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B-TECH in Biotechnology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University)
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Biotechnology at SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University) Chengalpattu?
This B.Tech Biotechnology program at Sri Ramaswamy Memorial Institute of Science and Technology focuses on equipping students with interdisciplinary knowledge at the confluence of biology and engineering. It delves into areas like genetic engineering, bioprocess technology, and medical biotechnology, addressing critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and industry. India''''s burgeoning biotech sector, driven by pharmaceutical and agricultural innovations, presents a vast demand for skilled professionals, making this program highly relevant and crucial for national growth.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring engineers with a strong aptitude for biological sciences and a keen interest in technological applications to solve real-world problems. It suits fresh graduates from a science background (PCM/PCB) seeking entry into advanced biological research, biomanufacturing, or healthcare R&D. Working professionals aiming to transition into biotechnological roles or upskill in specific areas like bioinformatics or bioprocess engineering would also find this curriculum beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in biopharmaceutical companies, research institutions, food processing units, environmental management, and academic research. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 LPA, with experienced professionals earning significantly more (INR 8-15+ LPA) in roles such as Bioprocess Engineer, Research Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, or Bioinformatics Specialist. The curriculum also prepares students for higher studies (M.Tech, PhD) and aligns with certifications in regulatory affairs and intellectual property.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Scientific and Engineering Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering core concepts in biology, chemistry, physics, and basic engineering. Attend all lab sessions diligently to develop practical skills. Utilize academic support centers and peer study groups to clarify doubts and consolidate learning in subjects like Engineering Mathematics and Introduction to Biotechnology.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, NPTEL lectures, Khan Academy, SRMIST digital library, peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for understanding advanced biotechnology concepts and excelling in subsequent specialized courses, forming the bedrock for future research and technical roles.
Develop Problem-Solving and Programming Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in Python programming labs and problem-solving exercises. Practice coding regularly to build logical thinking and computational abilities. Apply these skills to simple biological data problems or engineering simulations. Engage in online coding platforms to enhance competitive programming aptitude.
Tools & Resources
Python IDE (Jupyter, PyCharm), HackerRank, LeetCode, GeeksforGeeks, CodeChef, relevant NPTEL courses
Career Connection
Computational skills are increasingly vital in modern biotechnology, especially in bioinformatics, drug discovery, and data analysis roles, making graduates highly desirable for R&D and tech-driven biotech companies.
Cultivate Environmental Awareness and Interdisciplinary Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Engage with the ''''Environmental Science'''' course by participating in relevant campus initiatives or local awareness programs. Connect biological principles with engineering applications and societal impact. Attend seminars or workshops that explore interdisciplinary topics to broaden perspective beyond textbooks.
Tools & Resources
Environmental NGOs, SRMIST eco-clubs, scientific journals, TED Talks on sustainability
Career Connection
Understanding environmental issues and possessing an interdisciplinary mindset prepares students for roles in bioremediation, sustainable technologies, and contributes to holistic problem-solving in the biotech sector.
Intermediate Stage
Master Core Biotechnology Laboratory Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Dedicate extra time to labs for Biochemistry, Microbiology, Genetic Engineering, and Immunology. Seek opportunities to assist faculty in research projects to gain hands-on experience beyond curriculum. Document experiments meticulously and understand the theoretical basis behind each protocol.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, research articles, faculty mentors, advanced lab equipment (microscopes, centrifuges, PCR machines)
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is non-negotiable for R&D, quality control, and process development roles in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and bioprocess industries.
Explore Specialization Through Electives and Internships- (Semester 4-5)
Carefully choose professional electives based on career interests (e.g., Biopharmaceutical, Food, Environmental Biotech). Actively search for and pursue internships during summer breaks in relevant industries or research institutes to gain real-world exposure and network with professionals.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Career Centre, LinkedIn, industry contacts, research labs, company websites, NPTEL advanced courses
Career Connection
Specialization choice and practical internship experience directly impact job prospects, providing a competitive edge and often leading to pre-placement offers in targeted sectors.
Engage in Bioinformatics and Data Analysis Projects- (Semester 4-5)
Apply bioinformatics skills by working on mini-projects involving sequence analysis, protein structure prediction, or drug discovery using publicly available datasets. Participate in hackathons or online competitions focused on biological data. Learn statistical tools relevant to biotechnology research.
Tools & Resources
NCBI databases, PDB, Expasy, R/Python for bioinformatics, online bioinformatics courses (Coursera, edX)
Career Connection
Strong bioinformatics and data analysis skills are highly sought after in modern biotech for roles in drug discovery, genomics, personalized medicine, and computational biology.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Major Projects and Industrial Training- (Semester 6-8)
Choose a challenging major project that aligns with your specialization and career goals. Collaborate effectively with your team and mentor. For industrial training/internship, seek opportunities that offer substantial hands-on experience and problem-solving. Focus on contributing meaningfully to the organization.
Tools & Resources
Project mentors, research labs, industry partners, professional networking events, project management tools
Career Connection
A strong major project and significant industrial training are key resume builders, demonstrating practical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and often serving as a direct pathway to employment.
Prepare Comprehensively for Placements and Higher Studies- (Semester 7-8)
Attend placement workshops, practice technical interviews, and develop a professional resume and portfolio. Identify target companies or universities for higher studies. Prepare for competitive exams like GATE, GRE, or TOEFL if considering post-graduation in India or abroad. Network with alumni for insights.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell, mock interview platforms, LinkedIn, exam preparation materials, alumni network
Career Connection
Proactive and thorough preparation significantly increases the chances of securing desirable placements in top biotech firms or admission into prestigious national and international universities for advanced degrees.
Develop Entrepreneurial Mindset and Leadership Skills- (Semester 7-8)
Explore opportunities to participate in biotech-focused business plan competitions or innovation challenges. Understand the commercialization aspects of biotechnology products. Take on leadership roles in student organizations or project teams. Attend workshops on IPR and startup ecosystem in biotech.
Tools & Resources
Entrepreneurship cells, startup incubators, industry experts, business journals, case studies
Career Connection
An entrepreneurial mindset can lead to founding biotech startups or taking on leadership roles within established companies, driving innovation and bringing novel solutions to the market in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Minimum aggregate of 60% in PCM/PCB (or PCM with Biotechnology/Computer Science) in 12th standard (from SRMIST admissions page)
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters
Credits: 160 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21EL101 | English | Core | 3 | Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Public Speaking |
| 21HS101 | Soft Skills | Core | 1 | Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Interpersonal Skills, Time Management, Stress Management |
| 21MA107 | Engineering Mathematics I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, Matrices, Vector Calculus, Ordinary Differential Equations |
| 21PY102 | Physics for Biotechnologists | Core | 3 | Optics, Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Medical Physics |
| 21PY104 | Physics for Biotechnologists Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Error Analysis, Measurement Techniques, Properties of Materials, Optical Phenomena, Basic Electronics |
| 21BT101 | Introduction to Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Fundamentals of Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetic Engineering, Applications of Biotechnology |
| 21GE101 | Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering | Core | 3 | DC and AC Circuits, Semiconductor Devices, Diodes and Transistors, Operational Amplifiers, Digital Electronics |
| 21GE102 | Basic Electrical and Electronics Engineering Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Ohm''''s Law, Kirchhoff''''s Laws, Diode Characteristics, Transistor Characteristics, Logic Gates |
| 21GE103 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 3 | Orthographic Projections, Isometric Projections, Sectional Views, Development of Surfaces, CAD Fundamentals |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21GE104 | Problem Solving and Python Programming | Core | 3 | Algorithmic Thinking, Python Syntax, Data Structures, Functions, File Handling |
| 21GE105 | Problem Solving and Python Programming Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Debugging, Basic Programming Exercises, Algorithmic Implementation, Data Analysis with Python, Web Scraping Basics |
| 21CH102 | Chemistry for Biotechnologists | Core | 3 | Organic Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry Fundamentals |
| 21CH104 | Chemistry for Biotechnologists Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Volumetric Analysis, pH Measurements, Spectrophotometry, Organic Synthesis, Polymer Characterization |
| 21MA108 | Engineering Mathematics II | Core | 4 | Multiple Integrals, Vector Calculus, Complex Numbers, Laplace Transforms, Fourier Series |
| 21BT102 | Biology for Engineers | Core | 3 | Cell Structure and Function, Metabolism, Genetics, Microbiology, Immunology |
| 21BT103 | Biology for Engineers Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Microscopy, Staining Techniques, Microbial Culture, DNA Isolation, Protein Estimation |
| 21EL102 | Environmental Science | Core | 3 | Ecosystems, Pollution, Renewable Energy, Biodiversity, Environmental Legislation |
| 21GE107 | Computer Aided Design | Lab | 1 | 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling, Assembly Design, Part Design, Simulation Basics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BT201 | Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Biomolecules, Metabolism, Enzymes, Bioenergetics, Molecular Biology Techniques |
| 21BT202 | Bioprocess Principles | Core | 3 | Bioreactor Design, Fermentation Technology, Mass Transfer, Heat Transfer, Downstream Processing |
| 21BT203 | Cell Biology | Core | 3 | Cell Structure, Cell Organelles, Cell Cycle, Cell Signaling, Cancer Biology |
| 21BT204 | Microbiology | Core | 3 | Microbial Classification, Microbial Growth, Bacterial Genetics, Virology, Industrial Microbiology |
| 21BT205 | Biochemistry and Microbiology Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Enzyme Assays, Chromatographic Techniques, Sterilization, Microbial Staining, Culture Media Preparation |
| 21BT206 | Bioprocess Principles Laboratory | Lab | 1 | Bioreactor Operation, Fermentation Kinetics, Mass Transfer Co-efficient, Downstream Separation, Product Recovery |
| 21MA208 | Probability and Statistics | Core | 4 | Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing, Regression Analysis, Correlation, Statistical Inference |
| 21GE201 | Universal Human Values | Core | 3 | Ethics, Values, Human Relationships, Society, Professional Ethics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BT207 | Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | DNA Replication, Gene Expression, Recombinant DNA Technology, Cloning Vectors, Gene Editing |
| 21BT208 | Immunology | Core | 3 | Immune System, Antigens and Antibodies, Innate Immunity, Adaptive Immunity, Immunological Techniques |
| 21BT209 | Bioseparation Technology | Core | 3 | Filtration, Centrifugation, Chromatography, Electrophoresis, Membrane Separations |
| 21BT210 | Bioinformatics | Core | 3 | Biological Databases, Sequence Alignment, Phylogenetics, Protein Structure Prediction, Drug Design |
| 21BT211 | Genetic Engineering and Immunology Laboratory | Lab | 2 | DNA Isolation, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, ELISA, Western Blot |
| 21BT212 | Bioinformatics and Bioseparation Technology Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Database Search, Sequence Analysis Tools, Protein Visualization, Centrifugation, Chromatography |
| 21GE202 | Essence of Indian Traditional Knowledge | Core | 3 | Indian Knowledge Systems, Traditional Sciences, Arts and Culture, Yoga and Ayurveda, Environmental Ethics |
| Open Elective I | Open Elective I | Elective | 3 |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BT301 | Industrial Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Microbial Products, Enzyme Technology, Fermentation Industries, Biofuels, Bioplastics |
| 21BT302 | Plant Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Plant Tissue Culture, Genetic Transformation, Crop Improvement, Molecular Breeding, Biofortification |
| 21BT303 | Animal Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Animal Cell Culture, Genetic Engineering in Animals, Transgenic Animals, Animal Cloning, Vaccine Production |
| 21BT304 | Analytical Techniques in Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Spectroscopy, Chromatography, Electrophoresis, Microscopy, Biosensors |
| 21BT305 | Plant and Animal Biotechnology Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Plant Tissue Culture, Agrobacterium Transformation, Animal Cell Culture, DNA Fingerprinting, Embryo Culture |
| 21BT306 | Industrial and Analytical Biotechnology Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Bioprocess Optimization, Enzyme Immobilization, Spectrophotometric Assays, HPLC, GC |
| Professional Elective I | Professional Elective I | Elective | 3 | |
| Professional Elective II | Professional Elective II | Elective | 3 |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BT307 | Bioprocess Downstream Technology | Core | 3 | Cell Disruption, Solid-Liquid Separation, Concentration, Purification, Product Formulation |
| 21BT308 | Environmental Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Bioremediation, Waste Water Treatment, Bioenergy, Biosensors for Environment, Green Biotechnology |
| 21BT309 | Genetic Engineering & Metabolic Engineering | Core | 3 | Pathway Engineering, Enzyme Engineering, Systems Biology, Synthetic Biology, Biosafety |
| 21BT310 | Bioprocess Downstream and Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory | Lab | 2 | Microfiltration, Ultrafiltration, Adsorption, Biosorption, Bioreactor for Waste Treatment |
| 21BT311 | Industrial Training / Internship | Project/Internship | 2 | Industry Exposure, Practical Skills, Project Report, Presentation Skills, Professional Ethics |
| 21BT312 | Seminar | Project/Seminar | 1 | Research Skills, Presentation Skills, Technical Communication, Critical Analysis, Current Topics |
| Professional Elective III | Professional Elective III | Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective II | Open Elective II | Elective | 3 |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BT401 | Bioreactor Design and Analysis | Core | 3 | Bioreactor Kinetics, Sterilization, Aeration and Agitation, Scale-up, Bioreactor Control |
| 21BT402 | Medical Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Diagnostics, Therapeutics, Regenerative Medicine, Gene Therapy, Personalized Medicine |
| 21BT403 | Major Project I | Project | 3 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Methodology Design, Experimental Work, Data Analysis |
| Professional Elective IV | Professional Elective IV | Elective | 3 | |
| Professional Elective V | Professional Elective V | Elective | 3 | |
| Professional Elective VI | Professional Elective VI | Elective | 3 |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BT404 | Biochemical Engineering | Core | 3 | Enzyme Kinetics, Microbial Kinetics, Transport Phenomena, Bioprocess Economics, Regulatory Affairs |
| 21BT405 | Major Project II | Project | 6 | Advanced Experimental Work, Data Interpretation, Thesis Writing, Presentation, Innovation |
| Open Elective III | Open Elective III | Elective | 3 | |
| Open Elective IV | Open Elective IV | Elective | 3 |
