M.Tech. Marine Biotechnology
Inception of M. Tech. programme in Marine Biotechnology
Over above two decades, Government of India has been supporting infrastructure development and research in focused areas of Marine Biotechnology to develop novel processes and products aiming at enhancement of industrial processes, biomedical material development, environment management etc. These efforts paved the way for the development of Marine Biotechnology Industry in the country harnessing the potential of the marine environment. The Department of Biotechnology, Government of India on taking stock of the situation realized that to infuse power to the sector effective human resource with high level technical expertise were the prime requirements.
In recognition of the contributions of the Centre in Aquaculture and Marine Biotechnology, the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India through its National network programme in human resource development in biotechnology instituted M Tech programme in Marine Biotechnology, a unique programme of its kind in India, at the Centre on 2008. The curriculum has been built with the global concept of education ‘Find Solution to the Human Problems in Class Rooms’.Through this programme we look forward to generate Academicians, Scientist, Technocrats, Entrepreneurs and Planners to address the below cited issue and to find appropriate solutions.
- Food and nutritional security through enhancement of marine Aquatic food production through intensive aquaculture
- Depleting fuel stock and requirement of next generation fuel (bio-fuel) for next generation human race.
- Climate change and need of its reversal for survival
- Human and animal health related issue and requirement of next generation pharmaceuticals with least or no side effects.
The M Tech programme in Marine Biotechnology sponsored and ranked as ‘A’ grade course by Department of Biotechnology, Government of India is a unique experience of its kind in the country.
Realizing this requirement, National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health proposed the present M.Tech programme in Marine Biotechnology with the objective of generating the much needed specialized manpower in support of education, research and industrial development in Marine Biotechnology in India and abroad.
To satisfy this requirement, a curriculum was built in consultation with experts in the field. This is a four semester programme consisting of two semesters of intense theory, practical classes, assignments, problem analysis, short term projects and case studies with full time research during the third and fourth semesters. The programme has an Advisory Committee with Vice chancellor as the Chairman and members drawn from industry, academia and planners. Under the patronage of this Committee and with the state-of-the art infrastructure built in this Centre we look forward to generate manpower to transform the marine biotechnology education, research and industrial development in the country to a world class experience.
The course is also approved by AICTE.
The programme is offered at National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and technology under the supervision of an advisory board constituted by the University as per the directives of DBT, having Vice Chancellor as the Patron. Admission to the programme is through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Biotechnology (GAT-B) conducted every year by the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad on behalf of the Department of Biotechnology. The candidates with valid GAT-B scores can secure admission to the M.Tech. Marine Biotechnology programme by submitting the application available at www.ncaah.ac.in. There are 20 seats for the two-year programme with studentship of 12000/- month. For more details visit the websites www.ncaah.ac.in/ https://www.rcb.res.in
Here is the list of M. Tech Marine Biotechnology students who placed in prestigious institutions within India and abroad.
Syllabus Merit list / waitlist Placements
Alumni Testimonials
“Personally, I feel M.Tech Marine Biotechnology, here at NCAAH, is a very well-structured program with emphasis on real research-based teaching. The skills one develops during the extensive lab coursework will prepare you for all/any fields of Biotechnology”.
Ms. Neha Vijay Hulyalkar, Graduate Student,
Dept of Molecular and Cellular Biology,
University of Texas at Dallas, USA.
“Two years, which I spend during my Masters in NCAAH, inspired me to delve deeper into research. Dedication of all faculty members and researchers in NCAAH towards science was always an inspiration. I believe scientific atmosphere, easy access of faculties for discussion, and precisely designed ‘M. Tech. Marine Biotechnology’ curriculum positively challenged my scientific abilities and helped to shape my career”.
Dr. Dhirendra K. Singh, Postdoc Fellow,
Laboratory for Molecular Infection Medicine Sweden (MIMS) –The Nordic
EMBL Partnership for Molecular Medicine and Department of Molecular Biology,
Umeå University, Sweden.
“The teaching quality and lab facilities of NCAAH were exceptionally well under the guidance of Prof. Bright Singh. Each and every problem of all students were taken care of, especially of those from outside Kerala. I have huge respect for all teachers of NCAAH”.
Mr. Sourav Pakrashi
Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology
Bidhannagar College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Dr. Prem Kumar, a Senior Scientist in the Finfish Culture Division at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), is recognized for his contributions to finfish aquaculture and sustainable fish farming practices. His research focuses on advancing breeding, seed production, and grow-out techniques for economically important finfish species, essential for enhancing fish farming efficiency and profitability. Dr. Kumar has been instrumental in developing improved methods for breeding and rearing native fish species, supporting biodiversity conservation while boosting aquaculture productivity in India.
Dr. David Verner-Jeffreys is a Senior Scientist at WorldFish and an esteemed expert in aquatic animal health and aquaculture biosecurity. With a background in fish pathology and disease management, Dr. Verner-Jeffreys has dedicated his career to developing solutions that enhance disease prevention and sustainable health practices in aquaculture systems globally. His research focuses on combating infectious diseases that impact fish farming, particularly in developing countries, where aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security and livelihoods.
Dr. M. Shashi Shekhar, is a distinguished expert in aquatic animal health and environmental management in brackishwater aquaculture. With extensive experience in fish and shrimp health management, his work addresses critical challenges in disease prevention, environmental sustainability, and biosecurity, contributing to the growth and resilience of India’s brackishwater aquaculture sector. By emphasizing biosecurity, environmental monitoring, and eco-friendly health management practices, Dr. Shekhar has contributed to enhancing the resilience and sustainability of shrimp and fish farming.
Dr. K.V. Rajendran is a prominent aquaculture scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE) in India, recognized for his expertise in fish health management and aquatic animal disease control. With a focus on advancing disease diagnostics, biosecurity, and sustainable health practices in aquaculture, Dr. Rajendran’s work has greatly contributed to improving the resilience and productivity of India’s aquaculture sector. His research addresses major challenges related to fish and shellfish health, particularly in diagnosing and managing viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases that impact farmed species.
Dr. T. Raja Swaminathan is a renowned scientist at the ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (ICAR-CIFT) in Kochi, India, with expertise in fish health management, aquaculture biosecurity, and disease diagnostics. His work focuses on addressing challenges related to aquatic animal health, particularly in ensuring sustainable and safe practices in India’s aquaculture industry. Dr. Swaminathan is recognized for his contributions to the detection and control of fish and shellfish diseases, which are critical for enhancing productivity and reducing economic losses in aquaculture.
Dr. Neeraj Sood, a distinguished scientist at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR) in India, is recognized for his work in fish genetics, conservation, and sustainable aquaculture practices. His research focuses on the genetic characterization and conservation of fish biodiversity, which is critical for protecting valuable genetic resources and promoting sustainable aquaculture. By identifying and cataloging fish species and their genetic diversity, Dr. Sood has contributed to the preservation of native fish species, ensuring that these resources can support resilient and productive aquaculture systems in India.
Dr. B. Santhosh, a leading scientist at the Vizhinjam Regional Centre of the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), is known for his impactful contributions to marine aquaculture and coastal fisheries development in India. His work focuses on advancing sustainable practices in mariculture, particularly in seed production, hatchery technology, and the cultivation of high-value marine species like finfish, shellfish, and sea cucumbers. Dr. Santhosh’s research has played a critical role in supporting livelihood opportunities for coastal communities by promoting aquaculture as a viable and environmentally sustainable industry.
Dr. Victoria Alday-Sanz is a renowned aquaculture expert at National Aquaculture Group (NAQUA) in Saudi Arabia, recognized globally for her work in shrimp health management, biosecurity, and sustainable aquaculture practices. With a background in veterinary science and extensive experience in aquatic animal health, Dr. Alday-Sanz has played a critical role in advancing shrimp farming practices to enhance productivity while maintaining rigorous biosecurity standards. Her work is instrumental in addressing major health challenges in shrimp aquaculture, particularly in the prevention and management of viral and bacterial diseases that can impact large-scale operations.
J.M.P.K. Jayasinghe is a distinguished figure in aquaculture, known for his contributions to sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in Asia. With a focus on innovative aquaculture technologies and resource management, he has dedicated his career to improving the productivity, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of aquaculture systems. Jayasinghe has been involved in developing best practices that help small-scale and commercial farmers enhance yields while minimizing the environmental impact, which is crucial for both economic growth and ecological health.
Dr. Vasant Kripa is the former Secretary of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) in Chennai, India, and a highly respected scientist in marine biology, coastal aquaculture, and environmental management. With a career spanning over three decades, Dr. Kripa has been instrumental in developing policies and practices that promote sustainable and responsible coastal aquaculture in India. Her work has focused on balancing the growth of aquaculture with environmental conservation, ensuring that coastal ecosystems remain resilient and productive.
Dr. K.M. Shankar is the Vice Chairman of the Asian Fisheries Society, Indian Branch, and former Dean of the College of Fisheries in Mangalore, India. A highly respected figure in fish health management and aquaculture, Dr. Shankar has contributed significantly to advancing aquaculture science, particularly in aquatic animal health, biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries. His research focuses on pathogen detection, disease management, and biosecurity in aquaculture, addressing key challenges to improve productivity and sustainability in the industry.
Prof. Arun K. Dhar is a Professor and Director of the Aquaculture Pathology Laboratory at the School of Animal & Comparative Biomedical Sciences, The University of Arizona, USA. An expert in aquaculture pathology and virology, Prof. Dhar is highly regarded for his research on diseases affecting shrimp and other aquatic species. His work focuses on identifying, understanding, and managing viral pathogens that pose significant threats to aquaculture industries globally.
Dr. Iddya Karunasagar is a distinguished Indian microbiologist and food safety expert, known for his pioneering work in aquatic microbiology, aquaculture health, and public health. His research focuses on seafood safety and disease management in aquaculture, with significant contributions to understanding and controlling microbial pathogens, such as Vibrio species, which affect marine organisms. His work has helped develop diagnostic tools and strategies that promote sustainability in aquaculture and ensure safer seafood.
Dr. Pramoda Kumar Sahoo is the Director-cum-ICAR National Professor at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA). A leading expert in fish health management and aquatic animal diseases, Dr. Sahoo’s work focuses on advancing disease control, immunology, and molecular biology in freshwater aquaculture. His research is pivotal in improving the health, resilience, and sustainability of India’s aquaculture industry, which plays a vital role in food security and rural livelihoods.
Dr. Rohana Subasinghe is the Managing Director of FutureFish, a consultancy specializing in sustainable aquaculture and fisheries development. With over 30 years of experience in aquaculture, aquatic animal health, and international fisheries, Dr. Subasinghe is a globally recognized expert dedicated to promoting sustainable practices that support food security, environmental protection, and socioeconomic growth.
Dr. Eduardo Leano is the Director General of the Network of Aquaculture Centres in Asia-Pacific (NACA), an intergovernmental organization focused on sustainable aquaculture development in the Asia-Pacific region. With a strong background in aquatic animal health and pathology, Dr. Leano has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable aquaculture practices, improving disease management, and promoting biosecurity within the industry.