Biotechnology is a broad discipline in which biological processes, organisms, cells or cellular components are exploited to develop new products or technologies intended to improve the quality of human life. New tools and products developed by biotechnologists are useful in research, agriculture, industry and the clinic. The Department of Biotechnology, Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanj Deo University (erstwhile North Orissa University) was started in the year 2002 in self finance mode (Aid on Course) with student intake strength of 20 and subsequently increased to 30. In the year 2005, Under-Graduate course in B. Sc. Biotechnology (Honors) was introduced with student intake capacity of 30. Subsequently M. Sc biotechnology course was converted to a regular course/department in 2012 with sanction of 6 faculties (1 Professor, 2 Associate Professors, 2 Assistant Professor) by state government to import teaching and research in Biotechnology at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanjdeo University. Besides M.Sc program, Department is undertaking M.Phil and Ph.D programs. Students admitted to two years M.Sc. program are selected through entrance test CPET who are on successful completion of the course in 4 semesters awarded with M.Sc. degree. Admission into M. Phil and Pre-PhD courses are conducted through entrance followed by viva-voce.
The first three semesters have four theory papers and one practical paper in each semester with a provision (optional) of summer training for 4 to 6 weeks in first year in any Research Institute/University/ Biotech Companies of their choice. In the 4th semester, each student has to carry out a project/dissertation work under the supervision of a faculty of the Department or a scientist/faculty in any Research Institute/ University/ Biotech company of their choice which is evaluated at the end of the 4th semester through a seminar presentation in the presence of an external examiner.
The syllabus for the course is based on CBCS pattern as prescribed by UGC. The revised syllabus carries 100 credits. The courses of the first two semesters are designed with the objectives to strengthen the basic concepts of life-science and biotechniques. These courses are Cell biology, Microbiology, Biomolecules, Immunology, Molecular biology, Computer application, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics. The third and forth semesters offer courses in the applied aspects such as Animal biotechnology, Plant biotechnology, Genetic engineering, Bioprocess engineering, and Environmental biotechnology. Students are required to give a seminar on a topic related to recent advances in Biotechnology in weekly seminars. Besides, several extra-mural lectures/Guest lectures are also being organized by inviting scientists/professors of national and international repute from other Institutions/University.
Currently, the department has a strength of 5 faculty members (due to untimely demise of Mr. R.N. Munda, Assistant Professor) with expertise and exposure in various fields of modern biological tools and techniques and well trained in advance areas of biotechnology to fulfill the need of students. The Department has 2 general laboratories/2 research laboratories, one smart classroom, one library/computer facility centre to cater the need of P.G & Pre-PhD. students engaged in research activities. Since inception the Department has been creating manpower in diverse areas of biotechnology and is engaged in conducting research in frontier areas of the subject. The faculty members are actively working on various biotechnology related projects/research programs supported by DST, UGC, DAE, Department of Forests, Govt. of Odisha and also through collaboration with different National Research Institution/Universities, private organisation/industry like CIFA, JNU, RMRC, OUAT, VU, Department. has achieved the distinction of being DST-FIST sponsored since 2018.
The department looks forward to collaborate with different institutes and industries of national and international repute. The students passed out from this university have joined R & D Institutes, universities of government and private sectors in the field of biotechnology and allied subjects. Students have also visited foreign universities for post-doctoral research scientist and in academic exchange programs. The faculties of various departments have been involved in teaching and implementation of research / project works of the Biotechnology Department.