About Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics in University of Mysore, Mysore

The knowledge of genetics has become essential to unravel the mysteries of life processes that are extensively being pursued in today’s science. Many research laboratories and Universities in the country and abroad required suitably well trained man power for research/teaching programs in Genetics. Genetics is a fundamental science which can be studied at all levels. Therefore, during 2005, M.Sc., in Genetics course was started by the genetics core group of the Department of studies in Zoology under the stewardship of Prof. H.A. Ranganath which was encouraged and supported by then the Vice Chancellor, Prof. J. Shashidhar Prasad. The curriculum designed in the Master degree Genetics program encompasses different fields of Genetics with an emphasis on both basic and applied aspects. M.Sc., Genetics as an interdisciplinary course also provides strong basic foundation to any modern research in the field of life sciences. Experts with the strong background in the area of Genetics from other departments of the University and other institutions have also contributed for the teaching of this program. Starting from 2017-2018 academic year, the department is semi-autonomous by adopting the Flexible Choice Based Credit Based scoring system.

Later during 2007, Prof. N. B. Ramachandra led this course as the Coordinator for 10 years until it becomes new department. During 2007, Ph.D. in Genetics program was also started. As new department of the centenary year of the University, Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics, the new department, on 13.07.2015 has emerged out from Department of studies in Zoology. National Drosophila Stock Centre, Unit on Evolution and Genetics and also several research grants from DBT, DST, CSIR, ICMR, UGC, Indo-Canadian Shastri grant and International grants for the core faculty, immensely helped to initiate and nourish M.Sc Genetics course for 10 long years in the department of studies in Zoology. Officially this new department has been inaugurated on 10.10.2015 by Prof. H. Sharat Chandra, Centre for Human Genetics, Bengaluru. During the XII plan of UGC, rupees one crore was allotted for the new building and Prof. K.S. Ranganppa generous to sanction a total of two crores to construct the new building. The new building was inaugurated by Dr. Ved Prakash, UGC Chairman on 01.12.2016.

During the 12 years (2005 -2017) 11 batches successfully completed this course with the total of 205 students including 27 foreign students. Nearly 80% of the Genetics graduates are placed in different Universities and Research Institutions in India and Abroad. This department is the centenary year department of the University which has enormous applications for the society. This Department will start new “Post graduate diploma program in personalized Genomic Medicine” very soon.

Research in the Department of Studies in Genetics and Genomics is diverse, ranging from human genetics to personalized genomic medicine, to bacterial and cancer cell biology. The underlying theme understands DNA level changes in normal and pathological conditions. We approach this in a variety of ways, using model systems such as Drosophila. Research in the department is supported by a number of grants funded by national agencies. The department receives support from University Grants Commission (UGC), Department of Science and Technology under the ‘Science and Engineering Research Board’ (SERB) and from the Department of Biotechnology.

A broad spectrum of research interests combined with excellent facilities and interactive and supportive atmosphere provides an environment in which there is a vigorous exchange of ideas among students, faculties and researchers. Our former students have established themselves as independent investigators in premier institutions both in India and abroad, and many of them are pursuing post-doctoral fellowships in leading Universities and Research Institutes around the world.