- FACULTY OF LIFE SCIENCE
Department of Biotechnology
Introduced in 2008, the Department of Biotechnology offers an interdisciplinary and industry-oriented programme that blends biological sciences with technological innovation to prepare students for research and biotechnology-driven careers.
Overview
Biotechnology is an inherently interdisciplinary discipline that integrates biological sciences with technological innovation, and has emerged as one of the fastest-growing and most impactful fields in modern science. Rapid advances in biotechnology have driven the expansion of biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and beverage processing, agriculture, and allied industries, creating a sustained demand for skilled and professionally trained graduates.
In response to this growing need, the College introduced the B.Sc. Biotechnology programme in 2008. Since its inception, the Department of Biotechnology has developed into a dynamic academic unit supported by well-equipped laboratories and a dedicated faculty committed to excellence in teaching, training, and mentorship. The programme is designed for students with a background in biology who aspire to build careers in research, higher education, or biotechnology-driven industries, including pharmaceuticals, breweries, and food production sectors.
To support blended and flexible learning, students have access to online academic resources through institutional learning management systems such as CLAAP (Chowgule’s Learn Anytime Any Place) and Google Classroom.
The Department of Biotechnology aims to nurture motivated learners who are analytically strong, ethically grounded, comfortable in laboratory environments, and equipped with the patience, perseverance, and curiosity essential for success in scientific research and professional practice.
Vision
To nurture competent and ethically grounded biotechnology graduates with strong scientific foundations and research aptitude, prepared for higher education, research, and industry careers.
Mission
Programmes Offered
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biotechnology
The B.Sc. Biotechnology programme is designed to provide students with a strong multidisciplinary foundation in the life sciences, integrating core theoretical knowledge with extensive practical training. The curriculum includes core courses in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genetic Engineering, Immunology, and Industrial Biotechnology, complemented by elective courses in Molecular Genetics, Plant and Animal Diversity, Physiology, Cell Culture, Biostatistics, and Bioinformatics.
Each course incorporates a dedicated practical component, enabling students to gain hands-on laboratory experience and develop technical and analytical skills grounded in theoretical concepts. Learning is supported through digital platforms such as CLAAP (Chowgule’s Learn Anytime Any Place) and Google Classroom.
The programme includes a compulsory internship of a minimum of 120 hours in pathology laboratories, pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, and research institutes, providing meaningful industry and research exposure. Academic enrichment is further enhanced through guest lectures on emerging trends and advancements in biotechnology.
As a requirement, students undertake a six-month research project, with encouragement to present their findings at national seminars and conferences and to pursue publication in peer-reviewed journals. The programme aims to develop motivated, ethically grounded graduates who are comfortable in laboratory environments, capable of applying scientific principles, and prepared for careers in research, higher education, and biotechnology-driven industries.
Department Faculty
Activities Organised
Teaching & Learning method
The Department of Biotechnology adopts a blended and learner-centric approach to teaching and learning, combining traditional classroom instruction with innovative pedagogical practices. Teaching is delivered through structured lectures supported by presentations, videos, and other multimedia resources to enhance conceptual clarity and engagement.
Active learning strategies such as flipped classroom sessions, student presentations, seminars, and course-based activities are incorporated to promote critical thinking, communication skills, and independent learning. Students are encouraged to engage with prescribed textbooks and selected research papers to develop scientific reading, interpretation, and analytical abilities.
To support flexible and continuous learning, academic material and resources are systematically shared through Google Classroom, ensuring accessibility beyond the classroom. These methods collectively foster conceptual understanding, research aptitude, and lifelong learning skills essential for biotechnology education.
Best Practices
Experiential and Research-Oriented Learning
- Emphasis on hands-on laboratory training aligned with current biotechnological techniques
- Integration of mini-projects, field visits to industry , distillery , research institutes and STP integrating research exposure into the curriculum
- Encouragement of student participation in experimental design, data analysis, and report writing
Annual Academic Events and Exhibitions
- Organization of department-specific flagship events, such as: SYNAPSE (Annual Exhibition cum Academic Event)
- Platform for students to: Present posters and models, demonstrate experiments, interact with peers and faculty
Workshops, Seminars, and Guest Lectures
- Regular organization of: Workshops on emerging areas of biotechnology, seminars on recent scientific advances, guest lectures by subject experts and industry professionals, helps students stay updated with current trends in biotechnology and for the purpose of skill upgradation.
Students present their research findings as a part of their TY dissertation at National Conferences
Use of ICT and Digital Learning Tools
- Use of: Online databases (NCBI, PubMed, UniProt), Digital learning platforms Multimedia teaching aids to enhance conceptual clarity and self-learning abilities
Outcome of Best Practices
- Enhanced student learning and confidence
- Improved research orientation
- Better academic performance and career readiness
- Strengthened departmental identity and academic culture
Alumni of the Department
Sr.No | Name | Graduation year | Current employer / status / achievements | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Sakshi Ahluwalia | 2019 | Junior Research Scientist Aging Biology, BeyondAge | ||
2 | Fauzia Shaikh | 2019 | Senior CDC (R&D, Clinical Data Management), Sanofi | ||
3 | Amanda Vas | 2021 | Femina Miss India Goa 2022 | ||
4 | Simran Coutinho | 2021 | Clinical SAS programmer & analyst, Zifo | ||
5 | Rutuja Shirodkar | 2021 | Associate Clinical Data Analyst, Fortrea | ||
6 | Kate Cabral | 2021 | Discharge Coordinator, South West London and St. George’s Mental Health NHS Trust | ||
7 | Stanford Fernandes | 2022 | Associate Process Scientist, Regeneron, Ireland |
