Biotech

Introduction

Genetic engineering has revolutionized biotechnology in the past three decades. India has witnessed a rapid growth in the biotechnology sector with a prominent presence in Recombinant Vaccines, Biosimilars and Transgenic Cotton. With numerous comparative advantages in terms of research development (R & D) facilities, knowledge, skills and cost effectiveness, the biotechnology industry in India has immense potential to emerge as a global key player. To cater to this increasing need for trained professionals, The College began the MSc - Biotechnology programme affiliated to the University of Mumbai from the academic year 2007-08.

Number of Seats: 30 students per year.

Reservation of Seats: (Refer: PG Admission overview)

Selection Process: Admission to the course will be purely merit based in accordance with the marks obtained in Biotechnology at the T.Y.B.Sc. examination. Applications for the course will be available Online.

Eligibility Criteria

B.Sc. Biotechnology (3 - year integrated course) degree examination of University of Mumbai or any other University recognized as equivalent thereto. A student with at least three units in Biotechnology at the T.Y.B.Sc (i.e. minimum required for majoring in the subject) in combination with three units of any other major subject at the T.Y.B.Sc. OR 6 units in Biotechnology would be considered eligible.

For Eligibility / Transfer / Migration Certificates: : (Refer: PG Admission overview)

Fees: The total fees, including deposit and laboratory fees, as sanctioned the Board of Management, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous):

M.Sc. Part I : Rs.69,330 (approx.)

M.Sc. Part II : Rs.66,773 (approx.)

Syllabi per Semester

Semester I to III comprises of 4 theory courses (100 marks each) and practical courses (50 marks each). Semester III also includes an internal project. Semester IV comprises of 2 theory papers (100 marks each), 2 practical courses (50 marks) and research project (300 marks)

Note: In Semester IV, the students have to do a research project for a period of 5 months at various research centers / National Institutes like BARC, NIRRH, TIFR, NCL Pune, ACTREC, NIO Goa and others.

Scheme of Evaluation

Theory Courses: 2 CIAs and 1 ESE per course per semester.

Practical Courses: 1 CIA and 1 ESE per course per semester.

Evaluation of the semester IV project is based on the dissertation submitted, a presentation and viva-voce.

Facilities of the Department

The department is well equipped for teaching Modern Biology with facilities for animal cell culture, molecular biology and proteomic studies. It has an independent Bioinformatics Lab for the students and access to the Common Instrumentation Facility with sophisticated instruments to carry out teaching, as well as research, in the biological sciences. Department has a library facility.

Extracurricular Activities

Palindrome: Students organize an intercollegiate fest, ‘Palindrome’ to explore the various facets of Biotechnology through workshops and events. They also publish the Department Magazine, ‘Palindrome’, which is a theme-based collation of articles, reviews and research abstracts.

An Industrial Visit is organized to various Biotechnology related industries locally or Interstate for Semester I students.