The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has released revised curricula for Chemistry degree programmes at the Associate, Bachelor, and Master levels, focusing on aligning academic content with current industry and research needs.

According to HEC information today, crafted by the National Curriculum Review Committee (NCRC), the updated standards aim to boost academic quality and relevance. The committee, led by Prof Dr Muhammad Athar Abbasi from Government College University Lahore, and Muhammad Ali Baig as Secretary, redesigned the curriculum to incorporate emerging technologies and advancements in the field. Dr. Amjad Hussain from HEC’s Academics Division emphasized the importance of integrating these developments into the curricula.

The new framework stipulates a minimum of 71 credit hours for the Associate Degree and 137 for the BS Chemistry programme, providing a thorough academic base. Notably, the BS curriculum now includes fourteen specializations such as Agricultural Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry, allowing students to focus on specific areas. Institutions have the option to offer additional specializations in line with their strengths.

To enhance practical learning, the BS programme now requires a supervised internship and a capstone project, each worth three credit hours. This hands-on approach aims to equip students with essential skills for the workforce. However, the internship and project are not required for the Associate Degree.

For MS Chemistry, a structured academic framework has been established with core courses, electives, and a compulsory research thesis, offering universities flexibility based on their expertise.

HEC has instructed universities to swiftly adopt the revised curricula to ensure consistency and quality. These standards highlight HEC’s dedication to a rigorous and responsive education system that meets industry and societal needs.

NCRC included representatives from leading institutions such as Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan; Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan; Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta; COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus; Government Ambala Muslim Graduate College, Sargodha; Government College University, Faisalabad; Government College University, Lahore; International Islamic University, Islamabad; NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi; Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad; The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad; University of Balochistan, Quetta; University of Central Punjab, Lahore; University of Karachi, Karachi; University of Management and Technology, Lahore; University of Peshawar, Peshawar; University of Sindh, Jamshoro; and University of the Punjab, Lahore.