Department of Economics

BS ECONOMICS

(4 YEARS PROGRAMME)

Courses
The Department of Economics offers a comprehensive and well-structured scheme of studies for both BS Economics and BS Economics & Finance programs. These courses are designed to provide a strong theoretical foundation while incorporating practical applications to ensure students are well-prepared for their future careers.

BS Economics
Students have two entry points into the program: firstly, directly after completing Intermediate or equivalent in semester-I, spanning eight (8) semesters. Secondly, in semester-V, students with ADE/B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. or equivalent qualifications can join, which spans four (4) semesters. These students will need to take specific courses to address any deficiencies they may have.

NOTE:

• Inter-disciplinary courses will be opted from allied departments decided by the parent department.
• Departmental compulsory and optional subjects are to be decided by the parent department.
• The number of courses offered per semester to be decided by the parent department but the total no of cr. hrs. should not be less than 15 or more than 21 per semester including the Gen. Ed. Courses.
• The total cr. hrs. of the program should not be less than 144.
• Thesis can be offered in lieu of two courses, one each of seventh & eighth semester.

DEFICIENCY COURSES
For the Students entering in V Semester (Third Year BS Economics)
Deficiency courses will be assigned to students based on the credit hours they have completed in their two-year bachelor's degree program.

Elective Courses for BS (Economics)
BS (Economics) students can select two elective courses from the list given in the Appendix (Major and Subsidiary subjects for BS in the Faculties of Arts & Social Sciences and Islamic Studies) of the admission prospectus. Every student, therefore, is directed to consult Chairperson of the major department before selecting subsidiary subjects.

• For further information, please refer to the admission prospectus.
• Approved from Board of Studies, Department of Economics. Approval of Board of Faculty and Academic Council awaited.

BS Economics & Finance (BSEF)

Students have two entry points into the program: firstly, directly after completing Intermediate or equivalent in semester-I, spanning eight (8) semesters. Secondly, in semester-V, students with ADE/B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. or equivalent qualifications can join, which spans four (4) semesters. These students will need to take specific courses to address any deficiencies they may have.

NOTE:

• The total cr. hrs. of the program should not be less than 162.
• Internship and Capstone project may be completed during the semester breaks.

DEFICIENCY COURSES
For the Students entering in V Semester (Third Year BS Economics and Finance)
Deficiency courses will be assigned to students based on the credit hours they have completed in their two-year bachelor's degree program.

• For further information, please refer to the admission prospectus.
• Approved from Board of Studies, Department of Economics. Approval of Board of Faculty and Academic Council awaited.

Coursework Composition:

• MPhil candidates are required to complete 24 credit hours of coursework, and 6 credit hours dedicated to research work/thesis. Alternatively, candidates may opt to complete 30 credit hours of coursework; however, upon completion of 30 credit hours, they will be awarded an MS (Master of Science) degree instead of an MPhil degree.

Coursework Composition:

• The coursework must be relevant to the MPhil degree and should be offered through regular on-campus classes taught by full-time faculty members.
• The coursework should cover the foundational and advanced topics necessary for the field of study.

Research Component:

• If the program includes a research component (thesis), the university must establish a policy for thesis defense and evaluation through its statutory bodies.

Degree Completion Timeline:

• The MPhil degree should be completed within a minimum of 1.5 years (three regular semesters) and a maximum of 4 years (eight regular semesters). Extensions may be granted in cases of force majeure.

Additional Points:

• Universities are allowed to transfer credits from other institutions following the HEC's guidelines, provided the coursework aligns with the program's requirements.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students who have completed their BS in the following fields are eligible to apply for MPhil admission: Economics, Economics and Finance, Commerce, Business Administration, Public Administration, Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics

Passing Criteria:

• A minimum CGPA of 2.6 is required for successful completion.

• For further information, please refer to the admission prospectus.
• Approved from Board of Studies, Department of Economics. Approval of Board of Faculty and Academic Council awaited.

1. Credit Hours:

• 18 Credit Hours of coursework are required if the student is from the same discipline.
• These courses must be delivered through regular on-campus classes taught by full-time faculty members.
• The courses should preferably be of the 800 level or higher.
• The PhD degree should primarily focus on research rather than merely accumulating credit hours.

2. Comprehensive Examination

• Completion Timeline:
• The coursework, comprehensive exam, and defense of the synopsis/research proposal must be completed within the first six semesters (3 years) of enrollment in the PhD program. The maximum duration allowed for completing the PhD, as per HEC policy, is 8 years.
• Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of the student's registration, and transcripts for completed coursework may be issued.
• In the event of noncompliance due to force majeure (unforeseen circumstances), the university may consider exceptions according to prescribed procedures.
• Exam Guidelines:
• The comprehensive exam should assess the student's conceptual knowledge of the discipline.
• The exam will cover courses studied, preferably at the graduate level, and will be conducted as one composite question paper.
• The evaluation will be on an aggregate basis, expressed as pass/fail, and will not be graded.

3. Doctoral Dissertation

• Research Area:
• The dissertation must reflect relevance, credibility, effectiveness, and legitimacy of the research.
• The research area should:
• Address community needs at regional and local levels and align with the national research agenda.
• Focus on basic and pure research.
• Include emerging areas of research, preferably aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Dissertation Requirements
• The doctoral dissertation must be an original and innovative contribution to knowledge, aimed at solving socio-economic problems.

• For further information, please refer to the admission prospectus.
• Approved from Board of Studies, Department of Economics. Approval of Board of Faculty and Academic Council awaited.

Syllabus

• BS-Economics & Finance-Course Structure & Syllabus

• BS-Economics-Course Structure & Syllabus

• M.Phil (Economics)

• Ph.D (Economics)

Department Environment

The Department of Economics provides a conducive environment for learning and research. It features large lecture halls and classrooms, a computer lab, a research lab, and a seminar library. There is ample office space for faculty members and secretarial staff.

Seminar Library

The Department of Economics is an ideal place for study and research, offering a range of facilities to support academic and research activities. The department has its own seminar library, which boasts a comprehensive collection of around 2000 books and periodicals related to economics and related fields. For materials not found within the library, students and faculty can utilize inter-library loan facilities and access other major libraries, including the main library and the research library of AERC at the University of Karachi. The department's library is well-equipped to provide course materials as well as reference literature essential for students throughout their studies.

Computer Lab

The department prioritizes student facilities, such as a computer lab with 30 computers dedicated to economic analysis, financial modeling, and statistical applications. This lab plays a crucial role in improving students' technical skills through practical learning experiences that reinforce theoretical knowledge. The lab fosters collaborative projects, simulations, and data analysis, which enhance critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities crucial for navigating the modern economic environment successfully.

Research Lab

The department has expanded its facilities with a dedicated research lab for M.Phil. and Ph.D. students, equipped with 20 advanced computers. This new addition enhances the department's research capabilities, providing a supportive environment for in-depth data analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration. The lab underscores the department's commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovative research in economics and related fields, empowering graduate students to pursue rigorous scholarly inquiry and contribute impactful insights to their disciplines.

Extracurricular Activities

The department emphasizes the importance of extracurricular activities for the overall development of students. Various sports such as cricket, football, and hockey are available, with inter-department tournaments held annually. The department also organizes study tours and visits to financial institutions, which supplement theoretical knowledge with practical exposure.
The department fosters a close-knit community where students have great accessibility to the administration and faculty. The interactions between faculty and students help in personal and professional development, making students more confident, mature, and dynamic.

Awards

Through the generosity of philanthropists, the department awards Gold Medals to students who secure top positions at different levels, recognizing and encouraging academic excellence.

Achievements

The department is renowned for its high academic standards, leading to the establishment of the AERC. The AERC, supported by a grant from the Sindh Government and later by the Ford Foundation, has become a leading institute for social and economic research. This achievement underscores the department's commitment to academic excellence and research.

Contact

For Further Enquiry

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS

UNIVERSITY OF KARACHI - 75270

Telephone: 9221 - 99261300-6 Ext: 2270

Email: economics@uok.edu.pk