Comprehensive Course Structure
The Biotechnology program at Shri Venkateshwara University Amroha is structured over eight semesters, providing a comprehensive and progressive educational experience that builds upon foundational knowledge to develop advanced expertise in biotechnology.
First Year Courses
The first year of the program establishes a strong foundation in fundamental sciences, preparing students for advanced study in biotechnology. The curriculum includes core courses that introduce students to the essential principles of biology, chemistry, and physics.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| CHE101 | Chemistry for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| MAT101 | Mathematics for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| PHY101 | Physics for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | None |
| BIO102 | Basic Biology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO101 |
| CHE102 | Chemistry Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | CHE101 |
| MAT102 | Statistics for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 |
| PHY102 | Physics Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | PHY101 |
Second Year Courses
The second year builds upon foundational knowledge by introducing core biotechnology disciplines and developing practical laboratory skills.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO201 | Molecular Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| GEN201 | Genetics and Genomics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| BIO202 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| BIO203 | Cell Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| BIO204 | Biological Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE101 |
| BIO205 | Molecular Biology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO201 |
| BIO206 | Microbiology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO202 |
| BIO207 | Cell Biology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO203 |
| BIO208 | Chemistry Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | CHE102 |
Third Year Courses
The third year focuses on specialized areas of biotechnology, providing students with advanced knowledge and skills in specific application areas.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO301 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO302 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO303 | Environmental Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO304 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, MAT102 |
| BIO305 | Biotechnology Research Methods | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO306 | Bioprocess Engineering Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO301 |
| BIO307 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO302 |
| BIO308 | Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO303 |
| BIO309 | Bioinformatics Laboratory | 0-0-3-1 | BIO304 |
Fourth Year Courses
The fourth year provides advanced specialization and prepares students for research and industry roles through capstone projects and elective courses.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIO401 | Synthetic Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO402 | Biotechnology Entrepreneurship | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO403 | Advanced Bioprocessing Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| BIO404 | Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO302 |
| BIO405 | Biotechnology Project Management | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201, BIO202, BIO203 |
| BIO406 | Capstone Project | 0-0-6-3 | Completion of all core courses |
| BIO407 | Mini Project | 0-0-3-1 | Completion of core courses |
| BIO408 | Biotechnology Internship | 0-0-0-3 | Completion of core courses |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Advanced departmental electives provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of biotechnology, allowing them to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
Advanced Molecular Biology
This course delves into the complex mechanisms of gene regulation, DNA repair, and chromatin structure. Students explore advanced topics such as epigenetic modifications, RNA processing, and the role of non-coding RNAs in gene regulation. The course emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical applications in modern biotechnology research.
Gene Therapy and Gene Editing
This course provides in-depth knowledge of gene therapy techniques, including viral and non-viral delivery systems, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, and gene editing applications. Students learn about clinical applications, ethical considerations, and the latest developments in gene therapy research and development.
Protein Engineering and Design
This course focuses on the principles and techniques of protein engineering, including directed evolution, rational design, and computational protein design. Students explore applications in drug development, biocatalysis, and synthetic biology, gaining hands-on experience with protein structure prediction and design tools.
Biotechnology in Agriculture
This course examines the application of biotechnology in crop improvement, pest management, and sustainable agriculture. Students explore topics such as genetically modified crops, plant biotechnology, and the role of biotechnology in addressing global food security challenges.
Biomedical Diagnostics
This course covers the principles and applications of modern diagnostic techniques in biotechnology. Students learn about molecular diagnostics, immunoassays, genetic testing, and point-of-care diagnostics, with emphasis on clinical applications and regulatory aspects.
Bioprocessing and Fermentation Technology
This course provides comprehensive knowledge of bioprocessing techniques, including fermentation design, downstream processing, and scale-up considerations. Students explore industrial applications in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and environmental biotechnology.
Computational Biology and Systems Biology
This course introduces students to computational methods for analyzing biological systems, including network analysis, pathway modeling, and systems biology approaches. Students gain experience with bioinformatics tools and databases, and learn to apply computational methods to solve biological problems.
Drug Discovery and Development
This course covers the entire drug discovery and development process, from target identification to clinical trials. Students explore topics such as lead optimization, pharmacokinetics, and regulatory affairs, with emphasis on modern approaches in drug development.
Environmental Biotechnology and Bioremediation
This course focuses on the application of biotechnology for environmental remediation and sustainable development. Students explore topics such as bioremediation of contaminated sites, waste management, and development of sustainable biotechnology processes.
Bioinformatics and Genomics
This course provides advanced training in bioinformatics tools and genomic analysis techniques. Students learn to analyze large-scale genomic data, perform sequence alignment, and use computational methods for gene prediction and functional annotation.
Project-Based Learning Approach
The department's philosophy on project-based learning emphasizes hands-on experience, research methodology, and real-world problem-solving. Students engage in both mini-projects and a final-year capstone project that integrates knowledge from multiple disciplines.
Mini-Projects
Mini-projects are conducted during the third and fourth years, allowing students to explore specific areas of interest and develop research skills. Projects are typically completed in groups of 3-5 students and involve literature review, experimental design, data analysis, and presentation.
Final-Year Thesis/Capstone Project
The final-year capstone project is a comprehensive research endeavor that allows students to demonstrate their mastery of biotechnology principles and their ability to conduct independent research. Students work under the guidance of faculty mentors to design and execute original research or develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Evaluation Criteria
Projects are evaluated based on research methodology, technical execution, presentation quality, and contribution to the field. Students are required to submit detailed project reports and present their findings to faculty and peers.
Project Selection and Mentorship
Students select projects based on their interests and career goals, with guidance from faculty mentors. The department facilitates mentorship through faculty research groups and industry collaborations, ensuring that students receive expert guidance throughout their project work.