Curriculum Overview: Biotechnology Program at Niit University Alwar
Semester-wise Course Structure
The Biotechnology program is structured over 8 semesters, with a blend of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credits (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | BIO101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | CHEM101 | Chemical Principles | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | MATH101 | Calculus and Linear Algebra | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | PHYS101 | Physics for Engineers | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| I | BIO102 | Biology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| I | CHEM102 | Chemistry Lab | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| II | BIO201 | Cell Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| II | BIO202 | Genetics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| II | BIO203 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| II | MATH201 | Differential Equations | 3-0-0-3 | MATH101 |
| II | BIO204 | Cell Biology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO201 |
| III | BIO301 | Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, CHEM101 |
| III | BIO302 | Molecular Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| III | BIO303 | Biophysics | 3-0-0-3 | PHYS101 |
| III | BIO304 | Genetics Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO202 |
| IV | BIO401 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301, CHEM101 |
| IV | BIO402 | Fermentation Technology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| IV | BIO403 | Environmental Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| IV | BIO404 | Bioprocess Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO401 |
| V | BIO501 | Plant Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO302 |
| V | BIO502 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| V | BIO503 | Tissue Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| V | BIO504 | Industrial Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO401 |
| V | BIO505 | Bioinformatics | 3-0-0-3 | MATH201, BIO301 |
| V | BIO506 | Research Methodology | 2-0-0-2 | - |
| VI | BIO601 | Advanced Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| VI | BIO602 | Molecular Diagnostics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO302 |
| VI | BIO603 | Drug Discovery and Development | 3-0-0-3 | BIO502 |
| VI | BIO604 | Biotechnology in Agriculture | 3-0-0-3 | BIO501 |
| VII | BIO701 | Capstone Project I | 4-0-0-4 | BIO601, BIO602 |
| VII | BIO702 | Mini Project | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| VIII | BIO801 | Capstone Project II | 6-0-0-6 | BIO701 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
Departmental electives allow students to specialize further in areas of interest, offering a deeper dive into advanced topics. Here are some key courses:
BIO501 - Plant Biotechnology
This course explores the application of biotechnology in agriculture and plant breeding. Students learn about genetic modification techniques, marker-assisted selection, and sustainable farming practices. The course includes laboratory sessions on gene cloning and plant tissue culture.
BIO502 - Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Designed to introduce students to the development of biopharmaceuticals, this course covers drug discovery processes, clinical trial design, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. Students engage in case studies involving successful biotech products.
BIO503 - Tissue Engineering
This elective focuses on the use of biomaterials and stem cells to repair or replace damaged tissues and organs. Topics include scaffold design, cell culture techniques, and clinical applications in regenerative medicine.
BIO504 - Industrial Biotechnology
Students explore the application of biotechnology in industrial processes such as enzyme production, biofuel synthesis, and chemical manufacturing. The course includes practical sessions on process optimization and quality control.
BIO505 - Bioinformatics
This course introduces students to computational tools for analyzing biological data. Topics include sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, protein structure prediction, and database management. Students gain hands-on experience using software like BLAST and UniProt.
BIO601 - Advanced Biochemistry
Building upon foundational biochemistry concepts, this course delves into advanced topics such as enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, and molecular mechanisms of disease. Laboratory experiments focus on protein purification and enzymatic assays.
BIO602 - Molecular Diagnostics
This course covers diagnostic techniques based on molecular biology principles. Students learn about PCR-based diagnostics, gene expression analysis, and point-of-care testing systems. Practical sessions include DNA sequencing and gel electrophoresis.
BIO603 - Drug Discovery and Development
Students explore the entire pipeline of drug discovery from target identification to clinical trials. Case studies cover successful and failed drug development initiatives, providing insights into regulatory challenges and market dynamics.
BIO604 - Biotechnology in Agriculture
This course examines how biotechnology can improve crop yields, enhance disease resistance, and increase nutritional content. Practical sessions involve fieldwork and laboratory experiments related to genetic modification of crops.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department's approach to project-based learning is centered on fostering creativity, problem-solving skills, and real-world application of knowledge. Projects are designed to simulate actual industry challenges and encourage innovation among students.
Mini-Projects
During the second year, students undertake mini-projects under faculty supervision. These projects focus on specific aspects of biotechnology, such as enzyme production or genetic analysis. The evaluation includes written reports, presentations, and peer reviews.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
In the final two semesters, students work on a comprehensive capstone project that integrates knowledge from all previous courses. Projects are selected based on student interests and industry needs, with faculty mentors guiding the research process.
The selection process involves group discussions, proposal submissions, and mentorship matching. Students are encouraged to collaborate with industry partners for their projects, ensuring relevance and impact.