School of Biological Science

The School of Biological Science aims at providing fundamental yet quality education in Biological Sciences. The School of Biological Sciences offers Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in Biological Sciences under the choice-based credit system (CBCS), with autonomous curriculum and syllabi. These programs train the students to make them fit to join R&D laboratories, Academic streams, Industries etc.

Unique placement and research-oriented curriculum is designed and approved by the experts from Bharathiar University, other renowned institutions and Biological Sciences industries. The team has committed staff members who have expertise in various fields of Biological Sciences. The department has also received major and minor research grants from University Grants Commission (UGC), Govt of India.

DBT – Star College Scheme:

CMS College of Science and Commerce recognized under DBT – Star College Scheme (under strengthening component from 2020). Five Science departments (Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Mathematics, Electronics and Communications) received a total grant of Rs. 1.04 Crores under strengthening component from 2020 for three years.

The objectives of the DBT Star College scheme are as follows:

      • To strengthen the academic and physical infrastructure for achieving excellence in teaching and training.
      • To enhance the quality of the learning and teaching process to stimulate original thinking through ‘hands–on’ exposure to experimental work and participation in summer schools.
      • To provide better library facility to students and teachers.
      • To promote networking and strengthen ties with neighbouring institutions and other laboratories.
      • To conduct specialized training programmes for faculty improvement for optimizing technical capabilities.
      • To increase capabilities of core instrumentation resources by procuring new equipment and upgrading existing facilities.
      • To provide access and exposure to students to research laboratories and industries in the country.
      • To help in devising standard curricula and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) / kits for practicals.
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PLACED STUDENTS

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study and applications of Biomolecules (their reactions and metabolic processes), in animals, plants, and microorganisms. Biochemists provide diagnostic service, carrying out tests on blood, urine and other body fluids, while researching the underlying causes of disease and methods of treatment. They find jobs in pharmaceutical and agrochemical companies, food brewing and biotechnology industry.

Biochemistry deals with the molecular basis of life and the knowledge acquired helps to earn a carrier in clinical diagnosis, manufacture of various biological products including drugs, treatment of diseases, in nutrition, agriculture etc., and opens a range of highly skilled careers that incorporates the aspects of biology and medicine.

Biochemistry is a modern bioscience which plays a vital role in combating emerging diseases like COVID-19 and its diagnosis, drug discovery and development, confronting the effects of global warming, economic production of green biofuels and the development of drought-tolerant crops.  The department has mentoring system, counseling and carrier guidance programs for students. The department has been supported by DBT under STAR college scheme to enhance the research skills. Department also offers job ready certificates and training programmers to augment the employability skills.

Scope of Course

School of Biological Sciences aims to educate, train and develop cutting edge bio-specialists capable of discovery, design and delivery of solutions to improve the quality of human life.

Biological Science Laboratory

1. The school has spacious and well – equipped laboratory with independent undergraduate and post-graduate laboratories. Sophisticated instruments including Eppendorff® Thermal cycler (PCR), Lawrance and Mayo® Phase contrast and fluorescent microscopes, Vilber Lourmat® gel documentation system, Sanyo® CO2 incubator, Sanyo® Inverted Microscope with digital photography, Genesys® UV-Vis Scanning Spectrophotometer, Vestfrost®- 20oC deep freezer, BBraun® Bioreactor, Biorad® ELISA reader with inbuilt incubator, Waters® HPLC system with PDA detector, Lyodel® Lyophilizer, BBraun® Ultrasonicator, Equitron® Automatic autoclaves and Sanyo® – 86oC Ultralow freezer are available for routine student practicals as well as for research.

2. There are separate, air-conditioned, plant tissue culture, animal cell culture and microbial cell culture labs and a walk in cold room. These advanced facilities are unique in School of Biological Sciences, which provides individual hands-on working experience to all students. A large Green House and Poly House facilitate incubation and hardening of tissue-cultured plants.

Biotechnology

A career in Biotechnology includes industries engaged in processing and developing agricultural and biological products, bio-processing industries, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. There are opportunities in industries producing healthcare products, textile industry and organizations engaged in different types of industrial research and development.

Biotechnology is the modern branch of life science dealing with apt solutions to human problems. This revolutionary science has profound applications in the present covid   pandemic scenario in form of molecular diagnostic test like RT-PCR. This Department is endowed with all the potential enabling us to reach the heights of DBT STAR COLLEGE STATUS supported by DBT of India. The state of the art laboratories housed at the Department proves this as an exemplary place to pursue studies right from UG to Ph.D supported by active mentoring and journal club activities. Add on certification courses like HACCP and FOSTAC makes it ambient and a judicious career choice.

Microbiology

Microbiology is a branch of Biology that includes the study of growth characteristics and various other aspects related to the microorganism. Microbiologists find jobs in many places like research organization, pharmaceutical, food, beverage and chemical industries, Universities, Research Institutes etc.

Microbes are vitally important to all life on Earth. As versatile organisms, they play a major role in various biochemical processes such as biodegradation, bio deterioration, climate change, food spoilage, epidemiology and biotechnology. By applying microbes in a range of controlled settings, microbiologists can harness their power for beneficial use in areas as diverse as healthcare, food production and agriculture. Microbiology research has been and continues to be, central to meeting many of the current global aspirations and challenges, such as maintaining food, water and energy security for a healthy population on a habitable earth. Microbiology research will also help to answer big questions such as ‘How diverse is life on Earth?’, and ‘Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe’?

The essential on going work of microbiologists includes making agriculture more sustainable, cleaning up pollution, manufacturing biofuels, and processing food and drink. 
With the threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and global pandemics on the rise, microbiologists are also helping to produce the vital life-saving drugs that many people around the world rely on for survival.

Courses

Course offered Eligibility
B.Sc. Biotechnology A pass in Higher Secondary Examination with (a) Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science (b) Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology (c) Botany, Zoology, Physics, Chemistry (d) Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, (e) Physics, Chemistry, Biotech (f) Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
B.Sc.Biochemistry A pass in HSC with chemistry/ physics/ Biology/ Botany/ Zoology/ Nursing/ Biochemistry/ Microbiology/ Computer Science/ HomeScience/ DMLT (or) Diploma in Pharmacy (or) Pharmacology as one of the subjects.
B. Sc. Microbiology A pass in higher secondary examination with Biology / Botany / Zoology / Microbiology / Biochemistry as one of the subjects under (10+2) system.
M.Sc. Biotechnology B. Sc. Degree in Biology. Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, With Biology ancillary/ Biotechnology/ B.F.S/ Polymer Chemistry/ Microbiology/Zoology/ Botany / Plant Science/ Plant Biotechnology/ Animal Science/ Animal Biotechnology/ B. Pharm,/ Industrial Chemistry/ Applied Microbiology/ Medical Microbiology/ Human Genetics/ Medical Genetics/ Molecular Biology/Genetic Technology/ Environmental Science/ Environmental Biotechnology/ Genetic Engineering/ Bioinformatics/ Plant Biology and Biotechnology/ Animal Science and Biotechnology or Agriculture or B..E., M.B.B.S
M. Sc. Biochemistry A pass in Under Graduate Examination with any Degree or any other examination accepted as equivalent there by the syndicate B. Sc in Biology / Botany / Zoology/ Physics / Chemistry/ Nursing / Biochemistry / Microbiology /or other examinations accepted as equivalent there to by the Syndicate, subject to such other conditions as may be prescribed therefore.
M. Sc. Microbiology A pass in Under Graduate Examination with any Biological Sciences Degree or any other examination accepted as equivalent there by the syndicate B. Sc in Biology / Botany / Zoology/ Biotechnology / Chemistry/ Nursing / Biochemistry / Microbiology /or other examinations accepted as equivalent there to by the Syndicate, subject to such other conditions as may be prescribed therefore.
M. Sc. Applied Microbiology A pass in Under Graduate Examination with any Biological Sciences Degree or any other examination accepted as equivalent there by the syndicate B. Sc in Biology / Botany / Zoology / Biotechnology / Chemistry/ Nursing / Biochemistry / Microbiology /or other examinations accepted as equivalent there to by the Syndicate, subject to such other conditions as may be prescribed therefore.

M. Phil (Full time & Part time)

      • Biotechnology
      • Microbiology
      • Biochemistry
      • Bioinformatics

Eligibility is prescribed by the Bharathiar University and candidates are advised to refer to the university website. Application form and Prospectus can be obtained from the University

Research Guide in M.Phil Biotechnology
      1. Dr. T. Vinoth Kumar
      2. Mrs. Priscilla Helen Christy
      3. Mrs. D. Ramya
      4. Dr. Iwin C Varkey
Research Guides in M.Phil Microbiology
      1. Dr. D. Latha
      2. Dr. V. Geetha
Research Guides in M.Phil Biochemistry
      1. Dr. V. Nandhini
      2. Mrs. M. Sathya
Research Guides in M.Phil Bioinformatics
      1. Dr. S. Shanthi Priya

Ph.D (Full time & Part time)

  • Biotechnology
  • Microbiology
Eligibility is prescribed by Bharathiar University and candidates are advised to refer to the university website. Application form and Prospectus can be obtained from the University.
Research Guides in Ph.D. Biotechnology:
    1. Dr. T. Vinoth Kumar
    2. Dr. Iwin C Varkey
Research Guides in Ph.D. Microbiology:
    1. Dr. D. Latha
    2. Dr. V. Geetha
Research Guides in Ph.D. Biochemistry:
    1. Dr. V. Nandhini

Director Profile

Dr. T. Vinoth Kumar

M.Sc., M.Phil., PGDCA., MCA., Ph.D.

Director, School of Biological Sciences

He has over 20 years of teaching and research experience, including 4 years of international teaching experience at Faculty of Medical Technology, Misurata University, Libya. He obtained his doctorate degree in Biochemistry from Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, in the area of Natural Product drug discovery. He also completed his M. Phil in Biotechnology (Protein and Enzyme Biotechnology) from the department of Biotechnology, Bharathiar University. He is an avid researcher with impeccable credentials. His research area includes Natural Product Drug Discovery, Bioprocess technology and Enzyme Biotechnology. His research work is focused on “Discovery of novel enzyme inhibitors from natural sources as drugs”. He proved his expertise by the discovery of novel drug candidates for the therapy of Type II Diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease, which are under clinical trials. Dr. Vinoth’s contribution to the establishment of a state-of-the-art Biotech lab at CMS College is appreciated by experts in the field. He has published research articles at International and National level and also published two books at international level for Medical and Medical Technology students. He has received Rs. 15 lakh as major research grant from UGC, Govt of India to find a novel drug for Type II Diabetes mellitus. He is guiding M. Phil and Ph. D research scholars in the field of Biotechnology. He is a member of ethical committee of Bharathiar University, Biotechnology Board of studies (BOS) of Bharathiar University and for various aided and unaided colleges. Dr. Vinoth is also a member of doctoral committees of various Universities and reviewer of various National and International Journals. He is a life member of various National and International level scientific organizations and associations and is a research expert committee member of Alzheimer’s Disease and related disorder’s society of India. He is a reviewer and editorial Board member of various International Journals and Publishers. He is the coordinator in bringing DBT Star College status and funding worth of Rs. 1.1 crores to CMS College of Science and Commerce, Coimbatore. He has travelled to various counties for his research paper presentation and for his research collaborations.

Faculty Profile

Faculty NameDesignationContact
Dr.T.Vinoth Kumar,
M.Sc., M.Phil., PGDCA., MCA., Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director – School of Biological Sciencesvinoth@cmscbe.com
Ms. S. Priscilla Helen Christy
M.Sc., M.Phil., PGDBI.
Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator – Dept of Biotechnologypriscilla@cmscbe.com
Dr. V. Nandhini
M.Sc., M.Phil., PGDBI., Ph.D
Associate Professor and Course Coordinator – Dept of Biochemistrynandhini@cmscbe.com
Ms.Sheethal Anilkumar
M.Sc.,M.Phil., PGDCA.
Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator – Dept of Microbiologyshethal@cmscbe.com
Dr. S.Shanthi Priya
M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Bioinformaticsshanthipriya@cmscbe.com
Ms. K. Ramya
M.Sc.,M.Phil.
Assistant Professor of Biotechnologyramya@cmscbe.com
Dr. Iwin C. Varkey
M.Sc., B.Ed., MBA., PGDED., PGDBI., Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of Biotechnologyiwinvarkey@cmscbe.com
Ms. K. V. Anubhama
MSc .,PGDBI.
Assistant Professor of Biochemistryanubama@cmscbe.com
Ms.V.Geetha
M.Sc., M.Phil. Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Microbiologygeetha@cmscbe.com
Dr. D. Latha
M.Sc, M.Phil, PGDBI, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Microbiologylatha@cmscbe.com
Mr.V.M.M.Deepak
M.Sc., M.D (ACU)
Assistant Professor of Biotechnologydeepak@cmscbe.com
Ms.G.Suja
M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D.,
Assistant Professor of Biotechnologysuja@cmscbe.com
Ms. M.Sathya
M.Sc., M.Phil.
Assistant Professor of Biochemistrysathya@cmscbe.com
Mrs. R. Mahalakshmi
M.Sc., M.Phil., PGDBI., M.B.A., DMLT
Assistant Professor of Biochemistrymahalakshmi@cmscbe.com
Mr.B.Venkatrajah
M.Sc, M.Phil., PGDBI.,MA., MBA.
Assistant Professor of Microbiologyvenkatrajah@cmscbe.com
Mr. K. V. Ashok Raj
M.Sc., M.Phil.
Assistant Professor of Microbiologyashokraj@cmscbe.com
Mrs. D. Bindu
M.Sc.
Assistant Professor of Microbiologybindu@cmscbe.com
Dr. R. Venkatesh
M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., B.Ed., PGDMM., DMLT
Assistant Professor of Biochemistryvenkatesh@cmscbe.com

 

Activities

Curricular Aspects

The school offers three-year undergraduate (B.Sc.) programme, as well as the 2 years postgraduate (M.Sc.) programme, under the credit-based choice system, with Autonomous curricula and syllabi. Unique placement and research oriented curriculum designed with the newly introduced Objective based education scheme and approved by the experts from Bharathiar University, other renowned institutions and industries.

Teaching learning process:

  • Taught program consists of Lecture, advanced seminars, directed assignments, participation in science exhibitions,
    Medical/Clinical laboratory training, expertise training in Biochemical Techniques and audiovisual media assisted instruction.
  • Extra coaching for weaker students and Tamil / Malayalam medium students.

Co-Curricular Activities

  • ‘Bionexus’ – Association of Biological Sciences organizes Guest Lectures, Seminars and Workshops in major areas of Biological Sciences
  • One-Day Personality Development Program is being organized for I UG & I PG students to address their overall personality development.
  • Experts from Various research Institutes and Industries provide Hands on Experience to the PG students of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics by Workshops.
  • I year UG & PG students are exposed to various Bioindustries by Industrial Visits.
  • Our students actively participating in various inter collegiate Biological Sciences Competitions conducted by other colleges and Universities.
  • Bionexus conducts science exhibition on National Science day.

Eco Club

Eco Club plays an important role in creating environmental consciousness among the younger generation. It is established by the School of Biological Sciences for undertaking various Eco-friendly activities.

  • To encourage students to keep their environment clean and green.
  • To promote awareness on conservation of water by minimal usage and indulging in harvest of rainwater.
  • To inculcate in students the habit of minimum waste generation and its proper disposal.
  • To organize tree plantation and awareness programmes on various environmental issues and educate children about reuse/recycle of waste material.

The Biological Sciences students initiated an Eco club to create awareness on the impact of environmental pollution, cleanliness and spreading of disease. Students were oriented to make the environment green by planting more trees and harvesting rainwater. Under the banner of ECO club, a logo designing competition was conducted on 21.8.2017. Ms. P. Revathy of II-M.Sc., Microbiology won the first prize in the same.

Animal House

Chicken eggs are a great source of antibodies. They are cheaper and produce higher titers of antibodies with minimal cross-reaction in a short span of time. They have shelf-life of 5 years or more at 4˚C. Moreover it is animal-friendly – a humane way to produce antibodies. To facilitate the production of polyclonal antibodies, we have a small animal house for the maintenance of White leghorn chicken.

Extra Curricular Activities

  • Our School students are actively participating in various Cultural events, Sports and Quiz Competitions conducted at Intra and Inter collegiate Levels.
  • A workshop was conducted on Advance techniques in Biotechnology, on 31.3.2015.

RESEARCH, CONSULTANCY & EXTENSION ACTIVITIES

  • The School of Biological Sciences has received major and minor research grants from University Grants Commission (UGC), Govt of India.

Research Collaborations

  • Research collaboration with Prof. Dr. Doog Hoon Shin, Professor, School of Biotechnology, Korean Institute of Technology, South Korea.
  • Research collaboration with Dr. Murugan, Asst. Professor, School of Biotechnology, Karunya University,Coimbatore.
  • Research collaboration with Dr. Geetha Ramani, Associate Professor.Dept of Microbiology, Dr NGP Arts and Science College, Coimbatore 48
  • Research collaboration with Dr. Sampa Sen, Associate Professor, School of Biotechnology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore.
  • Research collaboration with Dr. T. K. Shabeer, Associate Professor, Dept of Chemistry, New College, Chennai.

CENTRE FOR ADVANCED BIOINSTRUMENTATION AND BIOANALYSIS (CABB)

CABB: Centre for Advanced bioresearch and Bioanalysis was inaugurated by Dr. Devaraj, Chairman, UGC on 8.3.15. It was initiated with a moto as:

  • To promote research and bioinstrumentation skills among the students of the School of Biological Sciences.
  • To help research scholars and students from other colleges and universities to pursue their project work and be acquainted with advanced and latest bioinstrumentation facility available at our College.
  • To promote admission to the School of Biological Sciences by publicizing the  state of the art lab facility, infrastructure, green and eco friendly campus of our college.
  • To generate fund from utilization of instrumentation facility at the school of Biological sciences.

Extension Activities

Students of the department regularly organize Blood grouping camps, blood donation camps, pulse polio programs, Health awareness programs for the nearby village people.

Industry-Institution Collaboration:

  • MOU with M/s Senthil Papain and food products Ltd, Coimbatore.
  • MOU with M/s Nara Intech (P) Ltd, Chennai.
  • MOU with M/s Sri Ayyappa Ghee, Coimbatore
  • MOU with Pearl Restaurant, Coimbatore
  • Proposed MOU with M/s Ramsen Biocare (P) Ltd, Palladam.
  • Proposed MoU with Suguna foods Ltd, Coimbatore

VALUE-ADDED PROGRAMMES

  • Certificate program in HACCP offered by NIST, Chennai.
  • UGC-CSIR, NET coaching.
  • Certificate Course in Clinical Lab Technology.
  • Diploma in Clinical Laboratory Technology.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Lab Technology.
  • First aid certificate program by St. Johns Ambulance.
  • Modular Curriculum included with Clinical Laboratory Technology.
  • Placement based crash course on Bioprocess Technology.
  • EDC courses:
    1. Human Nutrition.
    2. Vermicomposting.
    3. Mushroom cultivation.
    4. Organic Farming

PLACEMENT RECORDS/COMPANIES

Students from the School have been placed in the following companies:

  • Accenture, Bangalore
  • Azhooba, Chennai,
  • Biocon, Bangalore
  • Biomed Solutions, Salem.
  • Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kerala
  • Cipla Pharmaceuticals, Bangalore.
  • Cognizant Technologies, Bangalore.
  • DELL, Chennai.
  • Icon, Bangalore.
  • Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
  • Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kerala
  • Indian Immunological Limited, Ooty
  • Infosys, Bangalore
  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Bangalore.
  • PPTS, Coimbatore
  • TCS, Chennai
  • VWR International, Coimbatore
  • Wipro Technologies, Chennai
  • Zifo Technologies, Chennai.
  • TNQ books, Coimbatore.
  • NIO, Goa
  • NCBS,Bangalore.