Department Profile

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT Biotechnology is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field that has the potential to make significant contributions to various aspects of society, from healthcare to agriculture, environmental conservation, and more. The Department of Biotechnology at Sree Sankara College was established in 2005, initially offering self-financing courses. The field of biotechnology focuses on using technology in living systems to improve the well-being of all living organisms. This is achieved through research and a strong theoretical foundation. The Biotechnology department at Sree Sankara College presently offers an undergraduate programme. However, there are plans to introduce a postgraduate programme in the future. This expansion to a postgraduate programme would likely provide students with the opportunity to further specialize in biotechnology and contribute to the field through advanced research and studies. The establishment of both undergraduate and postgraduate programs in biotechnology would likely contribute to the growth and development of this field and provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this exciting and evolving sector. QUALIFICATIONS Eligibility: Candidates who wish to seek admission to the undergraduate programme should have obtained their qualifications from a recognized board or university. Stream Requirement: The candidates should have completed their qualifications in the science stream. This means that their previous education should be related to science subjects. Admission Process: The admission and allotment of seats under the merit quota will be governed by Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam. Centralized Allotment Process (CAP): The university will conduct the admission process through the Centralized Allotment Process (CAP). CAP is a system used by universities in India to streamline the admission process for various courses. It involves a centralized system for the allocation of seats based on merit. PROGRAMME DESCRIPTION A Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biotechnology (Honours) is important for several reasons, as it serves as the foundation for a career in this field and offers numerous benefits. The importance of biotechnology is multifaceted and impacts various aspects of our lives. It offers the potential for addressing critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, the environment, and industry, while also posing ethical and regulatory challenges that must be carefully navigated. As technology continues to advance, biotechnology will likely play an even more significant role in shaping our future.  Foundation of Knowledge: A BSc in Biotechnology provides students with a solid foundation in the core principles and concepts of biotechnology. It covers various aspects of biology, biochemistry, genetics, and bioengineering, which are essential for understanding and working in the biotech industry.  Interdisciplinary Skills: Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, biochemistry, genetics, and bioengineering. A BSc in Biotechnology equips students with a diverse skill set, allowing them to work at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines.  Practical Laboratory Skills: Biotechnology is a highly practical field, and a BSc program typically includes hands-on laboratory work. These practical experiences help students develop essential laboratory skills, including techniques for molecular biology, genetic engineering, and bioprocessing.  Understanding Cutting-Edge Technologies: Biotechnology is a rapidly evolving field, with constant advancements in techniques and technologies. A BSc program exposes students to the latest developments, enabling them to stay current with the industry's trends and innovations.  Career Opportunities: Biotechnology is a growing industry with diverse career opportunities. A BSc in Biotechnology opens doors to positions in research and development, quality control, product development, and manufacturing within biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, academic institutions, and government agencies.  Contribution to Healthcare and Medicine: Biotechnology plays a crucial role in the development of new medical treatments, vaccines, and therapies. Graduates with a BSc in Biotechnology can contribute to the betterment of healthcare by working on innovative solutions to medical problems.  Environmental Impact: Biotechnology is also essential for addressing environmental challenges, such as biofuel production, waste management, and bioremediation. Graduates can work on sustainable solutions to environmental issues.  Biopharmaceuticals and Therapeutics: The production of biopharmaceuticals, including monoclonal antibodies and biologics, is a significant component of the biotech industry. A BSc in Biotechnology provides the foundational knowledge needed for work in this sector.  Research and Development: Biotechnology research is critical for advancing our understanding of genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology. A BSc degree is a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing advanced degrees (MSc or PhD) and a research career in biotechnology. FOCUS The comprehensive biotechnology programme includes lectures, hands-on training, and research projects covering various areas of biotechnology. A well-rounded biotechnology programme provides students with a solid foundation in the fields of Basic Life Sciences, Animal Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Immunology, Bioinformatics, and Biophysics. The Department of Biotechnology provides a comprehensive biotechnology programme with a combination of theoretical lectures and practical hands-on training. Lab work is often a significant component, where students gain experience in techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, cell culture, and bioinformatics analysis. The programme typically culminates in a research project or thesis. This project allows the students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired to address a specific research question in biotechnology. It might involve designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results. Furthermore, students may also learn about ethical considerations, regulatory aspects, and the commercialization of biotechnological products and processes. CAREER PROSPECTS Meritorious graduates gain post-graduate admissions in various fields in life sciences, health sciences, business administration, bioinformatics, systems biology, and such, in India and abroad. A postgraduate degree and a PhD help in better career prospects. A BSc in Biotechnology opens up several career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Biotechnology is a rapidly growing field, and as a graduate, you can find employment in various areas including research, healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and more. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AFTER B.Sc. BIOTECHNOLOGY  Research Scientist: You can work as a research scientist in a laboratory or research institution, conducting experiments, developing new products, and contributing to advancements in the field of biotechnology.  Biotechnologist: Biotechnologists work in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and agriculture, to develop and improve products and processes.  Quality Control Analyst: Quality control analysts are responsible for ensuring that products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements. This role is common in pharmaceutical and food manufacturing companies.  Clinical Research Associate (CRA): CRAs work on clinical trials, ensuring that the research is conducted according to regulatory guidelines and that the data is accurate. This role is particularly prevalent in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.  Biomedical Scientist: Biomedical scientists work in hospital laboratories, diagnosing diseases and conducting tests on patient samples. This role plays a crucial part in patient care.  Bioinformatics Specialist: If you have a strong background in computational biology and data analysis, you can work as a bioinformatics specialist, analyzing biological data and conducting research in genomics and proteomics.  Sales and Marketing: You can work in sales or marketing for biotechnology companies, promoting and selling products and services to other businesses, research institutions, or healthcare providers.  Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Regulatory affairs specialists ensure that biotech products and processes comply with government regulations and industry standards. They help companies navigate the regulatory landscape.  Entrepreneur: You can start your biotechnology-related business, such as a biotech startup. This may involve developing new products, services, or technologies in the biotech sector.  Teaching and Education: If you enjoy teaching, you can pursue a career in education by becoming a lecturer or teacher, and eventually, you can progress to higher education institutions and research organizations.  Scientific Writer or Communicator: Work as a science writer, journalist, or communicator, translating complex scientific concepts into understandable content for the general public, or within the industry.  Environmental Biotechnologist: Focus on environmental issues, such as waste management, pollution control, and sustainable agriculture, by using biotechnology to address these challenges.  Biotechnology Consultant: Offer your expertise as a consultant to businesses and organizations looking for guidance on biotech-related projects, strategies, and problem-solving.