Curriculum Overview
The Biotechnology curriculum at Mahindra University Telangana is structured over eight semesters, with a balance of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Course Schedule Table
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIO101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Calculus and Differential Equations | 4-0-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CHE101 | General Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BIO102 | Cell Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| 1 | LIT101 | Scientific Writing and Communication | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| 1 | BIO103 | Basic Laboratory Techniques | 0-0-6-2 | - |
| 2 | BIO201 | Molecular Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO102 |
| 2 | CHE201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE101 |
| 2 | BIO202 | Genetics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO102 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Statistics and Probability | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 |
| 2 | BIO203 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO102 |
| 2 | BIO204 | Biological Data Analysis | 2-0-0-2 | MAT201 |
| 2 | BIO205 | Laboratory Practice I | 0-0-6-2 | BIO103 |
| 3 | BIO301 | Recombinant DNA Technology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 3 | BIO302 | Protein Chemistry and Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE201 |
| 3 | BIO303 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO203 |
| 3 | BIO304 | Computational Biology | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 3 | BIO305 | Biotechnology Applications | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202 |
| 3 | BIO306 | Laboratory Practice II | 0-0-6-2 | BIO205 |
| 4 | BIO401 | Bioinformatics and Genomics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO304 |
| 4 | BIO402 | Drug Discovery and Development | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| 4 | BIO403 | Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO305 |
| 4 | BIO404 | Advanced Bioprocessing | 3-0-0-3 | BIO303 |
| 4 | BIO405 | Environmental Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO203 |
| 4 | BIO406 | Laboratory Practice III | 0-0-6-2 | BIO306 |
| 5 | BIO501 | Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy | 3-0-0-3 | BIO401 |
| 5 | BIO502 | Immunology and Vaccinology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO202 |
| 5 | BIO503 | Plant Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 5 | BIO504 | Biotechnology in Food Industry | 3-0-0-3 | BIO203 |
| 5 | BIO505 | Laboratory Practice IV | 0-0-6-2 | BIO406 |
| 6 | BIO601 | Synthetic Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO501 |
| 6 | BIO602 | Nanobiotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO302 |
| 6 | BIO603 | Biomedical Devices and Diagnostics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO304 |
| 6 | BIO604 | Medical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO502 |
| 6 | BIO605 | Laboratory Practice V | 0-0-6-2 | BIO505 |
| 7 | BIO701 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-12-6 | - |
| 7 | BIO702 | Research Methods and Ethics | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 8 | BIO801 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-12-6 | BIO701 |
| 8 | BIO802 | Internship and Industry Exposure | 0-0-12-6 | - |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
The department offers a variety of advanced elective courses designed to deepen students' expertise in specialized areas. These courses are typically taken during the third, fourth, and fifth years.
Bioinformatics and Genomics (BIO501)
This course introduces students to computational methods used in analyzing biological data sets. Topics include genome assembly, protein structure prediction, sequence alignment algorithms, and database management systems. Students learn to use bioinformatics tools such as BLAST, ClustalW, and Galaxy for large-scale data analysis.
Drug Discovery and Development (BIO402)
This course covers the entire process of drug discovery from target identification to clinical trials. It includes modules on medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, toxicity testing, and regulatory requirements. Students work on case studies involving real-world drug development projects.
Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology (BIO403)
This course focuses on the legal and ethical frameworks governing biotechnology products. Students learn about FDA regulations, ICH guidelines, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and quality assurance systems. Practical exercises involve preparing regulatory submissions for various types of biotech products.
Bioprocess Engineering (BIO303)
This course explores the engineering principles behind large-scale production of biotechnology products. Students study fermentation kinetics, bioreactor design, downstream processing, and quality control methods used in industrial biotechnology.
Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy (BIO501)
This course delves into the molecular techniques used for genetic modification of organisms. It covers gene cloning, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, viral vector systems, and gene editing applications in medicine and agriculture.
Plant Biotechnology (BIO503)
This course focuses on the application of biotechnology in plant breeding and improvement. Topics include transgenic crop development, marker-assisted selection, tissue culture techniques, and sustainable agriculture practices using genetic engineering.
Nanobiotechnology (BIO602)
Students explore how nanotechnology can be applied to biological systems. This includes the design of nanoparticles for drug delivery, biosensors, and imaging agents. The course combines principles of materials science with biological applications.
Immunology and Vaccinology (BIO502)
This course examines the immune system's structure and function, focusing on how vaccines are developed and tested. Students study antigen presentation, immune response mechanisms, and vaccine platforms such as mRNA and viral vectors.
Medical Biotechnology (BIO604)
This course covers the application of biotechnology in diagnostics and therapeutics. It includes topics such as immunoassays, molecular diagnostics, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and personalized medicine approaches.
Synthetic Biology (BIO601)
Students learn about designing and constructing new biological parts, devices, and systems. The course covers synthetic circuits, metabolic engineering, and the use of computer models to predict biological behavior.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department emphasizes project-based learning as a core component of the curriculum. Students engage in both individual and group projects throughout their academic journey, culminating in a final-year capstone project that integrates all learned concepts.
Mini-Projects (Years 1–4)
Mini-projects are introduced from the first year to develop practical skills and foster collaborative learning. These projects often involve designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and presenting findings in written reports or oral presentations.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year project is a significant component of the program, requiring students to identify a research question, design an experiment, execute it under faculty supervision, and present their work in a formal thesis. Projects are typically selected based on student interests and aligned with ongoing research initiatives in the department.
Project Selection and Mentorship
Students begin selecting projects early in their third year, working closely with faculty mentors who guide them through the research process. The selection process involves evaluating project feasibility, resource availability, and alignment with student interests and career goals.