Islamabad, February 11, 2025 – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has issued revised curricula for Associate Degree, BS, and MS programmes in Physics. Developed jointly by HEC and the Pakistan Academy of Sciences (PAS), these updates aim to modernize Physics education and align it with industry and research advancements.
The National Curriculum Review Committee, chaired by Prof. Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan from University of the Punjab, Lahore with Mr. Muhammad Ali Baig, Deputy Director at HEC as its Secretary, comprised senior academics from leading universities across Pakistan. These included Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, University of Karachi, Government College University, Lahore, University of Peshawar, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Thal University, Bhakkar, The Women University, Multan, University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, University of Management & Technology, Lahore, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur and Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta.
The updated AD and BS Physics curricula now require a minimum of 68 and 134 credit hours, respectively, and have introduced new courses such as Medical Physics, Scientific Inquiry & Research Methods, and Artificial Intelligence in Physics, among others.
For BS Physics, the revised curricula also allow universities to offer four electives that the universities may tailor to evolving scholarly and industry demands. To enhance practical exposure of students, a mandatory supervised internship and capstone project, each carrying three credit hours, have been incorporated in BS Physics.
For MS Physics, the revised curriculum establishes a robust framework with six elective courses and a mandatory research requirement. Universities will offer elective courses based on their available faculty and academic resources, ensuring flexibility and specialization in diverse areas of physics.
The revised curricula outline eligibility criteria, programme learning outcomes, model scheme of studies, course learning outcomes, and degree award requirements. However, universities will have autonomy in determining course syllabi and contents to align with industry needs and contemporary scientific advancements.
In its notification issued on February 11, 2025, HEC has directed all universities to align their physics degree programmes with these revised standards at the earliest. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening Pakistan's higher education framework, fostering academic excellence, and enhancing the employability of graduates. Notification and revised curricula are available at https://www.hec.gov.pk/english/services/universities/RevisedCurricula/Documents/2024-2025/Physics.pdf
