Department of Biotechnology

The Department runs an M.Sc. Marine Biotechnology programme and also awards Doctorate degrees in Biotechnology.

Since its inception in 1988, the M.Sc. Marine Biotechnology programme has been funded by the Department of Biotechnology (Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi), placing Goa University in an enviable position among the top DBT centres for M.Sc Biotechnology, on par with Universities such as Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, M.S. University, Baroda, Banaras Hindu University, Pune University & Madurai Kamraj University, in terms of receiving continuous funding from the DBT for the M.Sc Programme. Students taken in for the programme are nationally selected through the Combined Entrance Examination in Biotechnology conducted by the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Students qualifying through this Entrance Examination receive a studentship of Rs. 1200/-p.m. during their M.Sc. course.

The Department is one of the pioneers in Marine Biotechnology research in the country and since the year 2008 has had the added distinction of being DST-FIST sponsored. It has excellent strengths that have been developed in the following thrust areas: Study of agarases, xylanases, lipases and proteases of special characteristics of commercial importance from marine microorganisms. Biodiversity & ecology of hypersaline and sulphate reducing bacteria. Processes for preparation of toxins and other bioactive substances from bacteria and higher marine organisms. Biodegradation of oils spills and tar balls by selectively developed, genetically superior, marine microbial consortia. Establishment of methods to assess risks due to recombinant DNA in marine environment.

During the third and fourth semesters, the students undertake independent research projects as part of the curriculum. Summer training (4-6 weeks) is mandatory after completion of the second semester and the students are placed by the Department in R&D laboratories of nationally recognized institutes and industries.

The University has close interaction with the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa for teaching as well as research. The students get the opportunity to hands-on working experience aboard Research Vesels on scientific cruises. The Department has also introduced a unique course in Scuba Diving.

Almost 90% of our postgraduate students qualify for the CSIR/UGC fellowship and some of them secure a very high ranking at the GATE examination. This is in addition to their achievements at the DBT and ICMR fellowship examinations. The placement profile of each outgoing batch has also been excellent, with the students successfully gaining positions in nationally as well as internationally renowned institutions.