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B-TECH-HONS in Biotechnology And Biochemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering program at IIT Kharagpur focuses on applying engineering principles to biological systems for developing innovative solutions in healthcare, environment, and industry. Rooted in India''''s growing bio-economy, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining biology, chemistry, and engineering for advancements in bioprocessing, genetic engineering, and bioinformatics, addressing pressing national and global challenges.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude in science and mathematics, seeking to apply engineering solutions to biological problems. It caters to fresh graduates aiming for cutting-edge careers in biopharmaceuticals, agri-biotech, or environmental sustainability sectors in India, as well as those aspiring for higher studies and research in biological engineering fields.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in leading biopharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and environmental agencies. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-10 lakhs annually, with significant growth trajectories for experienced professionals reaching INR 20+ lakhs. The strong foundation also prepares students for global opportunities and advanced research degrees like M.Tech or PhD.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Basic Sciences and Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intensely on foundational courses like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Introduction to Computing/Programming. These form the bedrock for advanced engineering and biological concepts. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for conceptual clarity and practice problem-solving rigorously.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL (for IIT-level lectures), Khan Academy, Reference Textbooks, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation in these subjects is crucial for understanding complex biotechnological systems and excelling in subsequent core courses, which directly impacts project work and technical interview performance for placements.
Develop Programming and Data Analysis Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond introductory computing, cultivate proficiency in a programming language (Python/C++) and basic data analysis tools. Biotechnology increasingly relies on computational methods for bioinformatics and bioprocess modeling. Engage in coding challenges and small projects.
Tools & Resources
GeeksforGeeks, HackerRank, Coursera/edX courses on Python/R for Data Science, Jupyter Notebooks
Career Connection
These skills are highly sought after for roles in bioinformatics, computational biology, and R&D, making you a more versatile and competitive candidate in the Indian biotech job market.
Actively Participate in Introductory Labs and Workshops- (Semester 1-2)
Treat initial lab sessions as critical learning opportunities. Understand the principles behind experiments in basic science and introductory biotech labs. Seek to comprehend the purpose and implications of each step, not just follow instructions. Participate in relevant department workshops.
Tools & Resources
Lab Manuals, Demonstrations by TAs/Professors, Online lab simulation videos
Career Connection
Practical skills gained early on build confidence and form a basis for advanced lab work and project execution, which is essential for research-oriented careers and industrial R&D positions.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Core Biotechnology Concepts- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on understanding the intricate details of core subjects like Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Bioprocess Engineering, and Genetic Engineering. Formulate study groups to discuss complex topics and solve case studies related to real-world biological problems. Attend advanced lectures or seminars.
Tools & Resources
Standard Textbooks (Lehninger, Nelson & Cox for Biochemistry), Departmental Study Materials, Research Papers, MOOCs for specific topics
Career Connection
Mastery of these core concepts is paramount for all biotech-related roles, whether in research, development, or manufacturing. It enables you to contribute meaningfully to industrial projects and academic research.
Seek Early Internship and Project Opportunities- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for summer internships or minor projects within IIT Kharagpur departments, other IITs, or reputed industry labs in India. This provides practical exposure to research methodologies, industry workflows, and helps build a professional network. Start early to gain multiple experiences.
Tools & Resources
IIT KGP Career Development Centre, Department faculty connections, LinkedIn, Internshala
Career Connection
Internships are vital for applying theoretical knowledge, gaining hands-on experience, and identifying career interests. They often lead to pre-placement offers (PPOs) or significant advantages during placement drives.
Engage in Departmental Clubs and Competitions- (Semester 3-5)
Join biotechnology-related student clubs or participate in technical competitions like iGEM (International Genetically Engineered Machine) or other national-level biotech challenges. These activities foster teamwork, problem-solving, and expose you to innovative project development.
Tools & Resources
Biotechnology Engineering Students'''' Society (BTESS), iGEM Foundation website, College technical fests
Career Connection
Such experiences enhance your resume, demonstrate practical skills, and develop leadership qualities, making you a well-rounded candidate for both technical and managerial roles.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Advanced Projects- (Semester 6-8)
Strategically choose departmental and open electives that align with your career aspirations (e.g., biopharmaceuticals, food technology, bioinformatics). Dedicate significant effort to your B.Tech project (Part I & II), aiming for publication or presenting at conferences. This is your chance to delve deep into a specialized area.
Tools & Resources
Faculty advisors, Research labs, Scientific journals, Project management tools
Career Connection
Specialization distinguishes you in the job market, making you an expert in a niche area. A strong final year project is a powerful portfolio piece for placements, higher studies, or entrepreneurship.
Intensive Placement and Higher Education Preparation- (Semester 6-8)
Begin placement preparation early by refining your resume, practicing aptitude tests, and mock interviews. If aiming for higher studies (M.Tech/PhD in India or abroad), prepare for GATE/GRE/TOEFL/IELTS, work on strong Statement of Purpose/Letters of Recommendation. Network with alumni for insights.
Tools & Resources
IIT KGP CDC resources, Online test series (GATE/GRE), Mock interview sessions, Alumni network on LinkedIn
Career Connection
This stage is critical for securing your desired career path post-graduation, whether it''''s a top-tier industry job with competitive INR salaries or admission to prestigious global universities.
Develop Professional Networking and Soft Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Attend industry conferences, seminars, and workshops in India. Network with professionals, faculty, and alumni to explore opportunities and gain industry insights. Simultaneously, focus on enhancing communication, leadership, and teamwork skills, which are crucial for career progression in any field.
Tools & Resources
Industry association events (e.g., ABLE), LinkedIn, Public speaking clubs, Career development workshops
Career Connection
Strong networking can open doors to hidden job markets and mentorship, while polished soft skills are essential for leadership roles and effective collaboration within Indian and global organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, followed by qualification in JEE (Advanced) and JoSAA/CSAB counselling.
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 188 Credits
Assessment: Internal: Variable (typically 40-100%), External: Variable (typically 0-60%)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CH10001 | Chemistry | Basic Science Course (BSC) | 4 | Atomic Structure & Chemical Bonding, Main Group & Coordination Chemistry, Stereochemistry & Reaction Mechanism, Electrochemistry & Thermodynamics, Spectroscopy |
| CE10001 | Engineering Drawing & Computer Graphics | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 3 | Scales & Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections & Sections, Introduction to AutoCAD, 2D & 3D Drafting Techniques, Dimensioning & Annotations |
| EE10001 | Basic Electrical Engineering | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 4 | DC Circuits & Network Theorems, AC Circuits & Resonance, Transformers & Induction Machines, DC Machines & Synchronous Machines, Electrical Measurements & Safety |
| PH10001 | Physics | Basic Science Course (BSC) | 4 | Classical Mechanics & Special Relativity, Electromagnetism & Optics, Quantum Mechanics & Atomic Structure, Solid State Physics & Semiconductors, Nuclear Physics & Radioactivity |
| MA10001 | Mathematics-I | Basic Science Course (BSC) | 4 | Calculus of Single Variable, Sequences & Series, Differential Equations, Multivariable Calculus, Vector Calculus |
| HS10001 | English for Communication | Humanities and Social Sciences including Management Course (HSMC) | 3 | Grammar & Usage, Academic Writing & Research Skills, Presentation Skills, Interpersonal Communication, Reading Comprehension & Critical Thinking |
| EV10001 | Environmental Science | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 2 | Ecology & Ecosystems, Environmental Pollution, Renewable Energy Sources, Biodiversity Conservation, Environmental Policies & Ethics |
| EE19001 | Basic Electrical Engineering Lab | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 2 | DC & AC Circuit Experiments, Transformer Characteristics, Motor & Generator Testing, Power Measurement, Electrical Safety Practices |
| PH19001 | Physics Lab | Basic Science Course (BSC) | 2 | Optics Experiments, Electronics Circuits, Mechanics & Properties of Matter, Heat & Thermodynamics, Measurement Techniques |
| CE19001 | Engineering Drawing & Computer Graphics Lab | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 2 | Manual Drawing Exercises, AutoCAD Basics & Commands, Orthographic & Isometric Views using Software, Assembly Drawing, Introduction to 3D Modeling |
| IT19001 | Introduction to Computing | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 3 | Introduction to Programming (C/Python), Data Types & Control Structures, Functions & Arrays, Pointers & Structures, Algorithms & Problem Solving |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT10001 | Introduction to Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 4 | Biotechnology Fundamentals, Basic Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Bioprocess Principles, Applications in Healthcare & Environment, Ethical & Societal Implications |
| CS10001 | Programming and Data Structures | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 3 | C Programming Language, Arrays, Pointers, Strings, Structures & Union, Linked Lists & Trees, Sorting & Searching Algorithms |
| MA10002 | Mathematics-II | Basic Science Course (BSC) | 4 | Linear Algebra, Eigenvalues & Eigenvectors, Vector Spaces, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series & Transforms |
| ME10001 | Engineering Mechanics | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 4 | Statics of Particles & Rigid Bodies, Equilibrium & Free Body Diagrams, Kinematics of Particles & Rigid Bodies, Kinetics of Particles & Rigid Bodies, Work, Energy, & Momentum |
| BT19001 | Introduction to Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering Lab | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 2 | Basic Lab Safety & Techniques, Sterilization Methods, Microbial Culture, Biochemical Assays, Fermentation Principles |
| CS19001 | Programming and Data Structures Lab | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 2 | C Programming Exercises, Implementing Data Structures (Lists, Stacks, Queues), File Operations, Algorithm Implementation (Sorting, Searching), Debugging & Testing |
| ME19001 | Engineering Mechanics Lab | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 2 | Centroid & Moment of Inertia, Friction & Pulley Systems, Simple Machines, Stress & Strain Measurement, Beam Deflection |
| CY11001 | Chemistry-II | Basic Science Course (BSC) | 4 | Chemical Kinetics & Reaction Rates, Quantum Chemistry & Spectroscopy, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science Fundamentals, Nanomaterials & Applications |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT20001 | Bioanalytical Techniques | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Spectroscopic Techniques (UV-Vis, FTIR), Chromatographic Methods (HPLC, GC), Electrophoresis & Blotting, Microscopy & Imaging, Biosensors & Immunological Assays |
| BT20002 | Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 4 | Momentum Transport & Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer Mechanisms & Equipment, Mass Transfer & Equipment Design, Biological Applications of Transport Phenomena, Dimensional Analysis & Correlations |
| BT20003 | Basic Biochemistry | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Structure & Function of Biomolecules, Enzymology & Enzyme Kinetics, Metabolic Pathways (Glycolysis, TCA, ETC), Bioenergetics & ATP Synthesis, Protein Structure & Folding |
| BT20004 | Cell Biology | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Cell Structure & Organelles, Cell Cycle & Division, Cell Communication & Signaling, Membrane Transport & Channels, Stem Cells & Tissue Engineering |
| BT29001 | Bioanalytical Techniques Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Spectrophotometry & Fluorometry, Chromatography Experiments, Electrophoresis & SDS-PAGE, Microscopy Techniques, Immunoassays (ELISA) |
| BT29002 | Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Fluid Flow Experiments, Heat Exchanger Studies, Mass Transfer Operations (Distillation, Extraction), Rheology of Biologics, Pump Performance |
| BT29003 | Biochemistry Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Carbohydrate & Protein Estimation, Enzyme Activity Assays, DNA & RNA Isolation, Separation of Biomolecules, Basic Metabolic Experiments |
| BT29004 | Cell Biology Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Cell Culture Techniques, Microscopy & Staining, Cell Viability Assays, Cell Fractionation, Basic Immunofluorescence |
| MS20001 | Engineering Economics | Humanities and Social Sciences including Management Course (HSMC) | 3 | Principles of Microeconomics, Time Value of Money, Cost Analysis & Estimation, Project Evaluation Techniques, Market Structures & Pricing |
| EE21001 | Basic Electronics | Engineering Science Course (ESC) | 3 | Semiconductor Diodes & Applications, BJT & FET Transistors, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Logic Gates, Introduction to Microcontrollers |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT20005 | Biophysical Chemistry | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Thermodynamics of Biological Systems, Reaction Kinetics in Biology, Conformational Analysis of Biopolymers, Spectroscopy of Biomolecules, Statistical Mechanics in Biology |
| BT20006 | Microbiology | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Microbial Diversity & Classification, Bacterial & Viral Structure, Microbial Growth & Metabolism, Antimicrobial Agents & Resistance, Industrial & Environmental Microbiology |
| BT20007 | Molecular Biology | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | DNA Replication & Repair, Gene Expression & Regulation, Transcription & Translation, Genomic Organization, Recombinant DNA Technology |
| BT20008 | Introduction to Bioprocess Engineering | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 4 | Principles of Bioprocesses, Sterilization & Aseptic Techniques, Bioreactor Design & Operation, Downstream Processing Fundamentals, Enzyme & Microbial Kinetics |
| BT29005 | Biophysical Chemistry Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Thermodynamic Parameter Measurement, Spectroscopic Analysis of Biomolecules, Viscosity & Surface Tension, pH & Buffer Preparation, Osmotic Pressure Measurement |
| BT29006 | Microbiology Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Microbial Staining & Microscopy, Culture Techniques & Media Preparation, Isolation & Identification of Microbes, Antimicrobial Sensitivity Testing, Microbial Growth Curve Analysis |
| BT29007 | Molecular Biology Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | DNA/RNA Isolation & Purification, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, PCR & RT-PCR, Restriction Digestion & Ligation, Bacterial Transformation |
| BT29008 | Bioprocess Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Sterilization Kinetics, Bioreactor Operation & Control, Enzyme Kinetics Studies, Cell Growth Kinetics, Product Recovery Techniques |
| HSXXXXX | Humanities and Social Sciences Elective | Humanities and Social Sciences including Management Course (HSMC) | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT30001 | Bioseparation Engineering | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Cell Disruption & Solid-Liquid Separation, Membrane Separations (Ultrafiltration, Dialysis), Chromatography for Bioseparation, Extraction & Adsorption, Crystallization & Drying |
| BT30002 | Genetic Engineering | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Cloning Vectors & Recombinant DNA, Gene Transfer Techniques, CRISPR-Cas9 & Gene Editing, Genome Sequencing & Omics Technologies, Applications in Agriculture & Medicine |
| BT30003 | Reaction Engineering and Bioreactor Design | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 4 | Chemical Reaction Kinetics, Ideal Reactor Models (Batch, CSTR, PFR), Enzyme & Cell Kinetics in Bioreactors, Bioreactor Mass Transfer & Mixing, Advanced Bioreactor Configurations |
| BT30004 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Biological Databases & Data Mining, Sequence Alignment & Phylogenetics, Protein Structure Prediction, Drug Design & Molecular Docking, Genomic & Proteomic Analysis Tools |
| BT39001 | Bioseparation Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Filtration & Centrifugation, Membrane Separation Experiments, Ion Exchange & Affinity Chromatography, Aqueous Two-Phase Extraction, Protein Precipitation |
| BT39002 | Genetic Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Plasmid DNA Isolation, PCR & Gene Cloning, CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Demonstration, Gel Electrophoresis & Visualization, Expression of Recombinant Proteins |
| BT39003 | Reaction Engineering and Bioreactor Design Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Batch & Continuous Reactor Experiments, Enzyme Immobilization & Kinetics, Oxygen Transfer Rate Measurement, Bioreactor Sterilization, Effect of Operating Parameters on Bioprocess |
| BT39004 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | NCBI, UniProt Database Search, BLAST, FASTA Sequence Alignment, Phylogenetic Tree Construction, Primer Design & In Silico PCR, Molecular Visualization Software |
| OEXXXXX | Open Elective | Open Elective Course (OEC) | 3 | |
| BT37001 | Seminar | Project (PROJECT) | 2 | Literature Review, Scientific Presentation Skills, Critical Analysis of Research, Technical Report Writing, Q&A Session Management |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT30005 | Immunology | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Innate & Adaptive Immunity, Antibodies & Antigens, MHC Molecules & T-Cell Receptors, Vaccines & Immunotherapy, Autoimmunity & Hypersensitivity |
| BT30006 | Enzyme Engineering | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 3 | Enzyme Structure & Function, Enzyme Kinetics & Mechanism, Enzyme Immobilization Techniques, Enzyme Biocatalysis in Industry, Rational Design & Directed Evolution |
| DECXXXX | Department Elective-I (Example: Industrial Biotechnology) | Departmental Elective Course (DEC) | 3 | Microbial Fermentations, Production of Biofuels & Bioplastics, Enzyme Technology in Industry, Biopharmaceuticals Production, Bioremediation & Waste Treatment |
| DECXXXX | Department Elective-II (Example: Food Process Technology) | Departmental Elective Course (DEC) | 3 | Food Preservation Techniques, Food Microbiology & Safety, Unit Operations in Food Processing, Food Additives & Packaging, Quality Control in Food Industry |
| BT39005 | Immunology Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Blood Grouping & Typing, ELISA & Western Blotting, Immunodiffusion & Immunoelectrophoresis, Flow Cytometry Basics, Antigen-Antibody Reactions |
| BT39006 | Enzyme Engineering Lab | Professional Core Course (PCC) | 2 | Enzyme Purification & Characterization, Km & Vmax Determination, Enzyme Immobilization Techniques, Effect of pH & Temperature on Enzymes, Biocatalytic Reactions |
| BT38001 | Comprehensive Viva Voce | Project (PROJECT) | 2 | Comprehensive Knowledge Assessment, Oral Communication Skills, Problem-Solving Aptitude, Application of Core Concepts, Presentation & Defense |
| OEXXXXX | Open Elective | Open Elective Course (OEC) | 3 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DECXXXX | Department Elective-III (Example: Pharmaceutical Biotechnology) | Departmental Elective Course (DEC) | 3 | Drug Discovery & Development, Biologics & Biosimilars, Gene & Cell Therapy, Regulatory Affairs & Clinical Trials, Drug Delivery Systems |
| DECXXXX | Department Elective-IV (Example: Biostatistics) | Departmental Elective Course (DEC) | 3 | Probability & Distributions, Hypothesis Testing & ANOVA, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments, Statistical Software (R/Python) |
| DECXXXX | Department Elective-V (Example: Biosensors and Bioelectronics) | Departmental Elective Course (DEC) | 3 | Principles of Biosensors, Transducers & Biorecognition Elements, Optical & Electrochemical Biosensors, Bioelectronics & Wearable Devices, Applications in Healthcare & Diagnostics |
| OEXXXXX | Open Elective | Open Elective Course (OEC) | 3 | |
| BT47001 | Project Part-I | Project (PROJECT) | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Survey, Experimental Design & Planning, Preliminary Data Collection, Project Proposal & Presentation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DECXXXX | Department Elective-VI (Example: Advanced Bioreactor Design) | Departmental Elective Course (DEC) | 3 | Advanced Bioreactor Configurations, Mixing & Mass Transfer Optimization, Sterilization & Contamination Control, Process Scale-Up & Down, Bioreactor Control & Automation |
| BT47002 | Project Part-II | Project (PROJECT) | 8 | Experimental Execution & Data Analysis, Interpretation of Results, Scientific Report Writing, Final Thesis Submission, Project Defense & Viva Voce |
| OEXXXXX | Open Elective | Open Elective Course (OEC) | 3 |
