M. Sc Biotechnology

M. Sc Biotechnology

Biotechnology, a science exploiting the potential of living organisms, has been in practice since time immemorial. However, during the last two decades, the discipline has assumed new dimensions in the light of latest developments in the field of Molecular Biology and therefore, number of biotechnology based industries have come up in recent years. The new developments have necessitated the training of man power for Research & developments and production sectors. In view of this realization, Saurashtra University initiated M.Sc Biotechnology Programme in 2004-05 at the Department of Biosciences. The main objective of the programme was to generate awareness and educate the young talented minds, about the promise and achievements of biotechnology and to train them in the frontier areas of the field.

The curriculum
The curriculum designed provides knowledge to students about various promising areas of Modern Biotechnology; such as Bioprocess Technology, Molecular Biotechnology, Food and Industrial Microbiology and Plant and Animal Biotechnology. In addition, the students are thoroughly trained in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Bioinformaatics. The faculty included experts from the department of Biosciences and those from other institutions in Gujarat and India. Some of the key institutions from where we invite faculty, are Indian Institute of Technology (IIT, Delhi), Delhi University South Campus (Delhi), BARC (Mumbai), National Research Centre for Groundnut (Junagadh), Gujarat University (Ahmedabad), Institute of Science (Mumbai), M. S. University (Baroda).
At present, the course enrolls 15 students on the basis of B.Sc. merit and entrance examination conducted. As the field of Biotechnology offers wide variety of career opportunities, we are proud that our students are well placed through campus interviews conducted by various Biotech based industries such as: Nicholas Piramal Research Center-Mumbai, Reliance Life Science-Mumbai, Zydus Research Center-Ahmedabad, Intas Industries-Ahmedabad. Some of the students are also pursuing their higher studies at various National and International Institutions.

The course assumes significance in the light of the fact that vast Saurashtra region of Gujarat, had no such program at master's level to train and develop manpower in the ever-expanding demand of biotechnologists.