Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana (GADVASU) Academic Council has decided to initiate undergraduate program in B. Tech (Biotechnology) in the School of Animal Biotechnology from the current academic session 2017-18. Dr Ramneek, Director, School of Animal Biotechnology stated that Biotechnology is the science that applies the principles of biochemistry and biology for the study and manipulation of living organisms for various applications like medical, veterinary, agricultural and environmental.
Dr A S Nanda, Vice Chancellor said that the University has promulgated to start a 4 year B. Tech (Biotechnology) programme from the current academic session. He further elaborated that School of Animal Biotechnology is already offering Master’s and PhD programme in Biotechnology. The School has dedicated faculty with international exposure and is involved in basic and applied research spanning a wide spectrum of areas including Genomics, Molecular Diagnostics, Vaccinology, Stem and Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Proteomics and Bioinformatics.
Presently the university is working towards manipulation of genetic material of bacteria and viruses for development of diagnostics and vaccines, manipulation of cellular physiology for enhanced production of milk and meat, biomarker discovery for mammary cancer, association of miRNA in buffalo health, with substantial funding from different agencies like DBT, ICAR, DST, UGC & ICMR.
Dr. Simrat Sagar Singh, Dean Postgraduate studies, explained that the syllabus has been designed in such a way that the students will be developed not only for career in teaching and research but will be imparted skill required by the industry and the corporate world. He further said, first three years of the Biotechnology program will expose students to topics related to biotechnology, immunology, microbiology, Microbial technology, Genomics, Bioinformatics etc. In the fourth year, there will be ‘Student READY Programme’ which will involve Skill Development Module’ , Project Formulation, Execution and Presentation’ and Entrepreneurial Development programme.
Dr. Ramneek told that a total of 20 students will be enrolled in the first year. The eligibility is 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics and English from a recognized Indian Board/University with at least 50% marks in aggregate excluding optional subjects and the students will be selected on the basis of Common Entrance Test (CET) organized by the university. Prospective students are advised to visit the university website (www.gadvasu.in) for information on prospectus, eligibility and admission procedure which will be available in the second week of April.
