Biotechnology is one of the most important technologies for our future. The last quarter of the 20th century saw the advent of new techniques, notably in the field of genetic engineering, which have enabled a leap in scientific understanding and the development of numerous new and innovative applications. These developments have been accompanied by intensive debate in society on the use and consequences of this new knowledge. Since the discovery of recombinant DNA technology in the early 1970s, biotechnology has become an essential tool for many researchers and the underpinning of new industrial firms. Biotechnology-which has the potential to improve the Nation’s health, food supply, and the quality of the environment—is viewed by several countries as a key to the marketplace of the 21st century. In order to understand the potential of biotechnology in a economy of the country, it is first necessary to identify current and potential applications of biotechnology. Keeping in tune with the demand of the time the Managing Board of the SSBES’s Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded started M. Sc. Biotechnology as one of the centre for imparting training in Biotechnology. The Department of Biotechnology was started in the year 2001. M.Sc. Biotechnology training course started in 2001 with the first batch of 20 students selected from the university area, with teachers primarily from the Department of Microbiology, and supplemented by teachers from College departments of English, Chemistry, Botany etc.. Dr. S.M. More held the headship of Biotechnology till June 2007 and then Dr. M.M.V.Baig is given charge of headship of Biotechnology. The Department of Biotechnology needs to be equipped with all modern facilities, which is needed for the overall development of the students, in this field.
THE TEACHING PROGRAMMES…
a) B. Sc. Vocational Biotechnology
The department also offers Biotechnology as Vocational subject as one of the optional subject at three year regular B. Sc. degree programme from June 2001. This B. Sc. Biotechnology programme consists of 4 theory papers and 1 practical paper at First year level, 4 theory papers and 2 practical papers and 2 skill enhancement courses at Second year level along with and 4 theory papers and 2 practical papers and 2 skill enhancement courses at Third year level covering different aspects and areas of biotechnology.
b) B. Sc. Integrated Biotechnology
The department runs three year B. Sc. Integrated Biotechnology degree programme from June 2005 with an intake of 80 students. This B. Sc. Integrated Biotechnology . Consists of 24 papers to be covered in six semesters. Each course is of 4 theory and 2 practical course
c) M. Sc. Biotechnology
The department also runs two year M. Sc. Biotechnology degree programme from June 2001 with an intake of 30 students. The main basis in the teaching programme has been emphasis on practical training in all the relevant branches. The M. Sc. programme in Biotechnology consists of 16 papers to be covered in four semesters. Each course is of 4 theory and 4 practical course. In the first year of M. Sc., the emphasis is on theory and practicals. In the second year, research projects form 25% of the practical course. A strong student-teacher interaction is encouraged. After completion of first year, the students are encouraged for summer training for a period of two months (during the vacation) at various universities/National research institutes of repute, with the hope that they can interact with recognized scientists in the fields of their interest. Further, the Department arranges guest lectures by scientists from India and abroad in many areas of Biotechnology.
THE COMPONENTS…
The strength of the department lies in the well qualified and dedicated staff members. There are seven teaching staff members on full time. Three have doctorate degree and the two have qualified NET, SET, and GATE. Other two are in the process of securing Ph.D. degree. The members have published several research articles in reputed National and International journals and books.