

M-TECH in Biochemical Engineering at B.M.S. College of Engineering


Bengaluru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Biochemical Engineering at B.M.S. College of Engineering Bengaluru?
This Biochemical Engineering program at Bhusanayana Mukundadas Sreenivasaiah College of Engineering focuses on applying engineering principles to biological systems for industrial production. It addresses the growing demand in India''''s pharmaceutical, food, and environmental sectors for skilled professionals in bioprocess design and optimization, crucial for sustainable development.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for engineering graduates with a background in Biotechnology, Chemical, Environmental, Biomedical Engineering, or Food Technology seeking to specialize in bioprocess industries. It suits fresh graduates aspiring to enter the biopharmaceutical and food sectors, and working professionals looking to upskill in advanced bioprocessing technologies and R&D roles in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue careers as Bioprocess Engineers, R&D Scientists, Quality Control Managers, or Production Specialists in India''''s booming biotech and pharmaceutical sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 10-20 LPA, contributing to vital sectors like healthcare and food security.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering advanced mathematics, bioreactor design, and enzyme kinetics. Regularly solve problems from textbooks and online platforms like NPTEL. This builds a robust theoretical base crucial for understanding complex bioprocesses and excelling in core subject placements.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Standard textbooks, Problem-solving forums
Career Connection
Develops strong analytical skills foundational for R&D and process development roles.
Hands-on Lab Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all biochemical engineering lab sessions, meticulously documenting experiments on enzyme assays, bioreactor operations, and downstream processes. Utilize departmental lab resources for extra practice. This practical experience is vital for developing applied skills sought by biotech R&D and manufacturing roles.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, Lab manuals, Scientific journaling
Career Connection
Prepares for practical challenges in bioprocess industries and research labs.
Engage in Research Methodology- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the Research Methodology and IPR course, initiating small literature review projects on emerging biochemical topics. Utilize academic databases like Scopus and Web of Science. This early exposure to research methods prepares students for their mini-project and future thesis work, fostering a research-oriented mindset.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science, Mendeley/Zotero, Academic writing guides
Career Connection
Cultivates critical thinking and research skills essential for R&D and higher studies.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specializations- (Semester 3)
Choose professional electives (e.g., Nanobiotechnology, Metabolic Engineering) strategically based on career interests and explore related advanced topics beyond the curriculum. Participate in online certifications from Coursera or edX. This specialization helps in carving out a niche and becoming a subject matter expert for targeted job roles.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NPTEL advanced courses, Specialized journals
Career Connection
Develops niche expertise highly valued in specialized biotech domains and R&D positions.
Industry Internship for Exposure- (Semester 3)
Secure a meaningful internship in the 3rd semester with a biopharmaceutical, food, or environmental biotech company. Focus on real-world problem-solving and network with industry professionals. This practical exposure translates academic knowledge into industry-relevant skills, significantly boosting placement prospects.
Tools & Resources
Internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Company career pages, Department placement cell
Career Connection
Provides invaluable industry experience, professional contacts, and often leads to pre-placement offers.
Initiate Mini Project with Focus- (Semester 2-3)
Select a mini-project that addresses a current industry challenge or research gap. Collaborate with faculty and explore potential for publishing preliminary findings. Tools like MATLAB or Aspen Plus can be used for simulation. This project-based learning enhances problem-solving, analytical skills, and provides a strong resume builder.
Tools & Resources
MATLAB, Aspen Plus, Lab facilities, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Showcases practical problem-solving abilities and enhances project portfolio for job applications.
Advanced Stage
Comprehensive Project Work- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the M.Tech thesis (Project Work Phase 2) by selecting an impactful research problem, conducting thorough experiments, and meticulously documenting results. Aim for a publication in a peer-reviewed journal. A strong thesis is a testament to research capability and a key differentiator for R&D roles and further studies.
Tools & Resources
Advanced lab equipment, Statistical software (e.g., R, Python), Thesis writing guides, Journal submission platforms
Career Connection
Demonstrates advanced research proficiency, critical for R&D, academia, and doctoral pursuits.
Placement Preparation & Mock Interviews- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, attending workshops on resume building, technical interviews, and soft skills. Engage in mock interviews with faculty and alumni to refine presentation and problem-solving abilities. This structured preparation is crucial for converting academic achievements into successful career opportunities in top Indian companies.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell resources, Online interview platforms, Alumni network, Career counselors
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements in leading biotech and pharma companies.
Professional Networking & Mentorship- (Throughout program, intensified in Semester 4)
Build a robust professional network by attending industry conferences, seminars, and alumni events (e.g., through LinkedIn). Seek mentorship from senior professionals in your area of interest. Networking opens doors to hidden job markets, collaborative opportunities, and provides valuable career guidance in the Indian biotech landscape.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences, Departmental seminars, Alumni association
Career Connection
Facilitates career advancement, access to industry insights, and long-term professional growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. or its equivalent degree in relevant discipline (Biotechnology / Chemical Engineering / Environmental Engineering / Bio-Medical Engineering / Food Technology) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST category candidates). Valid GATE score is mandatory.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 82 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20BCE11 | Advanced Mathematics | Core | 4 | Linear algebra, Probability theory, Statistical methods, Numerical solutions, Optimization techniques |
| 20BCE12 | Advanced Bioreactor Design | Core | 4 | Types of bioreactors, Sterilization kinetics, Mass transfer phenomena, Heat transfer, Ideal and non-ideal reactors |
| 20BCE13 | Enzyme Technology | Core | 4 | Enzyme kinetics, Enzyme immobilization, Biocatalysis, Industrial applications of enzymes, Enzyme purification and characterization |
| 20BCE14 | Bioprocess Modeling and Simulation | Core | 4 | Stoichiometry, Mass and energy balances, Microbial growth kinetics, Dynamic modeling, Process simulation tools |
| 20BCE151 | Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation | Professional Elective – 1 | 3 | Biosensor principles, Transducers, Clinical applications, Bioinstrumentation, Medical imaging techniques |
| 20BCE152 | Advanced Food Biotechnology | Professional Elective – 1 | 3 | Food processing techniques, Fermentation in food, Food additives and ingredients, Food safety, Regulatory aspects |
| 20BCE153 | Biopharmaceutics | Professional Elective – 1 | 3 | Drug delivery systems, Pharmacokinetics, Biologics manufacturing, Clinical trials, Regulatory pathways |
| 20BCE16 | Laboratory – 1 (Biochemical Engineering Lab - 1) | Lab | 2 | Enzyme assay, Bioreactor operation, Sterilization validation, Cell growth kinetics, Product estimation |
| 20BCE17 | Research Methodology and IPR | Mandatory Non-Credit | 0 | Research problem formulation, Data collection and analysis, Technical writing, Intellectual Property Rights, Patent filing |
| 20BCE18 | Audit Course – 1 (Technical Communication) | Audit | 0 | Technical report writing, Oral presentations, Group discussions, Professional communication, Ethics in research |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20BCE21 | Downstream Processing | Core | 4 | Cell disruption, Solid-liquid separation, Membrane filtration, Chromatography, Product crystallization |
| 20BCE22 | Genomics and Proteomics | Core | 4 | Genome sequencing, Gene expression analysis, Proteomics technologies, Bioinformatics tools, Metabolomics |
| 20BCE23 | Bioseparation Processes | Core | 4 | Liquid-liquid extraction, Adsorption processes, Ion exchange, Crystallization and drying, Membrane separation |
| 20BCE241 | Biofuels and Biorefineries | Professional Elective – 2 | 3 | Biomass conversion, Bioethanol production, Biodiesel synthesis, Biogas generation, Biorefinery concept |
| 20BCE242 | Environmental Biotechnology | Professional Elective – 2 | 3 | Wastewater treatment, Bioremediation, Solid waste management, Air pollution control, Bioenergy from waste |
| 20BCE243 | Industrial Biotechnology | Professional Elective – 2 | 3 | Fermentation industries, Biocatalyst applications, Bioproduct development, Scale-up strategies, Regulatory guidelines |
| 20BCE251 | Metabolic Engineering | Professional Elective – 3 | 3 | Metabolic pathway analysis, Flux balance analysis, Genetic manipulation, Strain engineering, Industrial applications |
| 20BCE252 | Cell Culture Technology | Professional Elective – 3 | 3 | Animal cell culture, Plant cell culture, Media optimization, Bioreactors for cell culture, Vaccine production |
| 20BCE253 | Nanobiotechnology | Professional Elective – 3 | 3 | Nanomaterials synthesis, Nanomedicine, Nanosensors, Drug delivery systems, Tissue engineering applications |
| 20BCE26 | Laboratory – 2 (Biochemical Engineering Lab - 2) | Lab | 2 | Downstream process experiments, Protein analysis, DNA/RNA quantification, Microbial fermentation, Chromatography techniques |
| 20BCE27 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Problem definition, Literature survey, Experimental design, Data analysis, Project report writing |
| 20BCE28 | Audit Course – 2 (Soft Skills and Professional Ethics) | Audit | 0 | Communication skills, Teamwork, Leadership, Professional ethics, Time management |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20BCE311 | Biomaterials | Professional Elective – 4 | 3 | Biocompatibility, Polymeric biomaterials, Ceramic biomaterials, Metallic biomaterials, Tissue engineering scaffolds |
| 20BCE312 | Biopharmaceuticals | Professional Elective – 4 | 3 | Recombinant protein production, Monoclonal antibodies, Gene therapy, Vaccine development, Drug formulation |
| 20BCE313 | Food Process Engineering | Professional Elective – 4 | 3 | Material and energy balances, Heat transfer in food, Mass transfer in food, Food preservation, Food packaging |
| 20BCE32 | Internship | Internship | 6 | Industry problem solving, Technical skill application, Professional communication, Project implementation, Report generation |
| 20BCE33 | Project Work Phase - 1 | Project | 10 | Project topic selection, Extensive literature review, Methodology finalization, Preliminary experimental work, Progress report |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20BCE41 | Project Work Phase - 2 | Project | 20 | Advanced experimental work, Data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing, Viva-voce examination, Research publication |




