Environmental Biotechnology

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. know the historical development of biotechnology; 2. know how to use the tools and practice of genetic engineering; and 3. learn the applications of bio-technology in environmental remediation.

Definition and historical development of biotechnology, genes and genetic engineering tools and practice of genetic engineering, applications of bio-technology (bio-remediation, bio-control, bio fertilizers, bio-gas, bio-informatics.) socio-economic implications of bio-technology. Minimum Academic Standards Equipment 1. Soil, Plant and Water Laboratory U-V Spectrophotometer, Microscope, Petri dishes, forceps, Oven, Fridge, Burners, PPE's, Reagents, pH Meter, Thermometer, Analytical balance, Desiccator, Distiller, Sterilizer, Water test kits, Sterilizers and Mini water treatment plant, Electrical Conductivity Meter, Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, Colorimeter, AAS, Flame Photometer, GC, hydrometer, thermometer, plungers, measuring cylinder, reagents, Soil Colour Chart, Mechanical shakers, sieve, centrifuge, rack, water bat, cryotubes, Digestion block, Kjeldahl distillation set, Sieve shaker, Turbidity meter, D.O meter, Pycnometer. 2. Remote Sensing and Geographical Information System Laboratory Global Positioning System, Computers, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and GIS Application, GIS and Modelling Soft wares, AutoCAD, Binoculars, Satellite Imageries, Measuring Equipment, Densitometer, Abney Level, Ranging poles and pegs, Colour Printers, Cameras 3. Microbial Laboratory Microscope, Petri dishes, forceps, Oven, Fridge, Burners, PPE's, Reagents, Glassware (test tubes, beakers, conical flasks, dishes, stirrers, pestle and mortar, pipettes, burettes) Autoclave, Colony counters, Wire loops, Glass slides, Centrifuge, Cover slips 4. In-situ Field Survey and Measurements (Dry Laboratory) Global Positioning System, Gas Sensors, Gas Sensors, Cameras, Binoculars, Measuring Equipment, Noise Level metres, Gas Chromatograph, handled physicochemical analysers, soil auger, Mussel Colour charts, Particulate Matter metres, Temperature metres, Relative humidity meters, Health index metres. Staffing Personnel The personnel requirements for the programme should reflect students’ population and the variety of activities to be performed in the classrooms, studios, laboratories and workshops. The ratios should conform to the NUC minimum guidelines on staff/student ratio of 1:15. Academic Staff The point of entry for each of the recognized academic positions should reflect appropriate academic qualifications, and experience in both teaching and professional practice. Details of the requirements for the various positions are indicated below: Academic Support Personnel Teaching Assistant/Demonstrators are recommended to assist lecturers in the conduct of tutorials, practicals and fieldwork. Administrative Support Personnel The services of the administrative support staff are indispensable in the proper administration of the departments. These will normally include confidential secretaries, clerical officers, typists, messengers and cleaners. It is important to recruit very competent senior personnel who are technology savvy. Technical Support Personnel The technical support personnel shall consist of technical officers and technologists. It is important to recruit very competent senior technical staff to maintain teaching and research equipment. Library In addition to the library resources at the University central library, the programme should be provided with fully equipped library and information technology centre with minimum of 5 computers, Internet connectivity, 5 reference books, 5 periodicals, 5 Journals for each of the areas of specialisation in the programme and audio-visual materials. The computers should be fully connected to the e-library section of the University central library having e-books and e- journals in all areas of specialisation of the programme. Classrooms, Laboratories, Clinics, Workshops and Offices Space Use Minimum (m²) 33. Professors Office Academic 24 34. Head of Department Administration 24 35. Senior Lecturer Academic 20 36. Lecturer Academic 16 37. Assistant Lecturer Academic 12 38. Senior Technical Staff Technical 12 39. Senior Administrative Staff Administration 12 40. Junior Technical Staff Technical 10 41. Junior Administrative Staff Administration 10 42. Studio Space Students 30 43. Lecture Space Students 75 44. Seminar Space Students 30 45. Laboratory Space Students 30 46. Library Students 35 47. Social Space Students 40 48. Storage Space Students 30