The Role of Biotechnology in COVID-19 Vaccine Development and Diagnostics


COVID-19 was not only an example of our inability to be vigilant. During COVID-19, the economy contracted a 7.3% loss, yet it was also an example of science's expansive reach on a global level. 74% of Indians have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 69% of the Indians have received two or more vaccines. India’s medical and health sector was one of its strong points. To ensure that such a crisis is prevented in the future, modifications will have to be made internally, including the strengthening of biotechnology.

Biotechnology was used during the height of the pandemic to understand the nature of COVID-19 and make predictions about the virus. Moreover, biotechnology helped us understand how vaccines work on the SARS-COV-2 virus, which helped accelerate COVID-19 vaccine development in real-time. While the challenges of time and availability were imminent, biotechnology was a positive asset. Biotechnology will need specific improvements in India to be utilised in the future.  

IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) has been providing BSc hons Biotechnology for over 20 years. Established in 1990, IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) inaugurated the School of Bioscience in 2002, intending to impart quality education and research skills to make the students competent regarding industrial requirements. The goal is to ensure all students pursuing B.Sc. (H) in Biotechnology are curious, enquiring and have a strong foundation of biotechnology fundamentals. The essence of the degree is utilising raw materials to create medicinal utility.

The IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) program builds academic knowledge and substantial skills to advance further. The institution achieves this through:

 

1.  Detailed course specialisation

IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) teaches three specialisations as part of its B.Sc. (H) in Biotechnology

    I.            Agriculture biotechnology

  II.            Computer Aided Drug Designing

 III.            Professional, scientific communication

 

Agriculture biotechnology looks at the use of biotechnology to modify living organisms. The course includes theoretical sessions, hands-on sessions, industrial visits and assessments of genetic engineering, crop engineering, laboratory practical, plant breeding techniques, etc. Any aspect of biotechnology that applies to agronomy is available here.  

Drug designing focuses on drug and medicinal development. Through theoretical sessions, hands-on sessions, industrial visits and assessments, the students will cover topics such as drug designing, molecular modelling, molecular mechanics, docking, etc.

Professional, scientific communication is directed at skilling students for effective science writing and communication. Like the model above, theoretical sessions, hands-on sessions, industrial visits and assessments are conducted on data presentation, graphical representation, oral and poster presentation, and scientific communication workshop.

IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) places 80% attendance criteria on all its courses to ensure effective classroom learning. 

   

2.  Dissertation and project emphasis

To strengthen individual research and self-assessment, all BSc Hons in Biotechnology students must intern at industries during the summer. Students have, in the past, interned at top industries/ companies:

  • IIT Roorkee
  • Defence Research Development Organization
  • Yashoda Hospital and Research Center
  • Dabur research foundation
  • National Institutes of Biologicals
  • Haldiram snacks
  • Jamia Millia Islamia
  • All india institute of medical sciences
  • JawaharLal Nehru University
  • IGIB
  • Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission

The selected students have interned for 6-8 weeks in various streams, such as

  • Mutational analysis
  • Advanced biochemical assay
  • Analysis of chemical constituents
  • Essentials techniques of cancer cell culture
  • Diabetic neuropathy 
  • Food and Drug Analysis

 

3.  Specific syllabus

B.Sc. (H) in Biotechnology follows a three-year program; each year has a 9-course prerequisite with three assessments at the end. After the course, three subsequent practical assessment sessions take place in laboratories to analyse independent applications demonstrated by the students.  

 

4.  Boundless Career Opportunities   

With the rapid growth of biotechnology and its need post-COVID-19 Biotechnology is everywhere.  From vaccine production to genetic modifications, and so are biotechnology jobs. Many graduates hold positions in government and private sector post-graduation:

 

  • Research and development
  • Quality assurance/regulatory affairs
  • Manufacturing
  • Clinical research
  • Governmental (policymaking)
  • Software engineering
  • Food, animal and environmental sciences
  • Sales and technical support 

 

The Corporate Resource Centre looks into the overall placement procedure at IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) to ensure that students get employed in companies of their choice and skill.

 

With the surge of demand for biotechnology, IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) highly specialized B.Sc. (H) in Biotechnology program is centered on integrating theoretical concepts with industry standards to create trained medical professionals that drive biotechnological growth in India and the world. Coupled with efficient infrastructural facilities, substantial academic resources and a highly qualified faculty, IMS Ghaziabad (University Courses Campus) provides state-of-the-art education to every student.