Finishing School in Biotechnology (FSBT) is an initiative of Kerala Agricultural University. Main objective behind this programme is to improve the professional skills of M.Sc./ B.Tech graduates (in Biotechnology) and to make them industry-ready. Duration of the program is one year. First three months is kept aside for inhouse training on laboratory techniques in molecular biology and biotechnology. Next six months is meant for industrial training. Rest of three months is scheduled for entrepreneurship development and refinement of lacunae recognized by the concerned industries.

Overview of Finishing School in Biotechnology Programme 2013-14

Finishing School in Biotechnology (FSBT) is a new initiative of Kerala Agricultural University. This programme is established in collaboration with various government and private sector organizations. Main objective behind this initiative is to improve the professional skills of the students and to make them industry-ready. The State Planning Board, Government of Kerala, is extending financial support to this program. Duration of the program is one year. First three months is kept aside for inhouse training on laboratory techniques in molecular biology and biotechnology. Next six months is meant for industrial training. Rest of three months is scheduled for entrepreneurship development and rectification of lacunae identified by the concerned industries.

During inhouse training, participants are assigned with independent projects related to molecular biology and biotechnology. Subject areas covered under the FSBT programme are as follows.

• Bioinformatics and rational drug design
• Biosensors and medical devices
• Biostatistics
• Cellular and molecular diagnostics
• Characterization and exploitation of beneficial microbes
• Clinical research
• Data management
• Fermentation and bioprocessing
• Micro-propagation
• Molecular marker analysis
• Nutraceuticals and food processing
• Plant genetic transformation
• Plant molecular breeding
• Plant tissue culture
• Pre-clinical research
• Protein expression and scale-up

The FSBT programme will seek recognition from Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises, India. It is accredited to Kerala Agricultural University.

Conduct of Finishing School in Biotechnology Programme 2013-14

The FSBT programme is conducted in such a way that selected students are placed in reputed industries for duration of 6 months for industrial training. Last year placements where made in the following three companies.

• Genotypic, Bangalore
• Metahelix, Bangalore
• SciGenom, Kochi

Some firms that expressed their interest to join the programme are mentioned here.

• Monsanto, Bangalore
• Nithya Genomics, Bangalore
• Sami Labs, Bangalore
• ITC Biotech, Hyderabad

Eligibility Criteria and Selection Process for Finishing School in Biotechnology Programme 2013-14

M.Sc./ B.Tech graduates in stream of biotechnology are eligible. This qualification must be obtained with a minimum of 50% marks. Total intake capacity is twenty. Selection process is done on the basis of written test, academic performance, and interview. Those who are sponsored by academic/research institutes/industries will be given preference over others. Fee for undergoing the programme is Rs. 20,000/-. Application form, downloaded from the website of KAU, must be carefully filled and submitted in the form of registered post/ by hand before 15th August 2013.