Syllabus

Module 1: Fundamentals of Environmental Biotechnology
Introduction to Environmental Biotechnology, Basics of microbial growth and metabolism, Enzyme kinetics and regulation, Overview of respiration and energy generation, Ethical issues in environmental biotechnology

Module 2: Molecular Tools for Biodiversity and Community Dynamics
Biodiversity analysis and its significance, Community dynamics and ecological interactions, Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA), Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP), Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE), Temperature Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (TGGE)

Module 3: Advanced Techniques in Environmental Biotechnology
Introduction to Metagenomics, Next Generation Sequencing Technology, Microbial transformation reactions: aerobic and anaerobic biotransformation, Bioremediation technology and influencing factors, Microbial detoxification of organic pollutants and endocrine disruptors (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, polychlorinated biphenyls, heavy metals)

Module 4: Environmental Monitoring and Waste Management
Environmental monitoring techniques, Bioreporters, biomarkers, and biosensors, Quorum sensing technology, Biological energy and biomass production from waste, Wastewater treatment methods, Activated sludge treatment process, Sustainable waste management practices

Module 5: Environmental Impact and Safety Considerations
Environmental impact assessment techniques, Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and biosafety, Ethical issues in environmental biotechnology, Case studies on the application of environmental biotechnology in industry and research

To provide postgraduate biotechnology students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles of environmental biotechnology

To equip students with the knowledge and skills to utilize molecular tools and advanced techniques in environmental contexts

To prepare students to apply biotechnological strategies for addressing sustainability challenges in environmental contexts

Apply biotechnology concepts to real-world challenges.
Utilizing molecular techniques for microbial biodiversity analysis.
Conduct investigations using metagenomics and sequencing technologies.
Develop projects for environmental monitoring and detoxifying emerging pollutants.
Understand ethical considerations and safety protocols for GMOs.

B. E. Rittmann, P. L. McCarty, Environmental Biotechnology- Principles and Applications, Mc Graw Hill Int

G. M. Evans, Environmental Biotechnology: Theory and Application, Wiley

D. A. Vallero, Environmental Biotechnology – A Biosystems approach, Academic Press

D. A. Vaccari, P. F. Strom, J. E. Alleman, Environmental Biology for Engineers and Scientists, Wiley-Interscience