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B-TECH in Biotechnology at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Biotechnology at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This Biotechnology B.Tech program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on integrating engineering principles with biological sciences. It delves into areas like genetic engineering, bioprocess technology, and bioinformatics, crucial for India''''s growing pharmaceutical, healthcare, and agricultural sectors. The curriculum is designed to produce innovators addressing national and global challenges in bio-based industries, aligning with the rising demand for skilled biotechnologists in the Indian market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring engineers with a strong foundation in science, particularly biology, chemistry, and mathematics. It caters to fresh graduates seeking entry into advanced biological research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, or environmental solutions. Working professionals in related fields looking to specialize or career changers interested in a cutting-edge scientific domain can also benefit. A keen interest in scientific discovery and technological application in life sciences is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India''''s expanding biotechnology industry, including roles in R&D, manufacturing, quality control, and clinical research. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs per annum, with experienced professionals earning significantly more (INR 8-15+ lakhs). Growth trajectories include leadership positions in biopharma companies, food processing, or environmental consultancies. The program also prepares students for higher studies and entrepreneurial ventures in the biotech startup ecosystem.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Strengthen Core Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to thoroughly understand fundamental concepts in biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Utilize online platforms like NPTEL for supplemental learning and join peer study groups to clarify doubts. This strong base is critical for grasping complex biotechnology subjects later.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL (National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning), Khan Academy, Peer Study Groups
Career Connection
A solid theoretical foundation is essential for excelling in technical interviews and advanced research, enabling a smoother transition into specialized roles.
Develop Early Programming & Data Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in Python programming labs and explore basic data handling. Participate in introductory coding challenges to build problem-solving acumen. This prepares students for the growing demand for computational biology and bioinformatics skills.
Tools & Resources
Python IDEs, HackerRank (for basic coding challenges), GeeksforGeeks (tutorials)
Career Connection
Early proficiency in programming enhances employability for bioinformatics and data science roles within biotech, a rapidly expanding sector in India.
Cultivate Scientific Communication Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in communicative English labs, practicing presentations, technical writing, and group discussions. Seek opportunities to present academic topics to peers and faculty to build confidence. Effective communication is vital in any scientific career.
Tools & Resources
Grammarly, Toastmasters (if available at university), Departmental Seminars
Career Connection
Strong communication skills are crucial for technical report writing, presenting research findings, and successful interviews for jobs in India and abroad.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Hands-on Laboratory Expertise- (Semesters 3-5)
Maximize learning in Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Biology labs. Go beyond prescribed experiments by seeking opportunities for extra lab work, assisting faculty in research, or learning additional techniques. Focus on precision and observation.
Tools & Resources
University Labs, Departmental Research Projects, Lab Manuals
Career Connection
Practical lab skills are highly valued in R&D, quality control, and manufacturing roles in Indian biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
Explore Interdisciplinary Projects & Internships- (Semesters 3-5)
Actively seek mini-projects or internships in industry or research institutions (e.g., IISc, ICMR, CSIR labs). This exposure provides real-world experience in areas like bioprocess engineering, genetic engineering, or bioinformatics, bridging academic learning with industry demands.
Tools & Resources
Internshala, AICTE Internship Portal, University Placement Cell
Career Connection
Internships offer valuable industry connections, practical application of knowledge, and often lead to pre-placement offers in Indian biotech firms.
Network and Engage with Industry Experts- (Semesters 3-5)
Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences related to biotechnology (e.g., BIO-Asia, India Lab Expo). Connect with guest speakers, alumni, and industry professionals. Join student chapters of professional bodies like Biotech Research Society, India (BRSI).
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional Body Memberships, Industry Conferences
Career Connection
Networking is essential for discovering job opportunities, mentorship, and staying updated on industry trends and innovations in the Indian market.
Advanced Stage
Undertake Comprehensive Project Work- (Semesters 6-8)
Devote significant effort to Project Work I & II, selecting topics aligned with your career aspirations (e.g., drug discovery, environmental biotech). Aim for publishable quality research and seek guidance from faculty. This showcases research capabilities.
Tools & Resources
Research Journals, Scopus/Web of Science, Faculty Mentors
Career Connection
A strong final year project is a key differentiator in job applications and for securing admissions to top PG programs or research positions.
Prepare Rigorously for Placements & Higher Studies- (Semesters 6-8)
Participate in mock interviews, aptitude tests, and resume-building workshops organized by the placement cell. For higher studies, prepare for competitive exams like GATE, NET, or GRE/TOEFL. Focus on mastering core biotechnology concepts and their applications.
Tools & Resources
Placement Cell, Online Aptitude Test Portals, Coaching Centers (if desired)
Career Connection
Proactive preparation is vital for securing placements in leading Indian biotech companies or gaining admission to prestigious national and international universities.
Develop Niche Specialization and Certifications- (Semesters 6-8)
Choose professional electives wisely to build a niche specialization (e.g., Bioprocess, Bioinformatics). Pursue relevant online certifications (e.g., Data Science for Biologists, GMP training) to enhance your skillset and marketability in specific industry segments.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX (specialized courses), Industry-specific certification bodies, Professional Electives
Career Connection
Specialized skills and certifications make graduates highly competitive for targeted roles in rapidly evolving biotech sub-fields, both in Indian and global markets.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 with a minimum of 45% marks in aggregate with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (or) Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (or) Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science (or) Physics, Chemistry, and Vocational Subject, (40% of marks for SC/ST candidates).
Duration: 8 semesters / 4 years
Credits: 169 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40% (Theory), 50% (Practical & Project), External: 60% (Theory), 50% (Practical & Project)
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB001 | Communicative English | Core | 3 | Listening and Speaking Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Strategies, Grammar and Vocabulary, Oral Communication Practice |
| 21BTB002 | Engineering Mathematics - I | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus, Functions of Several Variables, Multiple Integrals, Ordinary Differential Equations, Vector Calculus |
| 21BTB003 | Engineering Physics | Core | 3 | Properties of Matter, Quantum Physics, Laser and Fibre Optics, Heat and Thermodynamics, Nano Materials |
| 21BTB004 | Engineering Chemistry | Core | 3 | Water Technology, Electrochemistry, Corrosion and its control, Fuels and Combustion, Engineering Materials |
| 21BTB005 | Problem Solving and Python Programming | Core | 3 | Algorithmic Problem Solving, Python Language Fundamentals, Control Flow and Functions, Data Structures, File Handling |
| 21BTB006 | Physics and Chemistry Lab | Lab | 2 | Optics Experiments, Materials Testing, Viscosity Determination, Water Quality Analysis, Chemical Titrations |
| 21BTB007 | Python Programming Lab | Lab | 2 | Basic Python Programming, Conditional Statements, Looping Constructs, Functions and Modules, List, Tuples, Dictionaries |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB008 | Value Education, Human Rights and Legal Literacy | Core | 2 | Value Education Principles, Human Rights Concepts, Gender and Law, Legal Literacy, Social Justice |
| 21BTB009 | Engineering Mathematics - II | Core | 4 | Matrices and Linear Algebra, Vector Spaces, Fourier Series, Partial Differential Equations, Complex Variables |
| 21BTB010 | Engineering Graphics | Core | 4 | Projection of Points and Lines, Projection of Planes and Solids, Sections of Solids, Development of Surfaces, Isometric and Perspective Projections |
| 21BTB011 | Basic Civil and Mechanical Engineering | Core | 3 | Civil Engineering Materials, Building Construction, Thermodynamics Fundamentals, Power Plants, Manufacturing Processes |
| 21BTB012 | Environmental Science and Engineering | Core | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Social Issues and Environment, Human Population and Environment |
| 21BTB013 | Communicative English Lab | Lab | 1 | Self-Introduction and Role Play, Group Discussion Techniques, Presentation Skills, Interview Preparation, Public Speaking |
| 21BTB014 | Engineering Practices Lab | Lab | 2 | Plumbing and Carpentry, Welding and Sheet Metal Work, Foundry and Forging, Basic Electrical Wiring, Machine Shop Operations |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB101 | Probability and Statistics | Core | 4 | Probability Distributions, Testing of Hypothesis, Correlation and Regression, Analysis of Variance, Design of Experiments |
| 21BTB102 | Biochemistry | Core | 3 | Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids and Vitamins, Enzymes and Coenzymes, Metabolic Pathways, Bioenergetics |
| 21BTB103 | Microbiology | Core | 3 | Introduction to Microorganisms, Microbial Nutrition and Growth, Sterilization and Disinfection, Microbial Genetics, Industrial and Environmental Microbiology |
| 21BTB104 | Cell Biology | Core | 3 | Cell Structure and Organelles, Cell Membrane and Transport, Cell Cycle and Division, Cell Signaling, Cellular Adaptations and Cancer |
| 21BTB105 | Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer | Core | 3 | Fluid Properties and Statics, Fluid Dynamics and Flow, Flow through Pipes, Heat Conduction, Heat Convection and Radiation |
| 21BTB106 | Biochemistry and Microbiology Lab | Lab | 2 | pH Measurement and Buffers, Enzyme Activity Assay, Spectrophotometry, Microbial Staining Techniques, Bacterial Culture and Isolation |
| 21BTB107 | Cell Biology Lab | Lab | 2 | Microscopy Techniques, Cell Counting and Viability, Subcellular Fractionation, Cell Staining and Imaging, DNA and RNA Isolation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB108 | Applied Thermodynamics | Core | 3 | Laws of Thermodynamics, Thermodynamic Systems and Processes, Properties of Pure Substances, Thermodynamic Cycles, Heat Engines and Refrigerators |
| 21BTB109 | Molecular Biology | Core | 3 | DNA Structure and Replication, RNA Transcription, Protein Translation, Gene Regulation, Mutation and DNA Repair |
| 21BTB110 | Bioprocess Engineering | Core | 3 | Introduction to Bioprocesses, Microbial Growth Kinetics, Bioreactor Design and Operation, Sterilization of Bioreactors, Media Design and Optimization |
| 21BTB111 | Genetic Engineering | Core | 3 | Restriction Enzymes and Vectors, Gene Cloning and DNA Libraries, PCR and its Applications, Gene Transfer Techniques, Screening and Selection |
| 21BTB112 | Immunology | Core | 3 | Components of Immune System, Antigens and Antibodies, Humoral Immunity, Cell-Mediated Immunity, Immunological Disorders |
| 21BTB113 | Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | DNA Isolation and Quantification, Restriction Digestion and Ligation, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, PCR Amplification, Bacterial Transformation |
| 21BTB114 | Bioprocess Engineering Lab | Lab | 2 | Sterilization Techniques, Kinetics of Microbial Growth, Fermentation Process, Enzyme Kinetics, Mass and Heat Transfer Studies |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB115 | Industrial Biotechnology | Core | 3 | Microorganisms in Industry, Fermentation Technology, Enzyme Technology, Biopharmaceuticals Production, Biofuels and Bioplastics |
| 21BTB116 | Bioinformatics | Core | 3 | Biological Databases, Sequence Alignment Algorithms, Phylogenetic Analysis, Proteomics and Genomics, Drug Discovery using Bioinformatics |
| 21BTB117 | Mass Transfer in Bioprocesses | Core | 3 | Diffusion and Convection, Mass Transfer Operations, Gas Absorption, Liquid-Liquid Extraction, Drying and Crystallization |
| 21BTB118 | Bioprocess Control and Automation | Core | 3 | Process Variables and Measurement, Control Systems Fundamentals, Sensors and Actuators, Bioreactor Control Strategies, Data Acquisition and SCADA |
| 21BTE101 | Enzyme Technology (Professional Elective I) | Elective | 3 | Enzyme Structure and Function, Enzyme Kinetics and Mechanisms, Enzyme Immobilization Techniques, Enzyme Production and Purification, Industrial Applications of Enzymes |
| 21BTE102 | Food Biotechnology (Professional Elective I) | Elective | 3 | Food Fermentation Processes, Food Preservation Technologies, Food Additives and Ingredients, Genetically Modified Foods, Food Safety and Quality Control |
| 21BTE103 | Animal Cell Culture (Professional Elective I) | Elective | 3 | Cell Lines and Culture Media, Primary Cell Culture Techniques, Contamination Control, Cell Proliferation and Viability, Applications of Animal Cell Culture |
| 21BTE104 | Plant Biotechnology (Professional Elective I) | Elective | 3 | Plant Tissue Culture, Plant Genetic Engineering, Crop Improvement Strategies, Production of Secondary Metabolites, Biofuels from Plants |
| OEE001 | Open Elective I | Elective | 3 | |
| 21BTB119 | Bioinformatics Lab | Lab | 2 | Biological Database Searching, Sequence Alignment using BLAST, Primer Design, Protein Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking Simulations |
| 21BTB120 | Industrial Biotechnology Lab | Lab | 2 | Fermentation Process Setup, Product Recovery and Purification, Enzyme Assay and Characterization, Antibiotic Production, Biofuel Analysis |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB121 | Downstream Processing | Core | 3 | Cell Disruption Methods, Solid-Liquid Separation, Membrane Separations, Chromatography Techniques, Crystallization and Drying |
| 21BTB122 | Genomics and Proteomics | Core | 3 | Genome Sequencing Technologies, Gene Annotation and Analysis, Transcriptomics, Protein Separation Techniques, Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics |
| 21BTB123 | Biopharmaceutical Technology | Core | 3 | Recombinant Protein Production, Therapeutic Antibodies, Vaccine Development, Gene and Cell Therapy, Quality Control in Biopharma |
| 21BTB124 | Bioethics and Biosafety | Core | 3 | Ethical Issues in Biotechnology, Biosafety Levels and Practices, Risk Assessment and Management, Intellectual Property Rights, Regulatory Affairs in Biotechnology |
| 21BTE105 | Environmental Biotechnology (Professional Elective II) | Elective | 3 | Bioremediation Technologies, Wastewater Treatment, Solid Waste Management, Bioenergy Production, Biosensors for Environmental Monitoring |
| 21BTE106 | Medical Biotechnology (Professional Elective II) | Elective | 3 | Biotechnology in Diagnostics, Therapeutic Proteins, Regenerative Medicine, Nanobiotechnology in Medicine, Personalized Medicine |
| 21BTE107 | Nanobiotechnology (Professional Elective II) | Elective | 3 | Nanomaterials in Biology, Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery, Biosensors and Nano-diagnostics, Nano-imaging, Safety and Ethics of Nanotechnology |
| 21BTE108 | Pharmaceutical Biotechnology (Professional Elective II) | Elective | 3 | Drug Discovery Process, Biopharmaceutical Development, Drug Formulation and Delivery, Clinical Trials, Regulatory Aspects of Pharma |
| OEE002 | Open Elective II | Elective | 3 | |
| 21BTB125 | Downstream Processing Lab | Lab | 2 | Centrifugation and Filtration, Affinity Chromatography, Ion Exchange Chromatography, Gel Electrophoresis, Dialysis and Ultrafiltration |
| 21BTB126 | Mini Project | Project | 2 | Problem Identification, Literature Review, Experimental Design, Data Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB127 | Bioreactor Design and Analysis | Core | 3 | Types of Bioreactors, Mass and Energy Balances, Sterilization Kinetics, Bioreactor Scale-up, Design Considerations and Instrumentation |
| 21BTB128 | Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine | Core | 3 | Stem Cell Biology, Scaffolds and Biomaterials, Cell-Matrix Interactions, Organoids and 3D Culture, Clinical Applications |
| 21BTE109 | Biosensors and Bioinstrumentation (Professional Elective III) | Elective | 3 | Principles of Biosensors, Transducers and Bioreceptors, Types of Biosensors, Medical Imaging Techniques, Bioamplifiers and Biofeedback |
| 21BTE110 | Computational Biology (Professional Elective III) | Elective | 3 | Algorithms in Biology, Sequence and Structure Analysis, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Systems Biology, Drug Discovery via Computation |
| 21BTE111 | Biostatistics (Professional Elective III) | Elective | 3 | Data Collection and Presentation, Descriptive Statistics, Inferential Statistics, Hypothesis Testing, Regression and Correlation |
| 21BTE112 | Intellectual Property Rights and Patenting (Professional Elective III) | Elective | 3 | Types of IPR, Patents and Patentability, Copyrights and Trademarks, Patent Filing Procedure, Bioethics and IPR |
| 21BTE113 | Drug Design and Discovery (Professional Elective IV) | Elective | 3 | Target Identification and Validation, Lead Discovery and Optimization, QSAR and Molecular Modeling, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Clinical Trials Phases |
| 21BTE114 | Agri-biotechnology (Professional Elective IV) | Elective | 3 | Crop Improvement through Biotechnology, Disease and Pest Resistance, Biofertilizers and Biopesticides, Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture, Regulatory Aspects of Agri-biotech |
| 21BTE115 | Clinical Research and Trials (Professional Elective IV) | Elective | 3 | Principles of Clinical Research, Phases of Clinical Trials, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Regulatory Guidelines for Trials, Clinical Data Management |
| 21BTE116 | Food Processing Technology (Professional Elective IV) | Elective | 3 | Food Preservation Methods, Food Packaging Technologies, Quality Control in Food Industry, Unit Operations in Food Processing, Food Engineering Principles |
| 21BTB129 | Project Work - I | Project | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Extensive Literature Survey, Methodology and Experimental Design, Preliminary Data Collection, Progress Report and Presentation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BTB130 | Professional Ethics and Human Values | Core | 3 | Engineering Ethics, Moral Values and Virtues, Professionalism and Responsibility, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethical Dilemmas in Engineering |
| 21BTE117 | Immunotechnology (Professional Elective V) | Elective | 3 | Immunoassays and Techniques, Antibody Engineering, Vaccine Development, Immunodiagnostics, Immunotherapy |
| 21BTE118 | Metabolic Engineering (Professional Elective V) | Elective | 3 | Metabolic Pathways, Flux Analysis, Pathway Reconstruction, Strain Improvement, Synthetic Biology |
| 21BTE119 | Biorefinery (Professional Elective V) | Elective | 3 | Biomass Conversion Technologies, Biofuels Production, Bioproducts from Biomass, Integrated Biorefinery Concepts, Sustainability in Biorefining |
| 21BTE120 | Quality Control and Validation in Biopharma (Professional Elective V) | Elective | 3 | Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Quality Assurance Systems, Process Validation, Regulatory Compliance |
| 21BTB131 | Project Work - II | Project | 9 | Advanced Experimental Work, Comprehensive Data Analysis, Thesis Writing, Project Presentation, Viva-Voce Examination |
