The vision statement for the next 20 years
University Department of Biochemistry, RTM Nagpur University,
Nagpur
Departmental Vision Committee
Dr G B Shinde
Chairman
Dr Mandakini Patil
In-Charge
Dr Swati Kotwal
In-Charge
Dr V G Meshram
Member
Dr Archana Moon
Member
Summary
The 21st century is marked as the century of Technology. All applied
sciences are expected to flourish. According to the Economic Survey 201112, India will be one of the youngest nations by 2020. This changing
demographic condition will provide great opportunities and proper planning
would better the chances of young generation to thrive and prosper. In the
coming years, India is therefore likely to contribute to a good percentage of
the world’s total labour force, provided it maintains its population medically
fit, educated and technology driven. To achieve these goals, Biochemistry
(synonymous with molecular biology) is expected to play a pivotal role
with the help of microbiology, immunology, biotechnology etc. It is therefore
our mission to develop the department in a way that will gear up the
students for the challenges thrown by the 21st century.
This document begins with a clear statement of our mission that reflects our
values and beliefs. It then documents the vision statement for the next 20
years and outlines a plan for strengthening the pillars on which the name
and eminence of the department rests, namely education, research,
extension and out-reach programs and societal obligation. We wish to give to
the nation tomorrow’s leaders who are intelligent, compassionate, ethical yet
vividly competitive.
Our Mission Statement
Our message to students is to:
BE
INNOVATIVE
OPTIMISTIC
COHERENT
HONEST
E DUCATED& EFFICIENT
MOTIVATED
INDIVIDUAL
SO
THAT THE
REIN IS
YOURS
V I S I O N S T A T E M E N T
The University Department of biochemistry, RTM Nagpur University seeks to
be nationally acclaimed for its overall growth within the next 10-20 years. It
is one of the oldest departments in the country and is recognized for its up
to date syllabus, students and faculty. We aim to further that legacy and
pledge to take it to new heights where it will be recognized for its quality
education and diverse and innovative research as well as its extension and
societal programmes.
Our vision/belief for the sustainable biochemistry is that:
Biochemistry will have a significant role in the improvement of quality of
life. It is ubiquitous and at the crossroads of all biological, environmental
and medical sciences. Better understanding of the subject through
exhaustive learning and innovative research will help to bring out new and
improved technologies, products and efficient processes. This will contribute
to making many informed decisions about health, economic, environmental
and public policy issues that will bring widespread societal appreciation.
We thrive to provide:
1. Diverse and challenging environment for the overall development of
our students.
2. Ambience to boost the spirit of creativity and independent thinking
3. An atmosphere of mutual trust between the faculty and the students
4. A student who is smart, efficient, ethical, competitive, socially and
environmentally aware, financially and intellectually affluent yet kind
and appreciative of societal obligations.
5. A faculty with diverse research interests that uniquely positions the
department to respond to changing research opportunities
This vision document includes our mission and targeted plan for the next 20
years. The core committee appointed by the Head, University Department of
Biochemistry, was charged with examining all the issues pertaining to this
vision document. The purpose of this exercise was to identify current needs
and future directions to rise to covetable positions. The committee held
discussions with other faculty members, students and administrative staff
before finalizing the report. It was decided that the document will
encompass the matter related to academics, research and training,
extension and our-reach programmes and societal obligation.
1. Academics: The department proposes to provide an innovative
educational environment. Our mission is to launch tomorrow’s
independent and scientifically aware leaders. We propose to achieve
this goal by
•
Providing best biochemistry curriculum and quality education
•
rigorous and innovative curriculum that focuses on developing
capabilities of students
•
Developing innovative methods to provide essential skills in
problem solving, critical thinking and communication.
•
Arranging guest lectures by experienced faculty or scientists from
national laboratories on latest developments in the subject.
•
Organizing various programs, quizzes and competitions to attract
recruit and retain outstanding candidates for the post-graduate
degree in the subject.
•
Encouraging candidates from all walks of life with different cultural
backgrounds.
•
Reviewing the curriculum periodically to ensure that its content
covers the broad fields of biochemistry and meets the needs of
interdisciplinary research.
•
Providing student and faculty mentors to incoming students.
•
Arranging workshops that target the teaching of biochemistry and
giving them opportunity to have hand-on training on the cutting
edge technologies.
2. Research and training: The purpose of the strategy to ensure quality
research is performing cutting edge scientific research on the critical
factors relevant to the existing and future problems that have direct bearing
on the health, nutrition, environment and agriculture of the world in general
and India in particular. Our research has a vision to provide the scientific
knowledge, innovation and new practices to increase productivity and
quality. The focus of our research in the coming years will be on:
•
Basic biochemistry research in age related, infectious and
metabolic diseases such as cancer, bone diseases, TB, diabetes etc.
•
Common themes encompass enzyme structure-function studies,
bioinorganic chemistry, protein folding, biomaterials and
biomolecular engineering.
•
To undertake research in the areas of plant molecular biology,
microbial biotechnology, toxicology, phytochemistry etc.
•
To develop facility for advanced techniques such as flow cytometry,
LC-MS etc through SAP, FIST2, MODROBS, Research projects,
Consultancy services.
•
It will be our endeavor to develop the Department as Centre of
Excellence.
•
To organize programmes for the budding scientists to acquaint
them to the cutting edge technologies
•
To provide hands-on training to boost their confidence
3. Extension, out-reach programmes and societal obligation: It is our
faith that mature and health conscious society is the responsibility of
educationists. By partnering with communities both inside and
outside the university, the department wishes to support the
application of the subject to address societal needs. It is felt that a
high quality basic biochemical education to a broad range of students
from different degree objectives such as science, arts, medical or
commerce will ultimately help to address the problems of great
importance to our economy and public policy.
•
Organize camps across Nagpur to investigate the nutritional status
and health status of cross-section of society.
•
Conduct awareness programme for masses to explain them about
the importance of cleanliness and its direct impact on the health.
•
Acquaint them about various diseases and precautions to be taken.
•
Educate the masses about the environmental issues
•
Conduct special out-reach programmes for school and undergraduate students to make them aware of the advances in the field
of biochemistry, to conduct small experiments to give them hands
on training, to analyze and increase their critical thinking and
encourage and enhance their scientific temperament.
Infrastructure development
•
Clean, safe and invigorating environment
•
Gated approach to the department.
•
Seminar hall for conducting workshops, seminars, extension
activities and out-reach programmes.
•
Equipment room to house common facility.
•
Common room for girls and boys
The committee appointed by the Head of the department has tried to
compile the list after consultation and discussion with all faculty
members. We are aware that the goals that we have set are not easy to
achieve and will entail assistance and co-operation from the university
administration.