Biocon Academy, a CSR initiative of Biocon, Asia's leading biotechnology company, has opened admission for its 2nd batch of BITS Biocon Certificate Program in Applied Industrial Microbiology (AIM) in collaboration with Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS), Pilani.

The exclusive program with limited seats is designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of aspiring microbiologists, pharmacy and biotech graduates.

The partnership envisions to accelerate learning in the fast growing field of microbiology and boost the employability prospects of students in microbiology and biosciences.

The program offers experiential learning by combining the real world insights with class room learning on various aspects of Microbiology through an intensive curriculum delivered by renowned faculty of BITS-Pilani, Biocon Academy and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) of Biocon.

In addition to honing technical skills, this program also sharpens the professional skills of candidates and provides an opportunity for holistic development. The inaugural batch of the program was a great success and we achieved 100% placement in leading Biopharma and Pharma Companies.

The admissions are open now till August 16, 2016, and the course will commence from October, 2016 at Bengaluru.

Commenting on the program, Ms Bindu Ajit, Program Director, Biocon Academy said, "It's been an enriching experience partnering with BITS, Pilani and successfully completing the first batch of the program with all students getting placed in leading Pharma and Biopharma companies of India. With significant inputs from the experienced faculties and SMEs from Biocon, we have widened the scope of the program. The new BITS Biocon Certificate Program in Applied Industrial Microbiology will additionally include Diagnostic and Food & Beverage Microbiology and will also have case study based discussions...."

The 8-week full-time intensive Biocon Academy's 'Applied Industrial Microbiology' program consists of live experiments at the state-of-the-art Quality Control Labs of Biocon to further accentuate the learning of the students.

The program includes various modules on:

• Orientation to Applied Industrial Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Quality Systems
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Environmental Monitoring Program & Bioburden Testing
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Sterility & Endotoxin Testing
• Determining Microbiological Quality of food & Beverage
• Diagnostic Microbiology

The program is also open to experienced professionals in the world of biosciences who are passionate and eager to enhance their skillsets & knowledge in the field in Microbiology.

Total number of seats: 20

Duration of the Program: 8 Weeks Full Time

Faculty: Renowned faculty of BITS-Pilani and Subject Matter Experts from Biocon
Curriculum: The 8-weeks intensive "Applied Industrial Microbiology" program consists of classroom learning, mentorship by experts and live experiments at the state-of-the-art Research and Quality Control Labs of Biocon.

Pedagogy: Labs-led / learning by case study methodology

Eligibility:

• M.Sc. in Biotech or Microbiology with minimum of 65% or CGPA 6.85 on a scale of 10 (Fresher or Experienced)
• B. Pharm/ M. Pharm with Microbiology as one semester paper with minimum of 65% or CGPA 6.85 on a scale of 10 (Fresher or Experienced)

Scholarship by Biocon: 60% of the Program Fee