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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 genetic manipulation, genomics, proteomics, and cellular engineering. It addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in India''''s rapidly expanding biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, offering a blend of fundamental science and applied technology relevant to healthcare, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for biotechnology, life science, and biomedical engineering graduates seeking to specialize in cutting-edge genetic technologies. It also caters to working professionals from R&D or clinical roles who wish to upskill in areas like gene editing, stem cell research, and bioinformatics. Candidates with a strong foundation in molecular biology and a passion for innovation in biological systems are particularly well-suited.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in leading Indian and multinational biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and diagnostic labs. Potential roles include Research Scientist, Genetic Engineer, Bioinformatician, Process Development Scientist, and Quality Control Analyst, with entry-level salaries typically ranging from INR 4-7 LPA and significant growth potential. The curriculum often aligns with industry-recognized certifications in molecular techniques and bioinformatics.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Lab Techniques- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate extra time to practice foundational molecular biology techniques learned in labs (DNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, cloning). Seek opportunities for hands-on experience beyond regular lab hours. Join department workshops or basic research projects.
Tools & Resources
Departmental labs, YouTube tutorials (e.g., JoVE, Lab Techniques), Specific lab manuals, Senior students/Ph.D. scholars for guidance
Career Connection
Proficiency in basic lab skills is non-negotiable for entry-level R&D positions in biotech, pharma, and diagnostic industries.
Build a Strong Bioinformatics Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Beyond coursework, actively engage with online bioinformatics resources. Learn to use key databases (NCBI, UniProt) and tools (BLAST, Clustal Omega) for sequence analysis, primer design, and protein prediction. Consider a basic Python/R course for data handling.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX bioinformatics courses, NPTEL lectures, NCBI/EBI tutorials, Biopython/Tidyverse libraries
Career Connection
Bioinformatics skills are highly valued for ''''omics'''' data analysis roles, drug discovery, and research positions, offering a distinct edge in the job market.
Form Study Groups and Peer Learning Networks- (Semester 1-2)
Collaborate with peers to discuss complex concepts, review lab results, and prepare for exams. Teaching others reinforces your own understanding and develops communication skills. Participate in departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College library study rooms, Online collaboration tools (Google Meet, Discord), Departmental notice boards for seminar schedules
Career Connection
Develops teamwork and communication, crucial for interdisciplinary research environments and project management roles.
Intermediate Stage
Undertake a Research Internship/Mini-Project- (Summer after Semester 2, or during Semester 3)
Actively seek out summer or short-term research internships in reputable biotech companies, research institutes (e.g., CCMB, CDFD), or even within SRMIST under a faculty mentor. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to a specific research problem.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST placement cell, Faculty network, LinkedIn, Indeed.co.in for internship postings, Institutional research labs
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, strengthens your resume, builds professional networks, and can lead to pre-placement offers or strong recommendations.
Develop Specialized Skill Sets through Electives and Workshops- (Semester 3)
Strategically choose electives that align with your career aspirations (e.g., Computational Biology for data roles, Nanobiotechnology for materials). Supplement with specialized workshops (e.g., CRISPR training, flow cytometry, drug discovery platforms).
Tools & Resources
Elective course descriptions, Workshop announcements from industry/academia, NPTEL advanced courses, Certifications from industry bodies
Career Connection
Creates a unique skill profile, making you more competitive for niche roles and demonstrating a proactive approach to learning and specialization.
Network with Industry Professionals and Researchers- (Semester 3)
Attend biotech conferences, seminars, and industry events (online and offline). Engage with guest speakers, connect with alumni working in your target fields, and use platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional network.
Tools & Resources
Biotech conferences in India (e.g., BioAsia, BioCon), LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Departmental career fairs
Career Connection
Opens doors to mentorship, internship leads, and potential job opportunities that may not be publicly advertised, providing insights into industry trends.
Advanced Stage
Focus on High-Impact M.Tech Project Work- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to your M.Tech thesis. Aim for a project with novel contributions, potential for publication, or direct industry applicability. Clearly define objectives, execute thoroughly, and analyze data rigorously. Practice presenting your work effectively.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisor, Research journal databases (PubMed, Scopus), Statistical software, LaTeX/Mendeley for thesis writing
Career Connection
A strong thesis acts as a portfolio, demonstrating research capabilities, problem-solving skills, and deep subject matter expertise, critical for R&D roles or Ph.D. admissions.
Master Interview and Communication Skills- (Semester 4)
Participate in mock interviews, resume writing workshops, and group discussions. Practice articulating your technical skills, project experiences, and career goals clearly and confidently. Focus on behavioral questions relevant to the biotech sector.
Tools & Resources
Placement cell training, Career services, Online interview platforms, LinkedIn Learning, Company-specific interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Essential for converting job opportunities. Good communication ensures your technical skills are effectively conveyed to recruiters and hiring managers.
Explore Entrepreneurship or Further Studies- (Semester 4, leading into post-graduation)
For those with an entrepreneurial bent, explore incubation centers or biotech startup ecosystems. For academic aspirations, research Ph.D. opportunities in India or abroad, and prepare for entrance exams (e.g., CSIR NET, GATE Biotechnology, GRE).
Tools & Resources
SRMIST incubation center, Startup India initiatives, Ph.D. program websites, Coaching institutes for competitive exams
Career Connection
Provides alternative career paths beyond direct placements, fostering innovation or deep academic research contributions to the field.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Tech./B.E. in Biotechnology/Genetic Engg./Industrial Biotechnology/Biochemical Engg./Chemical Engg./Food Tech./B.Pharm/M.Sc. in any branch of Life Sciences/Biotechnology/Genetics/Biochemistry/Microbiology/Botany/Zoology/Bioinformatics with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
Duration: 2 years (4 Semesters)
Credits: 71 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2001 | Advanced Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | Recombinant DNA Principles, Gene Cloning Strategies, Genome Editing (CRISPR-Cas), Gene Expression Regulation, Transgenesis Techniques, RNA Interference |
| GE2003 | Genomics and Proteomics | Core | 4 | Genome Sequencing Technologies, Transcriptomics, Functional Genomics, Protein Separation Techniques, Mass Spectrometry, Bioinformatics for Omics Data |
| GE2005 | Cell and Tissue Engineering | Core | 4 | Cell Culture Systems, Stem Cell Biology, Tissue Scaffolds and Biomaterials, Tissue Regeneration, Organ Engineering, Cell Therapies |
| GE2007 | Biosafety and Bioethics | Core | 3 | Biosafety Levels and Guidelines, Risk Assessment, Ethical Considerations in Gene Manipulation, IPR and Patenting, Regulatory Affairs for GMOs, Clinical Trial Ethics |
| GE2009 | Advanced Genetic Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | DNA Isolation & Quantification, PCR & RT-PCR, Restriction Digestion, Ligation, Bacterial Transformation, Gene Expression Analysis |
| GE2011 | Genomics and Proteomics Lab | Lab | 2 | Primer Design, DNA Sequencing Data Analysis, SDS-PAGE, Western Blotting, 2D Electrophoresis, Proteomics Software Tools |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2002 | Animal Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Animal Cell Culture, Transgenic Animal Production, Gene Therapy in Animals, Animal Cloning, Assisted Reproduction, Animal Health Diagnostics |
| GE2004 | Medical Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Molecular Diagnostics, Vaccine Technology, Recombinant Therapeutics, Gene and Cell Therapy, Drug Discovery, Personalized Medicine |
| GE2006 | Plant Biotechnology | Core | 4 | Plant Tissue Culture, Agrobacterium-mediated Transformation, Crop Improvement, Metabolic Engineering in Plants, Stress Resistance, Molecular Farming |
| GE2008 | Bioprocess Engineering | Core | 3 | Bioreactor Design and Operation, Fermentation Kinetics, Downstream Processing, Scale-up Principles, Sterilization, Bioprocess Control |
| GE2010 | Medical Biotechnology Lab | Lab | 2 | ELISA, Western Blotting, Flow Cytometry, Cell Viability Assays, Drug Screening Assays, Microbial Cultivation Techniques |
| GE2012 | Bioprocess Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Batch & Continuous Fermentation, Bioreactor Parameter Control, Product Recovery and Purification, Cell Immobilization, Enzyme Kinetics, Media Optimization |
| GE2031 | Stem Cell Technology | Elective | 3 | Types of Stem Cells, Embryonic Stem Cells, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells, Hematopoietic Stem Cells, Stem Cell Culture, Therapeutic Applications |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2013 | Project Work – Phase I | Project | 6 | Literature Review, Research Problem Formulation, Experimental Design, Methodology Planning, Data Collection Strategies, Ethical Approval Process |
| GE2035 | Computational Biology | Elective | 3 | Sequence Alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Phylogenetics, Protein Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking, Drug Discovery Algorithms, NGS Data Analysis |
| GE2039 | Nanobiotechnology | Elective | 3 | Nanoparticle Synthesis, Characterization Techniques, Quantum Dots, Nanobiosensors, Nanomedicine, Targeted Drug Delivery Systems |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GE2014 | Project Work – Phase II | Project | 20 | Experimental Execution, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Statistical Methods, Thesis Writing, Scientific Presentation, Viva Voce Examination |
