOARD FOR GCU BOTANIC GARDEN
1. Dean, Faculty of Science & Technology, GCU Lahore.
2. Chairperson, Department of Botany, GCU Lahore.
3. Curator Botanic Garden, GCU Lahore
4. Assistant Curator, Botanic Garden, GCU Lahore.
5. Assistant Curator Herbarium, GCU Lahore.
6. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Rana (Chairman, Punjab Floriculture Development Council, Govt. of the Punjab)
7. Mr. Muhammad Amjad Cheema (Forest Conservator (Ret.) Govt. of the Punjab)
8. Ms. Rafia Kamal, Consultant Interior Design and Landscapist
9. Superintendent / Deputy Director, Bagh-e-Jinnah, Lahore
10. Director Facilities, GCU Lahore

Departments of Botany

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Botany is one of the oldest Departments of GC University Lahore, imparting instructions at both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. The Department was established in 1902. Among the many prominent scholars associated with the Department, Prof. Shiv Ram Kashyap joined the then Government College Lahore in 1912 and served as Chairperson of the Department till 1934. Professors of stature, Prof. S.L. Goose and Prof. A.C. Joshi, lead the Department after him. After the Independence of the Subcontinent, Dr. A.A. Qureshi was appointed as the first Pakistani Professor of Botany and served as Chairperson, Department of Botany till 1959. Dr. Sultan Ahmed, a mycologist and taxonomist of international repute, chaired the Department till 1970. Classes for the MSc Botany Programme of the University of the Punjab and Government College Lahore were held under the same roof here at the Botany Department till 1962. It was during the chairpersonship of Dr. Sultan Ahmed that the University of the Punjab took its Botany Programme to its own campus. Other prominent Chairpersons of the Department over the decades have been Prof. A.R. Zafar, Prof. A.H. Zafar, Prof. Jawad A. Khan, Prof. Masud-ul-Hasan, Dr. R.A. Mirza and Dr. A. U. Khan. Prof. A.R. Zafar deserves special mention for he introduced a culture of inquiry and original research which continues to burgeon here at the Department.

Prof. Zaheer-ud-Din Khan is the present Chairperson of the Department. His areas of research interest are Plant Taxonomy, Anatomy and Ethnobotany. He is also involved in screening out local flora for their use as possible sources of antibiotics, antifungal and anticancer medicines.

The Department of Botany offers a wide range of opportunities to all those who are affiliated with it. GCU’s botanists have contributed immensely towards the progress and development of the country. Old Ravians from the Department have served as administrative heads and researchers in various national and international research organisations such as the Pakistan

Agricultural Research Council (PARC), the National Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) and the Organisation for Islamic Conference (OIC). In consideration of these achievements, the Department is recognised as a centre of excellence. The Department is striving hard to meet the challenges of the modern era and offers all the facilities at its disposal to its students to enhance their knowledge and polish their skills.

Faculties

Science and Technology Arts & Social Sciences Languages,
Islamic & Oriental Learning Faculty of Engineering

Botany
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Forensic Chemistry
Computer Science
Environmental Science
Mathematics
Microbiology
Physics
Electronics
Zoology
Clinical Psychology
Economics
Business Accounting & Finance
ESME Management
Banking & Financial Economics
Education*
Fine Arts*
Geography
History
Law
Mass Communications*
Management Studies
Philosophy & IDC
Physical Education
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
Statistics Arabic
English
French
Islamic Studies
Persian
Punjabi
Urdu Engineering (Telecom.& Electronics)

Libraries

GC University Lahore Library came into existence in 1872. Muhammad Asadullah Khan joined in 1916 as the first qualified librarian. The British Government honored him with the title of Khan Bahadur in 1935. A proper library with an office and a reading room was established in 1937 in memory of Mian Fazl-i-Hussain, a renowned educationist.

The library building was once again expanded in 1964. In 1999, the Postgraduate Library was established to enhance library activities. The library fulfills the information needs of more than 6000 students and teachers throughout the year. The total area of the Library is 30803 sq. feet which is capable of accommodating 600 students at a time.

The Library has continuously been improved not only in the collection of books, but also as an instrument for the assistance of study and research. At present, it has a total numbers of 307672 books including precious personal collections. The library receives 236 national and international journals. The detail is as under:-

The Academic departments of the GCU offer a wide choice of subjects with flexible study patterns that meet the needs and interests of the students at intermediate, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. From this page you will be able to access information about all the academic departments.

Departments/Study Programmes

S. # Departments Level Study Programmes
1 Arabic UG BA (Hons)
2 Botany UG BSc (Hons)
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD
4 Chemistry UG BSc (Hons.) degree programme
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD Chemistry
MSc Industrial Chemistry
5 Clinical Psychology Unit PG MS
6 Computer Science UG BS (CS) (Hons.) MS(CS)
7 Economics UG BSc (Hons)
PG PGD/ MSc Banking and Finance
PGD/ MSc Entrepreneurship & SME Management
MSc /M.Phil/ PhD Economics
8 Education UG BA (Hons)
9 English UG BA (Hons)
PG MA /MPhil/ Ph.D/PGD inELT
10 Fine Arts UG BA (Hons)
11 French UG BA (Hons)
12 Geography UG BA (Hons)
13 History UG BA (Hons)
PG MA /MPhil/ PhD
14 Islamic Studies UG BA (Hons)
15 Mass Communication UG BA (Hons), as allied subject
16 Management Studies PG MBA/EMBA/PhD
17 Mathematics UG BSc (Hons)
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD
18 Persian UG BA (Hons)
PG MA /MPhil/ PhD
19 Philosophy UG BA (Hons)
PG MA
20 Physical Education UG Intermediate
21 Physics UG BSc (Hons)
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD
22 Political Science & Law UG BA (Hons)
PG MA /MPhil/ PhD
23 Psychology UG BSc (Hons)
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD
24 Punjabi UG BA (Hons)
25 Sociology UG BA (Hons)
26 Statistics UG BSc (Hons)
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD
27 Urdu UG BA (Hons)
PG MA /MPhil/ PhD
28 Zoology UG BSc (Hons)
PG MSc /MPhil/ PhD

HIGHER DEGREE RESEARCH PROGRAMMES / SUBJECTS (M.Phil/ Ph.D)
1.Botany, 2.Chemistry, 3.Economics, 4.English, 5.History, 6.Mathematics, 7.MSD 8.Persian, 9.Physics, 10.Political Science, 11.Psychology, 12.Statistics, 13.Urdu, 14.Zoology

Quality Teaching & Research

GC University, Lahore has played a truly pioneering role in promoting research and inquiry in the country, particularly in the disciplines of physical and biological sciences. The university has a reputation of academic excellence based on an impressive record of achievement in teaching and research. The research carried out by GCU scholars in various departments has been acknowledged internationally. The University has produced two Nobel Laureates: Dr. Hargobind Khorana (in the field of Chemistry) and Dr. Abdul Salam (in the field of Physics). We also have a number of foreign visiting professors in different disciplines and their presence on our campus has reinvigorated academic programmes and strengthened research activities.

GCU Establishes a Centre for Special STUDENTS

The inaugural ceremony of the newly setup Centre for Special Students (CSS) at the GC University was held here at the campus on Tuesday.

The centre is well equipped with latest IT based lab facilities for the special students. The lab has been designed and equipped keeping in view the specific needs of the blind/visually impaired students.

Syed Babar Ali, Advisor Packages Limited Lahore and Former Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Planning, Pakistan inaugurated the centre by cutting a ribbon. Syed Babar Ali, while expressing his views dilated upon his reminiscence during his college days at GCU and said that he did his graduation from the institute during 1944-45. He suggested that GCU to keep track record of its students so that when they enter into practical life, they could be the major source of contribution to their alma mater.

Speaking on the occasion, GCU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Aftab said that the varsity had allocated Rs 10 million for deserving students. He said that all out facilities would be extended to the GCU disabled students so that they could be provided with equal academic opportunities. Dr Khalid Aftab thanked Mr and Mrs Muhammad Salahuddin for their guidance and support in establishing the centre. Dr Khalid Aftab also thanked Syed Babar Ali for his compassion for the underprivileged.

Chief Executive Aziz Jehan Begum Trust for the blind, Muhammad Salahuddin said that GCU is an educational institute of international fame. He said that without proper training and education, a blind person is a burden on society. Talking about Aziz Jehan Begum Trust for the blind he said that English is the medium instruction and computer study is a compulsory at the trust. He paid tribute to the Vice Chancellor for his vigorous efforts for making the varsity a unique educational institution.

Students Counseling Services (SCS)

Students are the most important part of any society; rather it would not be wrong to say that they are the building blocks of a society. Student life is always symbolized as the most exciting part of one’s life. Often people romanticize student life and describe it as the most exciting part of their life, which is true. Life at campus is full of so much of happenings, like exams, social gatherings, class presentations, performance pressure, competition, field trips, relationships and much more. Everyone has right to make best out of his/ her student life and make it pleasantly memorable. This can be done by achieving and maintaining physical and mental health and creating a fine balance in life. In order to help the students in their aspiring journeys, GCU has established counseling services, named as “Campus Counseling Services”. This service helps student to overcome their personal, academic and social problems and to flourish in life.

Aims & Objectives

The aims and objectives of counseling services are:

· To facilitate the personal, academic, and social and growth of students.

· To assist the students in better understanding and utilization of their individual potential.

· To help the student explore and highlight their individually unique competence.

· To help the students enhance their decision making abilities.

· To equip the students with skills to meet up with the variety of challenges in life.

College to University

College to University	Year
Opening of the College (Affiliation with Calcutta University)	1864
Punjab University was established with the efforts of the Principal of GC. Thereafter, GC was affiliated with Punjab University.	1882
Awarded Autonomy in Financial and Administrative Affairs.	1989
Granted Degree Awarding Status	1997
GC Elevated to a University.	2002

Yesterday and Today

Items	1864	1989	1997	2006	2007
Disciplines Offered	6	26	26	38	45
Students Strength	9	4042	4208	5932	6165
Faculty	3	254	216	332	393
Student-Teacher Ratio	1:3	1:16	1:19	1:18	1:16

Physical Infrastructure

Description of Structure	Area	Unit of Area
Total Land Area	56	Acres
Total Covered Area	718284	Sq. Feet
Total Administrative Area	42000	Sq. Feet
Total Library Area (Main/PG Library)	30803	Sq. Feet
Total Class Room Area	65000	Sq. Feet
Total Class Rooms	106
Total Land Area all Hostels	305142	Sq. Feet
Area of Usable Play Grounds	33650	Sq. Feet
Total Covered Area of (58) Labs	53786	Sq. Feet

Overall Teaching and Non-Teaching Male/Female Staff Position

Category	Male	Female	Total
Teaching Staff	318	104	422
Non-Teaching Staff	130	28	158
Non-Teaching Non Gaztted	572	18	590
Grand Total	1020	150	1170

(Source: System Analyst Office GCUL 30-09-2009)

Positions of GCU in the Intermediate Examination Results of BISE Lahore Since 1989 till date

Year	Overall Pass % in the GCU	Overall Pass % of the Board	Top Positions
1989	94.70	32.33	12
1990	90.00	32.89	09
1991	87.00	20.94	06
1992	91.40	36.22	10
1993	76.00	17.55	10
1994	78.40	25.41	09
1995	92.00	31.06	10
1996	90.00	30.54	14
1997	92.00	46.33	13
1998	90.00	45.00	08
1999	91.00	41.50	11
2000	90.12	50.87	08
2001	88.77	53.19	11
2002	81.23	49.42	10
2003	92.00	53.19	14
2004	92.31	52.18	08
2005	93.79	62.56	08
2006	96.82	67.26	07
2007	97.07	72.67	08
2008	95.19	51.64	09

Faculty

GC University has more than three hundred highly competent and skilful teaching staff, of which 146 hold Ph.D. degrees in their respective fields. We also have a number of foreign visiting professors in different disciplines and their presence on our campus has reinvigorated academic programmes and strengthened research activities. For faculty areas of specialization and research interest.

Total Teaching Strength

Category	Male	Female	Total
Professor	17	2	19
Professor Emeritus	01	0	1
Distinguished Professor	5	0	5
Foreign Professor	41	0	41
Visiting Professor	37	1	38
Associate Professors	18	3	21
Assistant Professors	79	32	111
Lecturers	98	52	150
Teaching/Research Assistants	22	14	36
Total	318	104	422
Tenure Track Faculty	48	6	54
Ph.D. Faculty	129	12	141

* Professor = Prof + Prof. CASP + Director + Director General + Salam Prof of Physics + Prof. Emeritus

* Associate Prof = Assoc Prof. + D.D. (CS) + Assoc Prof. CASP

* Assistant Prof = Assist Prof. + A.D. (CS) + Assist Prof. CASP

* Lecturer = Lecturer + Lecturer CASP + Lecturer on Lecture Basis

* Teaching /Research Assistant = Teaching Assistant + Research Assistant + Research Associate