Overview

Changes in the economy towards science and technology require a new profile of knowledge and skills to be incorporated into academic criteria. Globally, biotechnology represents a major driver for a high technology professional career. The demands from the biotechnology workforce sector for development of knowledge and competencies were a major driving force for starting the B.E. Biotechnology program at BITS in the Middle East.

The Department of Biotechnology established in the year 2007, offers Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Biotechnology. Our department is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of biotechnologists, fostering cutting-edge research, and addressing the global challenges of health, agriculture, and the environment.

B.E. in Biotechnology

Our B.E. in Biotechnology program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of biotechnology. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover a broad spectrum of topics including molecular biology, genetic engineering, microbiology, bioinformatics, industrial and bioprocess engineering, and environmental biotechnology. Students gain hands-on experience through state-of-the-art laboratories, industry internships, and research projects, ensuring they are well-prepared for both advanced studies and professional careers.

Key Features of the B.E. Program:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our program offers a balanced mix of core biotechnology subjects, electives, and interdisciplinary courses to provide a well-rounded education.
• Hands-On Learning: Students benefit from extensive laboratory exposure in the areas of microbiology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, industrial and bioprocess engineering. To further improve their laboratory skills, students can also opt for multiple lab-based projects supervised by our expert faculties
• Software skills: Several courses on bioinformatics and computational biology help the students to gain expertise in cutting-edge bioinformatics tools
• Expert Faculty: Learn from distinguished professors and researchers with expertise in the fields of microbiology, genetic engineering and recombinant DNA technology, nanobiotechnology, plant biotechnology, human disease biology and metabolism, drug discovery, systems biology, bioinformatics and computational biology
• Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access to advanced laboratories and equipment that support innovative research and practical training.
• Industry Connections: Strong partnerships with industries offer students networking opportunities, internships, and career placement support.
• Research Opportunities: Engage in ground breaking research projects that contribute to significant scientific advancements and provide a pathway to further academic pursuits.

Ph.D. in Biotechnology

Our Ph.D. program is aimed at producing highly skilled researchers capable of contributing to the advancement of biotechnology. Doctoral candidates work on innovative research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members, contributing to scientific knowledge and solving real-world problems. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary research, critical thinking, and the development of novel technologies that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives.

State-of-the-Art Laboratory Facilities

The department currently houses a total of six state of the art laboratories which are actively used for teaching and a dedicated research laboratory for PhD scholars and undergraduate thesis and projects. The department houses several advanced equipments such as HPLC, GC-FID/TCD, GC-MS, ICP-OES, fluorescence microscope, real time PCR, chemidoc, lyophilizer, zetasizer etc. and microbial, algal and mammalian tissue culture facilities.

Collaboration and MoU

The Department of Biotechnology collaborates with the International Centre for Bio saline Agriculture (ICBA) for engaging in R&D activities such as bio saline agriculture and biofertilizer development. As a part of MoU, there is a provision of Internship (PS) for students through short term and long-term projects at both the Institutes. In addition, the department has MoU with the Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, UAE for collaborative research in the field of clinical microbiology and pharmacology. More recently, in the year 2021, the department has initiated a collaboration with the Human Biosciences, Inc, USA, a global biotechnology company, to redefine wound care that is expected to produce ground breaking advancements in wound care products.