Explore the scope of Microbiology and Biotechnology at Sage University Bhopal

Did you ever wonder how a tiny virus can cause such a huge turmoil and challenge human existence? Are you someone who wants to probe further and understand the concepts, consequences and lasting effect of this virus or other life forms?  If you are interested to pursue a career in fields related to life and how it is influenced by other animate and inanimate factors School of Sciences at SAGE University, Bhopal offers the following degrees:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Biology
2. Bachelor's degree in Biotechnology
3. Bachelor's degree in Microbiology
4. Masters Degree in Biotechnology
5. Masters Degree in Microbiology

SAGE University Bhopal aims to merge these broad fields of science into interdisciplinary domains to give an edge to the student in terms of preference and choice. SAGE university provides excellent facilities, infrastructure and equipments to promote interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning. All faculty members, in addition to being highly qualified, are excellent teachers. Students will be encouraged to discover the truths in biology and a deeper understanding of the fabric of life with appropriate pedagogy.

The word Biology is derived from the Greek words 'bios' (life) and 'logos' (study). Biologists study the origin, physical structure, function, chemical processes, growth, evolution and distribution of living organisms using cutting edge tools and techniques. During the study, students gain insight into molecular, cellular and subcellular aspects of life. The course is designed to give basic knowledge about different fields of biology and techniques used to study living systems.  The academic model allows them to take up applied subjects offered by allied courses as electives. This gives a good start point for students to make informed career choices.

Microbiology is the study of organisms that are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye. Microbes play an essential role in human life. During this course, students study basic courses such as Bacteriology, Virology, Mycology and Parasitology. This degree forms the basis for specialised fields such as Medical Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology, Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environmental Engineering.

Biotechnology is an applied field dealing with the use of biological organisms for improving the overall quality of life. It is a broad discipline that integrates biology with physics, chemistry, mathematics and technological advances.

Biotechnology can be applied in the fields of health care, environment, chemical processes, etc. Some of our dietary requirements are fulfilled by engineered plants that are modified by modern technology or by traditional breeding and artificial selection to give them a specific advantage (like pesticide resistance, biofortified foods or to withstand climate change). Tools and products developed by biotechnologists can be used in research, agriculture, industry and healthcare.

Microbiology and Biotechnology have significance in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food, environment, agricultural and cosmetic industries. New and emerging fields like artificial intelligence, data science and synthetic biology are pushing the boundaries of various fields of basic and applied sciences. In this context, Sage University Bhopal provides a multidisciplinary environment to pursue interdisciplinary education giving students the ability to kickstart both conventional and unconventional career options.

The concept of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary education that we promote at SAGE University Bhopal can be explained using the current situation around the globe that has put scientists in the spotlight. The race against time for repurposing drugs to reduce the drastic effects of Covid-19 infection and finding a vaccine is underway.  There is also an AI-based surveillance approach that is providing technical support for contact tracing and transmission control. An ever-evolving inclusive and integrative approach of various fields of science and technology is the best way to defeat the current challenge and prepare us for further challenges. 

This vision of practical and contemporary education is substantiated by the academic model that we have designed at SAGE University Bhopal. Our model gives the students of biology and allied courses liberty to take up electives from advance computing, computer applications etc. This will enhance the employability and multidisciplinary expertise and help in the successful design of personalised career options for every student.

If you pursue a career in these areas, you will most likely be working in diagnostic labs, academic institutions, clinics, pharmaceutical and biotech companies or specialised research organisations. Students who pursue life sciences try to understand what life is all about and how it is impacted by external factors. If you have a fascination with life and interested in science and scientific processes, you should consider a career in this domain.

About the author

Dr Lavanya Bhagavatula is an Associate Professor at the School of Sciences, SAGE University, Bhopal. She worked at Imperial College, London and University of Perugia, Italy during her graduate studies and was awarded PhD in May 2012. Dr Bhagavatula has expertise and experience in training students in Microbiology and Biotechnology. Her research interest is Microbial Biotechnology with respect to host-pathogen interactions and the environment.

Note: The views expressed in this article are solely author’s own and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha