Department of Biotechnology – Best Deemed University in Chennai

About the Department

Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies established Department of Biotechnology in the year 2008. At the time of department initiation, manpower was created from diverse areas of biotechnology from reputed Academic and research organizations. Faculty with post-doctoral research experience, good industrial experience and with more than 10 years of teaching experience, have been part of our team and actively involved in research and development.

The Department has conducted various seminar/conference/workshop/training in distinct biotechnological fields for department improvement. The faculty of the department have represented their work as presentation at the national and international level in scientific association and conferences. The department has acquired various projects in the last three years from prestigious funding agencies like Ayush, DST-SERB and UGC.

Apart from this, various initiatives have been taken to improve student learning and their technological skill, which involve guest lecture, industrial visit and soft skills training. The Department has created “Techno Gene Club” in the academic year 2011 – 2012, to date and various programmes have been organized by this club like lectures, competitions, workshops, training programs etc., on various aspects of Biotechnology. The Department started its News Bulletin “Blooming Biotech” to bring to light various achievements made by the staff and students are encouraged to write small articles.

Further attention was focused on research consultancy and the department has signed Memorandum of Understanding with various research labs and biotech industries in Chennai. Every year the graduated students are placed in various esteemed institution in doctoral and post-doctoral positions, and have become entrepreneurs in reputed biotech industries.

Vision & Mission

Vision of the Department

To educate budding researchers with professional principles to meet the challenges in the field of biotechnology.

Mission of the Department

To onset a skilful research potential in emerging technological areas like environmental, industrial, agricultural and health for the societal benefit.

Programmes Offered

Ph.D Biotechnology
M.Phil Biotechnology
M.Sc., Biotechnology
M.Sc., Applied Medical Biotechnology and Clinical Research
B.Sc., Biotechnology

Faculty-Student Ratio: 1:20

Facilities

The department of Biotechnology has several modern lab facilities & equipments for biotechnological research

Infrastructure

Genetic engineering Lab
Plant Molecular Biology Lab
Animal Tissue Culture Lab
Fermentation Technology Lab
Phytochemical extraction Lab
Microbial Technology Lab
Central instrumentation lab

Some of the major equipment include

Real Time PCR
X-ray diffractometer (XRD)
Gel Documentation
Cooling centrifuge
ELISA Plate reader & ELISA Washer
Cooling Incubator
CO2 Incubator with regulator
Cooling centrifuge C-24
Centrifuge R24
Fermentor
UV Spectro Photometer
Inverted Microscope
Rotating Vacuum Flask Evaporator

The centralized laboratory facilities include

Dynamic light scattering – Particle Size and Zeta potential analyzer
BET Surface area analyzer
Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM)- Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)
Confocal Raman Spectroscopy/Imaging
Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)
Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC)
Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR)
Atomic Force Microscope (AFM)
High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC)
Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Electrochemical Workstation

Programme Outcomes

PROGRAM OUTCOME (PO)

PO-1: Scientific knowledge: Graduates will acquire biochemistry/biotechnology /
bioinformatics/ microbiology specific knowledge including recent techniques in the respective
fields coupled with hands-on skills and leadership skills for a successful career.

PO-2: Problem analysis: Graduates will be able to analyse, solve and troubleshoot problems in
implementation of biochemistry/biotechnology/ microbiological protocols.

PO-3: Design/development of solutions: Graduates will develop creative thinking and cooperate
with each other to solve problems in the field of biochemistry/biotechnology/bioinformatics/
microbiology.

PO-4: Conduct investigations of complex problems: Graduates will acquire practical skills –
which help in planning and designing protocols to validate hypothesis and execute experimental
techniques independently as well as assimilate, analyse and interpret subsequent data.

PO-5: Modern tool usage and communication: Graduates will effectively be able to manage
resources and time using ICT and computer enabled devices and accomplish ability to
understand and communicate all ideas effectively.

PO-6: Environment sustainability and Ethics: Graduates will get adequate knowledge to use
information and implement solutions for environmental protection and remediation. Graduates
will be aware of their role and responsibility in handling and use of microbes including
genetically modified microorganisms.

PO-7: Lifelong learning: Graduates will carry on to learn and adapt in a world of constantly
evolving technology.

Programme Outcomes

PROGRAM OUTCOME (PO)

PO-1: Graduates will able to have knowledge on the basic of applied clinical process..

PO-2: Handling of sophisticated instrumentations and interpretation and analysis of
clinical data.

PO-3: Developing an interdisciplinary approach and a rational thinking.

PO-4: Designing of research projects that are cost effective, ecofriendly, potent and
beneficial to human health.

PO-5: Making the graduates to demonstrate their communication effectively and
scientifically in both verbal and written form as independent researcher.

PO-6: Providing a broad educational, and analytical knowledge necessary to make the
students for appearing in competitive examinations.

PO-7: Generating the graduates with an ability to identify, formulate and solve to
deliver process/product with professional, societal and ethical responsibilities.

PO-8: Graduates will be able to recognize need for self-learning and lifelong learning.

PO-9: The student will be able design, solve the application-oriented problem in
medical biotechnological field through project-based learning.

PO-10: Demonstrate their ability to work effectively in team and Improvising the
technical skills and implying them.

Programme Outcomes

PROGRAM OUTCOME (PO)

PO-1: Graduates will able to have knowledge on the basic and applied theories.

PO-2: Handling of sophisticated instrumentations and interpretation and analysis of data.

PO-3: Developing an interdisciplinary approach and a rational thinking.

PO-4: Designing of research projects that are cost effective, ecofriendly, potent and beneficial
to mankind.

PO-5: making the graduates to demonstrate their communication effectively and scientifically
in both verbal and written form as independent researcher.

PO-6: Providing a broad educational and analytical knowledge necessary to make the students
for appearing in competitive examinations.

PO-7: Generating the graduates with an ability to identify, formulate and solve to deliver
process/product with professional, societal and ethical responsibilities.

PO-8: Graduates will be able to recognize need for self-learning and lifelong learning.

PO-9: The student will be able design, solve the application-oriented problem in
biotechnological field through project-based learning.

PO-10: Demonstrate their ability to work effectively in team and Improvising the technical
skills and implying them.

Curriculum & Syllabus

CURRICULUM & SYLLABUS

MINIMUM CREDITS TO BE EARNED: 140

		Hours/Wee				Maximum Marks
Code No.	Course	Lecture	Tutorial	Practical	Credits	CA	SEE	Total
SEMESTER 1
LANG	Tamil I/ Hindi / French	3	0	0	3	40	60	100
ENG	English I	3	0	0	3	40	60	100
CORE1	Fundamentals of Cell Biology	3	1	0	4	40	60	100
CORE2	Genetics and Developmental Biology	3	1	0	4	40	60	100
CORE3	Biochemistry	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
CORE	Practical 1 : Cell Biology, Genetics Developmental Biology Practica	0	0	4	2	40	60	100
CORE	Practical 2 : Biochemistry Practical	0	0	4	2	40	60	100
AECC	Communication Skills	1	0	2	2	40	60	100
SEC	Orientation/Induction programme / Life skills	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
		17	2	10	24

View full course curriculum

Curriculum & Syllabus

CURRICULUM & SYLLABUS

MINIMUM CREDITS TO BE EARNED: 90

SEMESTER1		Hours/Week				Maximum Marks
Code No.	Course	Lecture	Tutorial	Practical	Credits	CA	SEE	Total
Core	Core 1 Cell and Molecular Biology	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
Core	Core 2 Applied Medical Biochemistry	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
Core	Core 3 Medical Microbiology	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
Core	Core 4 Medical Microbiology & Medical Biochemistry Practical	0	0	4	2	40	60	100
DSE	DSE 1 Human Genetics and Developmental biology	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
DSE	DSE 2 Biostatistics, Epidemiology & Public health	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
SEC	Soft Skill 1/ Sector Skill Course	2	0	0	2	40	60	100
	Total	22	0	4	24

View full course curriculum

Curriculum & Syllabus

CURRICULUM & SYLLABUS

MINIMUM CREDITS TO BE EARNED: 140

		Hours/Week				Maximum Marks
Code No.	Course	Lecture	Tutorial	Practical	Credits	CA	SEE	Total
SEMESTER1
Core	Core 1 Cell and Developmental Biology	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
Core	Core 2 Microbiology	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
Core	Core 3 Biochemistry	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
Core	Core 4 Biochemistry and Microbiology Practical	0	0	4	2	40	60	100
DSE	DSE 1 Molecular Genetics	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
DSE	DSE 2 Bioinstrumentation	4	0	0	4	40	60	100
SEC	Soft Skill 1/ Sector Skill Course	2	0	0	2	40	60	100
		22	0	4	24

View full course curriculum

Eligibility Criteria

Program	Program Duration (Year)	Eligibility	Criteria for Merit
B.Sc Bio-Technology	3 Years (6 Semesters)	Pass in +2, HSC or equivalent with Biology/ Botany/ Zoology/ Biochemistry/ Biotech/ Microbiology.	Merit based on the percentage of marks secured in the qualifying examination

Eligibility Criteria

Program	Eligibility	Criteria for Merit
M.Sc. Applied Medical Biotechnology & Clinical Research	Degree in B.Sc Zoology, Botany, Chemistry, Biology, Biotech, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Home Science, Physics, Genetics, B.Sc Agri., B.V.Sc, B.F.Sc, B.Sc MLT, BDS, MBBS & B.Pharm	Merit - Based on percentage of marks secured in the qualifying examination.

Eligibility Criteria

Program	Program Duration (Year)	Eligibility	Criteria for Merit
M.Sc Bio-Technology	2 Years (4 Semesters)	Degree in B.Sc Zoology/ Botany/ Chemistry/ Biology/ Biotech/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology or B.V.Sc/ B.Sc Agri/ B.Tech Biotech/ MBBS	Merit based on the percentage of marks secured in the qualifying examination

Career Prospects

CAREER PROSPECTS

Quality controller
Medical Scientist
Clinical Technician
Microbiologist
Process Development Scientist

Biopharma Sales Representative
Biotechnological Technician
Epidemiologist
Microbiologist
Medical and Clinical Lab Technologist

Biomanufacturing Specialist
Bioproduction Specialist
Medical Coder
Environmental Technician

Career Prospects

CAREER PROSPECTS

Biomedical Engineer
Quality controller
Medical Scientist
Clinical Technician
Microbiologist
Process Development Scientist
Biomanufacturing Specialist

Business Development Manager
Product Strategist
Biopharma Sales Representative
Medical Scientist
Biotechnological Technician
Epidemiologist
Microbiologist

Medical and Clinical Lab Technologist
Biomanufacturing Specialist
Bioproduction Specialist
R&D Scientist
Tutor/Teacher / Professor
Medical Coder

Career Prospects

CAREER PROSPECTS

Biomedical Engineer
Quality controller
Medical Scientist
Clinical Technician
Microbiologist
Process Development Scientist
Biomanufacturing Specialist

Business Development Manager
Product Strategist
Biopharma Sales Representative
Medical Scientist
Biotechnological Technician
Epidemiologist
Microbiologist

Medical and Clinical Lab Technologist
Biomanufacturing Specialist
Bioproduction Specialist
R&D Scientist
Tutor/Teacher / Professor
Medical Coder
Environmental Technician

Alumni Testimonials

Department of Biotechnology, VISTAS provides state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities. The professors are highly qualified, knowledgeable, and friendly. The course curriculum is relevant and offers site visits. Most importantly, the annual events organized by the college are awesome and witness huge crowds. The university conducts various extracurricular activities throughout the year. I thoroughly enjoyed my student life while pursuing my Bachelors program at VISTAS (Deemed-to-be University).

M. Srimathi (B.Sc. Biotechnology), 2017 - 2020

Junior Microbiologist @ Eupro Biotech private Limited, Chennai

Alumni Testimonials

Vels University ( VISTAS) not only gave us an excellent platform to study and excel in our professional lives but also on the personal front, we are together in marital bliss. We fondly and very vividly remember our Alma Mater. We both are doing exceptionally well in our respective Professional domains which is all because of the training, grooming, motivation and inspiration that enabled and helped us in pursuing excellence in education and becoming thorough professionals.

Ms. Pavithra M (M.Sc. Applied Medical Biotechnology and Clinical Research), 2019-2021

Clinical Technician @ Hare Scans Diagnostic Centre & Fertility Lab, Chennai

Alumni Testimonials

I can certainly say that VELS was the most important milestone in shaping my career. Best in class faculty from industry and hands on experience from various training (especially Industrial visits). Throughout the academic sessions, I was challenged to discover capabilities that I never knew I had. Along with academics, the University focuses on personality development which helped me build a rewarding career.

Mr. S. Suresh (M.Sc., Biotechnology),2016 to 2018

Deputy Officer-QA(ISO & Food Safety Coordinator) Hatsun Agro Product LTD

Fee Structure

Tuition Fee 2024 - 2025 (Per Sem)	Other Fee (Per Sem)	Total Fee 2024 - 2025 (Per Sem)
17,000	13,000	30,000

Fee Structure

Tuition Fee 2023 - 2024 (Per Sem)	Other Fee (Per Sem)	Total Fee (Per Sem)
37,500	10,000	47,500

Fee Structure

Tuition Fee 2024 - 2025 (Per Sem)	Other Fee (Per Sem)	Total Fee 2024 - 2025 (Per Sem)
25,000	20,000	45,000

Faculty of the Department

Sl. No.	Name of the Faculty	Designation	Educational Qualification	Area of Specialization	Experience in Years	Vidwan ID
1	Dr.Udaya Prakash.N.K	Professor	M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.	Aerobiology (Mycology and Palynology), Microbiology, Herbal Science, Bio Nanotechnology, Bio-remediation	22 years 2 months	249657
2	Dr.Prakash.B	Associate Professor and HOD	M.Sc., M.Tech, M.Phil, Ph.D	Animal Biotechnology and Medical Biotechnology	21 years	232485
3	Dr.Vijayalakshmi.S	Associate Professor	M.Sc., SLET, Ph.D.	Secondary Metabolite Production by Fungi and Fungal genetics and Molecular Cell Biology	19 years 2 months	-
4	Dr.Thenmozhi.M	Associate Professor	M.Sc., MBA, M.Phil, Ph.D	Plant, Environmental Biotechnology and Organic farming	15 years 2 months	232505
5	Dr.Ashok Kumar.K	Associate Professor	M.Sc., M.Tech, M.Phil, SET, Ph.D	Biochemistry , Oncology and Environmental Biotechnology	19 years 2 months	233902
6	Dr.Sampath Kumar.B	Assistant Professor	M.Sc, Ph.D	Fungal Diversity	15 years 2 months	251184
7	Dr.Abirami Gopalakrishnan	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., Ph.D	Bioremediation Extremohiles, Actinomycetes, Microbial Molecular Diversity, Drug Discovery	6years,2months	236844
8	Dr.Suganthi.M	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., Ph.D	Microbial biotechnology and Insect molecular biology	6years,2months	232457
9	Dr.Jayanthi.M	Assistant Professor	M.Sc.,M.Phil, Ph.D	Plant Metabolic Profiling, Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Engineering	6years,1months	232456
10	Dr.Manjunathan.J	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,	Mushroom biology, Microbiology, Fungal biotechnology	6 years 2 months	233885
11	Dr.Durgadevi.R	Assistant Professor	M.Sc.,Ph.D	Medical Microbiology, Nanotechnology, Drug Discovery mechanism	1years,2months	292444
12	Dr.Vardhana.J	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., Ph.D	NanoBiotechnology,Fungal Secondary metabolites ,Fungal Endophytes, Environmental Microbiology	6 years 2 months	298106
13	Ms.Preethi.N	Assistant Professor	M.Sc Biotechnology	Mushroom biology, Microbiology, Fungal biotechnology	3 years 8 months	481450

Faculty of the Department

Sl. No.	Name of the Faculty	Designation	Educational Qualification	Area of Specialization	Experience in Years	Vidwan ID
1	Dr.Udaya Prakash.N.K	Professor	M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.	Aerobiology (Mycology and Palynology), Microbiology, Herbal Science, Bio Nanotechnology, Bio-remediation	22 years 2 months	249657
2	Dr.Prakash.B	Associate Professor and HOD	M.Sc., M.Tech, M.Phil, Ph.D	Animal Biotechnology and Medical Biotechnology	21 years	232485
3	Dr.Vijayalakshmi.S	Associate Professor	M.Sc., SLET, Ph.D.	Secondary Metabolite Production by Fungi and Fungal genetics and Molecular Cell Biology	19 years 2 months	-
4	Dr.Thenmozhi.M	Associate Professor	M.Sc., MBA, M.Phil, Ph.D	Plant, Environmental Biotechnology and Organic farming	15 years 2 months	232505
5	Dr.Ashok Kumar.K	Associate Professor	M.Sc., M.Tech, M.Phil, SET, Ph.D	Biochemistry , Oncology and Environmental Biotechnology	19 years 2 months	233902
6	Dr.Sampath Kumar.B	Assistant Professor	M.Sc, Ph.D	Fungal Diversity	15 years 2 months	251184
7	Dr.Abirami Gopalakrishnan	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., Ph.D	Bioremediation Extremohiles, Actinomycetes, Microbial Molecular Diversity, Drug Discovery	6years,2months	236844
8	Dr.Suganthi.M	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., Ph.D	Microbial biotechnology and Insect molecular biology	6years,2months	232457
9	Dr.Jayanthi.M	Assistant Professor	M.Sc.,M.Phil, Ph.D	Plant Metabolic Profiling, Plant Tissue Culture and Genetic Engineering	6years,1months	232456
10	Dr.Manjunathan.J	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,	Mushroom biology, Microbiology, Fungal biotechnology	6 years 2 months	233885
11	Dr.Durgadevi.R	Assistant Professor	M.Sc.,Ph.D	Medical Microbiology, Nanotechnology, Drug Discovery mechanism	1years,2months	292444
12	Dr.Vardhana.J	Assistant Professor	M.Sc., Ph.D	NanoBiotechnology,Fungal Secondary metabolites ,Fungal Endophytes, Environmental Microbiology	6 years 2 months	298106
13	Ms.Preethi.N	Assistant Professor	M.Sc Biotechnology	Mushroom biology, Microbiology, Fungal biotechnology	3 years 8 months	481450