.png&w=1920&q=75)
DUAL-DEGREE-B-TECH-BS-M-TECH-MS in Biotechnology And Biochemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur
Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur Paschim Medinipur?
This Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering program at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur focuses on applying engineering principles to biological systems for industrial and societal impact. It prepares students for India''''s burgeoning biotech sector, addressing challenges in healthcare, environment, and food security. The program emphasizes both foundational biological sciences and advanced engineering applications, making it distinctive in its holistic approach to innovation.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high-achieving science graduates aspiring to innovate in biotech, typically those qualified through JEE Advanced. It suits fresh graduates seeking a rigorous dual degree for deep specialization and research. Working professionals seeking to transition into biotech R&D or biomanufacturing can also benefit. Graduates with a strong aptitude for interdisciplinary problem-solving in life sciences and engineering backgrounds are well-suited for this comprehensive curriculum.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in biopharmaceutical R&D, bioprocess engineering, bioinformatics, and healthcare. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 6-12 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more. Growth trajectories include R&D scientist, process development engineer, or senior management roles in Indian and global biotech firms, aligning with professional certifications in bioprocess and quality control.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Engineering & Science Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant effort to thoroughly grasp foundational subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Programming. Utilize IIT KGP''''s excellent faculty, tutorial classes, and practice problem sets diligently. Form study groups with peers to discuss concepts and solve challenging problems together.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL videos for conceptual clarity, Standard textbooks, Departmental faculty office hours, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures ease in understanding advanced biotech concepts and is crucial for excelling in placements and future research roles, where analytical and problem-solving skills are paramount.
Engage Actively in Introductory Labs- (Semester 1-2)
Approach all basic science and engineering labs (Physics, Chemistry, Programming, Basic Electrical) with keen interest. Focus on understanding the theoretical basis of experiments, meticulous data collection, and precise report writing. Actively participate in the Biotech & Biochem Engg Lab from day one.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Pre-lab assignments, Online simulation tools, Mentorship from TAs/Professors
Career Connection
Hands-on lab experience builds crucial practical skills, reinforces theoretical knowledge, and is highly valued by industries seeking practical problem-solvers in R&D and manufacturing roles.
Develop Effective Study Habits & Time Management- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a consistent study schedule, prioritize tasks, and avoid procrastination. Leverage IIT KGP''''s academic support systems and peer learning. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning, and practice regularly. Maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Tools & Resources
Academic calendars, Time management apps, Counselling Centre for support, Senior mentors
Career Connection
These habits are indispensable for managing the rigorous IIT curriculum, enhancing academic performance, and developing discipline essential for any professional career, including research and industry.
Intermediate Stage
Intensify Core Biotechnology Skill Development- (Semester 3-5)
Deep dive into core biotech subjects like Genetic Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, and Analytical Techniques. Seek out advanced practical training beyond regular labs, possibly through short-term departmental projects or faculty-led research groups. Focus on real-world applications of concepts.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research labs, Advanced instrumentation (e.g., HPLC, PCR machines), Specialized software (e.g., bioinformatics tools)
Career Connection
Specialized skills are key to securing internships and placements in focused biotech roles. Proficiency in core areas makes you a competitive candidate for R&D and process development positions.
Pursue Industrial Training & Internships- (Semester 5 (Summer), Semester 6 (Optional))
Actively seek summer internships or industrial training opportunities in biotech and biopharma companies. Utilize the IIT KGP Career Development Centre (CDC) and faculty networks. Aim to apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical industry problems and gain exposure to industrial workflows.
Tools & Resources
CDC portal for internship listings, LinkedIn, Networking with alumni, Industry contacts
Career Connection
Internships are critical for industry exposure, networking, and often lead to pre-placement offers. They provide a realistic view of career options and strengthen your resume for final placements.
Engage in Interdisciplinary Electives and Projects- (Semester 5-6)
Utilize open and professional electives to broaden your perspective or deepen a niche interest (e.g., bioinformatics, biomedical engineering). Participate in cross-departmental projects or hackathons. This expands your problem-solving toolkit and exposes you to diverse technical areas.
Tools & Resources
Course catalogues for elective options, Student clubs (e.g., robotics, coding), Institute-level research competitions
Career Connection
Interdisciplinary skills are highly valued in the evolving biotech landscape, enabling graduates to adapt to new technologies and collaborate effectively across teams in R&D and product development.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Projects & Research- (Semester 7-10)
Invest deeply in your Major Project (BT49001, BT49002, BT59003, BT59004). Choose a topic aligned with your career aspirations, collaborate closely with your supervisor, and aim for high-quality research outcomes, potentially leading to publications or patent applications. This is critical for the M.Tech phase.
Tools & Resources
Research papers and journals (e.g., Elsevier, Springer), Sophisticated lab equipment, Thesis writing guides, Conference participation
Career Connection
Outstanding project work is a strong differentiator for higher studies (PhD), R&D roles, and even entrepreneurship. It showcases your ability to conduct independent research and contribute original work.
Strategize for Placements/Higher Studies- (Semester 7-8 (B.Tech), Semester 9-10 (M.Tech))
Beginning in Semester 7, actively prepare for placements by honing interview skills, building a strong resume, and practicing aptitude tests. For higher studies, focus on GRE/GATE/TOFEL exams, identify suitable universities/programs, and seek strong recommendation letters from professors. Leverage CDC and departmental alumni networks.
Tools & Resources
Career Development Centre (CDC), Online aptitude platforms, Mock interview sessions, Alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic preparation is vital for securing top placements in core biotech companies or gaining admission to prestigious PhD programs globally and within India.
Cultivate Leadership and Communication Skills- (Semester 6-10)
Participate in student organizations, technical competitions, and leadership roles within campus committees. Practice effective oral and written communication through project presentations, seminars, and technical report writing. Networking with industry professionals and faculty is key.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters club, Departmental symposia, Student bodies (e.g., Technology Students'''' Gymkhana), Professional societies
Career Connection
Beyond technical expertise, strong leadership and communication skills are essential for career progression into managerial roles, project leadership, and impactful scientific communication in any professional setting.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- JEE Advanced Qualified (Primary entry requirement, followed by internal academic performance criteria for M.Tech continuation)
Duration: 10 semesters / 5 years
Credits: 205 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS13001 | PROFESSIONAL ETHICS | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) | 2 | Ethical theories and principles, Professional responsibility, Values in engineering, Intellectual property rights, Social impact of technology |
| MA10001 | MATHEMATICS – I | Basic Sciences (BS) | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations, Vector Calculus, Infinite Series |
| PH10001 | PHYSICS | Basic Sciences (BS) | 4 | Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, Quantum Physics, Thermodynamics |
| PH19001 | PHYSICS LAB | Basic Sciences (BS) | 2 | Experimental mechanics, Electrical circuit measurements, Optics experiments, Error analysis, Data interpretation |
| EE10001 | BASIC ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | Engineering Science (ES) | 4 | DC and AC circuits, Network theorems, Magnetic circuits, Transformers, Electrical machines |
| ME19001 | ENGINEERING DRAWING & COMPUTER GRAPHICS | Engineering Science (ES) | 3 | Orthographic projections, Isometric views, Sectional views, CAD software basics, Assembly drawings |
| BT19001 | BIOTECH. & BIOCHEM. ENGG. LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Basic laboratory safety, Sterilization techniques, Microbial culture methods, Biochemical analysis tools, Unit operations demonstrations |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA10002 | MATHEMATICS – II | Basic Sciences (BS) | 4 | Linear Algebra, Fourier Series, Laplace Transforms, Partial Differential Equations, Complex Analysis |
| CY10001 | CHEMISTRY | Basic Sciences (BS) | 4 | Atomic structure and bonding, Chemical kinetics, Thermodynamics and electrochemistry, Organic reaction mechanisms, Coordination chemistry |
| CY19001 | CHEMISTRY LAB | Basic Sciences (BS) | 2 | Volumetric analysis, Gravimetric analysis, Synthesis of organic compounds, Spectroscopic techniques, pH measurements |
| EC10001 | BASIC ELECTRONICS | Engineering Science (ES) | 3 | Semiconductor physics, Diodes and applications, Transistors (BJT, FET), Amplifiers, Digital logic gates |
| EC19001 | BASIC ELECTRONICS LAB | Engineering Science (ES) | 2 | Diode characteristics, Rectifier circuits, Transistor biasing, Amplifier design, Logic gate verification |
| CS10001 | PROGRAMMING AND DATA STRUCTURES | Engineering Science (ES) | 3 | Programming fundamentals (C/C++), Control flow and functions, Arrays, strings, pointers, Recursion, Basic data structures (stacks, queues, linked lists) |
| CS19001 | PROGRAMMING AND DATA STRUCTURES LAB | Engineering Science (ES) | 2 | C/C++ programming exercises, Implementation of data structures, Algorithm design, Debugging techniques, Problem-solving using programming |
| ME10001 | ENGINEERING MECHANICS | Engineering Science (ES) | 4 | Statics of particles and rigid bodies, Equilibrium analysis, Friction, Kinematics of particles, Work and energy principles |
| MS11001 | BUSINESS ENGLISH | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) | 2 | Business communication principles, Report writing, Presentation skills, Email etiquette, Group discussions |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MA20007 | MATHEMATICS – III | Basic Sciences (BS) | 4 | Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, Optimization Techniques, Vector Spaces, Complex Functions |
| BT20001 | BIOLOGY FOR ENGINEERS | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Cell biology and structure, Molecular biology (DNA, RNA, proteins), Genetics principles, Microbial diversity and growth, Bioenergetics and metabolism |
| BT20003 | BIOCHEMICAL THERMODYNAMICS | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | First and second laws of thermodynamics, Gibbs free energy and chemical potential, Phase equilibria, Reaction equilibria, Biological systems thermodynamics |
| BT20005 | MATERIAL AND ENERGY BALANCES | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Introduction to process calculations, Stoichiometry, Material balances for reactive systems, Energy balances for open and closed systems, Humidification and drying |
| BT20007 | INTRODUCTORY BIOPROCESS CALCULATIONS | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Units and dimensions in bioprocesses, Stoichiometry of microbial reactions, Growth kinetics and yields, Sterilization calculations, Mass and energy balances in bioreactors |
| BT29001 | BIOLOGY LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Microscopy techniques, Cell culture, DNA extraction and quantification, Protein estimation methods, Enzyme assays |
| HS20XXX | HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) | 3 | Social sciences theories, Cultural studies, Economics principles, Psychology fundamentals, History of science |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT20002 | TRANSPORT PHENOMENA IN BIOPROCESSES | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Momentum transport (fluid flow), Heat transport (conduction, convection, radiation), Mass transport (diffusion, convection), Interphase transport, Applications in bioreactors |
| BT20004 | BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Structure and function of biomolecules, Amino acids and proteins, Carbohydrates and lipids, Nucleic acids, Enzyme catalysis mechanisms |
| BT20006 | GENETIC ENGINEERING | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Recombinant DNA technology, Gene cloning and expression, Vector systems, CRISPR-Cas9 and gene editing, Applications in agriculture and medicine |
| BT20008 | PRINCIPLES OF BIOPROCESS ENGINEERING | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Bioreactor design and operation, Sterilization methods, Kinetics of microbial growth and product formation, Aeration and agitation in bioreactors, Scale-up of bioprocesses |
| BT29002 | BIOCHEMICAL ENGINEERING LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Bioreactor operation, Mass transfer experiments, Heat transfer in bioprocesses, Rheology of biological fluids, Enzyme kinetics determination |
| BT29004 | GENETIC ENGINEERING LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Plasmid isolation and purification, Restriction digestion and ligation, Transformation and screening, PCR techniques, Agarose gel electrophoresis |
| HS20XXX | HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES ELECTIVE | Humanities & Social Sciences (HS) | 3 | Ethics in technology, Environmental policy, Sociology of science, Communication skills, Intercultural understanding |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT30001 | ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR), Chromatographic techniques (HPLC, GC), Electrophoresis, Mass spectrometry, Microscopic techniques |
| BT30003 | BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Physiological systems modeling, Biomedical instrumentation, Medical imaging principles, Biomechanics, Medical devices and diagnostics |
| BT30005 | BIOCHEMICAL REACTION ENGINEERING | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Enzyme kinetics, Reactor types (batch, CSTR, PFR), Immobilized enzyme reactors, Cellular reaction kinetics, Bioreactor control strategies |
| BT30007 | DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Cell disruption methods, Solid-liquid separation (filtration, centrifugation), Product recovery (extraction, adsorption), Product purification (chromatography, precipitation), Formulation and finishing |
| BT39001 | ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Spectrophotometry experiments, Chromatography setup and operation, Electrophoresis techniques, Immunological assays, Microscopy for cell analysis |
| BT39003 | DOWNSTREAM PROCESSING LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Cell harvesting and lysis, Centrifugation and filtration practices, Protein precipitation and solubilization, Ion exchange chromatography, Gel filtration chromatography |
| BT39005 | INDUSTRIAL TRAINING / SUMMER INTERNSHIP | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Industry work environment, Project management skills, Technical report writing, Professional communication, Problem-solving in industrial settings |
| OEXXX | OPEN ELECTIVE – I | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | Interdisciplinary knowledge acquisition, Skill development outside specialization, Broadening academic perspective, Exploring new interests, Enhancing holistic learning |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT30002 | IMMUNOLOGY | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Innate and adaptive immunity, Antigens and antibodies, Cellular components of immune system, Hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, Vaccines and immunodiagnostics |
| BT30004 | ENZYME ENGINEERING | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Enzyme structure and function, Enzyme kinetics and mechanisms, Enzyme immobilization, Enzyme assay methods, Industrial applications of enzymes |
| BT30006 | INSTRUMENTATION AND PROCESS CONTROL | Professional Core (PC) | 4 | Process variables and measurements, Sensors and transducers, Control valves and actuators, Feedback control systems, Bioprocess control strategies |
| BT30008 | BIOINFORMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Biological databases (NCBI, UniProt), Sequence alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Phylogenetic analysis, Protein structure prediction, Genomics and proteomics data analysis |
| BT39002 | BIOPROCESS ENGINEERING LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Batch and fed-batch fermentation, Continuous culture experiments, Sterilization kinetics, Oxygen transfer studies, Parameter estimation in bioreactors |
| BT39004 | BIOINFORMATICS AND COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY LAB | Professional Core (PC) | 2 | Database searching exercises, Sequence alignment tool usage, Phylogenetic tree construction, Molecular docking simulations, Programming for bioinformatics (Python/R) |
| PEXXX | PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE – I | Professional Elective (PE) | 3 | Advanced topics in biotechnology, Specialized biochemical processes, Emerging biotechnological applications, Research frontiers, Industry-specific challenges |
| OEXXX | OPEN ELECTIVE – II | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | Exposure to diverse academic fields, Interdisciplinary problem solving, Personal skill development, Entrepreneurship concepts, Environmental studies |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT40001 | BIOFUELS AND BIOENERGY | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Types of biofuels (bioethanol, biodiesel), Biomass conversion technologies, Algal biofuels, Microbial fuel cells, Economics and sustainability of bioenergy |
| BT40003 | BIOMATERIALS AND TISSUE ENGINEERING | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Biomaterial properties and classifications, Biocompatibility, Tissue scaffolds and regeneration, Stem cells in tissue engineering, Applications in medical implants |
| BT40005 | PROCESS DESIGN & ECONOMICS | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Process flow diagrams, Equipment sizing and selection, Capital and operating cost estimation, Feasibility analysis, Process optimization and safety |
| BT40007 | ADVANCED SEPARATION PROCESSES | Professional Core (PC) | 3 | Membrane separations (ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis), Chromatographic separations, Electrophoretic separations, Crystallization and drying, Hybrid separation systems |
| BT49001 | MAJOR PROJECT - I | Project (PROJ) | 4 | Problem identification and literature review, Experimental design, Methodology development, Preliminary data collection, Report writing and presentation |
| PEXXX | PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE – II | Professional Elective (PE) | 3 | Specialized areas in biotech/biochem engineering, Emerging technologies and research trends, Industry applications and case studies, Advanced analytical techniques, Computational biology aspects |
| OEXXX | OPEN ELECTIVE – III | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | Technology and society, Innovation management, Sustainable development, Data science basics, Foreign language acquisition |
| SOEXXX | SCIENCE OPEN ELECTIVE | Science Open Elective (SOE) | 3 | Advanced physics concepts, Modern chemistry topics, Environmental science, Material science, Life sciences beyond core curriculum |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT49002 | MAJOR PROJECT - II | Project (PROJ) | 6 | Advanced experimental work, Data analysis and interpretation, Simulation and modeling, Comprehensive report writing, Final project defense |
| PEXXX | PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE – III | Professional Elective (PE) | 3 | Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, Genomic and proteomic technologies, Environmental biotechnology, Food process engineering, Bio-nanotechnology |
| PEXXX | PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE – IV | Professional Elective (PE) | 3 | Synthetic biology, Computational systems biology, Drug discovery and development, Agricultural biotechnology, Advanced topics in bioseparations |
| OEXXX | OPEN ELECTIVE – IV | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | Project management, Intellectual property rights, Supply chain management, Digital marketing, Financial management |
Semester 9
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT500XX | PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE – V | Professional Elective (PE) | 3 | Advanced Bioreactor Design, Cell and Tissue Culture Engineering, Medical Biotechnology, Bioprocess Modeling and Simulation, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Control |
| BT500XX | PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVE – VI | Professional Elective (PE) | 3 | Advanced Bioinformatics, Systems Biology, Drug Delivery Systems, Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation, Industrial Microbiology |
| BT59003 | MAJOR PROJECT - III | Project (PROJ) | 8 | Independent research methodology, Advanced problem-solving, Innovation and novelty in research, Data analysis and interpretation for thesis, Progress report and presentation |
Semester 10
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT59004 | MAJOR PROJECT - IV | Project (PROJ) | 12 | Comprehensive research execution, Thesis writing and development, Scientific publication strategies, Intellectual property considerations, Final thesis defense and viva-voce |
