Department of Genetic Engineering an Biotechnology
Fourth industrial revolution (4IR) 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 2024, there are 150 undergraduate students in 5 batches and 14 students in Masters Program. Currently the total number of faculty members is ten. At present, Professor Dr. Sumaiya Farah Khan 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
Our general laboratory offers comprehensive courses with ample space, ensuring every student has their own workstation. It accommodates up to thirty students simultaneously. We have established efficient systems for gas, water supply, and waste disposal. Our curriculum covers microscope techniques, titration analysis, biochemical tests, and general laboratory procedures.
Bioinformatics Laboratory
In response to the growing importance of bioinformatics in biotechnology, our department has established a state-of-the-art Bioinformatics Laboratory. This facility, generously funded by the Information and Communication Division (ICTD) of the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunication, and Information Technology, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is dedicated to teaching students the latest in-silico techniques. The lab boasts ten high-quality personal computers, each equipped with 8 GB RAM and a Core i7 processor. Designed to facilitate advanced research in genomics and proteomics, this well-equipped in-silico lab provides an ideal environment for cutting-edge exploration.
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 etc.
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 Instrumental 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. Sumaiya Farah Khan
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
E-mail: sumaiyafarah@yahoo.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
E-mail: office@geb.jnu.ac.bd