Central Department of Biotechnology, Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur, Nepal

Biotechnology with its wide range of applications in the areas that are as agriculture, medicine, pharmacy, food, industry, criminal justice, ethics, conservational biology, and environmental science, has created unprecedented opportunities that benefit mankind not only by manipulating biological system, but also by undertaking studies to understand fundamental life processes. Tribhuvan University has taken on filling the void present in Nepal that will enable new generations of students who have received a degree in one of the life sciences programs, to continue education by taking on challenges of high expectations of Master Degree in Biotechnology program. To accomplish that the University and the new Department are in the process of developing state-of-the art facilities for education while establishing collaborations with both national and international academic and research organizations. Central Department of Biotechnology (CDB), established in 2008 is one of the Central Department of Life Sciences under Institute of Science and Technology (IOST), Tribhuvan University (TU). It is situated in University Complex at Kirtipur. It has been assigned for major responsibilities to develop trained human resources in different specialties of Biotechnology as per demand of the country. Various national and international researches, academic and other service institutes have employed the human resources trained by the department. For the last few years there is growing interest of science students towards this discipline leading into tough competition for admission. Original research including dissertation in area of tropical disease, infectious diseases, environmental health, medicinal plants & herbal products, food & water borne diseases, being compulsory in Masters Level, the department further enhanced the interest among students and industries towards this science. OBJECTIVES
The teaching and research activities of the department will be focused on:

•The development of highly qualified and skilled personnel in the area of biotechnology, while exposing students to essential knowledge base and skills.
•Developing collaborations with national and international academic and research, and professional development in teaching, research, and professional development of faculty
•Creating an academic department that will become the hub for biotechnology in Nepal
•Coordinating the work within several areas of biological sciences, like medicine, agriculture, forestry, animal biology.
•Establishing research in the selected areas of basic and applied biotechnology.
•The application oriented research for commercialization. The overall objectives of the Department are:
•To impart higher education in Biotechnology
•To conduct research and other academic activities: Seminars, conferences, symposiums, workshops and talk program in Biotechnology and related areas
•To established linkages with National and International Institutions for collaborative research, exchange opinions, experience among scientists
•To conduct various training program needed by the country and its entrepreneurs