Department of Biotechnology

Biotechnology

United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity defined Biotechnology as “any technological application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make or modify products or processes for specific use.” There are three stages in the development of Biotechnology: ancient Biotechnology, which was related to food and shelter (included domestication), classical Biotechnology which was built on ancient Biotechnology (included fermentation methods that promoted food production & medicine) and modern Biotechnology which manipulates genetic information in organisms (includes genetic engineering). Biotechnology is an inherently interdisciplinary field that bridges cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, genetic engineering, biochemistry, biophysics, microbiology, fermentation technology, bioprocess engineering, immunology, bioinformatics and bio-nanotechnology.

Biotechnology has been recognized as one of the emerging fields in areas of research as well as academia. It is expected that advancements in Biotechnology will have deep impact on Medicine, Agriculture, Bio-nanotechnology, Bio-economy, Industrial and Commercial Applications and Bio-Intellectual Property Rights. Keeping in view of the rising demands of the field of Biotechnology, M.Sc. Biotechnology (2-year) and M.Tech. Biotechnology (5 year) courses have been included in the curriculum of the university.