Dr. Priti Vyas, Head of the Department at PMBGSC, has 27 years of teaching experience. She has obtained her PhD degree in Life Sciences (Applied Microbiology) from DAVV, Indore. She has many national and international publications to her credit and has been a member of the Board of Studies of Microbiology and Biotechnology at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidhaylaya, Indore. Dr. Vyas is a recognised supervisor in Life Sciences at DAVV, Indore and has been actively involved in research. She has completed two research projects funded by the UGC.

PMBGSC

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/department which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

At P.M.B. Gujarati Science College, we are offering B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Biotechnology degrees. The courses offered in the Biotechnology Department are B.Sc. (Biotechnology) with an intake capacity of 180 students. On the other hand, the M.Sc. (Biotechnology) has an intake capacity of 20 students.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt?

We have a well-equipped laboratory that is enriched with a wide range of basic and advanced instruments. We have cooling centrifuges, laminar air flow, a projection microscope, a fluorescent microscope, and an incubator. Our department also has electronic balances, electrophoresis set up, fermentor, tissue culture rack, etc.

What are the best practices in the course you are offering?

Apart from regular studies, students benefit from practical demonstrations of the classroom material. We have an information gallery, academic planner, co-curricular activities, social responsibilities, etc. We are also offering high-quality teaching through presentations. We also have regular expert lectures and industry visits to enhance the student’s learning.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/department?

Extra classes are held to provide extra guidance and to prepare the students for the practical exams, especially for their viva voce process of practical examinations. The department has a library with reference books that cover theory and practical syllabuses. About 130 books are available in the library for ready reference, by staff and students. Internet facilities are also available in the department for staff members and students.

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How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

We believe in providing practical knowledge, rather than bookish knowledge, to our students so that they can apply their knowledge and skills in their daily lives. Audio-visual teaching aids like scientific video clippings, animations, colourful diagrams, etc. are extensively included in the PowerPoint presentations prepared by our faculty. Expert lectures are also arranged for wider exposure to the subject. Biotechnological knowledge will be essential in the coming years due to the focus on renewable raw materials, exploration of waste products, and sustainability.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Science is a very diverse program that requires a lot of training. To deliver this program in the best possible way to our students I always try to keep myself busy and encourage my faculties to update their knowledge as well. My faculty members are always engaged in legal research work and they also receive training towards this end. We have guest lectures and workshops also organized for our facilities so that they can learn new things and deliver them to the students. We often seek feedback from the students as well.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

A master's in biotechnology involves studies of molecules, cells, and organisms later intended to understand how biological processes work. Universities will play an essential role in creating and developing methods of production for biomolecules such as vaccines, antibiotics, enzymes, biopolymers, biofuels, and many others. Within the last few years, advanced methods of analysis have improved and newer methods have been created, making it possible to study biological reactions and systems. By joining us, students will be a part of an exciting and fast-moving education industry, that’ll help solve many of the sustainability challenges we are all currently facing.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

After opting for a Biotechnology course, a student can become a Biomedical chemist, Biostatistician, Microbiologist, Pharmacist, Quality Control Technician, or a Toxicologist. Scholars can also work in diverse sectors such as Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology companies, government departments, medical research institutes, research hospitals, universities and public research institutions, textiles, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Upon completing a master’s degree, scholars can pursue lucrative careers as, Biochemical Engineers, Biotech Manufacturing Professionals, Entrepreneurs, Investment Analysts, Patent Consultants, Policy Analysts and even Product Managers. Our students can gain valuable professional skills in the commercialization of Science, critical thinking and problem-solving, collaborative teamwork and scientific communication, both written and oral.