Curriculum Overview
The Biotechnology program at Reva University Bangalore is structured over 8 semesters, with a carefully curated mix of core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory sessions designed to provide students with a comprehensive and practical understanding of the field. The curriculum is built to ensure a progressive learning experience, starting with foundational sciences and advancing to specialized areas of biotechnology.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | LT-P-C | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIO101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CHE101 | Chemistry for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Mathematics for Life Sciences | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BIO102 | Cell Biology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO101 |
| 1 | CHE102 | Chemistry Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | CHE101 |
| 2 | BIO201 | Molecular Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| 2 | BIO202 | Genetics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| 2 | BIO203 | Introduction to Biochemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE101 |
| 2 | BIO204 | Biotechnology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO201, BIO202 |
| 3 | BIO301 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO203 |
| 3 | BIO302 | Fermentation Technology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO203 |
| 3 | BIO303 | Bioreactor Design | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| 3 | BIO304 | Bioprocessing Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO301, BIO302 |
| 4 | BIO401 | Environmental Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 4 | BIO402 | Plant Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202 |
| 4 | BIO403 | Marine Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 4 | BIO404 | Food Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 5 | BIO501 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO203 |
| 5 | BIO502 | Drug Discovery and Development | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO203 |
| 5 | BIO503 | Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO501 |
| 5 | BIO504 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO501 |
| 6 | BIO601 | Synthetic Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202 |
| 6 | BIO602 | Computational Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 6 | BIO603 | Protein Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO203 |
| 6 | BIO604 | Bioinformatics Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO602 |
| 7 | BIO701 | Advanced Biotechnology Research | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO203 |
| 7 | BIO702 | Research Methodology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 7 | BIO703 | Mini-Project | 0-0-6-3 | BIO201, BIO203 |
| 8 | BIO801 | Final Year Thesis | 0-0-12-6 | BIO701, BIO702 |
| 8 | BIO802 | Internship | 0-0-12-3 | BIO701, BIO702 |
Advanced Departmental Elective Courses
The department offers a range of advanced elective courses designed to deepen students' understanding of specialized areas within biotechnology. These courses are taught by faculty members who are experts in their respective fields and provide students with the opportunity to explore cutting-edge topics and research areas.
1. Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering
This course introduces students to the principles and applications of synthetic biology, focusing on the design and construction of biological systems. Students learn about genetic circuits, biological parts, and the engineering of biological systems for specific functions. The course includes laboratory sessions where students design and test synthetic biological constructs. The learning objectives include understanding the fundamentals of synthetic biology, designing genetic circuits, and applying bioengineering principles to solve biological problems.
2. Environmental Biotechnology
This course explores the application of biotechnology in environmental protection and sustainability. Students learn about bioremediation, waste management, and sustainable resource utilization. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on environmental biotechnology projects, such as designing bioreactors for waste treatment or developing biodegradable materials. The learning objectives include understanding environmental challenges, applying biotechnology solutions, and developing sustainable practices.
3. Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
This course focuses on the development of drugs and therapeutic products using biotechnology methods. Students learn about drug discovery, development, and regulatory processes. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on pharmaceutical biotechnology projects, such as developing drug delivery systems or conducting drug screening assays. The learning objectives include understanding drug development processes, applying biotechnology in pharmaceuticals, and complying with regulatory requirements.
4. Industrial Biotechnology
This course emphasizes the application of biotechnology in industrial processes and manufacturing. Students learn about bioprocess design, fermentation technology, and scale-up of biotechnological processes. The course includes laboratory sessions where students design and optimize bioprocesses for industrial applications. The learning objectives include understanding industrial biotechnology principles, designing bioprocesses, and scaling up biotechnological processes.
5. Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
This course combines biology with computer science and mathematics to analyze and interpret biological data. Students learn to use computational tools for genomic analysis, protein structure prediction, and systems biology modeling. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on bioinformatics projects, such as analyzing genomic data or predicting protein structures. The learning objectives include understanding computational biology principles, using bioinformatics tools, and analyzing biological data.
6. Plant Biotechnology
This course focuses on the application of biotechnology in agriculture and plant improvement. Students learn about genetic modification, crop improvement, and plant breeding techniques. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on plant biotechnology projects, such as developing genetically modified crops or conducting plant breeding experiments. The learning objectives include understanding plant biotechnology principles, applying genetic engineering techniques, and improving crop productivity.
7. Marine Biotechnology
This course explores the application of biotechnology in marine environments and ocean resources. Students learn about marine microbiology, bioprospecting, and marine bioprocessing. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on marine biotechnology projects, such as isolating marine microorganisms or developing marine bioproducts. The learning objectives include understanding marine biotechnology principles, conducting bioprospecting, and developing marine bioproducts.
8. Food Biotechnology
This course focuses on the application of biotechnology in food production, processing, and safety. Students learn about food microbiology, food processing technologies, and food safety regulations. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on food biotechnology projects, such as developing food preservation techniques or conducting food safety tests. The learning objectives include understanding food biotechnology principles, applying biotechnology in food processing, and ensuring food safety.
9. Protein Engineering
This course focuses on the design and modification of proteins for specific functions. Students learn about protein structure, function, and engineering techniques. The course includes laboratory sessions where students work on protein engineering projects, such as designing novel enzymes or modifying existing proteins. The learning objectives include understanding protein engineering principles, designing protein modifications, and applying protein engineering techniques.
10. Bioreactor Design and Operation
This course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of bioreactor design and operation. Students learn about different types of bioreactors, their design principles, and operational parameters. The course includes laboratory sessions where students design and operate bioreactors for various biotechnological applications. The learning objectives include understanding bioreactor principles, designing bioreactors, and operating bioreactors efficiently.
Project-Based Learning Philosophy
Our department places a strong emphasis on project-based learning as a core component of the curriculum. This approach ensures that students gain practical experience and develop critical thinking skills while working on real-world problems. The program includes both mandatory mini-projects and a final-year thesis/capstone project, which are designed to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are undertaken in the second and third years of the program. These projects are designed to be manageable yet challenging, allowing students to apply their knowledge in a practical setting. Students work in teams to solve specific problems related to biotechnology, such as designing a bioreactor for a particular application or developing a novel bioproduct. Each mini-project is supervised by a faculty member who provides guidance and feedback throughout the process. The projects are evaluated based on the quality of the solution, the clarity of the presentation, and the demonstration of technical skills.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that allows students to demonstrate their mastery of the subject. Students choose a research topic related to their area of specialization and conduct independent research under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The project involves designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings in a formal thesis or report. The thesis is evaluated based on originality, technical depth, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly. The capstone project is an opportunity for students to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their chosen area of specialization.
Project Selection and Mentorship
Students are encouraged to select projects that align with their interests and career goals. The department provides a list of potential research topics and projects, and students can also propose their own ideas. Faculty mentors are assigned based on the project topic and the expertise of the faculty members. The mentorship process includes regular meetings, progress updates, and feedback on the research. Students are also encouraged to present their projects at departmental symposiums and conferences, providing them with exposure to the broader scientific community.