Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering

The Bachelor degree program offered by the Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline at Khulna University is a multidisciplinary applied biological science which deals with the use of series of biological processes or enabling technologies that uses biological systems or living organisms or their sub-cellular components to make or modify products, to improve plants and animals or to improve microbes for specific uses and services for sustainable agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, clean environment and energy. This includes recombination DNA technology, transgenic crops and animals, genetically modified foods, bio pharmaceuticals, bio remediation, and more. It is often used, to refer to Genetic Engineering technology in the 21st century; however, the term encompasses a wider range and history of procedures for modifying biological organisms according to the needs of humanity, going back to the initial modifications of native plants into improved food crops through artificial selection and hybridization. Modern Biotechnology includes the use of gene technology and other methods in molecular biology to produce knowledge and useful products for application in research, medicine, agriculture and industry. It combines disciplines like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, embryology and cell biology, which are in turn linked to practical disciplines like chemical engineering, information technology and nanotechnology. Students gain the knowledge and core set of skills that span across basic sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. Khulna University started Biotechnology education at undergraduate level in 1995 which was the first of its kind in Bangladesh. Later on, the Discipline was renamed as Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline in 2003. At present the Discipline offers four years Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) and MS in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering degrees. MS degree is being offered in three modes viz. One year MS (Taught course), 1.5 years MS (Mixed mode: Theory + Session al course + Thesis/Project) and 2.0 years (Only Research) from 2022-2023 session. The course curriculum is focused on the development needs and covers multidisciplinary subject areas to create appropriate knowledge base to cope with fast paced technological advancements. The research activities at the Discipline are focused on various aspects of animal, plant, microbial, environmental, food, medical, process engineering and industrial biotechnology which encompass both basic and applied research. The Discipline has established 10 modern laboratories including one field laboratory for providing state-of-the-art and applied knowledge through hands on practical education. Twenty three experienced teachers including 14 Professors are involved in teaching and research work in this Discipline.

The Discipline has signed MOU with
(1) Triticae Research Institute of Sichuan Agricultural University, China (2) East-West Seed (Bangladesh) Ltd. (Now renamed as “Lal Teer Seed Co. Ltd.) and National Institute of Biotechnology (NIB), Savar, Dhaka for collaborative research in various fields of biotechnology and genetic engineering.

The students get the opportunity to learn the state-of-the-art recent developed methodologies, techniques and technologies. Subsequently, the graduates get their way into higher studies and research across the globe. As progression of the career, they are effectively contributing into Biotechnology-oriented academia, research and industrial organizations.

A good number of pioneer BGE graduates have acquired faculty positions in many public and private universities viz. KU, JUST, JU, MBSTU, IU, SUST, MIST, NSTU, JnU, BSMRMU, NSU, BRAC, etc. and contributing to develop human capital for achieving 4th industrial revolution. Graduates are also doing job at various ministries as BCS cadre, research institutes (NIB, BCSIR, BAEC, ICDDR’B, BJRI), pharmaceutical companies, BRAC, RDA, IFC/World Bank, Bangladesh Bank and other government and private banks, and NGOs.

After completion of PhD degree from various reputed universities, more than 100 BGE graduates are engaged in teaching and/or Post-Doc researcher/scientists positions in many countries like USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Germany, Sweden, France, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, New Zealand, South Korea, China, India, Nepal, Malaysia etc. Moreover, about 60 BGE graduates are now studying in Master’s and PhD degree in above mentioned countries.

Reference: Undergraduate Curriculum of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Khulna University. Available at: https://ku.ac.bd/discipline/uploads/courses/1772955570_UG_BGE%20Final.pdf