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M-TECH in Genetic Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Genetic Engineering at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Tech Genetic Engineering program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with advanced knowledge and practical skills in gene manipulation, biotechnology, and bioinformatics. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s booming biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, emphasizing innovation and ethical practices in genetic modification for various applications across medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh graduates with a background in biotechnology, genetic engineering, or related life sciences seeking entry into cutting-edge research and industry. It also suits working professionals looking to upskill in advanced molecular techniques, career changers moving into bioinformatics or bioprocess roles, and aspiring researchers aiming for PhD studies in genetic sciences.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths in R&D departments of pharmaceutical, biotech, and agri-biotech companies, as well as in diagnostic labs. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 4-7 LPA, with significant growth potential up to INR 15-20+ LPA for experienced professionals, contributing to India''''s scientific and healthcare advancements.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Molecular Biology Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Thoroughly grasp the fundamentals of molecular biology, genetic engineering techniques, and bioprocess engineering. Focus on understanding concepts like DNA replication, gene expression, cloning, and bioreactor principles. Utilize textbooks, online courses from platforms like NPTEL, and peer study groups to solidify understanding. Engage actively in practical lab sessions to gain hands-on proficiency.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Biotechnology textbooks, Peer study groups, Lab manuals
Career Connection
A strong theoretical and practical foundation is critical for all advanced subjects and forms the basis for research and industry roles in R&D and process development.
Develop Foundational Bioinformatics Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Learn to use basic bioinformatics tools and databases for sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, and phylogenetic studies. Practice with publicly available biological databases GenBank, UniProt and tools like BLAST and MEGA. Consider taking introductory online modules in Python or R for biological data analysis to enhance computational skills.
Tools & Resources
NCBI BLAST, UniProt, Python/R programming tutorials, Coursera/edX bioinformatics courses
Career Connection
Proficiency in bioinformatics is increasingly essential for genetic engineers, opening doors to roles in computational biology, drug discovery, and genomic data analysis in Indian and global firms.
Active Participation in Lab Work and Documentation- (Semester 1-2)
Engage fully in all lab sessions for Genetic Engineering and Bioprocess Engineering. Meticulously document experimental procedures, observations, and results in a lab notebook. Understand the ''''why'''' behind each step. Seek feedback from lab instructors to refine techniques and improve troubleshooting skills, critical for any scientific role.
Tools & Resources
Lab notebooks, Standard operating procedures SOPs, Mentorship from lab instructors
Career Connection
Excellent practical skills and detailed documentation are non-negotiable for research, development, and quality control positions in biotech and pharma industries.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Internships or Research Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively seek summer internships or engage in research projects mini-projects within the university or at external institutions/companies. This provides exposure to real-world applications of genetic engineering, helps in networking, and clarifies career interests. Focus on gaining hands-on experience in advanced techniques like CRISPR, cell culture, or plant transformation.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST career services, LinkedIn, Networking with faculty, Industry contacts
Career Connection
Internships are crucial for industry exposure, skill development, and often lead to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations for future jobs in India''''s biotech sector.
Specialize through Elective Choices and Advanced Studies- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career aspirations, whether it is medical genetics, computational drug design, or bioentrepreneurship. Deepen knowledge in these specialized areas through advanced readings, workshops, and seminars. Consider publishing preliminary research findings or review articles to showcase expertise.
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Research papers PubMed, Google Scholar, Departmental workshops
Career Connection
Specialization helps in targeting niche roles and provides a competitive edge in interviews for advanced R&D positions or academic research.
Develop Strong Scientific Communication Skills- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in seminars, conferences, and group discussions. Practice presenting complex scientific information clearly and concisely. Hone scientific writing skills for thesis preparation, research papers, and grant proposals. Seek feedback from professors and peers on presentations and written assignments to continuously improve.
Tools & Resources
Technical writing guides, Presentation software, Departmental seminars, Toastmasters if available
Career Connection
Effective communication is vital for collaborating in research teams, publishing findings, and presenting project outcomes to stakeholders in any scientific or corporate environment.
Advanced Stage
Focus on Project Work and Thesis Development- (Semester 3-4)
Dedicate significant effort to your M.Tech project Phase I & II. Choose a challenging topic with real-world relevance, meticulously plan experiments, execute them, and analyze results. Focus on writing a high-quality thesis that demonstrates originality, critical thinking, and technical proficiency, crucial for showcasing your capabilities to potential employers.
Tools & Resources
Research lab facilities, Statistical software SPSS, R, Thesis writing guidelines, Supervisor guidance
Career Connection
A strong master''''s project and thesis are often the most important credential for securing research-oriented roles in industry, academia, or for pursuing higher studies PhD.
Network and Attend Industry Events- (Semester 4)
Actively network with alumni, industry professionals, and researchers through conferences, workshops, and online platforms like LinkedIn. Attend career fairs and industry seminars to understand current trends, job market demands, and potential employers. Build professional relationships that can lead to job opportunities or mentorship in the Indian biotech sector.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences e.g., BioAsia, Bengaluru Tech Summit, SRMIST alumni network
Career Connection
Networking is indispensable for discovering hidden job opportunities, getting referrals, and gaining insights into specific company cultures and hiring processes in India.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Education- (Semester 4)
Refine your resume/CV and cover letter tailored to specific job descriptions. Practice technical and HR interview questions, focusing on genetic engineering concepts and problem-solving. For higher studies, prepare for GRE/GATE/TOFEL and identify potential PhD programs and supervisors. Seek guidance from the placement cell and faculty mentors.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell services, Mock interview sessions, GATE/GRE/TOFEL preparation materials, Online job portals
Career Connection
Proactive and strategic preparation ensures successful placement in leading biotech firms or securing admissions to prestigious PhD programs, shaping your long-term career trajectory.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.E./B.Tech. in Biotechnology or related fields, or M.Sc. in relevant biological sciences, or B.Pharm./M.Pharm./M.B.B.S./B.D.S. with minimum 60% aggregate marks.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 70 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2101 | Applied Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | Nucleic acid structure and function, DNA replication and repair mechanisms, Gene expression and its regulation, Principles of Recombinant DNA technology, Molecular cloning strategies |
| GE2102 | Genetic Engineering Techniques | Core | 4 | Restriction enzymes and DNA ligase, Cloning vectors and host systems, Gene library construction and screening, Polymerase Chain Reaction PCR applications, DNA sequencing methods, Mutagenesis techniques |
| GE2103 | Bioprocess Engineering | Core | 4 | Principles of microbial fermentation, Bioreactor design and operation, Mass transfer and oxygen supply, Upstream and downstream processing, Enzyme technology in bioprocesses |
| GE2104 | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Core | 4 | Biological databases nucleic acid and protein, Sequence alignment algorithms BLAST FASTA, Phylogenetic analysis and tree construction, Proteomics and protein structure prediction, Introduction to computer-aided drug design |
| GE2105 | Genetic Engineering Lab I | Lab | 2 | Genomic DNA and plasmid isolation, Restriction digestion and gel electrophoresis, Ligation and bacterial transformation, Agarose and SDS-PAGE techniques, PCR amplification and analysis |
| GE2106 | Bioprocess Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Microbial fermentation setup and monitoring, Cell growth kinetics determination, Enzyme activity assays, Protein precipitation and purification, Bioreactor operation principles |
| GE2107 | Biological Data Analysis | Core | 3 | Statistical hypothesis testing, Regression and correlation analysis, ANOVA and experimental design, Data visualization techniques, Introduction to R programming for biology |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2201 | Advanced Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | Gene therapy strategies and vectors, Genome editing technologies CRISPR-Cas9, RNA interference mechanisms and applications, Synthetic biology principles and design, Epigenetic modifications and gene regulation |
| GE2202 | Animal Cell and Tissue Culture | Core | 4 | Principles of animal cell culture, Aseptic techniques and sterilization, Mammalian cell lines and primary cultures, Tissue engineering fundamentals, Stem cell biology and applications |
| GE2203 | Plant Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | Plant tissue culture techniques, Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer, Direct gene transfer methods in plants, Development of transgenic crops, Crop improvement and biofortification |
| GE2204 | Immunology and Immunotechnology | Core | 4 | Components of the immune system, Antigen-antibody interactions, ELISA and Western blotting techniques, Vaccine development strategies, Immunotherapy and diagnostics |
| GE2205 | Genetic Engineering Lab II | Lab | 2 | Gene expression analysis RT-PCR qPCR, Protein expression and purification, Western blot and immunoprecipitation, CRISPR-Cas9 experimental design, RNA isolation and quality assessment |
| GE2206 | Animal Cell and Tissue Culture Lab | Lab | 2 | Cell counting and viability assays, Subculturing mammalian cell lines, Cryopreservation of cells, Microscopy for cell morphological analysis, Transient and stable cell transfection |
| GE22E1 | Elective I | Elective | 3 | Advanced molecular diagnostic techniques, Disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets, Structural biology methods, Genomics and proteomics applications, Nanobiotechnology in medicine |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2301 | Professional Ethics and Human Values | Core | 3 | Ethical theories and principles, Professional codes of conduct, Bioethical issues in genetic engineering, Research integrity and responsible conduct, Social implications of biotechnology |
| GE2302 | Research Methodology | Core | 3 | Formulation of research problems, Literature review and hypothesis generation, Experimental design and data collection methods, Statistical analysis for research data, Technical writing and research publication |
| GE2303 | Seminar | Core | 2 | Scientific presentation skills, Critical analysis of scientific literature, Effective communication of research findings, Development of presentation content, Peer feedback and improvement |
| GE2304 | Project Work - Phase I | Project | 6 | Problem identification and definition, Extensive literature survey, Development of project objectives, Experimental methodology planning, Preliminary data collection and analysis |
| GE23E2 | Elective II | Elective | 3 | Intellectual Property Rights and patents, Regulatory affairs in biotechnology, Advanced cell signaling pathways, Metabolic pathway engineering, Biostatistics and experimental design |
| GE23E3 | Elective III | Elective | 3 | Pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, Immunoinformatics and vaccine design, Computational drug discovery, Environmental applications of biotechnology, Bioentrepreneurship and business models |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2401 | Project Work - Phase II | Project | 18 | Advanced experimental execution and data generation, Comprehensive data analysis and interpretation, Scientific report and thesis writing, Oral presentation and defense of project, Preparation for potential publication |
