M.Sc. (Biotechnology)

M.Sc. (Biotechnology)

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi was one of the first six Universities in India to initiate a Postgraduate teaching and research programme in the field of Biotechnology in 1985. Since 1985, it was running as the Special Centre for Biotechnology (CBT) under the joint sponsorship of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India. To begin with, it was started to initiate Biotechnology education programme with an impetus to generate a workforce that could turn into a substantially trained pool to meet the country's demands. Considering the growth of Biotechnology at an international level, its applications in general spheres of life and the significant contributions made by the faculty of the Centre for Biotechnology, the Executive Council of JNU resolved to elevate the status of the Special Centre for Biotechnology to that of a School of Biotechnology (SBT) in 2006. Over the years, Biotechnology programme at JNU has established itself as a leading academic programme both from the teaching and research point of view. The faculty of the School is internationally recognized for their contribution to basic and applied aspects of Biotechnology research.

The students are admitted to the M.Sc. program on the basis of an All-India entrance examination conducted by JNU on behalf of 29 universities (where M.Sc. in Biotechnology program is supported by DBT) of the country. It has been hailed as one of the most promising Master's programme offered in the country. The programme is supported by DBT and the total current intake of students at the SBT is 27.
In addition to the theory courses, the programme places particular emphasis on practical training. The M.Sc. students undertake a 2-semester research project work to orient them towards research in diverse areas of Biotechnology. Students also participate in seminars to enhance their communication and comprehension skills.

1st Semester (Monsoon Semester)

BT 103

Microbiology

2

BT 105

Mathematics for Biologists

2

BT 106

Biophysical Chemistry

3

BT 108

Biomolecules

3

BT 109

Biochemistry

4

BT 112

Cell Biology

3

BT 113

Laboratory Techniques-I

4

Total No. of credits

21

2nd Semester (Winter Semester)

BT 151

Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics

4

BT 153

Bioprocess Technology

3

BT 154

Engineering Principles

2

BT 155

Laboratory Techniques-II

4

BT 156

Immunology

4

BT 157

Virology

3

Total No. of credits

20

3rd Semester (Monsoon Semester)

BT 202

Molecular Biology of Eukaryotic Systems

2

BT 214

Animal Cell Biotechnology

2

BT 208

Genetic Engineering & its Applications

3

BT 210

Downstream Processing

2

BT 211

Project - I

3

BT 212

Project Presentation

2

BT 213

Computational Biology & Bioinformatics

3

Total No. of credits

17

4th Semester (Winter Semester)

BT 251

Journal Club

1

BT 255

Project Dissertation

2

BT 257

Project - II

3

BT 258

Project Presentation - II