Department of Genetic Engineering an Biotechnology
Fourth industrial revolution is knocking at the door, developing a skilled workforce in the modern sectors of applied science is essential for harnessing the possibilities and opportunities that are coming with it. Biotechnology is one such sector. The department of "Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology" of Jagannath University aims to provide students with the opportunity to obtain quality education in this sector. It is a multidisciplinary applied subject involving knowledge from biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemistry and bioinformatics. Here, students gather in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of cellular and molecular life sciences, along with the skills to turn their ideas into reality.
Foundation
"Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology" is a new department in Jagannath University. It has been established in the year of 2016, aiming at generating skilled manpower with good theoretical and practical background. The founding chairman of the department was Professor Dr. Md. Zakaria Mia. Department started with nine faculty members and 30 students. After seven years, in 2023, there are 150 undergraduate students in 5 batches and 14 students in Masters Program. Currently the total number of faculty members is eleven. At present, Professor Dr. Dilara Islam Sharif is the chairman of the department.
Laboratory Facilities
As Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is an applied subject, the students of this department need to develop skills in performing sophisticated techniques of advanced molecular biology. Otherwise they won’t be fit for the professions of this field. Instruments used in biotechnology are very sophisticated and costly. Such drawbacks limit the availability of well furbished laboratories in our country. Remarkably, within just 5 years, this department has managed to establish four separate laboratories. This achievement has been possible due to continuous efforts that faculty members put in to the improvement of this department. These labs are well-furnished to provide students with hands-on practical experience of both laboratory and bioinformatics techniques.
Practical Laboratory
General laboratory courses are taken here. Spacious setup ensures individual working space for each student. Thirty students can do their lab work at a time. Gas, water supply and waste disposal management is already establsihed Here. The study of microscope, Titration analysis, Biochemical test and general laboratory works are done here.
Bioinformatics Laboratory
Now-a-days, bioinformatics study has become an integral part of biotechnology. For teaching the students latest in-silico techniques, a bioinformatics laboratory has been set up recently in our department. The lab is solely funded by the Information and Communiation Division (ICTD), Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication and Information Technology, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. It is equipped with 10 personal computers of superior quality, each with 8 gb ram and core i7 processor. This well-designed in-silico lab is suitable for advanced research in genomics and proteomics.
Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory
In this current era of rapid industrialization, environmental pollution poses serious threat to human civilization. Biotechnology can provide means to overcome these threats. GEB department of Jagannath University has already taken up a few research projects on bioremediation. For performing such research regarding environmental issues, a specialized lab has been established. There are instruments like surface-tensiometer, incubator, orbital shaker, water bath and micro-centrifuge.
SEEDING LABS
Seeding Labs is an American non-profit organization that empowers talented scientists in developing countries to conduct life-changing research. In 2020, GEB department of Jagannath University, for the first time in Bangladesh, has achieved Seeding’s Lab Instrument Access Award-2020. Under this project, department is going to get in total ninety instruments including two PCR machines, water purification system, biosafety cabinet, incubator etc. This lab will further enhance the ability of the department to conduct research in various fields of biotechnology.
For Information about the Department
Professor Dr. Dilara Islam Sharif
Chairman
Dept. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Faculty of Life and Earth Sciences
Jagannath University.
9-10 Chittaranjan Ave, Dhaka 1100, Bangladesh.
Phone: PABX (+880-2) 9534390
Email: dilara.sharif@gmail.com
In case of administration please contact below:
Office of Dept. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
Phone: PABX (+880-2) 9534390
Fax: (+880-2) 7113752