Department of Genetics & Biotechnology

National Science Day

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.

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 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