Theme-Based Mini Project Implementation for Basic Skill-Set Development in Biotechnology

Biotechnology being an inter-disciplinary domain, demands an adequate theoretical knowledge of allied subjects along with good hands-on skill-sets for the graduates to be industry-ready. In this context, theme-based mini project for V semester was designed and implemented for under-graduate students of Biotechnology. The objectives of the mini project were 1)To equip the students with basic skill sets and impart the culture of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)& Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and 2) To impart basic microbiological and biochemical skill-sets. The mini project was undertaken with the theme of "Isolation, Screening and Preliminary Characterization of Microorganisms Producing Selected Industrially Important Metabolites". A multi-level rubrics-based assessment was followed to measure the learning. The project addressed eight Program Outcomes (PO) whose attainment on a scale of 10 was calculated. It is concluded that the theme-based project was effective in experiential learning for the students which plays a key role in bridging the gap between industry and academia.