Department Of Biotechnology
Main focus area of study:
BE-Biotechnology is a new course started in Aug 2002. Unlike the traditional BSc and MSc courses which emphasizes more on theoretical aspects of life-sciences, BE – Biotechnology course is a perfect blend of life sciences, chemical engineering and other relevant interdisciplinary subjects. The syllabus is designed to make students more versatile and they can fit in to any areas such as Microbial & industrial BT, Agricultural BT, Health & Pharmaceutical BT, Bioinformatics, Fermentation Technology & Process Engineering.
Why a student has to choose this field:
Biotechnology has made substantial contributions worldwide in the fields of human healthcare, agriculture and environment. It has been flaunted as the technology for the future and has the potential to bring next technological revolution. For India, in particular, this situation is a great opportunity to exploit the synergies between sustainable industrial growth and enhanced value creation.
Career options for Biotechnology
A growing and demanding population:
Unlike in many institutions, students at DSCE are given the opportunity
to gain practical hands-on laboratory and field experience throughout their
course of study. The small class size and close contact between students
and faculty makes learning at DSCE a rewarding and stimulating experience.
Students are encouraged to acquire familiarity with advanced research techniques
and to participate in co-curricular, extra-curricular and seminar activities.
Frequent industrial visits are organized as a part of industry-interface
programme to give students adequate practical exposure.
The Department has a well qualified, experienced Advisory Committee which
comprises of professionals from academic and R&D institutions and industrial
sectors. The Advisory Committee guides the Department in developing strategies
that help taking proactive measures to make students more competent. The
main mission of the Department is to produce BT industry ready manpower.
In nutshell, the students of Biotechnology at DSCE are well trained and
equipped with values, principles and qualities required to meet the challenges
of the present day competitive world.
New subjects/ areas of study:
- The Course content is revised once in four years and new subjects are being added as per the demands of the Industry. Two new subjects that have been added in this context are Clinical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology.
Current Research Efforts
The Department is committed to excellence in teaching and research. The
Department is taking proactive measures to establish a Centre for Excellence
in Biotechnology. The Department has already a major research project funded
by DST-NMBA entitled “High volume Micropropagation of selected Bamboo
species” for Rs. 27.55 lakhs for a period of 3 years. The Investigators
are: Dr. P.S. Rao (Co-ordinator); Dr. S. Kiran (PI); Dr. Yusuf Akkara (Co-PI).
The faculties of the Department have submitted 6 research projects to DBT,
DRDO, DST and NMPB.
Research collaborations are being established with National and International
research Institutes for end user applications
Department Strengths
The Department has 8 highly motivated and dedicated faculty members led by Dr. PS Rao (Director – Life Sciences and Engg.), an eminent biotechnologist. Dr. Rao had earlier served as Head of Biotechnology Division at prestigious Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Govt. of India, Mumbai. Subsequently he was Vice President (Biotech) at the leading seed company – Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Bangalore. Dr. Rao combines strong R&D experience and skills in commercialization of products. The Department is currently headed by Dr. S. Kiran. Together, the Faculty is capable of providing each student with adequate inputs to realize their full potential and mould their career.
Academic
Department of Biotechnology is a new course started in 2006 with an intake of 60 students. The students are currently in 4th Semester.
Infrastructure
The Department has excellent and well established infrastructure. It comprises 5 state-of-the-art laboratories in the areas of Cell and Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Animal and Pant tissue culture and Bioinformatics. These laboratories comprise of ultra modern, high –end equipments such as Gradient PCR, Deep Freezer, Cooling centrifuge, UV-Visible spectrophotometers among others.
Industry Interaction
The Department of Biotechnology, DSCE has been recognised by Govt. of Karnataka to start Finishing School in Biotechnology. The School would provide hands on experience to the students of Biotechnology and produce BT industry ready manpower. The course would also focus on short term projects to be carried out in Biotech Industries. The core faculty for this school would be drawn from Research Institutes and Biotech Industry apart from In house faculties.
Consultancy
Dr. P.S. Rao an eminent Agriculture Biotechnologist is engaged in providing consultancy to Biotech Industry. He is been working closely with Indo American Hybrid Seeds Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore and advising them regarding the production and field trials of Bt cotton. He is also in the advisory committees of various boards of DST, DBT and NMBA.