The level of higher education in India is constantly progressing and the Department of Botany and Microbiology of Gurukul University Professors is leading in this direction, which has achieved a remarkable position in the field of research, teaching and innovation. Today, this department has emerged as a full-fledged unit, where not only quality education is being imparted, but an inspiring platform for research has also been provided to the students through state-of-the-art laboratories.
Current status and infrastructure of the department
This department of Gurukul University is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment which includes:
- PCR machine,
- Gel documentation system,
- UV visible spectrophotometer,
- HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography),
- Gas Chromatography,
- Fermentors,
- Olympus microscope,
- -20 °C deep freezer, and
- Advanced machines like Lyophilizer.
Moreover, the department is endowed with an air conditioned seminar-hall and a separate departmental library as well. All these amenities assist the students to attain academic and research excellence.
Teaching,Seminar and Research Achievements
The department has so far hosted over 20 seminars, workshops and conferences. The department has also completed 17 research projects and one of the projects is underway. The teachers of the department have made academic representations in various institutions in India as well as abroad.
The department has consistently ranked top in the university results. Its students have not only excelled academically but have also demonstrated their talent in fields like UPSC, IFS, CSIR, ICAR, DRDO and Pharma companies.
Research Areas and Innovations
The research focus in the department is very broad. The major research areas are:
- Discovery of biomolecules in medicinal plants,
- DNA fingerprinting,
- Aeromicrobiology,
- Bio-fertilizer and bio-pesticide development,
- Mycorrhizal symbiosis and
- Plant pest control.
- The major thrust areas of the department include –
- Characterization, formulation and evaluation of bioinoculants to promote sustainable agriculture.
Historical Development of the Department
The foundation of the department was laid in 1962 with the teaching of Botany and Zoology at B.Sc. level. At that time there was no postgraduate programme, but with the passage of time the department has touched new heights.
M.Sc. Microbiology was started in 1984 after a visit by a committee of UGC. This course started in collaboration with both the departments (Botany and Zoology). Later, in 1998 this course was shifted to the Department of Botany, hence the department came to be known as “Department of Botany and Microbiology”.
In 2004 the department received support under FIST programme of DST, Govt. of India.
Current Courses and Research Work
The following courses are currently being offered:
- B.Sc. (Botany)
- B.Sc. (Industrial Microbiology)
- M.Sc. (Microbiology)
- Currently, around 16 researchers are pursuing Ph.D. in the department and 70 students are studying M.Sc. Microbiology.
Vision and Mission of the Department
The aim of the department is –
- Quality research
- Collaboration with various institutions
- Use of modern equipment (such as HPTLC, GC-MS, SEM)
- Work on patenting and intellectual property rights (IPR)
- Research on fermentation, bioremediation, bioplastics, actinobacteria, biodiversity of Ganga water, etc.
Also, the department is striving to create a balance between education and research so that students can understand not only theoretical knowledge but also its practical application.
Program Outcomes – B.Sc. Botany
- PO1: Recall the basic principles of botany.
- PO2: Linking Vedic culture with modern botany.
- PO3: Explain the characteristics of natural resources like soil, water and air.
- PO4: Understanding the subject from the view point of career in research and industries.
- PO5: Understanding the anatomy of plants and techniques of embryology.
- PO6: Basics of classification of plants.
- PO7: Identifying business opportunities in nursery and horticulture.
- PO8: Role of seed production, germination etc.
- PO9: Innovations in commercial cultivation of beauty plants.
- PO10: Strategies for floriculture production, packing and marketing.
- PO11: Growth of plants in different environmental conditions.
- PO12: Use of photosynthesis, respiration etc. in agricultural production.
- PO13: Basic understanding of ethnobotany.
- PO14: Knowledge of cell and molecular techniques.
- PO15: Use of biotechnology and bioinformatics.
- PO16: Understanding of research methods, patents, copyrights and trademarks.
Conclusion
The Department of Botany and Microbiology of Gurukul Vishwavidyalaya is not only active in academic and research works but it is equally important that its students are being empowered in their professional life, scientific as well as social life also. With highly committed faculty, state-of-the art facilities and research approach, the department is one of the best science departments in North India The journey of the department is a source of constant inspiration – an example of where tradition and innovation combine to give new direction to education.
