Developing skilled workforce

Besides improving research infrastructure, the department is involved in training its students for higher research prospects

The department of molecular biology and biotechnology (MBBT) at Tezpur University was established in 1997. Since then, it has been recognized and granted accreditation for the post-graduate program by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India. The department offers two-year MSc degree in molecular biology and biotechnology, five-year integrated MSc in bioscience and bioinformatics and PhD in molecular biology and biotechnology.

Out of 427 applications received by the department in 2011-12, 10 students were admitted for the seats reserved for north-east quota. Out of the 28 seats for normal category, 14 were filled through All India Examination conducted by JNU and the rest were filled by GATE/ICR NET/ ICAR JEE examinations. While 42 percent of the students are from rural background, rest 58 percent belong to urban area. The faculty members have been able to attract large research grants in the year 2011 and have been awarded DBT Overseas Associateship and DBT Crest Fellowships.

A departmental library and DBT supported bioinformatics facility support the teaching and research programs of the department. Since 2008, the department has utilized 18.50 crore provided by various government agencies and completed 1.70 crore worth industry sponsored projects.

Access to journals and e-resources is also provided by different consortia such as UGC-Infonet consortium (providing access to 7,500 journals and 11 databases).

Most of the passed out MSc and PhD students from the department are pursuing higher studies (doctoral and post-doctoral research, respectively) in some of the premiere research universities in the country and abroad. Since June 2000, the department has published 26 research papers in national journals and 90 research papers in international journals. Between 2007-2010, the department has developed two biotech related products that were subsequently transferred to the industry. It has also filed four national and two international biotech related patents.

Fact file | Name of the Department: Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Courses: MSc, 5 years integrated MSc and PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Coordinator: Prof. Shashi Baruah
Website: www.tezu.ernet.in/dmbbt

---

"Most of our alumni are pursuing doctoral and post-doctoral research in premiere research universities in the country and abroad. In addition, many students have secured jobs in R&D sectors of the industry and as scientists, and faculty members in many reputed universities and colleges of the country"

Prof. Shashi Barua professor & head, department of molecular biology and biotechnology (MBBT), Tezpur University

---