Course Structure Overview
The Biotechnology program at SHA SHIB COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY spans four years, comprising eight semesters with a carefully designed curriculum that integrates foundational sciences, core engineering principles, and specialized applications. Students begin their journey with fundamental subjects in the first year and progressively advance into more complex areas of study.
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIO-101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | CHEM-101 | Chemistry for Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | MATH-101 | Mathematics I | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | PHYS-101 | Physics for Life Sciences | 3-1-0-4 | - |
| 1 | BIO-LAB-101 | Basic Biology Laboratory | 0-0-2-2 | - |
| 1 | CHEM-LAB-101 | Chemistry Laboratory | 0-0-2-2 | - |
| 2 | BIO-201 | Cell Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-101 |
| 2 | BIO-202 | Molecular Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-101 |
| 2 | BIO-203 | Genetics | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-101 |
| 2 | BIO-LAB-201 | Cell and Molecular Biology Lab | 0-0-2-2 | BIO-101 |
| 3 | BIO-301 | Biochemistry | 3-1-0-4 | CHEM-101 |
| 3 | BIO-302 | Biophysics | 3-1-0-4 | MATH-101, PHYS-101 |
| 3 | BIO-303 | Microbiology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-201 |
| 3 | BIO-LAB-301 | Advanced Biochemistry Lab | 0-0-2-2 | BIO-301 |
| 4 | BIO-401 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-301, CHEM-101 |
| 4 | BIO-402 | Industrial Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-301 |
| 4 | BIO-LAB-401 | Bioprocess Engineering Lab | 0-0-2-2 | BIO-401 |
| 5 | BIO-501 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-301 |
| 5 | BIO-502 | Environmental Biotechnology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-301 |
| 5 | BIO-LAB-501 | Specialized Biotechnology Lab | 0-0-2-2 | BIO-401 |
| 6 | BIO-601 | Bioinformatics | 3-1-0-4 | MATH-101, BIO-202 |
| 6 | BIO-602 | Computational Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-202, BIO-501 |
| 6 | BIO-LAB-601 | Computational Biology Lab | 0-0-2-2 | BIO-601 |
| 7 | BIO-701 | Stem Cell Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-202, BIO-301 |
| 7 | BIO-702 | Synthetic Biology | 3-1-0-4 | BIO-202 |
| 7 | BIO-LAB-701 | Stem Cell and Synthetic Biology Lab | 0-0-2-2 | BIO-701 |
| 8 | BIO-801 | Capstone Project | 3-1-0-4 | All previous semesters |
| 8 | BIO-802 | Research Thesis | 3-1-0-4 | All previous semesters |
| 8 | BIO-LAB-801 | Final Year Project Lab | 0-0-2-2 | All previous semesters |
Detailed Course Descriptions
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is centered around fostering innovation, critical thinking, and practical application of theoretical concepts. Students are encouraged to engage in hands-on research from their early semesters, culminating in a capstone project in the final year.
Mini-projects are assigned at the end of each semester, focusing on specific biotechnology challenges or emerging trends. These projects allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios and collaborate with peers and faculty members. The evaluation criteria include innovation, technical execution, teamwork, and presentation quality.
The final-year thesis/capstone project is a comprehensive endeavor that spans two semesters. Students select topics based on their interests and career goals, often aligning with ongoing research initiatives led by faculty mentors. The selection process involves an application form, proposal defense, and mentor assignment.
Advanced Departmental Electives
Departmental electives offer students the opportunity to explore niche areas within biotechnology. Here are detailed descriptions of several advanced courses:
- Bioinformatics and Computational Biology: This course introduces students to algorithms, databases, and software used in biological research. Topics include sequence alignment, genome assembly, protein structure prediction, and pathway analysis.
- Regenerative Medicine: Students learn about stem cell biology, tissue engineering, and therapeutic applications. The course covers ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks governing regenerative medicine.
- Synthetic Biology: This course explores the design and construction of biological systems using synthetic components. It includes modules on genetic circuits, metabolic pathway design, and bioengineering principles.
- Bioprocess Engineering: The focus is on industrial-scale production of biotechnology products. Students study fermentation processes, bioreactor design, downstream processing, and quality control methods.
- Pharmaceutical Development: This course covers drug discovery, formulation development, clinical trials, and regulatory affairs. It includes case studies from leading pharmaceutical companies.
- Environmental Biotechnology: Students explore bioremediation techniques, waste management strategies, and sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. The course emphasizes practical applications in industry.
- Biomedical Diagnostics: This elective focuses on diagnostic tools and techniques used in clinical settings. Topics include molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, point-of-care testing, and diagnostic instrument design.
- Plant Biotechnology: The course addresses genetic modification, plant breeding, and sustainable agriculture practices. Students study transgenic plants, marker-assisted selection, and crop improvement strategies.
- Stem Cell Biology: This course delves into stem cell physiology, differentiation mechanisms, and therapeutic applications. It includes discussions on ethical issues and regulatory frameworks.
- Microbial Biotechnology: Students learn about microbial diversity, fermentation technology, and industrial applications. The course covers biofilm formation, metabolic engineering, and bioreactor optimization.