The M.Sc. (Biotechnology) Dual Degree Programme at Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences (SSBS), a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), offers a distinctive two-year full-time postgraduate programme designed to provide students with specialized knowledge in biological sciences from both India and leading global universities. This programme focuses on fostering research skills and preparing graduates for careers as independent researchers or entrepreneurs.
Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to pursue dual degrees with the following two esteemed institutions:
A. University of Adelaide, Australia
During the first year at Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences in Pune, students will gain knowledge in the core biotechnology concepts. In the second year, they will be mentored at the University of Adelaide, where the emphasis will be on innovative technologies for disease prediction and treatment.
Upon successful completion, the graduates earn an M.Sc. Biotechnology by Research degree from Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and an M.Sc. Biotechnology (Biomedical) degree from the University of Adelaide.
B. Aston University, United Kingdom
Option 1:
In the first year, the students will study fundamental biotechnology principles at Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Pune. Subsequently in the second year, at Aston University, the students will undergo training focused on utilizing stem cells in regenerative medicine and drug discovery.
Upon programme completion, the graduates receive an M.Sc. Biotechnology degree from Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and an M.Sc. in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine from Aston University.
Option 2:
In the first year, the students will study the fundamental biotechnology principles at Symbiosis School of Biological Sciences, Pune. Subsequently in the second year, at Aston University, students will be mentored in areas such as cellular and molecular biology, ageing and age-related disease, immunology, biotechnology, stem cells and tissue engineering, and microbiology.
Upon programme completion, the graduates will earn an M.Sc. Biotechnology by Research degree from Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and an M.Res. Bioscience from Aston University.
M.Sc. Biotechnology is our oldest programme that has undergone several refinements since its inception in 2011. It is an interdisciplinary programme offers courses in Stem Cell Biology, Bioprocess Engineering, Recombinant DNA Technology, Bioanalytical Techniques, Genomics, Bioinformatics, and Biostatistics. The programme also emphasizes understanding of fundamental principles through courses in Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology. The programme provides training on theoretical components of these subjects as well as excellent hands-on experience in the well-equipped laboratory. The skill-based programme incorporates Research Project as an integral component that provides an opportunity for the students to get trained in independently drafting a hypothesis, designing a research project, and performing laboratory experiments followed by data analysis coupled with an opportunity to publish. The programme also has a provision for a one-year research project as a separate “stream” within M.Sc. Biotechnology programme with the sole objective of skilling in contemporary areas to work towards a good research publication to confer an edge over similar programmes in the country.
| Attributes | Facilitation and Monitoring | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarship: research, inquiry and lifelong learning | Teaching- learning process, curriculum design, updating of curriculum in emerging areas, student centric teaching methodologies, project based learning, case studies, FCP | Research output by students, case studies, publishing and presenting papers; desire for further higher education |
| Global citizenship: ethical, social and professional understanding | Projects, internships, field trips, service learning and extension activities, GIP, promoting social sensitivity | Interest in volunteering and working for social causes, cross cultural sensitivity, ability to work in cross cultural groups, |
| Eco-literate: sensitivity towards a sustainable environment | Programmes/courses related to environment sustainability, participation in activities related to environment/ecology preservation, environment projects and study tours | Environmental sensitivity among students, involvement in NGOs, and commitment toeco-friendly spaces |
| Employability: equipped with skills, attributes, leadership and entrepreneurial qualities that society needs; being capable of making a contribution to society through earning a living | Domain specific expertise, training/internship with industry, enhancement and value added courses. Co-curricular activities. Assessments that include presentations, public speaking and oratory, class leads, team learning and group activities. | Excellent placements, Entrepreneurial opportunities, good team work skills, work ethic, understanding of corporate working, successful internships |
- PO1: Knowledge: Knowledge & communication skills: Gain knowledge on subjects and topics in the biotechnology domain & express thoughts in an effective manner using different modes of communication.
- PO2: Critical thinking: Apply the knowledge of biotechnology to analyze and evaluate current gaps
- PO3: Innovation: Discover new concepts to bridge gaps in our understanding of the biotechnology field. Invent new methods and techniques. Provide biotechnological solutions to the challenges faced at local and global levels.
- PO4: Human values: Understand and appreciate human diversity. Develop professional ethics for working in the biotechnology industry. Learn to work in teams and groups.
- PO5: Environment and sustainability: Sense the impact of human development on the environment. Develop biotechnological solutions to mitigate environmental deterioration. Identify means for sustainable development.
- PO6: Employability: Gain skills that will fetch jobs in the biotechnology industry. Gain entrepreneurial skills to create jobs.
