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M-TECH in Biotechnology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Biotechnology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Tech Biotechnology program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced principles and applications in modern biology and engineering. It addresses India''''s growing demand for skilled biotech professionals across diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental management, emphasizing innovation and research in a dynamic industrial landscape.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for B.E./B.Tech graduates in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, or Food Technology, as well as M.Sc. professionals in Life Sciences, seeking to specialize in areas like bioprocess engineering, genetic engineering, medical biotechnology, or bioinformatics for career advancement in India''''s booming biotech sector.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles in R&D, biomanufacturing, quality control, and clinical research within India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with significant growth trajectories in Indian pharmaceutical, food, and emerging biotech companies, aligning with national skill development and Make in India initiatives.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts with Active Learning- (Semester 1-2)
Engage deeply with foundational subjects like Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology and Bioprocess Engineering by forming study groups, regularly solving problem sets, and utilizing online resources for conceptual clarity. Focus on understanding the ''''why'''' behind biotechnological processes through active recall and application.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera Biotechnology specializations, Peer-led discussion forums, Faculty office hours
Career Connection
A strong foundation ensures success in advanced subjects and provides the bedrock for R&D roles, critical for initial placements in core biotech companies and for excelling in technical interviews.
Hands-on Lab Skill Development- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all laboratory sessions (Biotechnology Lab I & II) to gain proficiency in molecular biology techniques, microbial handling, cell culture, and basic bioprocess operations. Seek opportunities for extra lab time or assisting faculty in ongoing research projects to solidify practical expertise.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, YouTube tutorials for specific techniques, Departmental research labs, Open-source lab protocols
Career Connection
Practical skills are highly valued by employers in biomanufacturing, quality control, and research labs, making graduates job-ready from day one and enhancing their appeal for industry-oriented roles.
Explore Research Interests & Network- (Semester 1-2)
Attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to understand diverse research areas within Biotechnology. Initiate conversations with professors about their research and explore potential areas for your mini-project (BT2010), identifying specific niches within the field early on.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notice boards, SRMIST research portals, LinkedIn for academic and professional networking, Research paper databases (PubMed, Google Scholar)
Career Connection
Early exposure helps in selecting a relevant and impactful thesis topic, building mentorship relationships, and identifying niche career paths within the Indian biotech landscape, differentiating your profile.
Intermediate Stage
Strategic Elective Selection for Specialization- (Semester 3)
Carefully choose electives (e.g., Medical Biotechnology, Plant Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology) based on your career aspirations and emerging trends in the Indian biotech industry. Supplement classroom learning with online certifications in your chosen niche to develop deeper expertise.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL advanced courses, edX/Coursera specialized programs, Industry reports on biotech trends in India, Career counseling services
Career Connection
Deep specialization makes you a more attractive candidate for targeted roles in specific biotech sectors (e.g., pharmaceutical R&D, agricultural biotech firms), commanding better opportunities and packages.
Industry-Oriented Mini-Project & Internships- (Semester 2-3)
Identify and secure an internship or a mini-project (BT2010) that aligns with your specialization. Focus on solving real-world problems or developing prototypes, preferably in collaboration with an industrial partner, showcasing your problem-solving capabilities.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Career Development Centre, Internship portals (Internshala, LinkedIn), Faculty connections for industry projects, Company websites for direct applications
Career Connection
Hands-on industry experience is crucial for placements, providing practical exposure and demonstrating problem-solving abilities to potential employers in India, often leading to pre-placement offers.
Enhance Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 1-3)
Actively participate in Seminar I (BT2011) and present mini-project findings. Join technical paper presentation competitions or student chapters to hone your scientific communication, which is vital for professional roles and for effectively conveying research outcomes.
Tools & Resources
Toastmasters International clubs, Departmental presentation workshops, IEEE Xplore/Springer for reading research papers, Grammarly for written communication
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are essential for R&D scientists, project managers, and technical consultants to convey complex ideas effectively within Indian organizations and in global collaborations.
Advanced Stage
High-Impact Thesis Project and Publication- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to Project Work Phase I & II (BT2099, BT2049). Aim for high-quality, impactful research that has potential for publication in peer-reviewed journals or presentation at national/international conferences, demonstrating advanced scholarly work.
Tools & Resources
Scopus, Web of Science for literature search, Research ethics guidelines, Thesis writing software (Mendeley, Zotero), Academic writing workshops
Career Connection
A strong thesis enhances your profile for R&D positions, academic careers, and PhD opportunities both in India and abroad, demonstrating advanced research capabilities and a commitment to innovation.
Master Interview and Placement Preparation- (Semester 4)
Begin intensive placement preparation early in Semester 4. Focus on technical aptitude, HR skills, and mock interviews tailored to the biotechnology sector. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific biotech job descriptions in India, highlighting relevant skills and projects.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell, Online interview platforms (Pramp, InterviewBit), Industry-specific technical interview guides, Resume building workshops
Career Connection
This ensures readiness for the competitive Indian job market, maximizing chances for securing coveted roles in biopharmaceutical, food, or agricultural biotech companies and standing out amongst peers.
Professional Networking and Mentorship- (Semester 3-4)
Expand your professional network by connecting with alumni and industry leaders on platforms like LinkedIn. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance on career paths, job search strategies, and industry insights specific to the Indian context, building valuable relationships.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn professional networking platform, Alumni portals, Industry conferences (e.g., BioAsia, BioCon), Professional associations (e.g., Biotech Research Society, India)
Career Connection
Networking opens doors to hidden job opportunities, provides valuable career advice, and helps build a strong professional reputation within the Indian biotech ecosystem, fostering long-term career growth.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech in Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering, Food Technology or B.Pharm or M.Sc in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Life Sciences, Chemistry with minimum 50% aggregate. Valid GATE score or SRMGEET score.
Duration: 2 years / 4 semesters
Credits: 74 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT2001 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core | 3 | Research design, Data collection and analysis, Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), Patenting process, Research ethics |
| BT2003 | Advanced Cell & Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | Cell signaling pathways, Gene expression regulation, Genomics and proteomics, Stem cell technology, Advanced cell culture techniques |
| BT2005 | Bioprocess Engineering Principles | Core | 4 | Bioreactor design and operation, Mass transfer phenomena, Microbial growth kinetics, Sterilization methods, Upstream process development |
| BT2007 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Core | 4 | Sequence analysis and alignment, Phylogenetic analysis, Protein structure prediction, Drug design principles, Biological databases |
| BT2009 | Biotechnology Laboratory I | Lab | 2 | DNA and RNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis, Microbial culture techniques, Spectrophotometric analysis, Protein quantification |
| BT2011 | Seminar I | Core | 2 | Scientific literature review, Presentation skills, Critical analysis of research, Technical report writing, Oral communication |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT2002 | Advanced Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | Recombinant DNA technology, Gene cloning strategies, CRISPR-Cas9 technology, Gene therapy applications, Ethical aspects of genetic engineering |
| BT2004 | Bioseparation and Downstream Processing | Core | 4 | Filtration and centrifugation, Chromatographic techniques, Solvent extraction, Protein purification strategies, Product recovery and polishing |
| BT2006 | Biostatistics and Experimental Design | Core | 3 | Probability and distributions, Hypothesis testing, ANOVA and regression analysis, Design of experiments, Statistical software applications |
| BTE0XX | Elective I (e.g., Nanobiotechnology) | Elective | 3 | Nanomaterial synthesis, Drug delivery systems, Biosensors and diagnostics, Nanomedicine, Toxicity of nanomaterials |
| BTE0YY | Elective II (e.g., Environmental Biotechnology) | Elective | 3 | Bioremediation technologies, Wastewater treatment, Solid waste management, Bioenergy production, Biosensors for environmental monitoring |
| BT2008 | Biotechnology Laboratory II | Lab | 2 | Genetic transformation experiments, Protein expression and purification, Enzyme kinetics analysis, Bioreactor control and monitoring, Chromatography applications |
| BT2010 | Mini Project | Project | 1 | Problem identification, Literature review, Preliminary experimental design, Data interpretation, Technical report preparation |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT2051 | Industrial Biotechnology & Bioproducts | Core | 4 | Fermentation industries, Production of biofuels, Industrial enzymes and antibiotics, Bioplastics and biopolymers, Food processing applications |
| BTE0ZZ | Elective III (e.g., Medical Biotechnology) | Elective | 3 | Diagnostic tools and techniques, Therapeutic proteins and drugs, Vaccine development, Stem cell applications, Tissue engineering |
| BTE0AA | Elective IV (e.g., Plant Biotechnology) | Elective | 3 | Plant tissue culture, Genetic transformation in plants, Crop improvement strategies, Stress tolerance mechanisms, Molecular markers in plants |
| BTE0BB | Elective V (e.g., Animal Cell Culture Technology) | Elective | 3 | Animal cell lines, Culture media optimization, Vaccine and antibody production, Cell-based assays, Bio-therapeutics |
| BTE0CC | Elective VI (e.g., Intellectual Property Rights and Regulatory Affairs) | Elective | 3 | Patent law and patenting process, Trademarks and copyrights, Regulatory agencies (e.g., CDSCO), Bioethics and biosafety, Quality control and assurance |
| BT2099 | Project Work Phase I | Project | 4 | Research proposal development, Extensive literature survey, Experimental design and planning, Methodology validation, Preliminary data collection |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BT2000 | Professional Practice & Ethics | Core | 3 | Professional ethics in science, Laboratory safety regulations, Quality control and assurance, Intellectual property management, Entrepreneurial skills in biotechnology |
| BT2049 | Project Work Phase II | Project | 12 | Experimental execution and data generation, Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Thesis writing and documentation, Scientific communication of results, Viva voce examination |
