Course Schedule and Academic Progression
The Biotechnology program at Adamas University Kolkata is structured over eight semesters, with each semester lasting approximately 16 weeks. The curriculum balances theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that students develop both analytical and experimental skills essential for success in the field.
Semester-wise Course Breakdown
| SEMESTER | COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | CRITICALITY | PRE-REQUISITES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIO101 | Basic Biology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | NONE |
| 1 | MAT101 | Mathematics I | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | NONE |
| 1 | CHM101 | Chemistry I | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | NONE |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics I | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | NONE |
| 1 | BIO102 | Introduction to Biotechnology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | NONE |
| 1 | BIO103 | Basic Laboratory Skills | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-2 | NONE |
| 2 | BIO201 | Molecular Biology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO101 |
| 2 | BIO202 | Genetics | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO101 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Mathematics II | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | MAT101 |
| 2 | CHM201 | Organic Chemistry | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | CHM101 |
| 2 | BIO203 | Cell Biology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO101 |
| 2 | BIO204 | Lab Techniques in Molecular Biology | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-2 | BIO103 |
| 3 | BIO301 | Genomics and Proteomics | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO201, BIO202 |
| 3 | BIO302 | Enzyme Technology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO203 |
| 3 | BIO303 | Microbiology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO101 |
| 3 | BIO304 | Recombinant DNA Technology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO201, BIO202 |
| 3 | BIO305 | Biochemistry | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | CHM201 |
| 3 | BIO306 | Advanced Lab Techniques | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-2 | BIO204, BIO305 |
| 4 | BIO401 | Bioinformatics | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO301, MAT201 |
| 4 | BIO402 | Synthetic Biology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO304 |
| 4 | BIO403 | Industrial Biotechnology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO302, BIO303 |
| 4 | BIO404 | Bioprocess Engineering | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO303, BIO302 |
| 4 | BIO405 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO301, BIO304 |
| 4 | BIO406 | Environmental Biotechnology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO303, BIO305 |
| 5 | BIO501 | Advanced Genetics | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO202, BIO301 |
| 5 | BIO502 | Metabolic Engineering | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO402, BIO403 |
| 5 | BIO503 | Stem Cell Biology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO203, BIO305 |
| 5 | BIO504 | Drug Discovery and Development | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO405 |
| 5 | BIO505 | Biotechnology in Agriculture | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO301, BIO303 |
| 5 | BIO506 | Advanced Laboratory Project | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-2 | BIO406, BIO306 |
| 6 | BIO601 | Personalized Medicine | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO501, BIO502 |
| 6 | BIO602 | Clinical Trials and Regulatory Affairs | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO504 |
| 6 | BIO603 | Biotechnology Entrepreneurship | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO501, BIO503 |
| 6 | BIO604 | Global Trends in Biotech | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO502, BIO504 |
| 6 | BIO605 | Ethics and Governance in Biotechnology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO501 |
| 6 | BIO606 | Capstone Project Preparation | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-2 | BIO506, BIO603 |
| 7 | BIO701 | Capstone Research Project | L-T-P-C: 0-0-12-8 | BIO606 |
| 7 | BIO702 | Research Methodology | L-T-P-C: 3-1-0-4 | BIO501, BIO601 |
| 7 | BIO703 | Advanced Biotech Seminar | L-T-P-C: 2-0-0-2 | BIO702 |
| 8 | BIO801 | Final Thesis Presentation | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-4 | BIO701 |
| 8 | BIO802 | Internship Experience Report | L-T-P-C: 0-0-6-2 | BIO701 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives in the Biotechnology program allow students to explore specialized areas of interest and prepare them for advanced research or industry roles. These courses are designed to deepen understanding of specific disciplines within biotechnology while providing exposure to current trends and methodologies.
Bioinformatics
The Bioinformatics course introduces students to computational methods used in analyzing biological data. Students learn how to use software tools for sequence alignment, gene prediction, protein structure modeling, and phylogenetic analysis. The curriculum covers both theoretical foundations and practical applications, enabling students to tackle real-world problems in genomics and proteomics.
Synthetic Biology
This course explores the design and construction of biological systems using principles from engineering and biology. Students study genetic circuits, metabolic pathways, and synthetic organisms, gaining insights into how to engineer biological components for specific functions. The course includes laboratory sessions where students build and test their own genetic constructs.
Industrial Biotechnology
The Industrial Biotechnology course focuses on scaling up biotechnological processes from laboratory to commercial production. Students learn about fermentation technology, downstream processing, quality control, and regulatory compliance in the biotech industry. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable practices and green chemistry principles.
Bioprocess Engineering
This course teaches students how to design and optimize bioprocesses for large-scale manufacturing. Topics include reactor design, mass transfer, heat transfer, and process control systems. Students gain hands-on experience with industrial equipment and simulation software used in biotech production facilities.
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
This elective delves into the development of therapeutic products using biotechnological approaches. Students study drug discovery, formulation, clinical trials, and regulatory pathways. The course includes case studies from major pharmaceutical companies and exposure to emerging therapies in immunology, oncology, and neurology.
Environmental Biotechnology
This course addresses environmental challenges through biotechnological solutions. Students examine waste management, pollution control, and restoration techniques using microbial processes. The curriculum covers bioaugmentation, bioremediation, and sustainable agriculture practices that integrate biological principles with environmental stewardship.
Stem Cell Biology
This advanced elective explores the biology of stem cells and their potential applications in regenerative medicine. Students study cell differentiation, tissue engineering, and therapeutic cloning. The course includes discussions on ethical considerations and current research in stem cell therapy for diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injuries.
Metabolic Engineering
This course focuses on modifying metabolic pathways to produce desired compounds efficiently. Students learn how to engineer microorganisms for biofuel production, pharmaceutical synthesis, and industrial enzyme manufacturing. The curriculum includes practical sessions in genetic modification techniques and pathway optimization strategies.
Drug Discovery and Development
This elective provides an overview of the drug discovery pipeline from target identification to clinical development. Students study lead optimization, preclinical testing, and regulatory submission processes. The course includes guest lectures from industry experts and visits to pharmaceutical companies.
Personalized Medicine
This course examines how genetic variation influences disease susceptibility and treatment outcomes. Students learn about pharmacogenomics, biomarker discovery, and precision medicine approaches. The curriculum covers ethical issues related to genetic testing and personalized therapy in clinical settings.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is centered around experiential education that bridges theory and practice. Projects are designed to simulate real-world scenarios, encouraging students to apply scientific principles to solve complex problems. This approach fosters creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects begin in the second year and continue throughout the program. These projects are typically completed within a semester and involve working in small teams on specific research questions or technical challenges. Projects may be based on existing literature or inspired by industry needs, allowing students to gain early exposure to research methodologies.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis is a significant undertaking that requires students to conduct original research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Students select a topic relevant to their area of interest and work independently or in teams to design experiments, collect data, analyze results, and write a comprehensive report. The project culminates in a public presentation before a committee of experts.
Project Selection and Mentorship
Students are encouraged to propose their own research ideas or choose from a list of faculty-led projects. The selection process involves submitting a proposal outlining objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected outcomes. Faculty mentors are assigned based on expertise alignment and availability, ensuring quality guidance throughout the project lifecycle.