Department of Genetics & Biotechnology

Guest Lecture

The Department of Chemistry organized a guest lecture titled “Strategic Use of Intellectual Property Rights in Chemical Research & Development” on 11th September, 2024 in room no. 208, MBA block. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Radhika Vangala, IPR Manager, BITS-Pilani, Hyderabad The major topics covered and discussed were Intellectual property and it’s rights, Types of IPR, Copyrights, Trademarks, Trade secrets, Infringement stating various examples Patents concluding with PPP and IPR in chemistry. The session was attended by 140 undergraduate students from life sciences. It was a very informative and insightful session for the students.

Gregor Mendel’s Commemoration Day

This day is celebrated on the occasion of Sir Gregor Johann Mendel’s birthday by the Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, BVC which falls on the 20th of July to honour his contributions and relate his work to all the far-fetched achievements in Life Sciences.
Speaker details: Dr Ramjee Pallela, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Atal Incubation Centre - Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology
Topic: The emerging trends of Innovation in Genetic & Genome based technology development
The speaker highlighted the necessity of additional skill sets to be pursued by students in order to add value to their profile. He also related the findings of Sir Gregor Johann Mendel with the emerging trends in innovation. Dr Ramjee also shared some opportunities for internship and career. He insisted on developing and enhancing skills towards innovation and establishing startups.

Guest Lecture

As a part of World Biotechnology Day celebrations,a guest lecture was organized by the department of Genetics and Biotechnology on 22nd June 2024 in room no 208 MBA block. The guest speaker Mr Baba Kishore Mutta spoke about Entrepreneurship and Startups in Life Sciences. In his talk he focused on core sectors such as IT, Real Estate, Infrastructure, Education, HR, Food and Engineering. He himself is a successful entrepreneur who established himself as a top leader in Telangana. Many undergraduate and postgraduate life sciences students attended the guest lecture, finding it very helpful in understanding how to begin startups in life sciences. It was an insightful and informative session.

World Environment Day

World Environment Day (5 th June), was celebrated on 20 th and 21 th of June 2024 the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology The department conducted a guest lecture by Ms. Farida Tampal, State Director WWF India, for World Environment Day Celebrations. The lecture aimed to educate students on the importance of conserving biodiversity and spread awareness regarding practice of sustaininable development. The lecture was attended by Life Science students of UG who were enlightened on wildlife conservation and measures to be taken for sustainable development.

WeekInternship / Training Programme on “Genetic Counselling”

A 2 – Week Internship / Training Programme conducted by Dept. of Genetics & Biotechnology, BVC as a part of Value – Added Course was held from 15th May to 1st June 2024 at Institute of Genetics & Hospital for Genetic Diseases, Osmania University, Begumpet, Hyderabad. 23 Final Year Studentsfrom BtGC, MGC and BtMCparticipated in this program. The course provided a deep understanding of various concepts with Hands – on approach in the areas of Clinical Genetics, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology (Cytogenetics), Clinical Biochemistry & Environmental Toxicology. Students were taught how to maintain a Genetic Register,perform &infer ultrasound / USG scans,Students also involved in real – time examination & consultation of patients and prepared case histories,The students learned multiple components like Genetic Counselling, Genetic Testing, Diagnostics and Management after identification of a disease. Students were given in depth understanding of concepts like Isolation of genomic DNA from Blood, Gel Electrophoresis, and various types of Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCRs) how these can help to detect Indels & Point Mutations in Individuals.Students were explained how Karyotyping is performedandwere also givenoverview on FISH (Fluorescence In – Situ Hybridization) and SKY (Spectral Karyotyping) protocols, Hands – on Identification of Chromosomes on various Karyotypes was done by Students. The Internship / Training Programme at Institute of Genetics and Hospital of Genetic Diseases was a resounding success thanks to the co-operative effort of Head, Department of Genetics & Biotechnology, BVC – Dr. B. Kalpana, Faculty Co-ordinator – Dr. Sushma Patkar, Director (I/c) IGHGD – Dr. B. Vijayalakshmi and various skilled faculty of the Institute who guided the students throughout the course. The programme was efficiently managed by the Student Co-ordinator(s) Mr. Anirban Dash, Mr. Mirza Fareedulla Baig, Ms. K. Prakruti, Ms. M. Lakshmi Nikhita & Ms. M. Havishmathi.

National Science Day

The Department of Life Sciences, BVC celebrated National Science day-2024 on 28th February, 2024. The theme of the programme was “INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGIES FOR VIKSIT BHARAT”. The celebrations started with an inaugural programme, the principal Dr.GSVRK Choudhary and heads of all Life Science Departments interacted with the students and explained to them the importance of National Science Day. The Chief Guest for the inaugural programme, Dr.Rama Krishna Kancha, Director,Prof.G.M Reddy’s Centre for Plant Molecular Biology, Osmania University, Hyderabad delivered the keynote address where he stressed on the importance and significance of Science in daily life. He also elaborated on how science has improved human health by citing the examples of recombinant insulin and thyroid treatment. The programme had a participation of about 150 students. Two events; JAM-Just A Minute and Essay writing competitions for students were conducted post inaugural. 17 students participated in JAM which was judged by Dr. K. Anuradha, Head, Department of Microbiology and Dr.A.Sai Padma, Head, Department of Biochemistry & Nutrition. The topic for Essay writing competition was “Synergizing AI with Indigenous Technologies for Sustainable Development in Viksit Bharat”.15 students participated in the competition which was judged by Dr. B. Kalpana, Head, and Department of Genetics & Biotechnology.Mrs. Mary Nygi Kurian, Head, Department of Chemistry. In the afternoon session, e-Poster competition was conducted department-wise. The students presented e-poster on the project work carried out by them in the college. 7 teams participated from Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition. 6 teams participated from the Department of Microbiology.7 teams participated from the Department of Chemistry.13 teams participated from the Department of Genetics and Biotechnology. The e-posters were judged by the Life Sciences PG faculty members. About 120 students of Semester VI of UG Life Sciences participated in the e-poster competition. The National Science Day celebration provided an excellent platform for students to express their innovative ideas and creativity in all the areas of Life Sciences.

Guest Lecture

The Department of Genetics and Biotechnology organised an informative guest lecture titled “Career Guidance in Lifesciences” by Dr. Sravanti Vaidya on 24/02/ 2024. It was conducted in Room No. 71, Biochemistry Block, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Dr. Sravanti began with a quick overview of the various fields available to students after completion of their intermediate course, and stressed further on the opportunities present in and around the field of science. The highly detailed and relevant lecture covered all the content regarding higher learning possibilities, information on premier institutes and the process of entrance exams. She also explained the various branches of industries that require a strong science-based foundation, as well as those revolving around core research work. Dr.Sravanti Vaidya, emphasised the significance of understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, interests, and values in aligning with suitable career paths, along with strategies for exploring and evaluating them effectively. This included practical tips such as the importance of 2 ‘extra feathers’, namely, skill and training, as well as reminders on the need for techniques such as ABCD, her personal motto for success, which focuses on the requirements for attaining prosperity. She ended by highlighting the last letter, ‘D’, representing the most crucial ingredient-drive, or passion.

Field trip to Active Farm School Kowkuntla, Chevella, Hyd

Objective: To create interest towards basic farm skills like sowing, transplantation, harvesting, eco-friendly pest management, and methods of composting organic waste. Participants: 31 students of Sem VI BtGC and MGC along with 4 faculty members.

Guest Lecture

The Department of Genetics and Biotechnology organised an informative guest lecture by Dr. Vikas Sharma on the 8th of December, 2023, on the topic of “Cytogenetic Approaches in Diagnosis of Genetic Disorders”. It was conducted in Room No. 71, Biochemistry Block, from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biotechnology, University College of Science, Saifabad, Dr. Vikas Sharma has over 20 years of teaching and research experience, and has published works in national and international journals. An alumnus of Bhavan’s Vivekananda College, he has completed his Masters in Microbiology and PhD in Genetics, and worked with premier institutes such as IOG and CCMB. He is a senior cytogeneticist and founder of the institute MicroBioGen Academy. The programme was initiated with an enlightening introduction regarding his fields of expertise, following which Dr. Vikas Sharma was presented with a welcoming plant hamper. Dr. Vikas Sharma began with a quick overview of genetic diseases and the term “Cytogenetics-the study of chromosomes.”. He went on to explain the need for Cytogenetics, one that is only growing with the increase in the number of genetic disorders reported over the past two decades. The carefully crafted lecture covered all the content required to understand the topic of Cytogenetics; including explanations regarding its branches; namely,Conventional/Constitutional Cytogenetics - involving techniques such as the preparation of a karyotype and banding of chromosomes;as well as newer techniques such as Microarray, FISH, SKY and FACS. Dr.Vikaswent on to stress the importance of Genetic Counselling and the skills required to practise it successfully, with helpful examples. He highlighted a case study conducted on “A novel Argo 15 SER mutation of Androgen Receptor DNA binding domain in three 46 XY sisters with Complete Androgen Insensitivity and Bilateral Inguinal Hernia.”. He also provided several useful pointers regarding knowledge all students must possess in order to proceed further in the field of Cytogenetics. The session was then opened to the audience for questions, to which Sir provided insightful, concise answers. To close the programme, the Vote of Thanks was addressed to Dr. Vikas Sharma, Dr. Kalpana B.-Head of Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, and the faculty of the Department. Dr. Vikas Sharma was presented with a memento as a token of gratitude by Head of Department Dr. Kalpana B