Department of Biotechnology - Activities & Events conducted in year 2023-24
Jigyaasa, the inaugural event for the new batch of first-year students, was organized by the Department of Biotechnology at Thakur College of Science and Commerce on July 27, 2023. Serving as a warm welcome to the incoming students, the event aimed to introduce them to the department's vibrant community and academic offerings. 49 students attended the event which not only fostered connections among students and alumni but also laid the foundation for a rewarding and enriching academic experience.
An Essay writing competition was organized with the theme “National Integration” as a way to celebrate Independence Day on 31st August, 2023. All 22 participants’ posters portrayed the spirit of oneness. This competition sought to inspire meaningful dialogue and introspection on the theme of national integration, a subject deeply embedded in the fabric of our diverse society. A skill enhancement workshop on Literature Review was organized on 2nd and 6th September, 2023. The workshop aimed to equip learners with essential skills for conducting comprehensive literature reviews in the field of biotechnology. Overall 60 learners participated in this workshop.
"Biochroma," an innovative value based event blending art and science was organised on November 10, 2023. This interdisciplinary competition aimed to explore the fusion of creativity and scientific exploration through three captivating themes: "India In Space," "Era Of Genomics," and "Eco-Conservation". Also, an enthralling Rangoli Competition, blending the beauty of art with the festive lines was organised on November 10, 2023. The event showcased a vibrant display of creativity, as participants crafted Rangolis mainly on the topic ` Eco-Conservation’ that not only mesmerized the eyes but also conveyed profound messages. 23 students participated in the event.
The annual flag-ship event of the department `Eureka 2023-24’ an Inter-Collegiate Presentation Competition based on Innovative ideas was organised on 23rd January, 2024. Twenty three participants in 10 teams presented their ideas in the form of presentations. The ideas stimulated intellectual discussions and thorough brainstorming which was enjoyed by the participants and the audience alike. The eminent judge Dr. Vitthal Mohite, Head, Department of Zoology and Dr. Rupesh Yadav, Proffesor, Department of Zoology interacted with all the participants and gave his valuable feedback.
A career fest, ‘Lakshyavedh 2023-24’ was organised on a grand scale on 28th February, 2024 on the lines of National Science Day. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Vinod Ragade (Head, Department of Zoology, Vaze-Kelkar College, Mulund) was the keynote speaker of the event who enlightened the learners with career opportunities in biological sciences.
A guest lecture on “Application of Bioinformatics in Molecular Biology” was delivered by Dr. Sanket Bapat, on 02nd March, 2024. He highlighted the significance of bioinformatics in data analysis and its pivotal role in fields like genomics and drug discovery. 50 students attended this guest lecture.
Department of Biotechnology with Departments of Basic Sciences, Biotechnology and Sports Science jointly organized `International Colloquium on Millets and Cultural Heritage’ on 10th February, 2024. The colloquium was attended by total 203 participants including teachers and students.
Students Achievements
Nithya Nair (TYBSc), Tanya Motagi (TYBSc), Stefan Rodrigues (TYBSc) Cleared IELTS with high band scores.
Junaid Naikwade, Brice D'souza & Tanya Motagi (T.Y.BSc) 2nd prize for the poster presentation at the International Colloquium on Millets & Cultural Heritage [10 February 2024]
Thirty two students completed a skill oriented Zonal Championship training program (18 hours) on `Recombinant DNA Technology & Genetic Engineering using CRISPR’ conducted in collaboration with Makeintern & E-cell, IIT Kharagpur from 21st to 29th December 2023.
Five Projects were selected for Participation at Zonal Level, University Avishkar Research Convention.
Ten students from T.Y.B.Sc. and students from S.Y.B.Sc. Completed NPTEL MOOCs courses.
Workshops/Seminars attended
Dr. Aparna Deshmukh, Mrs. Shubha Govil, Ms. Shweta Sharma & Mr. Aradhya Walinjkar attended the ii. One day Seminar on ‘Indian Knowledge System in Higher Educational Curricula’ held on 24th February, 2024 at TCSC.
Ms. Shweta Sharma completed Faculty Development Program on ‘Popularizing the science of DNA Barcoding’ program at the Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University, Nanded, 31st Aug to 2nd September 2023.
Dr. Aparna Deshmukh completed 6-Days Faculty Development Programme on“Innovation and Entrepreneurship” by Institute of Chemical Technology and Maharashtra State Faculty Development Academy from 11th - 16th September 2023.
Research papers presented
Students of B.Sc. (Biotechnology) presented the following research paper posters at the International Colloquium on Millets and Cultural Heritage on 10th February, 2024.
`Millets: a Powerful PCOS Ally’ by Junaid Naikwade, Brice D'souza & Tanya Motagi [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)] Won the 2nd prize for the poster
‘Antidiabetic effect of Millets’ by Tanisha Rawat, Krishna Prajapati & Sailee Patke [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)]
`Detection of Adulteration in Millets’ by Shanu Bag, Sanchita Golder & Nishi Savani [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)]
`Cardioprotective effects of millets’ by Nithya S Nair, Bhoomi Kadam & Preeti Jaiswal [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)]
`Millets & Hormonal Harmony’ by Harsh Devadhia, Anshul yadav & Tithi Patel [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)]
`Identification of potential probiotic strain from Finger millet’ by Dhruvisha Moradhara, Shikha Singh & Varad Tambat [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)]
‘Anti-oxidant effect of Selected Millets’ by Simmi Mishra, Sanvi Salgaonkar & Lakshmi Tiwari [T.Y.B.Sc. (Biotech)]
Resource person
Dr. Aparna Deshmukh served as the Invited Judge for 8th University Aavishkar Research Convention 2023-24 for Zone VII: Raigad [4th December, 2023].
Dr. Aparna Deshmukh Evaluator for Action Research Project for Dr. Homi Bhabha Balvaidnyanik Competition 2023-24 [17th March 2024]
Dr. Aparna Deshmukh served as the VC Nominee in the Board of Studies in Biotechnology at Patkar & Varde College, Goregaon, Mumbai.