Self Finance
Department of Biotechnology
Vision:
Availability of Biotechnological studies and research to improve the living conditions of mankind and the environment.
Mission:
Education and training opportunities for students such that they get mastery in biotechnological skills.
The Department of Biotechnology formerly known as the Department of Biosciences was established under the guidance of the then Principal Late Prof. Newman Fernandes in the Science Block of St. Xavier’s College in the year 2005.
The department as of the year 2023, has completed 18 years since its inception and has witnessed a total of 16 graduating batches. Mrs. Marina Monteiro of the Department of Microbiology was appointed as the first Head of Department. The department was privileged to have the leadership of the subsequent Head of Department Ms. Ursula Barretto and the Course Co-ordinators Ms. Jocelyn Fernandes and Ms. Anabel Alphonso.
The department that had humble beginnings as a small laboratory, grew in its infrastructure over the years and in the year 2021, was relocated to Block E. The new premises comprises 3 well-equipped wet laboratories, a bioinformatics laboratory, Plant and Animal tissue culture laboratories, a preparation room, a staffroom and 3 LCD installed classrooms that have greatly enhanced the teaching and learning process. The departmental library has a range of reference books, e books, journals and skill-based resource books.
The department also successfully completed a 3-year DST- Goa minor project, titled ‘Isolation and Purification of Cellulases from Mangrove soils of Goa, and its applications in the Isolation of Protoplast.’
The department was awarded the ‘DBT Star College Scheme’ in the year 2021 along with other Undergraduate Science departments of the college, which has given our students and staff a greater scientific exposure in terms of hands-on training in practical, study trips and the improvement of facilities. Various activities like Workshops, Seminars, Webinars, Lecture series etc. are being conducted under this scheme.
Ms. Sneha Mangaonkar
Mr. Francisco Colaco
- Hands on training session
- Reel making competition on the theme “Food connects us”
- Guest lecture on “Mastering smart food choices: Making food your first medicine”, as part of Alumni lecture series.
- Field trip of F. Y. BSc Biotechnology students to Sewage Treatment Plant, Tonca, Panjim
- Field trip to National Forensic Science University, Goa Campus
- Field visit to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Garden, Mapusa – Goa
- Field visit to Mr. Farmer Nursery, Guirim, Bardez – Goa
- “Swicy: Sweet & Spicy, Healthy & Tasty” – cooking competition
- Careers in Food Technology
- “Christ our Hope”, a vibrant College Christmas Programme
- “Biowizards -Potential Unleashed”
Career opportunities in Biotechnology exist in the areas of molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, drug discovery, immunology, clinical research, plant and animal biotechnology. Potential careers opportunities include:
- Project Assistants/Junior Research fellows after an M.Sc.
- QA/QC departments in pharmaceutical companies, food processing units, breweries and distilleries.
- Self-employment through entrepreneurship.
- Medical lab technologists in laboratories and hospitals.
- Research assistants in R and D of pharmaceuticals after an M.Sc.
- Lecturers in Colleges and Universities after an M.Sc./Ph.D.
- In Plant Tissue Culture and Animal Tissue Culture labs and industries.
The alumni of our department have pursued their further studies in Goa, National institutes/ college and Foreign Universities and have secured good positions in Food and drug association, BITs Goa, National Institute of Oceanography Goa, Pharmaceutical companies, corporate sectors etc.