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Department of Biotechnology

About the Department

The Department of Biotechnology at URCW, established in 2009, aims for excellence in teaching, entrepreneurship, and advancing technologies for human health, agriculture, and the environment. With a full-time B.Sc Program admitting 50 students annually, it boasts highly qualified faculty in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and other disciplines. The Nature Club, involving both faculty and students, offers practical experiences through diverse activities. The department organizes international conferences, technical symposiums, and industrial visits yearly. Students benefit from skill training courses at CSIR-Central Electro-Chemical Research Institute and summer programs at renowned institutions. Graduates secure placements in core companies and pursue further studies. The department emphasizes teaching excellence, resulting in over 40 University Ranks, and fosters a conducive learning environment, promoting entrepreneurial ventures in Biotechnology for academic success.

Objective of the department

  • To sustain top standards of teaching through innovative pedagogy and upgrading students’ ability to be lifelong learners to meet the expectations of industry and the research community.
  • To provide an enriched curriculum that permits students to fulfill their professional goals.
  • To create a conducive environment for students and faculty to flourish in learning and teaching.
  • To contribute supporting infrastructure for students through lab courses, societal outreach, and create opportunities for entrepreneurial undertakings in Biotechnology.

Course outcome (2022-2023)

After completion of the course, a student will be able to achieve these outcomes.

Semester Course Title Course Code Course Outcome
I BIOCHEMISTRY 22BBT1C1 ·      Acquire knowledge on the building blocks of the macromolecules, their chemical properties and their modification and their importance in normal functioning of living organisms.

·         Knowledge on metabolism of biomolecules.

·         General Information about nucleic acids and enzymes.

 

I LAB IN BIOCHEMISTRY 22BBT1P1 ·      Acquire basic knowledge on practical techniques and approaches commonly used in analytical biochemistry in the aspects of biochemical enzyme assays and separation techniques.

·      Learn basic concepts and applications of the instruments used in biochemical analysis.

II MICROBIOLOGY 22BBT2C1 ·        Know Historical perspectives of microbiology.

·       Describe the use of Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology and its criteria for the taxonomy of prokaryotes.

·         Understand and list the structural differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Understand the role of beneficial microorganisms in the environment and the application to benefit mankind.

·      Describe the mechanisms of action of major chemotherapeutic agents that control microorganisms.

·      Explain about factors responsible for the virulence of different pathogenic microorganisms. Explain about molecular methods in assessing microbial diversity.

II LAB IN MICROBIOLOGY 22BBT2P1 ·         Familiarize with laboratory equipment’s used for working with microorganisms.

·         Develop expertise to use microscopes in the laboratory

·         Describe how microorganisms are collected, inoculated, cultured, incubated, and autoclaved

·         Understand the methods to characterize the unknown bacteria

·       Be proficient in writing scientific texts by accumulating information and results of each laboratory experiment in form of reports

III MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 22BBT3C1 ·      Students get knowledge on Nucleic acids and their characteristics, transcription, translation, protein sorting and regulation of gene expression.

·      Understand the occurrence of central dogma of life in the cell and the machineries involved to initiate and inhibit.

·         Fathom the genome organization and control of gene expressions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes.

III CELL BIOLOGY 22BBT3C2 ·         Equip themselves with a basic knowledge of the structural and functional properties of cells

·         Learn the basic concepts and theories of cell and become aware of the complexity (endomembrane system in eukaryotes) and harmony of the cell.

·         Describe important functions of the cell, its microscopic structure and the structure of the key cellular components including membranes, various membrane bound organelles, the cytoskeleton network, and the genetic material.

·         Get basic knowledge on practical techniques and approaches commonly used in molecular cell biology aspects such as protein sorting and aging studies

·         Understand cellular components and their functions at a particular stage of development and differentiation

·      Describe the mechanisms for cell growth, cell division, cell expansion and cell differentiation.

III LAB IN CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 22BBT3P1 ·     Familiar with the central dogma of molecular biology, and will learn about the techniques in extraction and separation of DNA and proteins.

·         Well-equipped in carrying out experiments in Cell division.

IV GENETICS 22BBT4C1 ·         Acquire knowledge on the fundamentals of Mendelian genetics that includes how the inherited characters are transferred from one generation to other generation.

·         Understand to analyze and locate the locus of the gene through gene mapping and recombination.

·         Comprehend the extrachromosomal inheritance and the importance of maternal inheritance and the microbial methods of gene transfer.

·     Fathom how the mutations take place, its causative agents, types &detection and the genetic implication due to mutation and chromosomal number alteration.

IV BIOINFORMA
TICS
22BBT4C2 ·         Understand biological databases and how to retrieve the information from the databases

·         Differentiate open and proprietary source software

·         Learn about algorithms and matrices in global and local alignment

·         Construct phylogentic tree using multiple sequence alignment

·         Analyze DNA sequencing data using electropherogram viewer, contig assembly software.

·         Find vector contamination in DNA sequences and how to annotate and submit DNA sequences in public domain

 

IV LAB IN GENETICS AND BIOINFORMA
TICS
22BBT4P1 ·         Comprehend role of hypothesis testing/ experimental design in genetics research

·         Analyzing monohybrid, dihybrid, and trihybrid crosses using Drosophila model systems

·         Evaluating human pedigrees to determine whether different human genetic disorders are dominant or recessive

V IMMUNOLOGY 22BBT5C1 ·         Obtain knowledge on the basic concepts of immune system, mechanisms of immunity and the development and maturation process of immune competent cells

·         Recognize the structures and functions of immunoglobulin molecules

·         Understand the mechanism of immunodeficiency diseases and autoimmunity against infection.

·         Realize the methods for the treatment of immune related diseases.

V ANIMAL BIO TECHNOLOGY 22BBT5C2 ·         Realize the basic concepts of animal cell culture.

·         Understand the basic properties of cancer cells.

·         Describe the principle and application of gene manipulation.

·         Illustrate how transgenic animals can be produced with a specific gene of interest and their clinical advantages.

V RECOMBINANT DNA TECHNOLOGY 22BBT5C3 ·         Understand the role, use and types of different DNA modifying enzymes viz.

Polymerases, Nucleases, restriction endonuclease, ligases etc.

·         Acquire basic knowledge of DNA sequencing methods from conventional (Sanger sequencing) to High throughput Next generation sequencing technology, their principle, chemistry, theory and types.

·         Understand the strategies and steps involved in construction of genomic and cDNA library, essential tools and role of each and every constituents.

V PLANT BIO TECHNOLOGY 22BBT5C4 ·         Narrate the gene function and regulation is used in modern plant biotechnology for plant improvement.

·         Gain knowledge to identify the basic methods and approaches used in molecular biology to utilize molecular markers.

·         Differentiate the pros and cons of transgenic plants

V LAB IN IMMUNO

TECHNOLOGY AND ANIMAL BIO

TECHNOLOGY

22BBT5P1 ·         Independently perform the experiments involved in human immunology research

·         Understand about the human immune system and infectious diseases.

V LAB IN GENETIC ENGINEERING AND PLANT BIO

TECHNOLOGY

22BBT5P2 ·         Get acquainted with the tools and techniques in molecular cloning and basics in plant tissue culture.
VI MICROBIAL BIO TECHNOLOGY 22BBT6E1 ·         Get knowledge on strain improvement

·         Can work in fermentation industry

·         Get idea on upstream and downstream fermentation process

VI ALGAL AND MARINE BIO

TECHNOLOGY

22BBT6E2 ·         Understand the role of seaweeds and their major applications

·         Acquire basic information on practical techniques and approaches commonly used in algal culture

·         Become aware of Algal diversity and bio-resources that enable them to prosper in their natural habitats.

VI ENVIRONMEN

TAL BIO

TECHNOLOGY

22BBT6E3 ·         Principles of bioremediation of environmental pollutants.

·         Role of microbes in degradation of environmental pollutants

·         Manipulating the microbes for biodegradation of pollutants

·         Processes for waste bioconversion to value-added products

·         Process for recovery of resources from different wastes.

VI MEDICAL BIO TECHNOLOGY 22BBT6E4 ·         Acquire skills in gene therapy, gene delivery methods, gene therapy models

·         Understand concepts of vaccines and Tissue engineering.

·         Understand the principles in tissue engineering and xenotransplantation.

VI BIODIVERSITY 22BBT6E5 ·         Understand the various in situ and ex situ conservation measures and make critical judgments on the conflict between conservation and development.

·           Outline the main reasons for decline and threats to biodiversity worldwide and understand the need for local action to address the global loss of biodiversity.

·         Understand the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functions

VI BIOSTATISTICS 22BBT6E6 ·         Know about central tendency, Measures of dispersion, variance, Correlation and Regression.
VI MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS 22BBT6E7 ·        Demonstrate competency in investigating, evaluating, and interpreting molecular diagnostics cases.

·         Recommending the appropriate molecular test for a specific indication

·      Demonstrate commitments to review and improve Molecular Diagnostics practice patterns and to life-long learning

Activities with table, photo & footnote

S.No Nature of Activity Name of the Activity Date
1. Cultivating Wellness

 

Revitalizing Health: Medicinal Plant Plantation June 28th 2023
2. Skill training programmes in collaboration with CECRI ·         Electro analytical technique for (Electro) catalytic and (BIO) sensing applications.

·         Basics of highresolution imaging techniques of their applications to science and technology

·         Operation and maintenance of analytical instruments.

·         Chromatography and spectroscopy.

·         Surface and structural analysis

·         26.6.23 to 30.6.23.

·         03.7.23 to 07.7.23

·         1.8.23 to 4.8.23.

·         11.9.23 to 15.9.23

·         16.10.23 to 20.10.23

3. Bridge Course ·         Orientation for freshers ·         18.7.23
4. 12th Graduation Day ·         Three academic year graduands (2019-20, 2020-21, 21-22) ·         7.7.23
5. Fresher’s day celebration ·         Welcoming freshers ·         19.7.23
6. Social Initiative program on Azolla cultivation ·         Popularization of Azolla cultivation for economic advantages in Mathur village ·         26.7.23
7. Intra-department competition ·         Meme-making : Gender Equity and Women in Politics

·         Technical Structured Abstract Writing Concert

·         Art from organic waste

·         Quiz competition on Save Earth-Save Life

·         Favourite Character from Their Favourite Book

 

·         28.7.23

 

·         18.8.23

·         13.8.23

·         14.8.23

·         21.8.23

8. Workshop ·         Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Technology

·         Workshop on “Women’s Fitness

·         2.8.23 to 3.8.23

·         22.8.23

9. Industrial Visit ·         CSIR-Central Salt and Marine Chemical Research Institute (CSMCRI), Rameshwaram 4.8.23
10. Inter-department competition ·         Idea Pitching Competition for Startups.

·         Doodle Art Competition on Women Achievers.

·         National Safety Day – Signs and Signboards

·         World Food Day – Traditional Food in Different States of India

·         World Health Day – Do’s and Don’ts Chart for Good Health, BMI Check (Body Mass Index)

·         National Cleanliness Day – Women’s Hygiene (Demonstration Video)

·         Youth Day empowerment concert – Slogans and Quotes of Swami Vivekananda

·         Women Empowerment Ideathon

·         International Day of Disabled

·         International day for elderly

 

·         31.7.23

·         22.8.23

·         4.8.23

·         30.8.23

 

·         14.8.23

 

·         31.7.23

 

·         16.8.23

 

·         29.8.23

 

·         5.9.23

·         8.9.23

11. Extension activity ·         Awareness on First Aid under MIME Program ·         21.8.23
12. Special Lecture ·         Project Proposal Writing ·         30.8.23
13. Awareness programme ·         Enhancing the Attitude and Safety of Women Students ·         8.8.23
14. Workshop ·         Preparation and Marketing (Expo) of Millet-based Value-Added Products ·         21.8.23
15. Mega Job Fair ·         18 students placement ·         14.10.23
16. Navarathri ·         Golu celebration by Biotech Department ·         18.10.23
17. Dengue Awareness Program

 

·         Nila Vembu kasayam ·         21.12.24
18. Pongal Celebration ·         Tamil traditions and culture, accompanied by captivating Kumi dance performances and a Pooja dedicated to the Sun God. ·         11.1.24
19. Veyil Odu Velayadu ·         Physical activity and encourage the appreciation of traditional Tamil Nadu village sports ·         12.1.24
20. Naan mudhalvan- faculty development program ·         Development Program on Bioinformatics for Employability, organized by TABS (Technology and Bioinformatics Solutions) ·         8.1.24 to 10.1.24
21. My name protein challenge competition

 

·         Bioinformatics tools and techniques for protein analysis ·         20.1.24
22. Webinar ·         Webinar on Traditional Medicines for Neuronal Diseases

 

·         3.2.24
23. Crime Resolver Contest

 

·         Showcase the innovative applications of biotechnology in solving criminal cases. ·         9.2.24
24. Greenovation Exhibit

 

·         Webinar titled “Greenovation Exhibit,” ·         30.1.24
25. Expert talk on Intellectual Property Rights ·         Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) ·         14.2.23
26. World Cancer Day

 

·         Awareness regarding global disparities in cancer care ·         5.2.24
27. Certificate Course

 

·         “Quality Control Analysis in Water and Food” for I Year Biotechnology Students:

·         “Proteomics” for II Year Biotechnology Students:

·         “Molecular Characterization and Antimicrobial Assay” for III Year Biotechnology Students:

·         5.2.24

·         10.2.24

28. Skill training programme in CSIR-CECRI ·         Photolithography Based Micro-fabrication of Sensors ·         19.9.22, to 23.9.22
29. Training programme on Organic farming ·         Training with Mahendra bride and associated with NAANDI Foundation ·         15.2.24 to 17.2.24
30. Carnival

 

·         Green Chemistry with Biotechnology, utilizing Potato and Neem leaves to extract Alpha–Amylase, as well as innovations like Biopesticides, construction material produced by bacteria and algae ·         21.2.24
31. Alagappa Sports Olympiad ·         March past during the Alagappa Sports Olympiad. ·         16.2.24
32. Placement ·         Three students from the III B.Sc Biotechnology class attended interviews ·         24.2.24
33. Institution Innovation council

 

·         Process of Innovation Development, Technology Readiness Levels, and Commercialization of Lab Technologies & Tech Transfer.” ·         13,.2.24
34. Rank holders academic year 2022 to 2023 ·         Ms. Manickavarshini has excelled and earned the prestigious University first rank.
35. Manidhi-2024 ·         Celebration of International Women’s Day ·         12.3.24
36. Science day Celebration

 

·         Science Day Celebration to commemorate National Science Day ·         28.2.24
37. Helmet Awareness

 

·         College hosted a Helmet Awareness Program ·         15.3.2024

M.Sc Environmental science

Learning Outcomes for Environmental Science

Students who successfully complete post-graduation in Environmental Science will be able:

  1. To recognize the physical, chemical, and biological components of the earth’s systems and their function.

  2. To do independent research on human interactions with the environment.
  3. To opt career pathway as
      1. Environmental Lawyer in Law and Public Service
      2. Conservationist in Science and Health Care
      3. Educator in Science and Health Care + Law and Public Service
      4. Nonprofit Manager/Director in Law and Public Service
      5. Energy Researcher in Science and Health Care
      6. Photographer in Creative Arts
      7. Environmental Policy Advocate in Law, Policy and Nonprofit

Students Achievements:

S.No Event Name College Name Prize Year
Volley Ball Sivangagai District

Volley ball association

FVC Puduvayal

III 19th October 2019

University Ranks:

S.No Name Rank Batch
G.Abinaya I 2016-2019
R.Susila II 2016-2019
M.Sabana Yasmine III 2016-2019
M.Mobin Sultana IV 2016-2019
R.Aarthi V 2016-2019

Value Added courses:

S.No Name of the programme Course Title Duration of the course No of Student Attended Date
Certificate Course Food production and nutrition 5 Weeks 23 10th August 2019 – 21st September 2019
Extension activity Seed distribution and organic gardening 1 day 24 28th September 2019
Skill Development Training Waste water treatment and technologies 2 Weeks 32 21st November 2019 – 4th December 2019
Skill Development Training Biosensor design and application 2 Weeks 14 21st November 2019 – 4th December 2019
Skill Development Training Operation and maintenance of analytical instruments 2 Weeks 9 27th November 2019 – 6th December 2019
Certificate Course Water Quality Analysis” 1 Week 41 20th February 2019 – 26th February 2019
Value Added Programme Food Production and Nutrition 4 Week 27 13th August 2018 -5th August 2018
Skill Development Training Programme Waste Water Treatment Techniques 1Weeks 26 22nd November 2017 to 1st December 2017

Events:

S.No Date Event Name Resource Person Details No of Students Participated
6th March, 2020 Special Lecture & Valediction Dr. S. M. Rajendran, Senior Principal Scientist, Nodal Coordinator – FDP & Skill Activities, CSIR – CECRI 350
23rd January, 2020 Industrial visit Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute & R.K.Algal farm

Mandabam

66
11 to 15th November,2019. Faculty development programme Thiru J. Jayakanthan I.A.S, District Collector, Sivagangai District. 30 Staff
Prof. H. Gurumallesh Prabu, Registrar, Alagappa University, Karaikudi
Dr. S. M. Rajendran, Senior Principal Scientist, Nodal Coordinator – FDP & Skill Activities, CSIR – CECRI
Dr. Panjali Natarajan, Principal Technical Officer, Technical Coordinator – FDP, CSIR – CECRI
Dr. D. Velayutham, Director in charge, CSIR – CECRI
7th and 8th August, 2019 Two days International Conference on “Emerging Paradigms in Disease Management and Energy Technology” (ICDMET – 2019) Dr. N. Kalaiselvi,

Director, CSIR – CECRI, Karaikudi

450
Dr. J. Jeyakanthan,

Professor & Head, Department of Bioinformatics, Alagappa University, Karaikudi.

Dr. CT. Kumarappan, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Dr. C. Ravidhas, Head, PG & Research Department of Physics, Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli.
Dr. B. Subramaniyan, Principal Scientist, Associate Professor (AcSIR), Electrochemical Materials Science, CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi.
Dr. Jemima Kingsley, Head, Department of Microbiology, Quality Manager- Lab Services, Coordinator – Infection Control, Dr. K.M. Cherian’s Heart Foundation, Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Mogappair, Chennai.
25th July 2019 Industrial visit Parle.G

Madurai

59
1st March 2019 Special Lecture & Valediction Dr. N. Vijayan

Scientist, Crystal Growth & X- Ray Analysis Section, CSIR, New Delhi

350
22nd February 2019 Industrial visit

Sakthi Sugars, Pvt. Ltd., Padamathur, Sivagangai

Mr. R. Kumaravel & other experts Sakthi sugars Private Institute. 30
31st January 2019 Special lecture on

Recent Research on Microbial Metabolism”

Dr.T.Kavitha,

Assistant Professor,

Allagappa University.

Karaikudi.

100
5th January 2019 MoU Signing Ceremony Mr. Kalimuthu

Mr. P. Velusami,

WASH Institute, Dindigul .

102
9th August 2018 & 10th August 2018 National Seminar Frontiers in Biotechnogy & Bioenergy Shri R. Rajasekar CSIR, CECRI 400
Dr. P. Rameshthangam

Alagappa University

Dr. K. Arunkumar

Associate Professor, Cental University of Kerala

Dr. A. Nagasathya

Govt.College for Women

Dr.Sheela Berchmans, CECRI, Karaikudi
17th July 2018 Special Lecture & Science Association Inauguration Dr. S. Karuppasamy Professor and Head Department of Energy Science Alagappa University 350
28th July 2018 Industrial Visit Spirullina Production Research.

Mrs. Arthi Researcher,

Spirullina Production Research and Training Centre, Kondayampatti, Madurai

74
3rd March 2018 Guest Lecture on Environmental Chemistry Dr.N.Sengottuvelan, Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Alagappa University, Karaikudi 104

Curricular Activities

Faculty Development Program for Science faculties on 12th and 13th July, 2017.

Departments of Biotechnology, Department of Physics and Electronics & Communication of Dr. Umayal Ramanathan College for women and CSIR-CECRI, Karaikudi have jointly organized a two days faculty development programme for the benefit of around sixty faculties from various colleges in Physical, Chemical & Life Sciences, during 12th and 13th July, 2017 at URCW and CSIR-CECRI.

Dr. S. Jeyashree, Principal, URCW delivered the welcome address. Dr. Vijayamohanan K Pillai, Director CSIR – CECRI, presided over the programme. Dr. S Karutha Pandian, Professor and Head, Department of Biotechnology, Alagappa University inaugurated the programme. Eminent scientists Dr. Kalaiselvi, Dr. Mathiarasu, Dr. Sathiyanarayanan, Dr. Sozhan, Dr. Laskhminaraimhan and Dr. Ramesh Babu from CSIR-CECRI delivered lectures on Energy Storage Devices, Material Protection, Hydrogen Energy, Biosensors, Nanotechnology and Environmental Pollution Control. Demo sessions were also conducted at CECRI in the afternoons. Dr. Velayutham and Dr. Manisankar, Former Dean, Alagappa University, Karaikudi presided over the valedictory function.

Shri. R. Rajasekar, Dr. S. Angappan, Pricipal Scientist, seminar and training, CECRI, and Dr. M. Meenakshi, Mrs. J. Chitra, Heads, Department of Physics & EC & Biotechnology were the coordinators of this Faculty Development Programme. The prime dictum of this programme is to refresh/update the knowledge of the faculties that would support in inculcating knowledge to the students of next generations.

Department Activity Details (June 2016 – November 2016)
S.No Date Nature of the Program Resource Person Beneficiaries
1 5.7.2016 Inauguration of Biotechnology Department Association – The Nature Club Dr.N.Kalaiselvi Senior Principal Scientist, ECPS, Division CECRI 97
2 22.7.2016 Poster Presentation Competition – “Contribution of Biotechnology to the Mankind” 97
3 18.8.2016 Paper Presentation Competition -“Current Science” 97
4 23.9.2016 Mind Map Competition – “Recent Trends in Biological Sciences” 97

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