Curriculum
The Biotechnology program at Shridhar University Pilani is designed to provide students with a comprehensive and progressive education in the field. The curriculum is structured over eight semesters, with each semester building upon the previous one to ensure a strong foundation and advanced specialization. The program includes core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory courses designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Course Structure
The curriculum is divided into core courses, departmental electives, science electives, and laboratory courses. Core courses provide foundational knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Departmental electives allow students to specialize in specific areas of biotechnology, while science electives offer exposure to related fields. Laboratory courses provide hands-on experience with advanced instruments and techniques.
Core Courses
| Semester | Course Code | Course Title | Credit Structure (L-T-P-C) | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIO101 | Introduction to Biology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | CHE101 | Chemistry for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | MAT101 | Mathematics I | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | PHY101 | Physics for Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | - |
| 1 | BIO102 | Cell Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO101 |
| 1 | CHE102 | Organic Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE101 |
| 2 | BIO201 | Genetics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO102 |
| 2 | CHE201 | Physical Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE102 |
| 2 | MAT201 | Mathematics II | 3-0-0-3 | MAT101 |
| 2 | BIO202 | Microbiology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO102 |
| 3 | BIO301 | Molecular Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO201 |
| 3 | BIO302 | Bioprocess Engineering | 3-0-0-3 | BIO202 |
| 3 | CHE301 | Instrumental Analysis | 3-0-0-3 | CHE201 |
| 3 | MAT301 | Statistics and Probability | 3-0-0-3 | MAT201 |
| 4 | BIO401 | Recombinant DNA Technology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| 4 | BIO402 | Immunology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| 4 | CHE401 | Biophysical Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE301 |
| 4 | BIO403 | Protein Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | BIO301 |
| 5 | BIO501 | Bioinformatics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO401 |
| 5 | BIO502 | Bioprocessing | 3-0-0-3 | BIO302 |
| 5 | CHE501 | Pharmaceutical Chemistry | 3-0-0-3 | CHE401 |
| 5 | BIO503 | Genomics and Proteomics | 3-0-0-3 | BIO401 |
| 6 | BIO601 | Synthetic Biology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO501 |
| 6 | BIO602 | Biotechnology in Agriculture | 3-0-0-3 | BIO502 |
| 6 | BIO603 | Environmental Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO502 |
| 6 | BIO604 | Biotechnology Entrepreneurship | 3-0-0-3 | BIO501 |
| 7 | BIO701 | Advanced Biotechnology Techniques | 3-0-0-3 | BIO601 |
| 7 | BIO702 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology | 3-0-0-3 | BIO602 |
| 7 | BIO703 | Personalized Medicine | 3-0-0-3 | BIO603 |
| 7 | BIO704 | Biotechnology in Marine Environment | 3-0-0-3 | BIO603 |
| 8 | BIO801 | Capstone Project | 0-0-6-6 | BIO701 |
| 8 | BIO802 | Internship | 0-0-0-6 | BIO701 |
Advanced Departmental Electives
Advanced departmental electives are designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and skills in specific areas of biotechnology. These courses are offered in the later semesters and are typically taught by faculty members with expertise in their respective fields.
The course 'Synthetic Biology and Bioengineering' is a core elective that introduces students to the principles of synthetic biology, including genetic circuit design, metabolic engineering, and biofabrication. Students learn to design and construct biological systems using engineering principles and techniques. The course is taught by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, a leading expert in synthetic biology and bioinformatics.
'Bioprocessing and Scale-up' is another advanced elective that focuses on the design and optimization of bioprocesses for industrial applications. Students learn about fermentation technology, bioreactor design, and process control. The course is taught by Dr. Anjali Mehta, who brings extensive experience in bioprocess engineering and fermentation technology.
The 'Bioinformatics and Genomics' course provides students with an in-depth understanding of genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. Students learn to analyze large-scale biological data using computational tools and techniques. The course is taught by Dr. Priya Sharma, who specializes in bioinformatics and computational biology.
'Pharmaceutical Biotechnology' explores the development of therapeutic drugs and biologics. Students learn about drug discovery, development, and manufacturing processes, including the use of recombinant DNA technology, monoclonal antibodies, and gene therapy. The course is taught by Dr. Priya Sharma and Dr. Anjali Mehta, who bring extensive experience in pharmaceutical research and development.
'Environmental Biotechnology' focuses on the application of biotechnology in environmental remediation and waste management. Students learn about bioremediation, biodegradable materials, and eco-friendly bioproducts. The course is taught by Dr. Meera Joshi, who specializes in environmental microbiology and biotechnology.
'Plant Biotechnology' explores the application of biotechnology in agriculture and food production. Students learn about genetically modified crops, biofertilizers, and pest control through biotechnology. The course is taught by Dr. Suresh Reddy, who brings his expertise in plant genetics and sustainable agriculture to the curriculum.
'Molecular Diagnostics and Personalized Medicine' focuses on the development of diagnostic tools and personalized treatment strategies. Students learn about molecular diagnostics, genomics, and precision medicine. The course is taught by Dr. Meera Joshi, who specializes in molecular diagnostics and personalized medicine.
'Biotechnology Entrepreneurship' prepares students for careers in biotech startups and innovation. Students learn about business development, intellectual property, and venture capital. The course is taught by a team of industry experts and successful biotech entrepreneurs.
'Marine Biotechnology' explores the application of biotechnology in marine environments. Students learn about marine biodiversity, bioprospecting, and marine bioprocessing. The course is taught by Dr. Suresh Reddy, who brings his expertise in marine biology and biotechnology to the program.
'Biotechnology in Food Industry' focuses on the application of biotechnology in food production and safety. Students learn about food biotechnology, food processing, and food safety regulations. The course is taught by a team of faculty members with expertise in food biotechnology.
'Advanced Cell Culture Techniques' provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in cell culture and tissue engineering. Students learn about advanced cell culture techniques, stem cell biology, and tissue engineering. The course is taught by Dr. Anjali Mehta, who brings her expertise in cell culture and bioprocessing to the program.
'Biotechnology in Drug Discovery' explores the principles and practices of drug discovery and development. Students learn about target identification, lead optimization, and drug development processes. The course is taught by Dr. Priya Sharma, who brings her expertise in drug discovery and development to the curriculum.
'Biotechnology in Cancer Research' focuses on the application of biotechnology in cancer research and treatment. Students learn about cancer biology, cancer therapeutics, and cancer diagnostics. The course is taught by Dr. Meera Joshi, who specializes in cancer research and therapeutics.
'Biotechnology in Renewable Energy' explores the application of biotechnology in renewable energy and biofuel production. Students learn about bioenergy, biofuels, and sustainable energy technologies. The course is taught by Dr. Suresh Reddy, who brings his expertise in sustainable agriculture and energy to the program.
'Biotechnology in Nanotechnology' focuses on the intersection of biotechnology and nanotechnology. Students learn about nanobiotechnology, nanomaterials, and nanomedicine. The course is taught by Dr. Rajesh Kumar, who brings his expertise in nanotechnology and synthetic biology to the program.
Project-Based Learning
The department's philosophy on project-based learning is centered on the belief that students learn best when they are actively engaged in solving real-world problems. This approach fosters critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students for the challenges they will face in their professional careers.
Mini-projects are introduced in the second semester and are designed to give students hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and scientific methodologies. These projects are typically completed in groups and are supervised by faculty members. The projects are evaluated based on scientific rigor, innovation, and presentation skills.
The final-year thesis or capstone project is a comprehensive, individual project that allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a significant problem in biotechnology. Students are encouraged to choose projects that align with their interests and career goals, and they work closely with faculty mentors to develop and execute their projects.
The evaluation criteria for these projects include scientific merit, originality, feasibility, and presentation. Students are required to submit a detailed project report and present their findings to a panel of faculty members and industry experts. The capstone project is often the basis for publication or patent filing, providing students with valuable experience in scientific communication and intellectual property.