Welcome to a futuristic instititution....a  home of learning and wisdom...Ramnarain Ruia College

Molecular Biology
 

On–Line Undergraduate Certificate Course in Molecular Biology
(Introductory and Advance Level)

(Conducted by Department of Microbiology)

A. Introduction

B. Background

C. Educational Objectives

D. Course structure

F. Duration

E. Eligibility

G. Examination & Passing Standards

H. Fee Schedules

A. Introduction

The field of Molecular Biology was born out of efforts of physicists who were hoping to find out newer basic laws governing working of biological systems. Sadly for Physicist, no new laws were discovered, but Biology benefited tremendously with the birth of quantitative approaches & techniques for study of living systems in details at molecular level. Developments catalyzed by this branch in Biology is giving rise to newer and newer fields, making molecular biology a mother branch.

Molecular Biology catalyzed development of many modern emerging fields like Genomics, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology etc. Though molecular biology is taught at the undergraduate level, its coverage is rudimentary especially practical aspects. Thus this course is specifically designed to supplement the regular B Sc Biological sciences syllabi. This course is partly online.

By default this field is multidisciplinary in nature. One needs to draw on many areas of Biology (Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Enzymology, Genetics, Proteomics, Genomics, Ecology, Taxonomy, Evolution etc), Computer Sciences / Information Technology, Statistics, Mathematics as well as Physics.

Like for Sound understanding of basic principles, inquisitive and logical mind and lot of common sense are required to be cultivated for the success in this area.

Department of Microbiology has taken an initiative from the year 2000 to introduce this subject to undergraduates and help them integrate it with their mainstream studies of biology.

The pace of development in this field is breathtaking, making it difficult to formulate a permanent syllabus or very formal course structure. Emphasis therefore has to be on constant up-gradation and learning through self-exploration and experimentation.

Please note that these courses are NOT affiliated to University of Mumbai or any such body. Sole objective is to impart insight in the field of Molecular Biology and courses are conducted by Dept of Microbiology for the benefit of students.

B. Background

The Department of Microbiology is successfully conducting Add-on Certificate course in Molecular Biology for two years. Department has also conducted several workshops for students in several areas of Molecular Biology for a decade.

Students of Ruia College could mainly benefit from this course due to their proximity. Students from other colleges , due to time and resource constraints, find it difficult to participate in these courses. With ease of internet accessibility , it is felt that this medium will provide solution to this issue and must be very effectively exploited further for running various online courses and increase the reach of our college to students who are unable to benefit from the resources and expertise of Ruia College.

For implementing this course this way, a special software (Moodle) is used for the self learning component of the course as well as for monitoring student’s progress. Some features are online. This aspect is used for individualized instruction and learning as well as for enhanced communication amongst teachers and students. Motivated students will be encouraged for taking up research projects or for presenting seminars.

C. Educational Objectives

The main aim of this course is to introduce participants to the field of Molecular Biology.

After completing this course , the participant should be able to

D. Course structure

Concept of on-line courses is new to both students and teachers. The underlying technology is also in a state of flux and will take some time for stabilization (as far as our country is concerned - for example fast and reliable internet connection). So even though we are calling this course on-line all features are not going to be fully functional this year. As the infrastructure develops in future, this course will become fully on line.

E. Eligibility

• Undergraduate Certificate Course (Introductory Level)

XIIth H. Sc. or equivalent preferably with Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics

• Undergraduate Certificate Course (Advance Level)

Completing introductory level will be a prerequisite for advance level. Students who have completed earlier Add-on Certificate course are also eligible

F. Duration

• Introductory Level: maximum 1 Year from the date of registration
• Advance Level: maximum 1 Year from the date of registration

G. Examination and passing standards

• 45% Weightage for continuous internal assessment. Assessment of students will be carried out through out the course, based on their feedback assignments, periodic objective and subjective examinations results. These schedules will be predetermined and will be monitored by Teaching Assistant responsible for that batch.
• 30% for final theory examination
• 20% for final practical examination
• 5% weightage for regularity in submission and also during contact sessions for theory and practical
• Passing is at 50%. Each student should get overall minimum of 50% marks to qualify for certificate / diploma. Certificate /Diploma will mention actual % received by the student in each module.
• Re-examination is possible for class improvement after paying separate fee as fixed up from time to time.

H. Fee Schedules

 Note: * - assuming single attempt. For every additional attempt examination fee of Rs.100/- per attempt will be charged.
Course fee includes establishment charges. Fees are in accordance with university fee structures for equivalent courses. Please note that this is NOT a university course.

Students wishing to join student book bank, you will have to pay prevailing membership fee and deposit. These fee schedules are decided by student body that operates this book bank.

[ Home ] [ Up ]

Send mail to mail@ruiacollege.edu with questions or comments about this website.
Copyright © 2006 Ramnarain Ruia College

Last modified: December 18, 2006
 

Disclaimer: Though we make every effort to give accurate and updated information, for final official conformation please contact the college office or see the college notice boards. This site is created for enhanced convenience to our students, parents and staff.