Department of Life Sciences

Infrastructure
The Department has eight state-of-the-art laboratories and ICT enabled classrooms. Separate full- fledged laboratories for Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Genetics and research labs specialised in Animal cell culture, Plant tissue culture, Hydra culture facility, Phytochemistry which caters to the curriculum and research needs of students and faculty. A Central Instrumentation Laboratory with sophisticated analytical instruments caters to the analytical needs of the students. Kristu Jayanti college offer top notch laboratories equipped with modern technology to enhance students educational experiences

Research Activities
The department's research output is commendable. A total of 19 projects have been completed with a total grant of 57.5lakhs. Three externally funded and six internally funded projects are underway. Additionally, the faculty members of the department have published patents and many awaiting grant. A total of 142 research articles have been published in peer reviewed Scopus and WoS indexed journals in the last 5 years. The Department publishes in-house Journal: Kristu Jayanti Journal of Core and Applied Biology (KJCAB) which also caters to publish research output of students and faculty. Thrust is given on interdisciplinary collaborative activities and research.

Diverse Student Community and Student Teacher ratio
Every academic year, the department nurtures around 500 undergraduate students and 280 postgraduate students comprising of students from almost all the states in India. With a student-teacher ratio of 1: 20, the department ensures personalized attention and quality education for all its students. Till now, a total of 1590 UG and 970 PG students have passed out of the department.

Teacher Quality
The department is committed to excellence in teaching and learning, which is reflected in its highly committed and dedicated faculty members specialized in Multidisciplinary domains including Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Genetics and Botany. Exceptional faculty with diverse specialisation is a unique feature. Accomplished and highly competent educators with experience in academia and industry help impart contemporary knowledge and skills to the students and help them excel in academics and chose the right career from one of the best colleges in india.

Innovative Teaching Methodology
The Department follows a dynamic, forward-thinking curriculum which focuses on innovative discipline specific teaching pedagogies. Cases studies, problem solving, brain storming, hands on experiments, debates, student presentations ensure a productive learning experience and focuses on holistic development of students.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals
Courses and activities pertaining to sustainable development goals is highlight of the Department. Students actively participate in maintaining medicinal garden, terrace garden, green activities of institution such as waste management, water conservation and energy conservation which instils in them the values of nurturing nature for sustainable development goals.

Alumni Network
Strong network of alumni is the key feature of department with spread across profile of alumni enable us to motivate and guide the young minds. Alumni engagement in the process of learning is done through guest lectures, judging in competitions, career guidance, forum discussions, teaching assignments, entrepreneurial guidance and placement assistance for students. Prominent positions in academia and industry are held by our alumni.

Student ClubsM
Department has created student interest forums in the form of clubs and associations. Life Science Club is one such forum aimed at nurturing the bio managerial skills for students through co-curricular activities. It enriches management capabilities of students by organising conferences, intra and inter collegiate biofests and exhibitions. Environment Club initiated by the Department has developed into Centre for Environment and Sustainability catering to student involvement in activities and programmes catering to conservation of environment.

BioNova is a pioneering biopreneurship training program initiated by the Department of Life Sciences to cultivate entrepreneurial skills in life science students. This program provides a platform for students to innovate, ideate, and transform their scientific knowledge into viable biobusiness ventures, empowering them to contribute actively to the bioeconomy. Under the mentorship of experienced faculty, BioNova encourages students to create tangible, market-ready products and establish independent startups.

Provides a sustainable biopreneurial ecosystem, supporting bio-based startups innovation also nurture and support students in developing and launching products, particularly in the areas of biotechnology, biofertilizers, biofuels, biocosmetics, and other life sciences domains. In addition, provides mentorship, and access to bio-incubation facilities to student entrepreneurs promote commercialization of bio-products and services developed by students.

B.Sc., Biotechnology, Genetics, Biochemistry, (BGB)
B.Sc., Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry, (MGB)
B.Sc., Botany, Biotechnology, Biochemistry (BBB)

M.Sc., Biotechnology
M.Sc., Microbiology
M.Sc., Biochemistry

Major features of each programme

Biotechnology harnesses the power and prowess of the living world to address issues and offer solutions in the areas of research, health-care, agriculture, and environment. It is a multi-disciplinary science involving a variety of distinct subjects where living organisms or their derivatives are modified and put into effective use in catering the welfare of humanity. Applications of Biotechnology have been found in several sectors including Agriculture, Food Science and Medicine. The course introduces the students to detailed study of Cell Biology, Genetics, Microbiology, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Recombinant DNA Technology, Genetic Engineering, Environmental Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology, Immunology, Industrial Biotechnology and Plant Biotechnology.

Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms – their activities and applications. Although small in size, microorganisms play a pivotal role in many sectors including food, pharmaceutical & biotechnology industries, health science, agriculture, and the environment. In recognition of the importance of Microbiology and the abundant career opportunities, Kristu Jayanti is one of the best college which offers Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology. A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology provides sound theoretical and laboratory expertise in the diverse areas of Microbiology. The college has incorporated the latest and most up to date laboratory facilities. Besides, abundant employment opportunities at the bachelor's level, Microbiology major provides a sound foundation for specialized studies in Microbiology.

Biochemistry deals with understanding living organisms in the chemical perspective. The profound impact of Biochemistry on health & medicine, agriculture, pharmaceutical and food science and many other fields is increasing rapidly. With the advent of lifestyle disorders and tumour diseases, chemical markers have been the most sought-after parameters for diagnosis and clinical care, and the relevance of Biochemistry to society has become more apparent. This course covers all the fundamental and emerging aspects of Biochemistry by providing detailed insights into different branches of chemistry like organic, inorganic and physical chemistry and their applications in understanding life.

Genetics covers the study of genes, gene variations and heredity. It encompasses human & animal genetics as well as plant genetics. It enables the student to understand genetic conservation, gene bank management, in vitro conservation, in situ conservation, crop genetic modification, animal breeding etc. A sound knowledge of genetics is essential for an understanding of all other fields of biology particularly cytology, embryology, molecular biology, physiology. The course is structured in such a way that the students get a chance to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject in depth

Botany is one of the oldest natural sciences, which deals with the study of plant life. It has remained an evergreen field of study due to its applications in Environmental, Agricultural, Horticultural and Medical Sciences. Botany has particularly been in the limelight in the last few decades due to its growing awareness on climate change and sustainability. The advent of sub disciplines like Plant pathology, Plant ecology, Paleo-botany and Ethnobotany has broadened the scope and prospects of the subject. The programme encompasses studies on Plant Anatomy, Embryology, Physiology, Taxonomy, Phyto-chemistry, Genetics and Plant Molecular Biology among others. The programme content emphasizes on imparting knowledge and training students with skills to take up competitive examinations and pursue a successful career in Botany and allied Sciences.

Major activities
International conference, Faculty Development Program, UnderGraduate and PostGraduate Research Symposium, Research Colloquium, Summer Internships, Intra and Intercollegiate fest, Exhibition, Commemorative days observance, Awareness Program, International Expert Lecture, Alumni Expert Lecture and Batch meet were the routine major activities organized every year to enrich curriculum and provides skill-based learning.

Experiential Learning
Experiential learning through industrial visits, field visits and internship enhances the learning experience. Expert curriculum enrichment lectures by eminent scientists, Professor of Practice and Adjunct faculty from various emerging fields doing active research in India and abroad from reputed institutes expose students to various contemporary research and knowledge.

Extension Activities
The students participate in extension activities within the neighbourhood and in the UBA adopted villages. The Department's “Lab to Land” programme involves students preparing biofertilizers in the lab, applying them to land in adopted villages, growing vegetables and enriching soil. Additionally, the wet and dry waste generated in campus is converted to compost and vermicompost, contributing to zero waste on campus, supplied to farmers, and used for gardening. Social outreach programmes and community outreach programmes are organised in the neighbourhood communities which instils the values of serving and giving back to the society.

Students are encouraged to take NPTEL courses and many of our students have been in the top percentile. Value added courses, certificate courses, electives and research projects for UG and PG give the students an extra edge to enhance and enrich knowledge skills. Training in Good laboratory practices is given to all students at the beginning of every academic year. Skill enrichment workshops on latest technologies like Omics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics and academic enrichment programmes by eminent scientists from reputed institutes like IISc, NCBS enriches the students and enhances their employability.

Major Achievements
The Department of Life Sciences has garnered significant achievements over the years, including recognition as the DBT Star College under strengthening scheme in 2020 and receiving project grants from VGST and KSCST-STI, KSCST, Karnataka. These accomplishments underscore the department's endeavour in both teaching and research.

The Department prioritizes on placement and provides career support and professional guidance in collaboration with Centre for employability and corporate relations. MoUs and academic linkages which enhances collaborative activities that bridges the gap between industry-academia interface. Mock interviews, orientation on career opportunities, aptitude skill training and job fairs are organised which has helped in securing placements in reputed companies like Biocon, Biozeen, Lapcorp. Nova nordisk, IQVIA, Anthem biosciences, Indigene, Eli Lilly, Nimhans etc. The department provides integrated training for CSIR-NET and other competitive exams. Kristu Jayanti College Prioritize students career growth by offering exceptional placement opportunities with top companies across India.

Strategic collaborations with industry partners and academic institutions have facilitated knowledge exchange, collaborative research and enhanced opportunities for students and faculty alike. The department prepares graduates for career and for a successful life. Activities are also carried out to imbibe values and social commitment instilling ethics and inculcates drive for community engagement amongst students. Kristu Jayanti College Consistently guides students towards excellent opportunities, establishing itself as one of Bangalore Premier autonomous college.