The Institute of Pure and Applied Biology was established in 1984. At present, the Division of Botany and Zoology are functioning. Division of Applied Microbiology, Genetics and Environmental Sciences are expected to be added in future. Other departments in applied fields of national importance will be added further. Staff members of the Institute are working on several research projects.

In addition to the old scheme of M.Sc. of two years duration (after B.Sc.), the Institute is running the new scheme of B.S. programme of four-year duration (after F.Sc.) in the Divisions of Botany & Zoology.

The Institute enjoys a good reputation of producing quality research of international standard. Efforts are being made to enhance research activity in the Institute through various research grants/projects financed by the Government/autonomous Institutions e.g. P.S.F; P.A.R.C etc. The Institute also shares its research activity with other leading scientific institutions within the country and abroad through collaborative research programmes. Teaching laboratories in the Institute are reasonably equipped with scientific equipment/instruments. In addition to common laboratory equipments, the major scientific instruments are also available for teaching and research.

An adequate collection of textbooks, reference books and research journals are available in the Library of the Institute covering various disciplines of Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Genetics, Fisheries, Wildlife, Animal & Plant Pathology and Freshwater Biology. These books are also available to the students from Book Bank of the University on loan basis.

The Botany Division started Functioning in 1984. This Division is lodged in the Biology Block. The programme of studies leading to B.S.4 years, /M.Sc./M.Phil/Ph.D. degree in the subject of Botany is being offered. The division has the facilities of air-conditioned green house and wire-netting houses, and experimental plots in the Botanical Garden for research/practical work. A study of plant life in different areas of Pakistan, especially in the Northern Regions, is essential part of B.S. 4 years, M.Sc. Botany Programme to familianise the flora of the region which supply about 90% timber of Pakistan. These field courses are conducted by senior staff members. The students passing out of the departments are offered appointments in relevant sections of Education, Agriculture, Forest Department and Research Organizations.

The degree of M.Sc. in Botany would be awarded after successful completion of the courses of reading/practical and fulfilling the requirements as laid down by the B.Z.University, Multan. The minimum duration for M.Sc. degree is two academic sessions.

Zoology Division

The Zoology Division started functioning in 1987. This Division is lodged in the Biology Block. The programme of studies leading to B.S. 4 years, /M.Sc./M.Phil/Ph.D degrees in the subject of Zoology is being offered. The study tours are also organized for the students to collect and study fauna from different areas of Pakistan as a requirement of their studies. The Division has established a museum and animal house for the study and research purpose. Environmental Biology, Fisheries, Wildlife, Limnology, Entomology and Parasitology are the main fields of research activities. The students completing studies from this department will have an awareness of the diversity of animals (expressed in their structure, Physiology, life cycles and development). The students will be aware of strategies to increase meat (fish and live stock), milk and wool production and have an insight into recent parasitic and pest control programmes including sericulture and Honey - Bee Farming. The graduates of the Division are accepted in Agriculture, Fisheries, Wildlife, PMNH, Plant Protection Departments, Universities and PARC apart from the relevant section of the Education Department.