Agricultural Sciences

MPhil Agricultural Technology

aiousuper — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:38:52 +0000

MPhil Agricultural Technology aiousuper Tue, 02/03/2026 - 10:38

MPhil Agricultural Technology

Introduction

The main purpose of MPhil Agricultural Technology degree is to explore the high level of technical innovation currently being applied to agricultural production. The major challenges to sustainable agriculture in Pakistan are unavailability of quality seed, declining soil health, fragile cropping systems, looming water crisis, environmental degradation owing to indiscriminate use of farm chemicals, post-harvest losses, minimal value addition and product differentiation, inadequate food storage and preservation, poor marketing system and low production of meat, poultry and eggs. Achieving sustainability in food production and food security continues to be a challenge in the developing world including Pakistan. Over the past two decades, global food production has increased largely because of advances in innovative agriculture technology. MPhil Agricultural Technology degree will provide students with a solid foundation in agricultural business practices, expanding their career options in agro-based industries. It can also be the first step in securing a more advanced degree in the field of Agri-Tech. This degree will acquire popularity for two reasons. First, mass food production and mega-farming requires mastery of ever-more sophisticated scientific farm operations, postharvest techniques as well as meat, poultry, and egg production. Second, to ensure food security and minimize post-harvest losses in the country. Hence, this program will be offered to people who want to use their skills to address the problems of hunger and sustainable development in the country. In addition, sustainable agriculture (organic, ecological and environment friendly technologies) is of wide interest around the world. Global warming and related trends have led to an awareness of the need to preserve natural resources such as clean water and fertile soil around the world. This degree will give students the comprehensive technical knowledge to formulate minerals, chemical and bioproduct indigenous materials available on farm. The students will be able to select/identify material indigenously available on farms and have capacity to convert them into valuable products for enhancing crop productivity.

AIMS

MPhil Agricultural Technology is an entrepreneurship based degree. It will generate highly technical manpower who will be job producers not job seekers. Each course in this program is a complete entrepreneurship. After obtaining this degree, the students will be engaged in the flower industry, seed industry, organic agriculture industry, food industry, milk meat and dairy industry.

OBJECTIVES

To generate, integrate, and apply knowledge to individuals pursuing a higher degree in agriculture technology. To enable MPhil Agricultural Technology holders to work as the technical experts for progressive farmers, agro-based industries to increase products and improve quality of production. The degree holders will play important roles in greater efficiencies and lower prices of agricultural produce, safer growing conditions, and safer foods as well as reduced environmental and ecological impact.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates possessing B.Sc. (Hons.)/BS Agriculture, B.Sc. (Hons.)/BS Agriculture Biotechnology, B.Sc. (Hons.)/BS Animal Husbandry and B.Sc. (Hons.)/BS Food Technology degree with at least 2nd division or equivalent CGPA/GPA from national and international HEC recognized institutions will be eligible for admission in MPhil Agricultural Technology.

Selection Process

Merit Base

Duration

2 to 4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Face to Face

Sr. No.	Course Code	Title of Course	Credit Hours
1	AGSI 7501	Commercial Flower Production	3(2+1)
2	AGSI 7502	Seed Production and Technology	3(2+1)
3	AGSI 7503	Entrepreneurship in Agriculture	3(2+1)
4	AGSI 7504	Digital Agriculture	3(2+1)

Sr. No.	Course Code	Title of Course	Credit Hours
1	STAT 7501	Experimental Statistics	3(2+0)
2	AGSI 7505	Plant Nutrition and Bioproduct Development	3(2+1)
3	AGSI 7506	Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology	3(2+1)
4	AGSI 7507	Value Added Agriculture	3(2+1)

Sr. No.	Course Code	Title of Course	Credit Hours
1	AGSI 8501	Thesis-I	6

Sr. No.	Course Code	Title of Course	Credit Hours
1	AGSI 8502	Thesis-II	6

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 Semesters

Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).

Certificate in Organic Kitchen Gardening

aiousuper — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 05:30:41 +0000

Certificate in Organic Kitchen Gardening aiousuper Mon, 02/02/2026 - 10:30

Certificate in Organic Kitchen Gardening

Introduction

Organic kitchen gardening is a super hobby to do. It has many physical and psychological health benefits. Organic kitchen gardening is a type of gardening in which vegetable plants are grown organically for getting healthy, fresh and cheap food near the kitchen. The food from the kitchen garden is organic and healthier as compared to that which is bought from the market.

This course will take students through the process of creating an edible garden: apartment, balconies or pots, small or large backyards, or a plot in a community garden.

AIM

This certificate course has been designed to enable the learner to gain skills in organic vegetable crop production, harvesting, post-harvest handling of important vegetable crops, crop protection measures and to overcome postharvest losses of vegetables. After completing this certificate course, learners will have the opportunity to grow vegetables at home and to reduce their kitchen expenses.

OBJECTIVES

Enable families especially women/housewives and retired persons to grow healthy vegetables for their own dietary requirement as well as income generation. 2. Provide technical facilitation to beneficiaries for kitchen gardening 3. A way to pesticide and chemical free nutritious vegetables.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Applicants having matriculation 2nd division would be eligible to apply.

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

06 Months

Medium of Instruction

Urdu

Teaching Methodology

Open Distance Learning

Total Credits Hours Required

Semester: 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

S. No.	Course Title	ODL	Course Code	Credit Hours
1	Organic Kitchen Gardening	Yes	AGSI 513	03

1

2

3

4

5 Semesters

Workshop

The online workshop for each course will comprise of 12 hours, with 2 hours daily for 6 days except for the teaching practice and project as per AIOU policy. Each semester will have a workshop for the courses offered in that particular semester. There will be an online quiz for every course at the end of the workshop.

Assessment Weightage

Assignments (Weightage)	(Quizzes) (Weightage)	Final Exam (Weightage)	Passing Marks
30%		70%	50% (in aggregate). However, 40% marks in final exams is mandatory.

Note: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) reserves the right to amend the fee structure policy, course offering and assessment of courses when required. The existing course(s) will be adopted/ adapted as per requirement. The department may change the sequence of the course(s) offering as per availability of course(s).

Diploma in Floricultural and Landscaping

aiousuper — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 08:20:42 +0000

Diploma in Floricultural and Landscaping aiousuper Thu, 01/29/2026 - 13:20

Diploma in Floricultural and Landscaping

Introduction

Floriculture and Landscaping offers diversified opportunities that are challenging, intellectually stimulating and economically rewarding. Floriculture and Ornamental Horticulture is the science and art of producing, distributing, marketing and using flowers, flowering and foliage plants and woody ornamental landscape plants. It offers a wide variety of employment opportunities both for males & females at competitive salaries.

PROGRAM COVERS

The program covers 384 study hours spread over 18 (12+6) credits of course work. The main areas covered are Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Climbers and Ground Covers, House Plant Care & Propagation, Seasonal Flowers Production, Flowering Bulbs Production, Commercial Flower. Production and Floral Arrangement and Landscaping.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants having matriculation with 45% marks would be eligible to apply.

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

01 Year

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Face to Face Mode

Total Credits Hours Required

Semester: 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Semester: 2

Course Title	Course Code	Credit Hours
Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Climbers & Ground Covers	AGSI500	3(2+1)
House Plant Care & Propagation	AGSI501	3(2+1)
Seasonal Flowers Production	AGSI502	3(2+1)

Course Title	Course Code	Credit Hours
Flowering Bulbs Production	AGSI503	3(2+1)
Commercial Flower Production & Floral Arrangement	AGSI504	3(2+1)
Landscaping	AGSI505	3(2+1)

1

2

3

4

5

6 Semesters

Assessment Weightage

Assignments (Weightage)	Workshop (Quizzes, etc.) (Weightage)	Final Exam (Weightage)	Passing Marks
30%		70%	40% (in aggregate) however 40% marks in final exams is mandatory

BS Rural Development

aiousuper — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 08:15:12 +0000

BS Rural Development aiousuper Tue, 01/13/2026 - 13:15

BS Rural Development

Introduction

Today’s most severe problem is the gap between three pillars of sustainability; nature, society and the economy, are continuously widening, and the contradictions within these three sub-systems are also becoming more and more evident, thus none of these three pillars can be considered stable at its own. The intelligent response to this present situation would be the harmonization of nature, society and the economy. BS (Four Years) Rural Development is a multidisciplinary program that focuses on certain research problems and subjects require approaches, social and environmental dynamics affecting populations, activities and resources of rural areas. In this sense, BS Rural Development is conceived as a process resulting from joined-up actions which aim at producing socio-economic and environmental change within rural areas towards an improvement of the well-being of rural populations. Due to the complex and dynamic nature of rural areas, which is determined by social, economic, soil and climate, and technological factors, BS Rural Development conceives rural development as a process that is permanently evolving, interacting, and hierarchical regarding its results.

OBJECTIVES

BS Rural Development aims at training professionals at master level to be capable of performing their activities in the fields of teaching, academic research and actions of intervention through the acquisition of methods and concepts which allow them to implement projects and carry out planning activities in favour of rural development. In this sense, the objectives of this program are:

To analyze and evaluate the design, implementation and management of rural development projects and programs, as well as the consequences of these actions for society.
To investigate the implementation of public policies through the analysis and evaluation of rural development actions implemented at regional and local level.
To analyze the impacts and implications of contemporary public policies based on the participation and decentralization of rural populations.
To connect the insights on rural development with general socio-economic, political and cultural development. These objectives are intended to integrate rural development in a wider view on the concept of social development.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates having both pre-medical & pre-engineering or equivalent with at least second division (45.0% marks) from national and international recognized institutions will be eligible to apply. Foreign certificate/degree holders will need to provide an equivalence certificate from IBCC to seeking admission in BS Rural Development

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Open Distance Learning

Total Credits Hours Required

135

Semester: 1
Semester: 2
Semester: 3
Semester: 4
Semester: 5
Semester: 6
Semester: 7
Semester: 8

Course Code	Course title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9382	Functional English	3(3+0)	Functional English
9378	Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan	3(3+0)	Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan
9401/ 5437	Islamic Studies / Ethics	3(3+0)	Islamic Studies / Ethics
9424	Quantitative Reasoning-I	3(3+0)	Quantitative Reasoning
9403	Pakistani Adab-1	3(3+0)	Arts & Humanities
	Sub-total	15

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9410	Introduction to Sociology, Culture and Society	3 (0+0)	GC (Social Sciences)
9385	Civics and Community Engagement	3 (3+0)	GC
9381	Expository Writing	3 (3+0)	GC
9383	Quantitative Reasoning-II	3 (3+0)	GC
9384	Application of Information and Communication Technologies	3 (2+1)	GC (ICT)
9374	Pakistan Studies	3 (3+0)	GC (Pakistan Studies)
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
5026	Entrepreneurship	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
9389	Basics of Environmental Sciences	3 (2+1)	GC (Natural Sci.)
7902	Introductory Soil Science	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7903	Basic Agriculture	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7905	Introductory Horticulture	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7909	Communication and Leadership Skills in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
7900	Introduction to Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7901	Introduction to Rural Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7904	Introduction to Communication in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7906	Introduction to Program Evaluation	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7908	Introduction to Agricultural Economics	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7907	Animal Science	3 (3+0)	Discip.
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9252	Concepts of Mass Communication	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7910	Adult Learning	3 (3+0)	Discip.
9315	Development Economics	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7911	Introduction to Extension Education Methods	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7915	Rural Development Programmes in Pakistan	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7917	Agriculture Technology Transfer	3 (3+0)	Discip.
9487	Fahm-e-Quran (Tajwid, Translation and Tafsir)	Non-credit	Compulsory
	Sub-total (credit-bearing courses only)	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9458	Rural Sociology	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7912	Rural Youth in Agricultural Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7914	Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7928	Devolution and Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7929	Environment and Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7920	Internship	3 (0+3)	Discip.
9488	Seerat-e-Tayyaba	Non-credit	Compulsory
	Sub-total (credit-bearing courses only)	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
7919	Participatory Approaches in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7921	Research Methodology	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7923	Food Security and Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
9406	Human Resource Management	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7927	Capstone Project	3 (0+3)	Discip.
	Sub-total	15

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
7931	Gender and Rural Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7930	Agricultural Development Problems of Pakistan	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7924	Introduction to Cyber Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7926	Agricultural Advertising	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7925	Agricultural Journalism	3 (3+0)	Discip.
	Sub-total	15

1

2

3

4

5 Semesters

Workshop

Assessment Weightage

Assignments (Weightage)	Workshop (Attendance & Quizzes) (Weightage)	Final Exam (Weightage)	Passing Marks
20%	30% Quiz	50%	50% (in aggregate). However, 40% marks in final exams is mandatory.

BS Agricultural Extension

aiousuper — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 07:06:10 +0000

BS Agricultural Extension aiousuper Tue, 01/13/2026 - 12:06

BS Agricultural Extension

Introduction

Agriculture sector plays an important role in the economy of Pakistan. It is the primary source of livelihood of the rural population of Pakistan as well as an important source of foreign exchange earnings.

For agricultural development in the country, strong linkages amongst institution building, human resource development, and technology transfer are very important. The technology transfer being a continuous process cannot possibly take place in a vacuum. It needs to be done in a well-organized system of agricultural extension where the role of the scientist, the extension agent, and the farmer are all too important. The scientist develops better yielding varieties and breeds of crops and animals, the extension agent on his part, equip himself with better and effective methods to convince the farmer of the product's utilitarian importance. Once motivated, the farmer will certainly adopt innovations for his own economic betterment.

The Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) therefore, being concerned with the education part of the agricultural extension system has therefore decided to initiate 4years BS Agricultural Extension to equip the students with skills and knowledge to be effective in building the capacity of the farmers to adopt new agricultural technologies and practices.

OBJECTIVES

To improve the level of knowledge and skills of the perspective students.
To enhance the ability and self-confidence of students of agriculture to critically analyze the Agriculture Extension service and technology transfer system with a view to identify difficulties, problems, and issues in promoting applied research in farming systems research and extension.
To promote human resource development in agricultural extension.

Eligibility Criteria

The candidates having F. Sc (Pre-Medical/Pre-Engineering), or equivalent will be eligible to apply. Foreign certificate/degree holders will need to provide an equivalence certificate from IBCC to seek admission in BS Agricultural Extension.

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Open Distance Learning

Total Credits Hours Required

135

Semester: 1
Semester: 2
Semester: 3
Semester: 4
Semester: 5
Semester: 6
Semester: 7
Semester: 8

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9382	Functional English	3 (3+0)	Functional English
9378	Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan	3 (3+0)	Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan
9401 / 5437	Islamic Studies / Ethics	3 (3+0)	Islamic Studies / Ethics
9424	Quantitative Reasoning – I	3 (3+0)	Quantitative Reasoning
9403	Pakistani Adab – I	3 (3+0)	Arts & Humanities
	Sub-total	15

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9410	Introduction to Sociology, Culture and Society	3 (0+0)	GC (Social Sciences)
9385	Civics and Community Engagement	3 (3+0)	GC
9381	Expository Writing	3 (3+0)	GC
9383	Quantitative Reasoning-II	3 (3+0)	GC
9384	Application of Information and Communication Technologies	3 (2+1)	GC (Applied/ICT)
9374	Pakistan Studies	3 (3+0)	GC (Pakistan Studies)
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
5026	Entrepreneurship	3 (3+0)	Entrep.
9389	Basics of Environmental Sciences	3 (2+1)	Natural Sci.
7902	Introductory Soil Science	3 (3+0)	Major
7903	Basic Agriculture	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7905	Introductory Horticulture	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7909	Communication and Leadership Skills in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
7900	Introduction to Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7901	Introduction to Rural Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7904	Introduction to Communication in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7906	Introduction to Program Evaluation	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7908	Introduction to Agricultural Economics	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7907	Animal Science	3 (3+0)	Discip.
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9252	Concepts of Mass Communication	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7910	Adult Learning	3 (3+0)	Discip.
9315	Development Economics	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7913	History and Philosophy of Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7915	Rural Development Programmes in Pakistan	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7917	Agriculture Technology Transfer	3 (3+0)	Discip.
9487	Fahm-e-Quran (Tajwid, Translation and Tafsir)	Non-credit	Compulsory
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
9458	Rural Sociology	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7911	Introduction to Extension Education Methods	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7912	Rural Youth in Agricultural Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7914	Poverty Alleviation and Sustainable Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7916	Agriculture Extension Program Development	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7920	Internship	3 (0+3)	Discip.
9488	Seerat-e-Tayyaba	Non-credit	Compulsory
	Sub-total	18

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
7919	Participatory Approaches in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7921	Research Methodology	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7923	Food Security and Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
9406	Human Resource Management	3 (3+0)	Inter-discip.
7927	Capstone Project	3 (0+3)	Discip.
	Sub-total	15

Course Code	Course Title	Credit Hours	Cluster
7918	Biodiversity and Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7922	Agricultural Extension and Gender Studies	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7924	Introduction to Cyber Extension	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7926	Agricultural Advertising	3 (3+0)	Discip.
7925	Agricultural Journalism	3 (3+0)	Discip.
	Sub-total	15
	Grand Total	132

1

2

3

4

5 Semesters

Workshop

Assessment Weightage

Assignments (Weightage)	Workshop (Attendance & Quizzes) (Weightage)	Final Exam (Weightage)	Passing Marks
20%	30% Quiz	50%	50% (in aggregate). However, 40% marks in final exams is mandatory.

B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture

aiousuper — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 06:50:54 +0000

B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture aiousuper Mon, 12/29/2025 - 11:50

B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture

Introduction

Department of Agricultural Sciences (DAS) is making earnest efforts aiming at supplementing, supporting and re-enforcing extension services and offering agriculture related programs at different levels. Agriculture progress in most developing countries has mainly involved an increase in the production of staple crops, the introduction of industrial crops and development of livestock production. One cannot deny the importance of livestock because it produces a huge quantity of food, such as beef, mutton, poultry meat, milk, yogurt and lot of other milk, and animal byproducts. Millions of acres are still being cultivated with the help of farm animals in this mechanized era. At present, higher education in agriculture is imparted by four formal agricultural universities in Pakistan, which are not catering in-service personnel. The AIOU conducted a survey to get an idea about the higher education in Livestock Management Agricultural Extension, Forestry Extension and Rural Development and received a positive response from candidates who could not improve their qualification from formal Agricultural Universities for one or other reason and are now working in different governmental departments and NGOs. DAS has decided to offer MSc (Hons) Rural Development through distance teaching system, especially for those who could not enhance their qualification through formal system.

Eligibility Criteria

Pre-medical & Pre-engineering or diploma holders (3-year Diploma of field assistant or in field of agriculture) from national and international HEC recognized institutions.

Selection Process

Open Merit

Duration

4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Face to Face Mode

Total Credits Hours Required

128

Semester: 1
Semester: 2
Semester: 3
Semester: 4
Semester: 5
Semester: 6
Semester: 7
Semester: 8

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Functional English	Functional English	3 (3+0)	ENGL 3505
Ideology and Constitution of Pakistan	Ideology and Constitution	2 (2+0)	PKST 3502
Quantitative Reasoning-I	Quantitative Reasoning	3 (3+0)	MATH 3508
Islamic Studies / Ethics	Islamic Studies / Ethics	2 (2+0)	ITHC 3501 / HADH 3501
Pakistani Adab-I	Arts and Humanities	2 (2+0)	URD 3503
Cell Biology	Interdisciplinary	3 (2+1)	BIO 3507
	Total Credit Hours	15

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Quantitative Reasoning-II	Quantitative Reasoning-II	3 (3+0)	MATH4505
Applications of Information & Communication Technologies	ICT	3 (2+1)	CS3503
Expository Writing	Expository Writing	3 (3+0)	ENGL3504
Civics and Community Engagement	Civics and Community Engagement	2 (2+0)	SOC3503
Introduction to Sociology	Social Sciences	2 (2+0)	SOC3506
Introduction to Agriculture Extension	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI3506
Pak. Studies	GE	2 (2+0)	PKST3501
Total		18

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Entrepreneurship	Entrepreneurship	2 (2+0)	MGT3503
Basics of Environmental Science	Natural Sciences	3 (2+1)	ENVS4501
Basic Agriculture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI3501
Introduction to Plant Breeding and Genetics	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI4507
Introduction to Animal Husbandry	Interdisciplinary	3 (2+1)	AGSI3502
Introductory Horticulture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI4508
Total		17

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Entrepreneurship	Entrepreneurship	2 (2+0)	MGT3503
Basics of Environmental Science	Natural Sciences	3 (2+1)	ENVS4501
Basic Agriculture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI3501
Introduction to Plant Breeding and Genetics	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI4507
Introduction to Animal Husbandry	Interdisciplinary	3 (2+1)	AGSI3502
Introductory Horticulture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI4508
Total		17

Major Horticulture

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Principles of Fruit Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5513
Principles of Vegetable Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5514
Principles of Ornamental Crop Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5515
Propagation and Nursery Management	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5516
In Vitro Propagation	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5517
Breeding of Horticultural Crops	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5518
Fahm-e-Quran, Tajwid Translation and Tafsir	Compulsory Course	Non-Credit	TFSR3501
Total		18

Major Agronomy

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Plant Nutrients and Growth Regulators	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5525
Agro-technology of Major Field Crops	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5526
Irrigation and Agronomy	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5527
Field Crop Physiology	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5528
Agro-Ecology	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI5529
Arid and Rainfed Agriculture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5530
Fahm-e-Quran, Tajwid, Translation and Tafsir	Compulsory Course	Non-Credit	TFSR3501
Total Credit Hours		18 Credit Hours

Major Soil Science

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Trace Elements in Agriculture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5536
Physical Properties of Soil	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5537
Chemical Properties of Soil	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5538
Instrumentation and Laboratory Techniques	Major	3 (1+2)	AGSI5539
Soil Genesis and Morphology	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5540
Municipal and Agro Waste Management	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI5508
Fahm-e-Quran, Tajwid, Translation and Tafsir	Compulsory Course	Non-Credit	TFSR3501
Total Credit Hours		18 Credit Hours

Major Horticulture

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Tropical and Sub-Tropical Fruits	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5519
Summer Vegetables	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5520
Landscape Horticulture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5521
Medicinal and Aromatic Plants	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5522
Post-Harvest Horticulture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5523
Mushroom Culture	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5524
Seerat-e-Tayyaba	Compulsory Course	Non-Credit	SERT3501
Total		18

Major Agronomy

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Crop Management under Stressful Environments	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5531
Seed Production Technology	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5532
Introduction to Weed Science	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5533
Conservation Agronomy	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5534
Climate Change and Crop Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5535
Climate Smart Agriculture in Pakistan	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI5512
Seerat-e-Tayyaba	Compulsory Course	Non-Credit	SERT3501
Total Credit Hours		18 Credit Hours

Major Soil Science

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Salt-Affected Soils and Water Quality	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5541
Soil Fertility and Fertilizer Use	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5542
Soil Survey and Land Evaluation	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5543
Soil and Water Conservation	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5544
Plant Resource Utilization	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI5509
Climate Smart Agriculture in Pakistan	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI5512
Seerat-e-Tayyaba	Compulsory Course	Non-Credit	SERT3501
Total Credit Hours		18 Credit Hours

Major Horticulture

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Research and Scientific Writing	Interdisciplinary	3 (2+1)	AGSI6508
Temperate Fruits	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6509
Winter Vegetables	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6510
Commercial Flower Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6511
Vegetable and Flower Seed Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6512
Agribusiness, Marketing, and Trade	Interdisciplinary	3 (3+0)	AGSI6513
Total		18 Credit Hours

Major Agronomy

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Forage and Fodder Production	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6516
Research and Scientific Writing	Interdisciplinary	3 (2+1)	AGSI6517
Principles of Weed Science	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6518
Farming System and Record Management	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6519
Agribusiness, Marketing, and Trade	Interdisciplinary	3 (3+0)	AGSI6520
Organic Farming	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6521
Total Credit Hours		18 Credit Hours

Major Soil Science

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Soil Microbiology	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6522
Research and Scientific Writing	Interdisciplinary	3 (2+1)	AGSI6523
Soil–Water–Plant Relationship	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI6524
Land Degradation and Management	Major	3 (3+0)	AGSI6525
Agribusiness, Marketing, and Trade	Interdisciplinary	3 (3+0)	AGSI6526
Carbon Sequestration in Soil	Major	3 (2+1)	AGSI6527
Total Credit Hours		18 Credit Hours

Major Horticulture

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Internship	Major	3 (0+3)	AGSI6514
Capstone Project	Major	3 (0+3)	AGSI6515
Subtotal		6 Credit Hours
Grand Total		130 Credit Hours

Major Agronomy

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Internship	Major	3 (0+3)	AGSI6514
Capstone Project	Major	3 (0+3)	AGSI6515
Subtotal		6 Credit Hours
Grand Total (Program)		130 Credit Hours

Major Soil Science

Name of Subject	Academic Cluster	Credit Hours	Course Code
Internship	Major	3 (0+3)	AGSI6514
Capstone Project	Major	3 (0+3)	AGSI6515
Total (Semester)		6 Credit Hours
Grand Total (Program)		130 Credit Hours

1

2

3

4

5

6 Semesters

Assessment Weightage

For Theory Courses:
S.No.	Components	Total Marks	Weightage	Passing Marks
1	Assignment	10	20%	50% (In aggregate)
2	Assignment 2	10	20%
3	Mid Term	30	30%
4	Attendance	100	Nil	70%
5	Final Exam	100	50%	50%
For Theory-Practical Courses:
S.No.	Components	Total Marks	Weightage	Passing Marks
1	Assignment	10	20%	50% (In aggregate)
2	Assignment 2	10	20%
3	Mid Term	30	30%
4	Practical	15	30%
5	Attendance	100	Nil	70%
6	Final Exam	100	50%	50%
For Practical/FYP Courses:
S.No.	Components	Total Marks	Weightage	Passing Marks
1	Attendance	100	Nil	70%
2	Final Exam	100	100%	50%

MSc (Hons) Livestock Management

aiousuper — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 07:56:49 +0000

MSc (Hons) Livestock Management aiousuper Wed, 11/05/2025 - 12:56

MSc (Hons) Livestock Management

Introduction

Being a part of Agriculture, Livestock sector plays great role in the progress of country. One cannot deny the importance of livestock because it produces a huge quantity of food, such as beef, mutton, poultry meat, milk, yogurt and lot of other milk and animal by products. Millions of acres are still being cultivated with the help of farm animal in this mechanized era. Livestock and poultry yields can be further increased if people involved in this field are better and skillfully educated. At present, higher education in livestock is imparted by formal agricultural and veterinary universities in Pakistan, which are not catering in-service personnel. However, AIOU has its own character having varieties of educational methodologies within itself. The AIOU conducted a survey to get an idea about the higher education in Livestock Management and received a positive response from candidates who could not improve their qualification from formal institutes. After which the department of Agricultural Sciences (DAS) decided to offer MSc (Hons) Livestock Management through distance learning system, especially for those who could not enhance their qualification through formal system.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To develop human resource necessary for transferring subsistence scale of livestock farming into commercial livestock production.

2. To provide an opportunity for continued professional development to the scientist in the area of marketing.

3. To provide information on the concepts of livestock development, public health and their integration in livestock production practices.

4. To create awareness about the livestock farming production, practices which will in turn promote community-based livestock development

DURATION OF PROGRAM:

The minimum duration of MSc (Hons) Livestock Management program shall be two years, and maximum duration shall be five years. There will be two semesters in each year.

1. The minimum period of the 24 credit hours course work for MSc (Hons) Livestock Management shall be two semesters (One Year).

2. In case the student fails to complete the course/research work within the prescribed maximum period, she/he has to take a fresh admission in the program.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates possessing DVM degree or BSc (Hons) Animal Husbandry degree equivalent to second division in Annual System (not less than 2.5 CGP) in semester system will be eligible for admission.

Selection Process

Candidates must have to qualify Subject Test being conducted by the Department.
Selection of the candidates will be made strictly on the basis of merit, which will be determined by the departmental admission committee after scrutinizing the application of the students as per AIOU MPhil admission rules.
There will be departmental admission committee responsible to finalize the admission.
For clarification about academic matters please contact on the following address:

Teaching Methodology

Distance education

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGY:

Laboratory Works: The laboratory of local Animal husbandry/Veterinary Institutes/NARC universities or appropriate livestock farms will be engaged for this purpose and will be supervised by the tutors appointed by the university.

Semester: 1
2
3
4
5
Semester: 2
Semester: 3
Semester: 4

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	Biochemistry	780	3(2+1)
2	Statistics	794	3(3+0)
3	Meat Production	774	3(2+1)
4	Rangeland Management in Pakistan		3(3+0)

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	Dairy Production	778	3(2+1)
2	Livestock Management Practices	775	3(2+1)
3	Small Ruminant Production	773	3(2+1)
4	Livestock Industry	782	3(3+0)

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	Thesis	797	6

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	Thesis	797	6

1

2

3

4

5 Workshop

The workshop for each course will be conducted at the end of each semester at the main campus of AIOU. Eminent subject experts in the relevant fields will deliver lectures in the workshop. Attendance in these course workshops is mandatory for each student. A student failing to attend any workshop is generally declared fail in final result.

Thesis

At the beginning of the third semester, a student will be required to submit research proposal (Synopsis) to the Department. The synopsis will be prepared in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Board of Advance Studies and Research (BASR). The Department will provide guidelines for developing synopsis in the synopsis orientation workshop. Important Note: Rules, regulations framed, enhanced and changed from time to time by the authorities/bodies of the University will be applicable to all the students. The students will have to abide by all such rules and regulations

Practical

The list of practical of following course codes as follows: -

1. Dairy production (778). Dairy breed characteristics, selection on the basis of genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, Design and layout of modern dairy enterprise, practice of manual and machine adoption of hygienic measures at milking time, measurement of milk flow rate, least count ration formulation using computer Programs. Visit to dairy enterprises.

2. Meat Production (774) Ante and post-mortem examination, slaughtering and flaying methods, determination of dressing percentage, meat grades and carcass evaluation, meat cuts, determining important physical and chemical properties of various meats. Organoleptic studies of meats, visit to slaughter house.

3. Small Ruminant Production (773) Selection and judging of sheep and goats for wool, mutton and milk. Farm practices including identification, culling, dipping, deforming, trimming feet, farm visits, Preparation of feasibility reports, computerized record keeping. Wool and hair sampling, microscopic structure of animal fibers, measurement of fiber length and diameter, detection of extractable matters, histological studies of follicles and fiber, handling, sorting, scoring, grading, packing, labeling and storage of animal fiber measurement of crimp, staple length, wool fat, suint and ash, visual grades of wool, visit to woolen mills and carpet industry and wool test house. Visit to animal fiber market.

4. Biochemistry (780) Diffusion and osmosis process. Qualitative test for carbohydrate, fats and protein, Estimation of Ca and Mg in milk, urine and blood hemoglobin estimation.

5. Livestock Management Practices (775) Methods of approaching, handling and restraining animals, regions and points of body, grooming and cleaning, identification of various breeds of farm animals. Methods of identification, preparing gestation charts, determining weight of animals from body measurement, measuring physiological norms, preparing animals for shows, visit to livestock fairs.

MSc (Hons) Agricultural Extension

aiousuper — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:02:49 +0000

MSc (Hons) Agricultural Extension aiousuper Wed, 11/05/2025 - 09:02

MSc (Hons) Agricultural Extension

Introduction

Agriculture is the principal occupation and source of livelihood of great majority of rural population of the country and it is the basic and largest component of our economy in terms of production, employment and export earnings. For agricultural development in a country like Pakistan, strong linkages amongst institution human resource development and technology transfer are very important. The technology transfer being a continuous process cannot possibly take place in a vacuum. It needs to be done in a well-organized system of agricultural extension where role of the scientist, the extension agent, and the farmer are all too important. The scientist must develop better yielding varieties and breeds of crops and animals, the extension agent must, on his part, equip himself with better and effective methods to convince the farmer about the product’s utilitarian importance. Once convinced, the farmer will certainly adopt innovations for his own economic betterment.

Allama Iqbal Open University being concerned with the educational part of the Agricultural Extension system has therefore decided to initiate master level courses in Agricultural Extension for enhancing the knowledge and skill of the extension agents/workers already working in the field.

M.Sc (Hons) Agricultural Extension Program is designed for those Agriculture Graduates who are unable to continue their Agriculture Engineering, B.Sc. Animal Husbandry, D.V.M. from formal Agricultural Universities and are now working in different departments, organizations and agencies who cannot enhance their education through formal system could benefit from AIOU offer.

OBJECTIVES:

Main objectives of the program are:

To improve the level of knowledge and skills of the prospective students.
To provide skills for improving diffusion and adoption ofinnovations among the farming community.
To improve the ability and self confidence of students of Agriculture Extension to critically analyze the Agriculture Extension to critically analyze the Agriculture Extension service and technology transfer system with a view to identify difficulties, problems and issues in promoting applied research in farming systems research and extension.

To promote human resource development in agricultural extension and help to meet training needs to extension field staff and rural communities.

DURATION OF PROGRAM

The minimum duration of M.Sc ( Hons) Agricultural Extension Programs shall be two years and maximum duration shall be 8 semester ( 4 years ).

The minimum period of the 24 credit hours course work for M.Sc (Hons) Agricultural extension shall be two semesters (One Years or maximum of 4 semesters (two Years).

In case the student fails to complete the course /research work within the prescribed maximum period, she /he has to take a fresh admission in the program

COURSE WORK EVALUATION:

Distribution of continuous assessment and final examination of each 3-credit hour course work shall be as follow:

Continuous Assessment and Mid Term 50% (20+30)
Final Examination 50%

Total: 100%

Pass Percentage Shall be 50%

Program Coordinator: Dr Farhat Ullah Khan

Email: FARHAT_ULLAH@aiou.edu.pk

Phone No: 0519575473

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates possessing B.Sc. (Hons) Agricultural Extension degree with 2^nd division.

Other related discipline like B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture, Rural Sociology, animal Husbandry, DVM, B.Sc. Agricultural Engineering degree in second division are also eligible for admission in M.Sc. (Hons) Agricultural Extension, but the admission Committee may define deficiency courses for them if necessary

Selection Process

As per AIOU MSc. (Hons)/MS/M.Phil. Rules

Duration

2 to 4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Face to Face Mode

Semester: 1
2
3
4
5
Semester: 2
Semester: 3
Semester: 4

Semester	Course Code	Title of the Course	Credit Hours
1	795	Agri. Extension Education	3 (3+0)
2	796	Extension Program Development	3 (3+0)
3	2525	Evaluation Research	3 (3+0)
4	2526	Agricultural Extension System	3 (3+0)

Semester	Course Code	Title of the Course	Credit Hours
1	2518	Scientific and Technical writing in Agri. Extension	3 (3+0)
2	799	Adult Learning and Rural Development	3 (3+0)
3	2533	The Process and strategies of Communication in Agricultural Extension	3 (3+0)
4	1793	Human Resource Development	3 (3+0)

Semester	Course Code	Title of the Course	Credit Hours
1	2536	Thesis	12

Semester	Course Code	Title of the Course	Credit Hours
1	2536	Thesis	12

1

2

3

4

5 Semesters

Thesis

At the beginning of the third semester, a student will be required to submit research proposal (synopsis) to the Department. The synopsis will be prepared in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Board of Advanced studies and Research (BASR). The Department will provide guidelines for developing of synopsis in the synopsis orientation workshops.

All AIOU MSc (Hons) /MS/MPhil rules will be applied on the synopsis / thesis MSc(Hons) Agricultural Extension

Viva

If the thesis is approved the external evaluators, student has to appear before viva voce committee to defend his/her thesis.

The viva voce committee will award marks as follow:

Viva Voce 100
Research Thesis 100

(Pass percentage in each component will be at least 50%)

Note: All Rules Regulations of AIOU /HEC framed from time to time will be applied b MSC(Hons) Agricultural Extension

MSc(Hons) Rural Development

aiousuper — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 03:41:12 +0000

MSc(Hons) Rural Development aiousuper Wed, 11/05/2025 - 08:41

MSc(Hons) Rural Development

Introduction

Despite the existence of large urban centers, Pakistan is still predominantly a rural society with approximately 70 percent of the population living in the rural areas. Rural development implies comprehensive and sustainable development for people and places in rural areas. It depends on several interrelated components including development appropriate production technology, dissemination of modern technology to the farming community, formulation of suitable polices for growth in the farm and rural non-farm economies, conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, and provision of infrastructure and social services. All countries in the world are subject to continual social and economic change, and the rural sectors of developing countries and countries in transition are pivotal in this process. It is recognized that in a context of increasing globalization and understanding of the underlying driving forces of this process and its consequences is critical.

Achieving rural development and responding to these global challenges will require trained professionals with a wide range of relevant expertise. These are needed to work in government agencies, non-governmental organization (NGOs) and in the private sector. Professionals are needed who can formulate appropriate policies, plans, design and implement development projects, disseminate appropriate technology and information to farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs and mange business and the efficient delivery of services in rural areas. Recognizing the growing needs and requirements for trained professionals in rural development AIOU has decided to initiate a Masters level program in Rural Development. This program provides graduates with an interdisciplinary base from which to approach the diverse issue involved in rural change. It is designed for students interested in pursuing careers that are interactive with the potential and problems associated with the rural sector. The program is multidisciplinary in its course contents, and will provide an opportunity for in depth study of the key elements of rural development and relevant professional practice.

OBJECTIVES

The program gives students the opportunities to develop: 1. A critical awareness of the social, economic and management issues underlying socio-economic change. 2. Conceptual and analytical skills relevant to the social and economic dimensions of agriculture and related industries. 3. A set of potential skills pertinent to working in the public private or NGO domains. 4. The ability to change with, and influence, rational debates concerning the optimal direction of rural sector change. 5. Sufficient knowledge and understanding of the major problems socio-cultural and economic conditions of rural areas in Pakistan.

Eligibility Criteria

BSc (Hons) Agriculture/D.V.M./Animal Husbandry/ Agriculture Engineering degree in 2nd division or MA/MSc in Social Work/ Sociology/Rural Sociology/Anthropology/ Forestry/ Forestry Extension/ Developmental Studies/ Environmental Sciences/ Economics/ HRD/ NRM/ Business Management degree with second division/ 2.5 CGPA.

Selection Process

Merit Base

Duration

2 to 4 Years

Medium of Instruction

English

Teaching Methodology

Evaluation of Scheme

Assignments: At the end of Each Semester two assignments are compulsory

Online Classes: Face to Face/online classes will be conducted of each semester. Attendance in the Classes will be compulsory

Distribution of continuous assessment and final examination of each 3-credit hour course work shall be as follow:

Continuous Assessment and Mid Term 50% (20+30)
Final Examination 50%

Total: 100%

Pass Percentage Shall be 50%

Total Credits Hours Required

Semester: 1
2
3
4
5
Semester: 2
Semester: 3
Semester: 4

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT	1790	3(3+0)
2	REGENERATING AGRICULTURE	1791	3(3+0)
3	RURAL POVERTY ALLEVIATION	1792	3(3+0)
4	HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT	1793	3(3+0)

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
5	NGO MANAGEMENT	1794	3(3+0)
6	RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT	1795	3(3+0)
7	NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT	1796	3(3+0)
8	MANAGING PROJECTS IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT	1797	3(3+0)

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	Thesis 1	8037	6

S.No	Title of course	Code	Credit Hours
1	Thesis 2	8038	6

1

2

3

4

5 Semesters

Thesis

Thesis Research Work: At the beginning of the third semester, a student will be required to submit research proposal (synopsis) to the Department. The synopsis will be prepared in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Board of Advanced studies and Research (BASR). The Department will provide guidelines for developing of synopsis in the synopsis orientation workshops.

All AIOU/HEC MSc (Hons) /MS/MPhil rules will be applied on the synopsis / thesis MSc (Hons) Rural Development.

Viva

If the thesis is approved the external evaluators, student has to appear before viva voce committee to defend his/her thesis.

The viva voce committee will award marks as follow:

Viva Voce 100
Research Thesis 100

(Pass percentage in each component will be at least 50%)

Mr Muhammad Fahd Bhatti

aiousuper — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 04:36:41 +0000

Mr Muhammad Fahd Bhatti aiousuper Wed, 06/25/2025 - 09:36

Lecturer

Mr Muhammad Fahd Bhatti

fahd.bhatti@aiou.edu.pk