PG Diploma In Bioinformatics At Usha Martin University

20th Century witnessed several developments in science and technology, including medicine, agriculture, biotechnology, genetic engineering and information sciences. The evolution of knowledge helped us to understand the living world and the ways its habitats function, evolve, and interact. Advances in these areas gave us the quality of life of our prescription. In this development, bioinformatics has played a great role. It is a relatively new and emerging field that finds several applications in agricultural sciences. The sequencing of the genomes of plants and animals has proved enormously beneficial in increasing agricultural produce. Bioinformatics’ tools are used to search the genes within those genomes. Such specific genetic knowledge is used to produce stronger, more drought, disease and insect resistant crops while also improving the quality of livestock.

Comparative genetics of plant genomes has shown that organization of genes remained largely conserved over evolutionary time. The information obtained from the model crop systems has been used to improve other food crops. Arabidopsis thaliana (water cress) Oryza sativa (rice), Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Zea mays (Maize) are examples of available complete plant genomes. Study on insect genomics helped in recognition of resistance mechanisms and finding novel target sites. Genes from Bacillus thuringiensis that can control a number of serious pests have been successfully transferred to cotton, maize and potato. This new ability of plants to resist insect attack means that use of insecticides can be reduced. In this way, bioinformatics has played a great role in improving the quality of our crops as well as total agricultural yield. Usha Martin University, Ranchi is offering an online PG Diploma programme on Bioinformatics. It will facilitate them to pursue higher education for a career in academics as also in industry. They will learn applications of Information Technology to solve problems in Biology and acquire an integrated outlook of the subject.

PG Diploma on Bioinformatics is one- year online program, spread over two semesters. The programme includes topics alike Protein sequencing, Nucleic acid sequencing and their analysis; Identification of proteins and their interaction, activity, modification and function; Elucidation of the function of a molecule based on its structure; Gene expression, analysis, prediction and establish genomic library; homology for studying evolutionary relationship among different species; and molecular modeling. The curriculum has been designed in such a way as to meet the need of the industry and create skilled professionals who can work in their desired sector. On completion, learners can get placements in Data Base Programming Offices, Pharmaceutical industries, in addition to Agriculture Sector.

Dr. Shubhra Sekhar Chakraborty
Usha Martin University