

B-SC-HONS in Biotechnology at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya


Indore, Madhya Pradesh
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About the Specialization
What is Biotechnology at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya Indore?
This B.Sc. Hons Biotechnology program at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, focuses on equipping students with fundamental and advanced knowledge in biological sciences, emphasizing its industrial and medical applications. The curriculum delves into molecular biology, immunology, genetic engineering, and bioprocess technology, aligning with the growing biotechnology sector in India. The program aims to foster scientific temper and practical skills vital for innovation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 12th pass students with a science background, particularly those with Biology/Biotechnology/Mathematics, aspiring to careers in research, healthcare, agriculture, or pharmaceuticals. It suits fresh graduates seeking entry-level roles in biotech companies, those interested in higher studies like M.Sc. or Ph.D., and individuals passionate about scientific discovery and its real-world impact in the Indian market.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as Research Assistants, Lab Technicians, Quality Control Analysts, Biomanufacturing Specialists, or Bioinformatics Analysts. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential in pharmaceutical, agricultural, and diagnostic sectors. The strong foundational knowledge also prepares students for competitive exams and higher education.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on core subjects like Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, and Microbiology. Understand the basic principles thoroughly, as they form the bedrock for advanced topics. Actively participate in laboratory sessions to gain hands-on experience with fundamental techniques and experimental protocols.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks by Lehninger, Stryer, Lewin, Pelczar, Online resources like NPTEL videos for basic concepts, Lab manuals and safety guidelines
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for understanding complex research and industrial processes, making you a competent candidate for entry-level lab or research assistant positions.
Develop Early Practical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Master laboratory techniques in microscopy, sterile handling, biochemical assays, and basic molecular biology during practical courses. Document all experimental procedures and results meticulously in lab notebooks, ensuring reproducibility and attention to detail. Seek opportunities for extra lab time or small projects.
Tools & Resources
Standard laboratory equipment, SOPs for experiments, Mentor/faculty guidance
Career Connection
Proficiency in basic lab skills is highly valued in diagnostic labs, quality control departments, and research facilities, enhancing immediate employability.
Cultivate Analytical Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Engage critically with scientific literature and case studies, particularly in Biostatistics and Bioinformatics. Practice solving problems, interpreting data, and drawing logical conclusions. Participate in discussions and study groups to debate concepts and improve understanding.
Tools & Resources
Research papers via PubMed/Google Scholar, Statistical software like R or Python for beginners, Biostatistics problem sets
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are essential for research, data interpretation, and problem-solving roles in the biotech industry and for competitive examinations.
Intermediate Stage
Immerse in Advanced Technologies- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on subjects like Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology, and Immunology, actively seeking to understand the underlying mechanisms and applications. Explore advanced techniques like PCR, DNA sequencing, and ELISA through virtual labs or departmental workshops. Consider building a small project using these techniques.
Tools & Resources
Online simulation tools for genetic engineering, Departmental workshops on advanced molecular techniques, Review articles on specific technologies
Career Connection
Expertise in cutting-edge biotech tools makes you highly attractive for roles in R&D, gene editing, vaccine development, and diagnostic kit manufacturing.
Seek Industry Exposure & Networking- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for short-term internships, industrial visits, or summer training programs in biotech companies, pharmaceutical firms, or food processing units. Attend local biotech conferences, seminars, and workshops to network with professionals and gain insights into industry trends.
Tools & Resources
Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), University career services, Local biotech industry associations
Career Connection
Early exposure provides practical insights, builds professional networks, and often leads to pre-placement offers or informed career choices.
Specialize and Innovate- (Semester 3-5)
Carefully choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) based on your interest and career aspirations (e.g., Medical, Nano, Agricultural Biotech). Pursue a mini-project or review paper in your chosen specialization, applying theoretical knowledge to real-world problems. Participate in biotech competitions or hackathons.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors for project guidance, Specialized journals and online courses for electives, Competition platforms like Biovision
Career Connection
Specialization enhances your profile for targeted roles in niche biotech areas and demonstrates your ability to apply knowledge practically, standing out to recruiters.
Advanced Stage
Execute a High-Impact Research Project- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate significant effort to your Major Project/Dissertation. Choose a relevant and impactful research topic, develop strong experimental design, and meticulously analyze data. Aim for publication or presentation at national conferences, showcasing your research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Research lab facilities, Statistical software, Scientific writing guides, Conference submission platforms
Career Connection
A strong research project is a key differentiator for higher studies (M.Sc./Ph.D.) and R&D positions, demonstrating your ability to contribute original scientific work.
Prepare for Career Readiness- (Semester 6-8)
Actively engage in the final semester internship, gaining extensive practical experience and understanding workplace dynamics. Refine your resume, practice interview skills, and attend placement drives. For higher studies, prepare for entrance exams like GATE, NET, or international equivalents.
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, Mock interview platforms, Resume building workshops, Test preparation materials
Career Connection
This stage is critical for transitioning smoothly into a professional role or advanced academic pursuit, maximizing your chances for successful placement or admission.
Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset & Ethics- (Semester 6-8)
Leverage the Entrepreneurship Development and Biosafety/Bioethics courses. Explore the possibility of converting your project work into a startup idea. Understand the regulatory, ethical, and IP aspects of biotechnology to ensure responsible innovation and compliance in your future career.
Tools & Resources
Startup incubators (e.g., inDAVV Innovation Centre), IPR offices for patent information, Case studies on biotech ethical dilemmas
Career Connection
An entrepreneurial mindset prepares you for leadership roles and potential startup ventures, while ethical awareness is paramount for responsible scientific practice and industry compliance.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 12th pass with Biology/Biotechnology/Mathematics with minimum 50% marks
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 176 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30% (Theory), 50% (Practical), External: 70% (Theory), 50% (Practical)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC101 | Cell Biology | Core | 4 | Ultrastructure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Cell Wall and Membrane, Cytoskeleton, Cell Cycle and Division, Cancer Biology |
| BTBSC102 | Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Water and pH, Biomolecules (Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids), Enzymes and Coenzymes, Metabolic Pathways Introduction, Vitamins and Minerals |
| BTBSC103 | Principles of Genetics | Core | 4 | Mendelian Genetics, Extensions of Mendelian Principles, Linkage and Crossing Over, Human Genetics, Chromosomal Aberrations |
| BTBSC104 | General Microbiology | Core | 4 | Microbial World and Diversity, Microscopy and Staining Techniques, Sterilization and Disinfection, Microbial Nutrition and Growth, Viruses, Bacteria, and Fungi |
| BTBSCP101 | Lab Course I (Cell Biology & Biochemistry) | Practical | 2 | Microscopic Techniques, Cell Staining and Counting, Biomolecule Detection and Estimation, Enzyme Assays, Chromatography Principles |
| BTBSCP102 | Lab Course II (Genetics & Microbiology) | Practical | 2 | Genetic Crosses Analysis, Bacterial Culture and Isolation, Gram Staining, Sterilization Techniques, Microbial Motility |
| AEC101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Pollution, Climate Change, Environmental Ethics and Legislation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC201 | Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | DNA Structure and Replication, Gene Expression (Transcription, Translation), Genetic Code, Gene Regulation (Operons), DNA Damage and Repair |
| BTBSC202 | Immunology | Core | 4 | Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigens and Antibodies, Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity, Hypersensitivity Reactions, Autoimmunity and Immunodeficiency |
| BTBSC203 | Biostatistics and Bioinformatics | Core | 4 | Data Presentation and Analysis, Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Hypothesis Testing, Biological Databases, Sequence Alignment Algorithms |
| BTBSC204 | Enzymology | Core | 4 | Enzyme Classification and Structure, Mechanism of Enzyme Action, Enzyme Kinetics (Michaelis-Menten), Enzyme Inhibition, Regulation of Enzyme Activity |
| BTBSCP201 | Lab Course III (Molecular Biology & Immunology) | Practical | 2 | DNA Isolation and Quantification, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Immunodiffusion Techniques, ELISA Principle, PCR Basics |
| BTBSCP202 | Lab Course IV (Biostatistics & Enzymology) | Practical | 2 | Statistical Software Usage, Enzyme Activity Measurement, Kinetic Parameter Determination, Inhibition Studies, Bioinformatics Tools for Sequence Analysis |
| AEC201 | English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Basic English Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills (Reports, Emails), Oral Communication and Presentation, Interpersonal Communication |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC301 | Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | Gene Cloning Principles, Restriction Enzymes and Vectors, Gene Libraries and Screening, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA Sequencing and Gene Editing |
| BTBSC302 | Plant Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Plant Tissue Culture Techniques, Micropropagation and Organogenesis, Somatic Hybridization, Genetic Transformation in Plants, Applications of Transgenic Plants |
| BTBSC303 | Animal Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Animal Cell Culture Techniques, Cloning and Transgenic Animals, Stem Cell Technology, Gene Therapy Approaches, Animal Disease Diagnostics |
| SEC301 | Bioinstrumentation | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Spectrophotometry, Chromatography Techniques, Electrophoresis, Centrifugation, pH Metry and Biosensors |
| BTBSCP301 | Lab Course V (Genetic Engineering & Plant Biotechnology) | Practical | 2 | Plasmid DNA Isolation, Restriction Digestion, Ligation and Transformation, Plant Explant Preparation, Callus Induction |
| BTBSCP302 | Lab Course VI (Animal Biotechnology & Bioinstrumentation) | Practical | 2 | Animal Cell Culture Basics, Microscopic Observation of Cells, Spectrophotometer Operation, Chromatography Separation, Electrophoresis Setup |
| VAC301 | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | As per University Guidelines and student choice, Examples: Yoga, NSS, NCC, Entrepreneurship |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC401 | Industrial Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Fermentation Technology, Bioreactor Design and Operation, Downstream Processing, Industrial Microorganisms, Production of Biofuels and Bioplastics |
| BTBSC402 | Environmental Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Bioremediation of Pollutants, Waste Water Treatment Technologies, Solid Waste Management, Bioenergy Production, Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring |
| BTBSC403 | Food Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Food Fermentation Processes, Genetically Modified Foods, Food Additives and Preservatives, Probiotics and Prebiotics, Food Safety and Quality Control |
| SEC401 | Intellectual Property Rights & Bioethics | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to IPR (Patents, Trademarks), IPR in Biotechnology, Ethical Issues in Genetic Engineering, Cloning and Stem Cell Ethics, Biopiracy and Benefit Sharing |
| BTBSCP401 | Lab Course VII (Industrial & Environmental Biotechnology) | Practical | 2 | Fermentation Process Setup, Alcohol Production, Microbial Degradation Studies, Water Quality Analysis, Biogas Production |
| BTBSCP402 | Lab Course VIII (Food Biotechnology & IPR/Bioethics) | Practical | 2 | Food Product Analysis, Microbial Contamination Testing, Yogurt and Cheese Production, Case Studies in IPR, Ethical Dilemmas Discussion |
| VAC401 | Value Added Course | Value Added Course | 2 | As per University Guidelines and student choice, Examples: Digital Literacy, Communication Skills |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC501 | Immunology & Immunotechnology | Core | 4 | Advanced Immunological Techniques, Monoclonal Antibodies Production, Vaccine Development Strategies, Immunodiagnostics for Diseases, Immune Tolerance |
| BTBSC502 | Bioinformatics & Computational Biology | Core | 4 | Advanced Sequence Analysis, Protein Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking and Drug Design, Genomics and Proteomics Databases, Systems Biology Approaches |
| DSE501 | Discipline Specific Elective - I | Elective (Students choose one) | 4 | Medical Biotechnology (Diagnostic Tools, Gene Therapy, Personalized Medicine, Drug Discovery, Vaccines), Nanobiotechnology (Nanomaterials, Nanoparticles, Applications in Medicine, Diagnostics, Drug Delivery, Bioimaging), Agricultural Biotechnology (Crop Improvement, Molecular Markers, Stress Tolerance, Biopesticides, Biofertilizers) |
| DSE502 | Discipline Specific Elective - II | Elective (Students choose one) | 4 | Genomics and Proteomics (Genome Sequencing, Functional Genomics, Proteome Analysis, Mass Spectrometry), Synthetic Biology (Principles of Synthetic Biology, Gene Synthesis, Engineered Organisms, Biosensors), Stem Cell Biology (Types of Stem Cells, Stem Cell Niche, Therapeutic Applications, Ethical Issues) |
| BTBSCP501 | Lab Course IX (Immunology & Bioinformatics) | Practical | 2 | Western Blotting, Flow Cytometry Basics, Immunofluorescence, Bioinformatics Tools for Protein Analysis, Phylogenetic Tree Construction |
| BTBSCP502 | Lab Course X (Biotechnology Elective Based) | Practical | 2 | Practical experiments based on chosen DSE-I and DSE-II subjects., Examples: Medical diagnostics, Nanoparticle synthesis, Plant transformation, Genomics data analysis. |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC601 | Biosafety and Bioethics | Core | 4 | Biosafety Levels and Regulations, Risk Assessment in Biotechnology, GMO Regulations and Labeling, Ethical Guidelines for Biotechnology Research, Patent Filing and IPR Management |
| BTBSC602 | Entrepreneurship Development in Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Biotech Business Plan Development, Funding and Investment Strategies, Marketing and Commercialization, Legal and Regulatory Aspects of Biotech Startups, Case Studies of Biotech Entrepreneurship in India |
| DSE601 | Discipline Specific Elective - III | Elective (Students choose one) | 4 | Drug Discovery and Development (Target Identification, Lead Discovery, Preclinical and Clinical Trials, Regulatory Affairs), Tissue Engineering (Principles, Biomaterials, Scaffolds, Regenerative Medicine, Organoids), Immunodiagnostics and Vaccines (Advanced Immunological Assays, Diagnostic Kits, Vaccine Types, Adjuvants, Vaccine Delivery) |
| DSE602 | Discipline Specific Elective - IV | Elective (Students choose one) | 4 | Bioinformatics Applications (Clinical Bioinformatics, Pharmacogenomics, Metagenomics, Data Mining, AI in Biotech), Bioprocess Engineering (Reactor Design, Sterilization, Instrumentation, Scale-up, Downstream Processing), Marine Biotechnology (Marine Organisms, Bioactive Compounds, Bioremediation, Aquaculture, Algal Biotechnology) |
| BTBSCP601 | Lab Course XI (Biosafety & Entrepreneurship) | Practical | 2 | Biosafety Cabinet Operation, Risk Assessment Exercises, Business Model Canvas Creation, Market Research for Biotech Products, Pitch Deck Preparation |
| BTBSCP602 | Lab Course XII (Biotechnology Elective Based) | Practical | 2 | Practical experiments based on chosen DSE-III and DSE-IV subjects., Examples: Drug screening assays, Biomaterial synthesis, Bioreactor simulation, Marine sample analysis. |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC701 | Major Project / Dissertation (Part-I) | Core | 10 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review and Hypothesis Formulation, Experimental Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Preliminary Analysis, Project Proposal and Presentation |
| BTBSC702 | Seminar | Core | 4 | Scientific Literature Review, Presentation Skills Development, Critical Analysis of Research Papers, Discussion of Current Biotechnological Advancements, Question and Answer Session Management |
| DSE701 | Discipline Specific Elective - V | Elective (Students choose one) | 4 | Food Safety and Quality Control (HACCP, GMP, Food Standards, Microbial Contamination, Food Testing), Computational Drug Design (Molecular Docking, QSAR, Pharmacophore Modeling, Virtual Screening), Advanced Plant Biotechnology (Gene Editing in Plants, Secondary Metabolite Production, Biopharming) |
| DSE702 | Discipline Specific Elective - VI | Elective (Students choose one) | 4 | Medical Microbiology (Pathogenic Microorganisms, Antimicrobial Resistance, Diagnostic Methods, Vaccine Development), Virology (Viral Structure, Replication, Pathogenesis, Antiviral Drugs, Viral Vaccines), Current Trends in Biotechnology (CRISPR, AI in Biotech, Single Cell Genomics, Organ-on-a-Chip, Personalised Medicine) |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTBSC801 | Major Project / Dissertation (Part-II) | Core | 18 | Advanced Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Report and Thesis Writing, Manuscript Preparation for Publication, Project Defense and Viva-Voce, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| BTBSC802 | Internship | Core | 4 | Industry Exposure and Practical Application, Professional Skill Development, Networking Opportunities, Report Writing on Internship Experience, Career Exploration |




