FAQs for Biotechnology and Microbiology Programme
Biotechnology, in true sense, means the controlled and deliberate manipulation of biological systems, whether living cells or cell components, for the efficient manufacture or processing of useful products for the wellbeing of man in particular and other living organism at large. Over the past few decades, biologists have utilized the methods of physics, chemistry and mathematics to acquire precise knowledge, at the molecular level, of how the living cells are able to produce such wide variety of substances. This newly gained knowledge through multidisciplinary approach has given birth to the new discipline of applied science called Biotechnology.
Biotechnology is contributing significantly to modern global society. By studying the components of living cells, we can learn how to control, fix and modify them to our benefit. This knowledge has already lead to the creation and manufacture of products that help in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases (e.g. the production of antibiotics, insulin, and other genetically engineered medicines such as safer recombinant vaccines). Biotechnology is also playing a role in providing services in the areas like healthcare, food, agriculture, energy and the environment.
Biotechnology assimilates in itself a number of disciplines. There is a great demand for biotechnologists in countless diversified industries and sectors such as,
- Agriculture
- Animal Husbandry
- Environment Conservation
- Genetic Engineering
- Health Care
- Medicine
- Industrial Research and Development
Career opportunities for students in biotechnology are plentiful. Those specializing in different sub-disciplines of this field can easily find jobs in both private and government sector undertakings. If you have acquired a post-graduate degree in biotechnology you can easily find a suitable position in a number of industries.
Major employers include industries engaged in processing and developing agricultural and biological products, bio-processing industries, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. There are ample opportunities in industries producing healthcare products, textile industry, cosmetics and organizations engaged in different types of industrial research and development.
Nowadays, a large number of biotechnology students are employed by different industries for environment protection activities and for the safe disposal of hazardous materials.
Microbiology is a specialized branch of Biology that deals with microorganisms and their effect on other living organisms. The health of humans and existence of life on Earth depend on microorganisms, making microbiology a relevant and pragmatic science.
Microbiology offers challenges to human intellect to find out the cause of deadly diseases in plants and animals at large and in humans in particular. At the same time, it also provides clues for finding out the remedy for diseases in the form of medicines. Microbiology plays an important role in developing many useful products for man and cleaning the environment.
The career opportunities to choose from as a microbiologist are manifold. A post graduate degree in microbiology will help you qualify for many technical, research, and clinical positions.
Research assistant
These people provide technical support to conduct research working in a team with other scientists. They may work in an industrial, government, university, or medical school lab.
Food, industrial or environmental microbiologists, quality assurance technologists
Working in industry, hospitals, or the government, these individuals check for the quality and safety of vitamins, vaccines, antibiotics, and antiseptics. They also identify harmful microorganisms in water, food, dairy, pharmaceutical and environmental products.
Sales or technical representative
These people provide information about pharmaceuticals and other medical or scientific products to prospective customers.
Clinical and veterinary microbiologists, medical technologists
These individuals generally work in veterinary clinics or hospitals to identify disease causing microorganisms in humans and animals.
In addition to these laboratory and technical jobs, there are several other career paths one can take with Bachelors degree in microbiology. Combining microbiology with another discipline, such as education, business, or journalism, provides an even wider range of career options. Such career options would include teaching in high school, scientific sales, science writing for the general public, public relations, or regulatory affairs. Completing a Bachelors degree in microbiology also provides the necessary foundation to continue an education in the medical, veterinary, dental or legal fields.
An advanced degree in microbiology will broaden your career choices even further. A doctoral degree (or its equivalent) is almost always required for higher level positions in microbiology and other sciences. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology, you could be qualified to perform independent research, teach undergraduate and graduate students, or assume executive level responsibilities in government and industry.
- The central library houses sufficient number of relevant text books for the students to borrow for a limited period of time. Inquisitive students can go through reference books of national and international publishers during their free time. A good number of scientific journals and periodicals are available for the students to keep them informed about the recent developments taking place in the field of Biotechnology and Microbiology.
- Well equipped laboratories are available for the students to gain practical knowledge through demonstrations and also for conducting experiments on individual basis.
- The classrooms are well equipped with modern teaching aids to make the lectures comprehensible and interesting.
- Round the clock Wi-Fi facility is provided to the students.
- Educational and industrial tours are conducted periodically to expose the students to future career prospects.
- Maliba Research Centre for excellence in Tissue Culture was established in 2012 to carry out research in plant and animal tissue culture. Important plants from horticultural point of view are produced on a commercial scale and provided to the farmers at subsidized rate. The students are taught how a commercial plant and animal tissue culture industry is managed so that desiring students can take it up as a business enterprise.
- In addition to academic study, the interested students are given opportunities to exhibit their talents in extracurricular activities in departmental competitions. The excelling students are further encouraged to participate at higher levels.
- The curriculum is designed in such a way that VII Semester students of Integrated M.Sc. program and I Semester students of M,Sc, program have to select a research topic to carry out research work under the supervision of a Guiding Teacher during three semesters and submit their findings in the form of dissertation at the end of last semester. They are also taught to write a research paper based on their dissertation work and a review article of their choice which can be sent for publication subsequently. This is an added advantage for the students while taking up higher studies and joining research oriented projects.
- CGBIBT has signed MoUs with several private industries which provide training and employment to the interested students after completing their course.
- Training and Placement Cell makes all out efforts to place the students according to their inclination and skill (Annexure I).
- CGBIBT is concentrating on bringing together alumni (Annexure II) who have spread all over the world.
- Personal attention is paid by the faculty members to individual students.
CGBIBT is prospering under the able guidance of Prof. Dr. R. Krishnamurthy since 2011. He has a rich experience of more than 30 years at industry as well as university level. He is a recipient of â€Technology transfer to industry award’ by DBT-DST, Government of India. His untiring efforts have culminated into many MoUs with industries and foreign Universities. He heads a team of well qualified and experienced faculty members under different age groups.