Biocon Academy, a Centre of Excellence for Advanced Learning in Applied Biosciences set up by Biocon in 2013, has started enrollment for batch 6 of its flagship ‘Biocon-KGI certificate programme in biosciences.’ The admission process will be on till October 31, 2015 and classes will commence on January 11, 2016.

The Academy in partnership with Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in California, US, moulds biotech students to be industry-ready through its Biocon-KGI certificate programme in biosciences’ 16-week, full-time certificate programme. It offers a broad-based international curriculum encompassing industrial processes, production, quality assurance, regulatory affairs and product development.

Both freshers and biotechnologists with some initial experience can enroll for this programme to sharpen their skills and advance their learning, which will enhance their career prospects. Interested candidates can apply online through the Biocon Academy website (www.bioconacademy.com). Students with a BE/B.Tech in biotechnology or industrial biotechnology; MSc. in biotechnology / microbiology/biochemistry / biology; and B. Pharm with a CGPA of 7.5 on a scale of 10 (71 percentage) and above are eligible to apply for the course.

Online applications will be screened by academic experts and shortlisted candidates will have to successfully clear the interview stage to be selected for the course. Biocon offers a scholarship that covers up to 75 per cent of the course fee for selected candidates.

"The biosciences programme is a bridge from academia to the biotechnology industry for biosciences students as it enhances education outcomes through experiential learning methods. Till date, 120 young biotech professionals have benefited and found employment with reputed global biotech/pharma companies. The feedback from employers is also extremely positive,” said S S Easwaran, academic director, Biocon Academy

According to Dr Meghana Joshi, programme director, KGI, this is a good opportunity for biosciences students in India to develop a deeper understanding of the biotech industry and the overall business of science. Early in their career, students benefit both from the varied background and experiences of the faculty as well as the mentorship of subject matter experts from Biocon.