Curriculum Overview
The Biotechnology program at People S University Bhopal is structured over 8 semesters, with a comprehensive blend of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions. The curriculum has been designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in the field of biotechnology.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Pre-requisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIO101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CHE101 | Chemistry for Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Mathematics I | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics for Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | BIO102 | Biology Lab I | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 1 | CHE102 | Chemistry Lab I | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 1 | MAT102 | Mathematics Lab I | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 2 | BIO201 | Cell Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO101 |
| 2 | CHE201 | Organic Chemistry | 3-1-0-4 | CHE101 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Mathematics II | 3-1-0-4 | MAT101 |
| 2 | BIO202 | Cell Biology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO101 |
| 2 | CHE202 | Organic Chemistry Lab | 0-0-3-1 | CHE101 |
| 2 | MAT202 | Mathematics Lab II | 0-0-3-1 | MAT101 |
| 3 | BIO301 | Genetics | 3-1-0-4 | BIO201 |
| 3 | MIC301 | Microbiology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO201 |
| 3 | BIO302 | Genetics Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO201 |
| 3 | MIC302 | Microbiology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO201 |
| 3 | BIO303 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 3-1-0-4 | CHE201 |
| 4 | BIO401 | Molecular Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO301 |
| 4 | BIO402 | Protein Chemistry | 3-1-0-4 | BIO303 |
| 4 | BIO403 | Molecular Biology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO301 |
| 4 | BIO404 | Protein Chemistry Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO303 |
| 5 | BIO501 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-1-0-4 | MIC301 |
| 5 | BIO502 | Biotechnology Applications | 3-1-0-4 | BIO401 |
| 5 | BIO503 | Bioprocess Engineering Lab | 0-0-3-1 | MIC301 |
| 5 | BIO504 | Biotechnology Applications Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO401 |
| 6 | BIO601 | Advanced Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO502 |
| 6 | BIO602 | Research Methodology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 6 | BIO603 | Advanced Biotechnology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | BIO502 |
| 6 | BIO604 | Research Methodology Lab | 0-0-3-1 | - |
| 7 | BIO701 | Special Topics in Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO601 |
| 7 | BIO702 | Capstone Project I | 0-0-6-6 | BIO602 |
| 8 | BIO801 | Capstone Project II | 0-0-6-6 | BIO702 |
Detailed Course Descriptions
The department offers a wide array of advanced departmental elective courses that cater to diverse interests and career aspirations within the biotechnology field. Each course is designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills required for specialized areas of research and industry application.
Advanced Bioprocess Engineering: This course explores the principles of fermentation, downstream processing, and bioreactor design. Students learn about the optimization of bioprocesses using mathematical models and simulation software. The curriculum includes topics such as mass transfer, heat transfer, and reactor dynamics, preparing students for roles in industrial biotechnology.
Protein Engineering: This course focuses on the design and modification of proteins for specific applications. Students study protein structure-function relationships, mutagenesis techniques, and methods for improving protein stability and activity. The course emphasizes hands-on laboratory work involving protein expression systems and purification protocols.
Genomic Bioinformatics: This elective introduces students to the computational tools used in genomics research. Topics include sequence alignment algorithms, gene prediction, functional annotation, and database management. Students gain proficiency in using bioinformatics software such as BLAST, ClustalW, and Galaxy, preparing them for careers in data-driven biotechnology.
Environmental Biotechnology: This course examines the application of biotechnology in environmental remediation and sustainable development. Students study bioremediation techniques, waste management strategies, and green technology solutions. The curriculum includes case studies on pollution control and climate change mitigation using biological approaches.
Biochemical Engineering: This course covers the principles of biochemical engineering, including enzyme kinetics, immobilization techniques, and bioreactor design. Students learn to apply engineering concepts to biological systems, developing skills in process optimization and scale-up.
Drug Discovery and Development: This course provides an overview of pharmaceutical research and development processes. Students explore drug target identification, lead compound optimization, preclinical testing, and regulatory affairs. The curriculum includes practical sessions on medicinal chemistry and pharmacokinetics.
Stem Cell Biology: This elective delves into the fundamentals of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. Topics include pluripotency, differentiation mechanisms, and therapeutic applications of stem cells. Students engage in laboratory work involving stem cell culture techniques and molecular analysis methods.
Molecular Diagnostics: This course focuses on diagnostic technologies used in clinical and research settings. Students learn about PCR-based assays, sequencing techniques, and point-of-care testing platforms. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of molecular biology with clinical applications for disease detection and monitoring.
Plant Biotechnology: This elective explores genetic modification of plants for improved yield and resistance to pests and diseases. Students study plant transformation methods, marker-assisted breeding, and biofortification strategies. Practical sessions involve transgenic plant development and field trials.
Computational Biology: This course introduces students to computational methods used in biological research. Topics include structural biology, systems biology, and machine learning applications. Students gain experience in programming languages such as Python and R, and learn to use bioinformatics databases and tools for data analysis.
Bioethics in Biotechnology: This course addresses ethical issues in biotechnology research and application. Students examine topics such as genetic modification, human cloning, and environmental impact of biotechnology products. The curriculum includes discussions on regulatory frameworks and responsible innovation practices.
Biotechnology Entrepreneurship: This elective prepares students for starting their own biotech ventures or working in innovation-driven companies. Topics include business planning, intellectual property management, funding strategies, and market analysis. Students develop entrepreneurial skills through case studies and practical exercises.
Marine Biotechnology: This course explores the application of biotechnology in marine environments. Students study marine organisms, biodiversity, and bioprospecting techniques. The curriculum includes laboratory sessions on marine microbial cultures and extraction methods for bioactive compounds.
Metabolic Engineering: This elective focuses on metabolic pathways and their manipulation for industrial applications. Students learn about pathway design, flux analysis, and strain optimization using computational tools. Practical sessions involve metabolic modeling and experimental validation techniques.
Nanobiotechnology: This course introduces students to the intersection of nanotechnology and biotechnology. Topics include nanomaterials in medicine, drug delivery systems, and biosensors. Students gain hands-on experience with nanofabrication techniques and characterization methods.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
The department places a strong emphasis on project-based learning as a core component of the educational experience. This pedagogical approach integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application, enabling students to solve real-world problems using biotechnological tools and methodologies.
Mini-projects are assigned in the third and fourth semesters, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest under faculty supervision. These projects typically span 8-12 weeks and involve literature review, experimental design, data collection, analysis, and presentation. Students are encouraged to select projects that align with their career goals and personal interests.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that requires students to conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This project spans the entire academic year and culminates in a detailed report, oral presentation, and public defense. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of scientific methodology, critical thinking, and communication skills.
Project selection involves a structured process where students present their ideas to faculty members who serve as mentors. The department facilitates this process by organizing project proposal workshops and providing access to research databases and equipment. Students also receive training in academic writing, data analysis software, and presentation techniques.