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Biotechnology Curriculum Overview

The Biotechnology program at JAWAHARLAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY BORAWAN is designed to provide a comprehensive and progressive educational experience that builds upon foundational knowledge while advancing students into specialized areas of interest. The curriculum is structured across eight semesters, with each semester comprising core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions.

Course Structure Across Eight Semesters

Advanced Departmental Electives

The department offers a wide range of advanced elective courses that allow students to explore specialized areas within biotechnology. These courses are taught by faculty members who are active researchers and industry professionals, ensuring that students receive up-to-date knowledge and practical insights.

Drug Delivery Systems

This course explores the design and development of drug delivery systems for targeted therapy. Students learn about controlled release mechanisms, nanotechnology applications, and formulation strategies. The course includes laboratory sessions on preparing different types of drug carriers and evaluating their efficacy.

Synthetic Biology

This elective introduces students to the principles of synthetic biology, including genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, and biofabrication. Students work on projects involving the construction of synthetic gene networks and their applications in biotechnology.

Marine Biotechnology

This course focuses on the application of marine organisms and ecosystems in biotechnology. Topics include marine biodiversity, bioactive compounds, aquaculture technologies, and ocean conservation. Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork and laboratory experiments.

Biotechnology Entrepreneurship

This unique elective prepares students for entrepreneurship in the biotech sector by integrating business concepts with scientific innovation. Students learn about intellectual property, venture capital, regulatory compliance, and startup formation. The course includes case studies of successful biotech startups and mentoring from industry experts.

Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology

This course provides an overview of the regulatory framework governing biotechnology products. Students study regulatory guidelines from agencies like FDA, EMA, and WHO, learning how to prepare submissions and navigate approval processes for biotech products.

Bioprocess Engineering

This advanced course covers the principles and practices of large-scale bioprocessing. Topics include fermentation optimization, downstream processing, quality control, and process design. Students engage in simulations and case studies involving real-world bioprocessing challenges.

Advanced Biochemistry

This elective delves into complex biochemical pathways and their applications in biotechnology. Students study enzyme kinetics, protein structure-function relationships, and metabolic regulation. Laboratory sessions involve advanced analytical techniques for biochemical analysis.

Bioinformatics

This course introduces students to computational methods for analyzing biological data. Topics include sequence alignment, database management, genome annotation, and machine learning applications in biotechnology. Students gain proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R.

Pharmacology

This course explores the mechanisms of drug action and their therapeutic applications. Students study pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical trial design. Laboratory sessions involve testing drug efficacy and toxicity in model systems.

Environmental Biotechnology

This elective addresses environmental challenges through biotechnological solutions. Students learn about bioremediation, waste management, biofuels, and sustainable resource utilization. Practical components include laboratory experiments and field visits to industrial sites.

Project-Based Learning Philosophy

The department places strong emphasis on project-based learning as a core component of the educational experience. Projects are designed to simulate real-world challenges, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical contexts while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Mini-Projects

Mini-projects are undertaken during the first two years of study. These projects typically last 6–8 weeks and involve small teams of 3–5 students working under faculty supervision. Students are encouraged to select topics related to their interests or current research areas in biotechnology.

Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project

The final-year thesis or capstone project is a major component of the program, lasting 12–16 weeks. Students choose a topic aligned with their specialization and work closely with a faculty advisor to conduct original research or develop a product innovation. The project culminates in a presentation and written report.

Project Selection and Mentorship

Students select their projects based on their interests, career goals, and available resources. Faculty mentors are assigned based on the relevance of their expertise to the chosen topic. The department maintains a database of ongoing research projects that students can explore for inspiration.