
PHD in Biosciences And Bioengineering at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee


Haridwar, Uttarakhand
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About the Specialization
What is Biosciences and Bioengineering at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee Haridwar?
This Biosciences and Bioengineering program at IIT Roorkee focuses on cutting-edge interdisciplinary research, integrating biology, engineering, and medicine. It addresses critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environment, highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning biotechnology sector. The program emphasizes innovation in areas like drug discovery, diagnostics, and biomaterials, differentiating it through a strong research-centric approach and fostering a robust talent pool for the Indian biotech industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for master''''s graduates in life sciences, biotechnology, or engineering disciplines seeking advanced research careers. It attracts fresh postgraduates aiming for impactful R&D roles in academia or industry, and professionals looking to specialize further in emerging bioengineering fields. Candidates with a strong research aptitude and foundational knowledge in biological sciences or engineering are particularly well-suited for this rigorous program.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue high-impact research and development careers in India''''s leading pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and academic institutions. Roles span from Senior Research Scientists to R&D Managers, with competitive salary ranges (starting INR 8-15 LPA for fresh PhDs, increasing significantly with experience). This specialization also opens avenues for post-doctoral fellowships globally and leadership positions in public health and regulatory bodies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts and Literature Review- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp advanced molecular and cell biology, which form the bedrock of bioengineering. Dedicate significant time to comprehensive literature reviews in your chosen research area, identifying gaps and potential contributions. Regularly attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden your perspective.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, departmental library resources, research group meetings
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for developing innovative research proposals and ensures you are well-versed in your domain, preparing you for initial research roles.
Cultivate Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in coursework, not just for grades, but to develop analytical and critical thinking. Participate in group discussions, challenge assumptions, and propose alternative solutions to complex biological problems. Seek feedback from professors on your analytical approaches.
Tools & Resources
Course problem sets, journal club discussions, mentorship from senior PhD students
Career Connection
These skills are invaluable for designing experiments, interpreting data, and troubleshooting research challenges, qualities highly sought after in R&D roles.
Build a Robust Mentorship Network- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond your primary supervisor, identify and connect with other faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Engage with post-doctoral fellows and senior PhD students for guidance, technical tips, and insights into navigating the PhD journey at IIT Roorkee. Attend inter-departmental research symposia.
Tools & Resources
Departmental faculty profiles, research group meetings, institute research events
Career Connection
A strong network provides diverse perspectives, opens doors to collaborations, and can lead to future career opportunities and recommendations within the Indian scientific community.
Intermediate Stage
Develop Advanced Experimental and Computational Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Actively participate in lab work, mastering advanced techniques relevant to your research (e.g., genomics, proteomics, imaging, bioreactor operation). If applicable, delve into computational tools like R, Python, or specialized bioinformatics software. Seek out workshops or short courses offered by the institute.
Tools & Resources
Laboratory instrumentation, NCBI databases, Python/R programming environments, Google Colab, institute-organized workshops
Career Connection
Hands-on expertise in advanced techniques and computational analysis makes you a highly skilled researcher, directly enhancing your employability in biotech and pharma companies.
Present Research and Seek Peer Review- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly present your research progress in departmental seminars, journal clubs, and internal symposia. Actively seek constructive criticism from peers and faculty. Attend national/international conferences (e.g., in India, abroad) to present posters or oral talks, gaining exposure and networking.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, institute research conferences, national scientific meetings (e.g., IISER, DBT conferences)
Career Connection
Effective scientific communication is crucial for securing grants, publishing papers, and presenting your work in job interviews. Conference participation builds your professional profile.
Start Publishing and Patenting Early- (Semester 3-5)
Aim to publish your research findings in reputable peer-reviewed journals as early as possible. Discuss potential patent applications with your supervisor and the institute''''s intellectual property cell if your research yields novel inventions, especially those with Indian market potential.
Tools & Resources
Journal submission guidelines, IIT Roorkee IP Cell, Patent filing resources
Career Connection
Publications and patents are strong indicators of research productivity and innovation, significantly boosting your resume for academic positions, R&D roles, and entrepreneurial ventures in India.
Advanced Stage
Refine Thesis Writing and Defense Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Dedicate consistent effort to writing your thesis, focusing on clarity, coherence, and impact. Practice mock thesis defenses with your committee and peers to anticipate questions and refine your presentation style. Seek feedback on your writing from mentors and proofreaders.
Tools & Resources
LaTeX/Word for thesis writing, Grammarly, mock defense sessions, feedback from supervisor and committee
Career Connection
A well-written and defended thesis is the culmination of your PhD, demonstrating your ability to conduct and communicate independent research, essential for any advanced scientific role.
Engage in Grant Writing and Project Management- (Semester 6-8)
Collaborate with your supervisor on grant applications or proposals for new projects. Understand the funding landscape in India (e.g., DBT, SERB, ICMR). Take on leadership roles in lab projects, honing your project management, team coordination, and mentorship skills for junior researchers.
Tools & Resources
DBT, SERB, ICMR grant calls, project management software (e.g., Trello, Asana), mentorship of junior students
Career Connection
Experience in securing funding and managing projects is highly valued for academic faculty positions, R&D leadership roles, and entrepreneurial endeavors in the Indian biotech ecosystem.
Network Strategically for Post-PhD Opportunities- (Semester 6-8)
Actively network at national and international conferences, workshops, and industry events (e.g., BioAsia, India International Science Festival). Connect with alumni working in your desired sectors. Tailor your CV/resume and cover letters for specific job roles, preparing for both academic and industrial interviews in India.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, conference networking events, IIT Roorkee Alumni network, career development workshops
Career Connection
Proactive networking is crucial for discovering post-PhD positions, securing referrals, and making informed career decisions, leading to successful placements in top Indian and global organizations.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Master''''s degree in relevant Engineering/Technology/Architecture/Pharmacy/Planning (6.5 CGPA or 60%) or Science/Humanities & Social Sciences (6.0 CGPA or 55%). OR Bachelor''''s degree in Engg/Tech/Arch/Pharmacy (8.0 CGPA or 75%). Valid GATE/GPAT/CSIR-UGC NET/DBT/ICMR/DST INSPIRE Fellowship or equivalent for non-IIT graduates.
Duration: 3-5 years (minimum 2-3 years, maximum 7 years for full-time scholars)
Credits: Minimum 12 credits for coursework Credits
Assessment: Internal: undefined, External: undefined
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSB-601 | Advanced Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | Recombinant DNA technology, Molecular cloning, cloning vectors, restriction enzymes, Gene expression, protein engineering, Genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, Next generation sequencing, gene therapy, CRISPR-Cas and genome editing |
| BSB-602 | Advanced Cell Biology | Core | 4 | Structural organization and function of cell organelles, Cell membrane structure and function, transport mechanisms, Cell adhesion, extracellular matrix, cell-cell communication, Cell cycle, cell division, cell death, stem cell biology, Cellular basis of diseases, principles of microscopy, flow cytometry |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSB-603 | Advanced Biochemistry | Elective | 3 | Biomolecules, bioenergetics, Enzyme kinetics, metabolic pathways, Regulation of metabolism, photosynthesis, Signal transduction, nucleic acid metabolism, Protein synthesis, advanced techniques in biochemistry |
| BSB-604 | Advanced Bioprocess Engineering | Elective | 3 | Fermentation technology, bioreactor design and operation, Downstream processing, bioprocess economics, Cell culture engineering, enzyme technology, Product recovery and purification, sterilization, Bioseparations |
| BSB-605 | Advanced Bioinformatics | Elective | 3 | Sequence alignment, phylogenetic analysis, Protein structure prediction, drug design, Genomics, proteomics, systems biology, Big data analysis in biology, programming for bioinformatics, Biological databases |
| BSB-606 | Advanced Neurobiology | Elective | 3 | Neuronal structure and function, synaptic transmission, Neural circuits, sensory systems, motor systems, Learning and memory, neurodegenerative diseases, Neuroimaging, neural development, Cognitive neuroscience |
| BSB-607 | Advanced Immunology | Elective | 3 | Innate and adaptive immunity, Immune cell development and function, antibody structure and diversity, T cell receptor, antigen presentation, cytokines, Immune regulation, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, Vaccine development |
| BSB-608 | Advanced Environmental Biotechnology | Elective | 3 | Bioremediation, waste treatment, Bioenergy production, microbial ecology, Environmental diagnostics, biosensors, Pollution control, sustainable development, Industrial effluent treatment, climate change mitigation |
| BSB-609 | Advanced Biomaterials | Elective | 3 | Properties of biomaterials, biocompatibility, Biodegradability, biopolymers, ceramics, composites, metals, Tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery systems, Medical implants, Surface modification of biomaterials |
| BSB-610 | Advanced Medical Biotechnology | Elective | 3 | Recombinant therapeutics, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, Molecular diagnostics, biosensors in medicine, Drug discovery and development, precision medicine, Bioinformatics in healthcare, Medical devices, personalized medicine |
| BSB-611 | Advanced Regenerative Medicine | Elective | 3 | Stem cells, tissue engineering, Biomaterials for regeneration, organoids, Cell transplantation, gene editing for regeneration, Regenerative therapies for various organs, Clinical applications, ethical considerations |
| BSB-612 | Advanced Systems Biology | Elective | 3 | Omics technologies, network biology, Mathematical modeling of biological systems, Computational tools, synthetic biology, Metabolic engineering, data integration, Pathway analysis, drug targeting |
| BSB-613 | Advanced Plant Biotechnology | Elective | 3 | Plant tissue culture, genetic transformation, Molecular breeding, crop improvement, Stress tolerance, biofortification, Molecular markers, plant genome editing, Transgenic plants, phytoremediation |
| BSB-614 | Advanced Food Biotechnology | Elective | 3 | Food processing, microbial fermentation in food, Food safety, genetically modified foods, Probiotics and prebiotics, food enzymes, Food additives, nutraceuticals, functional foods, Food quality control |
| BSB-615 | Advanced Biostatistics | Elective | 3 | Experimental design, hypothesis testing, Regression analysis, ANOVA, Multivariate analysis, survival analysis, Bioinformatics statistics, statistical software, Data interpretation, clinical trials statistics |
| BSB-616 | Advanced Structural Biology | Elective | 3 | Protein and nucleic acid structure, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, cryo-EM, Mass spectrometry, protein folding, Structure-function relationships, drug discovery, Computational structural biology |
| BSB-617 | Advanced Synthetic Biology | Elective | 3 | Genetic circuits, biosensors, Metabolic pathway engineering, chassis organisms, Genome design, minimal cells, biobricks, Ethical implications, applications in medicine, Applications in energy |
| BSB-618 | Advanced Developmental Biology | Elective | 3 | Gametogenesis, fertilization, embryogenesis, Organogenesis, cell differentiation, Pattern formation, developmental genes, Stem cells in development, regeneration, Evolutionary developmental biology |
| BSB-619 | Advanced Cancer Biology | Elective | 3 | Hallmarks of cancer, oncogenes and tumor suppressors, Cell cycle control, apoptosis, metastasis, Angiogenesis, cancer genomics, Epigenetics in cancer, immunotherapy, Targeted therapies |
| BSB-620 | Advanced Microbial Biotechnology | Elective | 3 | Microbial diversity, industrial microbiology, Microbial genetics, extremophiles, Biofuel production, microbial diagnostics, Probiotics, microbial enzymes, Wastewater treatment, fermentation |
| BSB-621 | Advanced Nanobiotechnology | Elective | 3 | Nanomaterials in biology, nanoparticles synthesis, Nanomedicine, drug delivery, biosensors, Imaging, tissue engineering, Toxicity of nanomaterials, Applications in diagnostics and therapeutics |




