CUSAT

About CUSAT Department of Biotechnology

The Department of Biotechnology was established in 1991, under the Faculty of Sciences for postgraduate teaching and research in the emerging area of Biotechnology. The M.Sc.and I.Msc, programme offers comprehensive education in all aspects of modern applied biology. The programmes has been designed in such a way that the students are well trained in state-of-the-art techniques in the world of fermentation, molecular biology, genetic engineering, bio-informatics, plant biotechnology, molecular neurobiology and immunology. The theoretical and practical knowledge acquired by the student during the first three semesters is perfected through an intensive dissertation work during the fourth semester. Topically relevant problems are identified for the purpose so as to impart training in identification and execution of research problems and interpretation of data.

Most of the M. Sc. students opt for research programmes in national/international laboratories after they complete their course. They also find employment in industries, educational institutions and other organizations involved in R & D and also in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural and environmental biotechnology sectors.

The Department has many achievements to its credit. More than 100 Ph.Ds have been awarded to date and there are more than 250 publications to its credit. On an average about 60% of the M.Sc. students clear the UGC-CSIR-NET and 80% clear GATE, besides clearing the DBT (GOI)-fellowship examinations. The Department is also amongst the few at the National level to have been selected for the special assistance from DST (Govt. of India) under the FIST ( Fund for Improvement of S & T infrastructure) both in 2003, 2009 and 2025. In addition there are also several externally funded research projects and schemes sponsored by DBT, DST, UGC, CSIR, DOD, MoES, ICAR, ICMR, etc.

The departmental library has more than 2000 books on the subject and subscribes to several journals. The major analytical facilities in the Department include ultracentrifuge , Liquid scintillation counter, FPLC, UV-visible spectrophotometer, iso-electric focusing, 2D-gel electrophoresis, Confocal microscope, Real-time PCR, -these and other facilities provide opportunities for the students to carry out research activities in areas such as microbial technology, medical biotechnology, genetic engineering, molecular neurobiology, cell biology, plant biotechnology and metagenomics.

Center for NeuroScience: The Centre for Neuroscience (CNS), CUSAT was established in 2000 and has been actively involved in search of new dimensions of Neuroscience since its inception. The centre promotes a healthy brain through research, debate and discourses over various neurodegenerative conditions and does encourage the participation of non-academic communities in order to accomplish the vision of the centre. The basic functioning of the Centre for Neuroscience lies in the inherent associations of the research areas pertaining to developmental neuroscience, neuroregeneration, neurodegeneration, gut-brain interaction, Neuromechanics, Neural tissue engineering, Cancer neuroscience etc. and its tremendous influence on improving or influencing the brain health.

The Centre focuses on research on basic molecular mechanisms in various neurologic conditions to translational research-level utilising multidisciplinary expertise encompassing all areas of neuroscience research through national, international and industrial collaborations. The focus of the Centre has not been limited to identifying and studying the reciprocal relations and its effects on the human brain. The Centre takes special initiative to disseminate the knowledge to the society. Thus, Prajñā has been brought into place as a platform of CNS to bridge science and society.

The Centre organises industrial visits to its students and faculty yearly. The aim of this activity is to bring the scientific and student community nearer to the industry and enable them to understand the current scenario in research and development pertaining to drug discovery and other aspects of neuroscience applications.

Vision

To disseminate knowledge through research, technology-based learning and innovation to augment human resource development and contribute to societal and nation building

Mission

Excelling in basic and applied research
Promote the process and practice of ethical research in biological science.
Training future leaders in biological research
Identifying and solving local and national problems
Extension activities to improve the quality of life

featured courses

MSC BIOTECHNOLOGY

4 Semester | Full time | Qualification: CAT

M.Sc Biotechnology course is designed to cover the comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge to equip graduates with the necessary proficiency to become the next generation of bioscientists to lead new innovations in academia, industry and healthcare. This Masters course includes subjects such as cellular and molecular biology, rDNA technology, genetic engineering, immunology, bioprocess technology, enzymology and bioinformatics. In addition there are elective subjects which the students can choose based on their interests such as environmental biotechnology, animal biotechnology, nano biotechnology, medical and industrial Biotechnology. Students usually do their Masters project work (Semester 4) either in CUSAT or in other prestigious institutes such as IIT, IISc, NIIST and IISER. Career opportunities available for Biotechnology post-graduates includes positions in research institutes, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical & nutraceutical sectors, pharmacovigilance, fermentation industries, food and dairy industries and bioenergy sector. The department has a team of highly efficient and well qualified teaching faculty with a good experience in teaching and research. There is a breadth of research expertise among the faculty members, with each of them specializing in different thrust areas.
Eligibility: B.Sc Life science Subjects/ Biotechnology from recognised University/Institution.

Syllabus

Mentor-Mentee

PO-PSO

MSC MICROBIOLOGY

4 Semester | Full time | Qualification: CAT

Microbiology, a classical discipline in Biological Sciences, is an extremely diverse field. The Masters course includes basic and application level subjects such as cell and molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, genetic engineering, immunology, bioprocess technology, rDNA technology and marine microbiology. Students usually do their Masters project work (Semester 4) either in CUSAT or in other prestigious institutes such as IIT, IISc, NIIST and IISER. Ample career opportunities are available for Microbiology post-graduates in diverse areas including research institutes, pharmaceutical & nutraceutical sectors, hospitals, analytical laboratories, fermentation industries, food and dairy industries, catering industries, bioenergy sector and in biotechnology companies/start-ups. The department has a team of highly efficient and well qualified teaching faculty with a good experience in teaching and research. There is a breadth of research expertise among the faculty members, with each of them specializing in different thrust areas.
Eligibility: B.Sc Life science Subjects/ Microbiology from recognised University/Institution.

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Mentor-Mentee

PO-PSO

PhD in Biotechnology

Full time | Qualification: DAT

PhD degree provides the research fellow advanced and specialized training in a particular area of research. The research areas a PhD student can focus include microbiology, cell & molecular Biology, neurobiology and cancer biology. The choice of research area will depend on the project/faculty that he/she joins. The student has to complete course works (in relevant subjects) during their PhD tenure. Students get an opportunity to participate in national/international conferences and internships during the tenure of PhD program.
Eligibility: Post graduation in Life Science Subjects from a recognised college/ university or M. Phil. Degree in the relevant discipline.

Syllabus

Integrated M.Sc in Biological Sciences

10 Semester | Full time | Qualification: CAT

The Department of Biotechnology offers a five-year Integrated MSc in Biological Sciences. Eligible candidates must have a minimum of 50% in their qualifying examination, with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as subjects.This interdisciplinary program is designed to immerse students in a research-intensive environment, combining rigorous theoretical coursework with extensive hands-on laboratory training in fields like Genomics, Proteomics, and Molecular Biology. Beyond the classroom, the curriculum emphasizes industry readiness through mandatory internships and a terminal research project, facilitating a direct transition into global PhD programs or high-level roles in the biotech industry.

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Mentor-Mentee

PO-PSO

Internship and Dissertation

Both internships and dissertations offer incredible opportunities to deepen your academic knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore potential career paths. If you're interested in undertaking an internship or dissertation, please reach out to a faculty member whose expertise matches your area of interest.