

B-SC-MEDICAL-BIOTECHNOLOGY in General at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research


Chennai, Tamil Nadu
.png&w=1920&q=75)
About the Specialization
What is General at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research Chennai?
This B.Sc. Medical Biotechnology program at Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research focuses on the application of biological processes and organisms in healthcare. The curriculum emphasizes molecular biology, immunology, genetic engineering, and diagnostic techniques crucial for the rapidly evolving Indian biotechnology sector. It aims to bridge the gap between fundamental biological research and its clinical applications. The program differentiates itself by its strong focus on medical relevance and practical skills.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong foundation in science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) who are passionate about healthcare innovation and scientific research. It caters to individuals aspiring to contribute to medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical research, or clinical trials in India. It also suits those looking for a robust foundation before pursuing postgraduate studies in specialized biotechnological fields or medical research.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as research assistants, lab technicians, quality control analysts, or medical sales representatives in pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic labs, and biotech startups. Entry-level salaries range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-15 LPA for experienced professionals. The program also prepares students for advanced degrees like M.Sc. or Ph.D. in medical biotechnology or related fields.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Science Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand the foundational principles of Chemistry, Cell Biology, Immunology, and general Biology. Actively participate in all laboratory sessions to reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical skills in microscopy, staining, and basic chemical analysis. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems collaboratively.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks, Online science forums (e.g., Khan Academy, NPTEL for basic science modules), Lab manuals, Peer study groups, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
A solid scientific base is critical for understanding advanced biotechnology concepts, enabling effective research and analytical roles in medical labs or R&D.
Cultivate Consistent Study Discipline- (Semester 1-2)
Establish a regular study schedule, attend all lectures, and review notes daily. Focus on time management techniques to balance theory and practical coursework. Practice solving problems from previous year question papers to understand exam patterns and improve recall. Seek early feedback from professors on assignments and lab reports.
Tools & Resources
Academic planner, University library resources, Online educational platforms, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Good study habits translate into discipline and efficiency, essential qualities for scientific research, data management, and project deadlines in professional settings.
Enhance Communication and Basic Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively work on improving written and verbal communication skills through presentations, report writing, and engaging in academic discussions. Prioritize mastering basic laboratory techniques like sterile working, solution preparation, and accurate data recording, as these are prerequisites for all advanced biotech experiments.
Tools & Resources
English language courses (like EL101), University writing center, Public speaking workshops, Lab safety guidelines, Online tutorials for basic lab skills
Career Connection
Clear communication is vital for presenting research findings and collaborating in teams. Fundamental lab skills are the entry point for almost all biotechnology roles.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Research Projects and Advanced Lab Work- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek out opportunities for mini-projects or internships in university labs or local research institutions. Apply theoretical knowledge from Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Microbiology to real-world problems. Focus on refining advanced techniques such as DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and microbial culturing.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research projects, Summer research programs, Specialized lab equipment, Scientific journals, Research papers
Career Connection
Practical research experience is highly valued in the biotech industry, demonstrating problem-solving abilities and hands-on expertise essential for R&D positions.
Participate in Workshops and Industry Visits- (Semester 3-5)
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to medical biotechnology, both within the university and externally. Actively participate in industrial visits to pharmaceutical companies, diagnostic labs, and biotech manufacturing units to understand industry practices and network with professionals. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for professional connections.
Tools & Resources
University career services, Industry association events, LinkedIn, Alumni network
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities, while industry exposure provides a realistic understanding of professional roles and expectations in the Indian biotech sector.
Focus on Electives and Specialized Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Choose skill-enhancement courses (SECs) like Bioinstrumentation that align with specific career interests. Deepen understanding and practical proficiency in areas like genetic engineering, bioprocess technology, or animal cell culture. Consider online certifications in specialized software or techniques relevant to medical biotechnology.
Tools & Resources
SEC courses offered, Online certification platforms (e.g., Coursera, edX for bioinformatics/bioprocess), Advanced lab equipment
Career Connection
Developing specialized skills makes you a more attractive candidate for specific roles in R&D, manufacturing, or quality assurance within the Indian biotech and pharma industries.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work and Interview Preparation- (Semester 6)
Dedicate significant effort to the final year project (BTB605), ensuring it addresses a relevant medical biotechnology problem and demonstrates strong research and analytical skills. Actively participate in mock interviews, resume building workshops, and placement drives organized by the university. Focus on showcasing both technical knowledge and soft skills.
Tools & Resources
Project mentors, Career services, Mock interview panels, Resume builders, Company information sessions
Career Connection
A strong final project and polished interview skills are crucial for securing placements in top biotech and pharmaceutical companies in India.
Develop a Biotech Business Mindset- (Semester 6)
Engage deeply with the Entrepreneurship & Business Development in Biotechnology course (SEC601). Develop a conceptual business plan for a biotech product or service, considering market analysis, funding, and regulatory aspects specific to India. Explore startup incubators or innovation hubs for mentorship and practical insights.
Tools & Resources
SEC601 coursework, Startup workshops, Mentorship from industry experts, Pitch competitions
Career Connection
This practice fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, valuable for future leadership roles, starting one''''s own venture, or contributing to business development within established biotech firms.
Acquire Proficiency in Medical Diagnostics and Bioinformatics- (Semester 6)
Focus on the applications of molecular and immunodiagnostics, drug discovery, and vaccinology. Develop strong data analysis skills using bioinformatics tools and biostatistics, essential for interpreting experimental results and clinical data. Hands-on experience with diagnostic kits and bioinformatics software is key.
Tools & Resources
Medical Biotechnology & Diagnostics lab, Bioinformatics & Biostatistics lab, Online bioinformatics tools (NCBI, BLAST), Statistical software (R, Python)
Career Connection
Expertise in advanced diagnostics and data analysis is highly sought after in clinical labs, diagnostic companies, and R&D divisions across India, contributing to precision medicine and drug development.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates who have passed Higher Secondary Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Botany and Zoology (or) Vocational Stream (Equivalent to Higher Secondary) as prescribed by the Tamil Nadu Government and also as recognized by the University are eligible to apply. A candidate should have completed the age of 17 years at the time of admission or would complete the said age on or before 31st December of the year of admission to the B.Sc., Medical Biotechnology course.
Duration: 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTB101 | General Chemistry I (Theory) | Core | 4 | Atomic structure and the periodic table, Chemical bonding and intermolecular forces, Acids and bases, Stereochemistry and isomerism, Organic reaction mechanisms |
| BTB102 | General Chemistry I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Volumetric analysis (acid-base titrations), Organic qualitative analysis, pH measurement, Melting point determination, Recrystallization |
| BTB103 | Cell Biology & Immunology I (Theory) | Core | 4 | Introduction to cell biology, Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, Cell organelles, Basic immunology, Innate and adaptive immunity |
| BTB104 | Cell Biology & Immunology I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Microscopy techniques, Cell staining, Blood group determination, Immune cell identification, ELISA principles |
| BTB105 | Biology for Biotechnologists I (Theory) | Core | 4 | Basic concepts of biology, Classification of organisms, Plant and animal tissues, Basic genetics, Ecological principles |
| BTB106 | Biology for Biotechnologists I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Microscopic observation of plant and animal cells, Tissue staining, Mendelian genetics problems, Ecology field study, Specimen identification |
| EL101 | English | Elective | 2 | Communication skills, Grammar and composition, Reading comprehension, Technical writing, Presentation skills |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTB201 | General Chemistry II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Chemical thermodynamics, Chemical kinetics, Electrochemistry, Coordination chemistry, Biomolecules |
| BTB202 | General Chemistry II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Gravimetric analysis, Colorimetry, Potentiometric titrations, Spectrophotometry, Chromatography |
| BTB203 | Cell Biology & Immunology II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Cell signaling, Cell cycle and apoptosis, Immunopathology, Hypersensitivity reactions, Autoimmunity |
| BTB204 | Cell Biology & Immunology II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Cell viability assays, Immunodiffusion techniques, Flow cytometry principles, Western blot basics, Cell culture techniques |
| BTB205 | Biology for Biotechnologists II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Human anatomy and physiology (systems), Microbiology fundamentals, Virology basics, Applied genetics, Evolution |
| BTB206 | Biology for Biotechnologists II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Dissection of mammalian organs (virtual/charts), Bacterial staining, Microbial culture techniques, DNA extraction, PCR principles |
| EL201 | Environmental Science & Sustainability | Elective | 2 | Ecosystems and biodiversity, Pollution and waste management, Renewable energy, Climate change, Sustainable development |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTB301 | Biochemistry I (Theory) | Core | 4 | Biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids), Enzymes (kinetics, inhibition), Metabolism (glycolysis, TCA cycle), Bioenergetics, Vitamins and coenzymes |
| BTB302 | Biochemistry I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Quantitative estimation of biomolecules, Enzyme activity assays, Chromatographic separation of biomolecules, Electrophoresis, pH and buffer preparation |
| BTB303 | Molecular Biology I (Theory) | Core | 4 | DNA structure and replication, RNA structure and transcription, Genetic code and translation, Gene regulation (prokaryotic), Mutation and repair |
| BTB304 | Molecular Biology I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | DNA isolation from various sources, RNA isolation, Agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR amplification, Plasmid DNA isolation |
| BTB305 | Microbiology I (Theory) | Core | 4 | Microbial diversity and classification, Microbial growth and nutrition, Sterilization and disinfection, Antimicrobial agents, Food microbiology |
| BTB306 | Microbiology I (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Microscopy and staining techniques, Media preparation and sterilization, Isolation and identification of bacteria, Antibiotic sensitivity testing, Microbial enumeration |
| SEC301 | Medical Terminology & Communication | Elective | 2 | Medical prefixes, suffixes, root words, Anatomical terms, Disease terminology, Ethical communication, Patient interaction |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTB401 | Biochemistry II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Advanced metabolism (lipid, amino acid, nucleotide), Photosynthesis, Electron transport chain and oxidative phosphorylation, Hormonal regulation, Clinical biochemistry |
| BTB402 | Biochemistry II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Blood glucose estimation, Liver function tests, Kidney function tests, Urine analysis, Spectrophotometric assays |
| BTB403 | Molecular Biology II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Eukaryotic gene regulation, RNA processing, Protein sorting, DNA damage and repair mechanisms, Epigenetics |
| BTB404 | Molecular Biology II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Restriction digestion, Ligation, Bacterial transformation, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting |
| BTB405 | Microbiology II (Theory) | Core | 4 | Medical microbiology (bacterial, viral, fungal pathogens), Host-pathogen interactions, Antimicrobial resistance, Epidemiology, Immunization |
| BTB406 | Microbiology II (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Diagnostic microbiology (identification of pathogens), Serological tests, Antibiogram interpretation, Water and milk analysis, Biofilm studies |
| SEC401 | Bioinstrumentation | Elective | 2 | Principles of spectroscopy, Centrifugation, Chromatography techniques, Electrophoretic techniques, Biosensors |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTB501 | Genetic Engineering (Theory) | Core | 4 | Recombinant DNA technology (tools and techniques), Gene cloning strategies, Expression vectors, Gene transfer methods, Applications in medicine |
| BTB502 | Genetic Engineering (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Cloning experiments, DNA sequencing basics, Site-directed mutagenesis, Library construction, Bioinformatics tools for cloning |
| BTB503 | Bioprocess Technology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Fermentation technology, Bioreactor design and operation, Downstream processing, Enzyme technology, Industrial applications of biotechnology |
| BTB504 | Bioprocess Technology (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Fermentation of microbial cultures, Product recovery, Enzyme immobilization, Sterilization techniques, Media optimization |
| BTB505 | Animal Biotechnology & Cell Culture (Theory) | Core | 4 | Animal cell culture techniques, Tissue engineering, Transgenic animals, Gene therapy, Reproductive biotechnology |
| BTB506 | Animal Biotechnology & Cell Culture (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Aseptic techniques in cell culture, Cell viability assays, Cryopreservation, Primary cell culture, 3D cell culture principles |
| SEC501 | Biosafety & Bioethics | Elective | 2 | Biosafety levels and regulations, Risk assessment in biotechnology, Ethical issues in genetic engineering, IPR and patenting, Regulatory affairs |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BTB601 | Medical Biotechnology & Diagnostics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Molecular diagnostics, Immunodiagnostics, Gene therapy, Drug discovery and development, Vaccinology |
| BTB602 | Medical Biotechnology & Diagnostics (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Diagnostic kits (ELISA, PCR-based), Western blot for disease diagnosis, Immunoprecipitation, Cell-based assays for drug screening, Biosensor applications |
| BTB603 | Bioinformatics & Biostatistics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Biological databases, Sequence alignment, Phylogenetic analysis, Proteomics, Basic statistical concepts |
| BTB604 | Bioinformatics & Biostatistics (Practical) | Lab | 2 | Using NCBI, BLAST, Multiple sequence alignment, Structure prediction tools, Statistical software (R/Python basics) |
| BTB605 | Project Work & Industrial Training | Project | 6 | Research methodology, Project proposal writing, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing, Presentation skills |
| SEC601 | Entrepreneurship & Business Development in Biotechnology | Elective | 2 | Entrepreneurial ecosystem, Business plan development, Funding and grants, Marketing and sales, Regulatory compliance for biotech start-ups |




