Department of Microbiology

Overview

...

The Department of Microbiology is affiliated with the University of Mumbai and was established in the year 1956. It is the second Department in Maharashtra to introduce the subject of Microbiology in the Undergraduate program. The Department initiated the postgraduate program “MSc by Papers/Dissertation” in 1972 seeking approval from the University of Mumbai. Currently, the Department offers BSc in Microbiology, an MSc by Papers in Microbiology, an MSc by Research in Microbiology, and a Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D.] in Science & Technology [Microbiology] courses for its incoming students.

The Department studies and disseminates knowledge in broad areas of Microbiology like Microbial cell structure & growth, Microbial physiology & biochemistry, Microbial genetics, Symbiosis, Pathogenesis, Immunology, Biotechnology, and Industrial, Cosmetic, and Pharmaceutical Microbiology. Students completing and passing out from any of our programs go on to take jobs in different fields like the biotechnology sector, pharmaceutical sector, food & dairy industries [QA/QC], health care, scientific writing, and scientific research at MNCs, academic and government institutions across the country. 

Vision & Mission

  • The Department is committed to providing exceptional quality education and training to all its undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. students who will become future leaders in diverse fields of science.
  • The Department aims to produce Microbiologists of excellent calibre who have acquired excellent technical, research, and teaching skills along with scientific thinking and ethical code of conduct required for the all round development of the country.

Objectives

Through our Bachelor, Master & Ph.D. Programs in Microbiology, the Department is committed to: -

  • Offer a fascinating, relevant, and innovative curriculum to the students that provide them with the necessary fundamental knowledge to succeed in their careers.
  • Monitor & improve the timely progression of students through mentor-mentee interactions.
  • Provide opportunities for the students to engage in short-term research projects reputed institutes like BARC, TIFR, internships in various MNCs like Parle Agro, Unilever, Colgate, and social awareness programs.
  • ...
  • Provide personalized mentoring to the research students to ensure timely completion of their Master's and Ph.D. degree projects.
  • Provide state of the art facilities commensurate with international research universities so that students can gain valuable skills and compelling learning experiences.

Courses Offered

  • Bachelors of Science [Microbiology] : 3-year program
  • Masters of Science [Microbiology] : 2-year program
  • PhD in Science & Technology [Microbiology]

Staff

Zarine P Bhathena

Head Department

Professor

View Detailed Profile

Savanta V Raut

Professor

View Detailed Profile

Rajesh C Patil

Associate Professor

View Detailed Profile

Rutam Mulay

Lecturer

View Detailed Profile

Bony Dasari

Lecturer

View Detailed Profile

Leena Pilankar

Lecturer

View Detailed Profile

Madhavi U Bhise

Lecturer

View Detailed Profile

Departmental Associations

DFF is a trust initiated in the year 1991 and is Registered under the Bombay Public Act 1950; Regd. No. E-13215. It was initiated with a corpus of 1.0 Lakh, contributed by Dr. Dhala’s students & faculty of the department to provide a platform for the research students to showcase their research work, providing a substantial allowance to the students to carry through their rigorous Ph.D. work, establish a merit scholarship in the University of Mumbai for the students standing first in the M.Sc. (Paper) Microbiology Examination, purchase and maintain laboratory equipment for UG and PG students.

The corpus for the DFF Trust was built up through the efforts of students, friends, colleagues and well wishers of Dr. Dhala with the aim to preserve and perpetuate high quality research the field of Applied Microbiology. Dr. Dhala’s Felicitation Fund [DFF] was registered as the DFF Trust under “The Public Trust Act [1950] and granted income tax exemption under Section 80-G in 1991. This trust has been fulfilling its Four Objectives for the last two decades as follows:

  • Institution of DFF-Eureka Forbes Scholarship to the student standing first in the M.Sc. Examination in Microbiology at Mumbai University every year.
  • Institution of DFF-Hi-Media Award for the best research work in the field of Applied Microbiology at Ph.D. level adjudged at an Annual Research Paper presentation [RPP].
  • Establishment of a Research Reference collection in Applied Microbiology Journals at Bhavan’s College.
  • Supporting Research in Applied Microbiology at Bhavan’s college with respect to upgrade specialized Instruments and their maintenance.

  • BAM was formed in 1987
  • Named by Ms Poonam Sehdev and Nimish Shah
  • Logo designed by Ms Asha Dharmarajan and Sudhir Saudankar
  • B A M is an association of the students, by the students and for the students
  • The Objectives of BAM are:
    • To create widespread awareness about the scope of Microbiology
    • To provide opportunities to explore and recognize the inherent and acquired potentials of students
    • To inculcate a healthy and effective spirit of teamwork
    • To promote and provide an interactive platform for academic and cocurricular activities impacting society and environment through a team of dedicated faculty on one hand and an enthusiastic, aware and sincere, range of students (from first year to Ph.D. levels) on the other
  • The above objectives are met through various activities organized through the spectrum of BAM Committees including:
    • Bulletin
    • Career and Counselling
    • Contest and Competition
    • Finance
    • Exhibition
    • Guest Lecture
    • Wall Paper
  • Each year just before the inaugural function, the above Committees are formed, care being taken to include student members from F.Y., S.Y., T.Y., and P.G. levels and headed by a faculty member for guidance
  • The faculty nominate students for the posts of the Secretary and Joint Secretary.
  • One of the faculty is the Treasurer to guide the financial proceedings
  • The Head of the Microbiology Department is the BAM Chairperson
  • The Principal of the College is the President of BAM
  • Financially BAM is a self-financing association with its annual income being raised from nominal memberships and through advertisements/sponsorships from philanthropic donors
  • During the membership drive the relevant details logged in ledger/computer for future use in preparation of Alumni List
  • The following activities are a regular feature of BAM:
    • Inaugural Lecture
    • Prize distribution
    • Documentation and release of BAM activity reports
    • Display of advertisements for higher studies, training programmers, and jobs
    • Organization of Exhibition
    • Organization of various Competitions
    • Display of relevant news clippings on current topics
  • Besides these, creative and innovative ideas of BAM members result in organizing varied activities to meet the objectives of BAM In this millennium, BAM has its website at http://members.rediff.com/MicroBAM/index.htm particularly for the benefit of alumni to enable them keep in touch with their alma mater!

Eminent Alumni

  • Dr. Nimish Shah

    Managing Director, The Toilet Board Coalition, India & Managing Director, IAPMO India Private Limited

    Dr. Nagraj Balasubramanian

    Associate Professor, ISSER – Pune

  • Dr. Vivek Tanavade

    Associate Professor, Division of Biological & Life Sciences, Ahmedabad University

    Mr Sandesh Tawade

    Senior R&D Associate, Unilever

  • Dr. Shilpa Jadhav

    Assistant Professor, Head of the Department, Sathaye College

    Dr Abhishek Mule

    Bioprocess Infield Application Specialist, Eppendorf Group

Board of Studies

Sr. No. Name of the teaching staff Designation
1 Prof Dr. Zarine Bhathena Principal, Chairman, Professor & Head of the Department
2 Dr Krutika Desai I/C Principal, Mithibai College
3 Dr. Nagraj Balasubramanian Associate Professor, ISSER – Pune
4 Dr. Vivek Tanavade Associate Professor, Biological & Life Sciences School of Arts & Science, Ahmedabad University.
5 Dr. Purvi Bhatt Associate Professor, Head - Biological Sciences, SDSOS- NMIMS
6 Ms. Subhaprada Nishtala Director, Food Adroit
7 Dr. Rajesh C Patil Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology
8 Dr. Savanta V Raut Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology
9 Mr. Rutam Mulay Lecturer, Department of Microbiology
10 Ms. Leena Pilankar Lecturer, Department of Microbiology
11 Mr. Bony Dasari Lecturer, Department of Microbiology

Photo Gallery

PO, PSO and CO of Revised Syllabus

PO Description
A student completing Bachelor’s Degree in Science program will be able to:
PO1 Develop a strong understanding about the fundamental concepts and principles of the wide areas spanning the subject of Microbiology.
PO2 Demonstrate proficiency in basic and advanced laboratory techniques that are required at Industrial levels.
PO3 Improve critical thinking & observation skills through the robust practical sessions involving diverse applications of Microbes.
PO4 Work cohesively in teams and demonstrate appropriate interpretation skills and documentation capabilities.
PO5 Become knowledgeable citizens of the country who can make their successful careers in diverse fields of Microbiology and Applied Research thereby contributing to the progress and development of the Nation.

A student completing Bachelor’s Degree in BSc. Program with the subject of Microbiology will be able to:

PSO PSO Description MAPPING OF PSO
PSO1 Understand the basic concepts and applications of diverse disciplines of Microbiology viz Microbial Genetics, Medical Microbiology, Immunology, and Microbial Biochemistry. All Papers
PSO2 Become aware about the applied subjects of Microbiology like Food Microbiology, Industrial Microbiology and describe the role of microbes in Food industry and Industrial Fermentations. Paper 4 in semester 5 & 6
PSO3 Gain thoughtful knowledge and expertise in handling pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms & immunological aspects in the laboratory and also exploring their characteristics. Paper 2 & Practicals of Sem 5 and 6
PSO4 Appreciate and understand the allied concepts of Bioinformatics, IPR, Tissue Culture and recombinant DNA technology. Paper 1 & 4
PSO5 Develop sound understanding of different metabolic pathways and their regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes Paper 3 in Sem 5 & 6
PSO6 Gain understanding and expertise in bench experiments involving genetic, biochemical and industrial aspects/applications of microbes coupled with use of various equipments, collection & interpretation of data. Practical of Paper 1,3,4 of Sem 5 and 6

The T.Y. BSc degree course of Bachelor of Science (Choice Based Credit System) in Microbiology has been revised so as to cover fundamental and applied knowledge on the important fields of Microbiology viz - Immunology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Medical Microbiology and Industrial Microbiology. The students opting this course will get an enhanced theoretical and practical knowledge in the above fields. The course will empower the students with the necessary skill-set essential in a Microbiology Laboratory.

List of Students placed in Various Organizations

NAME DESIGNATION PLACE OF WORK
Remya Nambiar Medical Writer LupinPharma
Shalet Roy General Manager Digital Marketing Solutions
Abhishek Mule In field Application Specialist (Bioprocess) EppendorfIndia Private Ltd, Chembur, Mumbai
Sandesh Tawade Senior Scientist Johnson and Johnson Pvt Ltd.
Vaibhav Wagh General Manager QA Rebel Foods Pvt Ltd. (Faasos)
Gayatri Dhume Head Asdmissionsand Promotions Sri University, Cuttack, Odisha
Anuja Iyer Director - Medical Education Zimmer Biomet India
Ashwini Mulay Group Product Manager Dr.Reddys Lab Ltd
Shreyas Ratnaparkhi Msc. Student(prefinal) Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology centre, MSU Baroda
Shruti Swaminathan Freelance Scientific Editor
Dr.Shilpa Jadhav Head Deapartment of Microbiology Satahaye College, Mumbai 57
Aparna Pandey Sr. Research and Development Associate RUR Green life
Dr.Eruch Gorwalla Subject Coordinaor for Science Charabhuj Narsee School
Gunjan Sethia Bio informatics Ananlyst NYU Langone Health
Madhavi Naik Packaging Engineer Diversey India Hygiene Pvt Ltd
Pawan Bendre Quality Officer Parle Agro Pvt.Ltd.
Bhumika Pawar Hospital Administrator World Gastroenterology Institute,AndheriWest
Dr.Becky M Thomas Director, Research Promotion IRAC SomaiyaVidyavihar, GhatkoparEast, Mumbai-77
Beryleen Justinraj Associate Director -Delieveryexcellence Cognizant Technology Solutions
Dr.AmitUpadhyay Senior Bioinformatics Analyst Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Rohit Tiwari Quality Ananlyst(R D) LOreal IndiaPvt.Ltd
Shweta Sawant Jr. Microbiologist Bhavans Research Center
Sanskriti Patwa Trainee Microbiologist Johnson and Johnson Pvt.Ltd.,Mulund
Rutam Mulay Assistant Professor, Microbiology Bhavans College
Vijay R. Soni Intern Array GenTechnologies, Pune
Sabiha Shaikh Creative Head INCI Tech, Mumbai
Dr. NehaBorkar Assistant Veterinarian VedantPet Dispensary, Mumbai
Rutika Mahendra Haldankar Lab project set-up coordinator IQVIA
Shital D. Revandkar Sr. Microbiologist Bhavans ResearchCenter
Paramita Pal General Manager Operations EOS Laboratories
Pintu T. Singh Assistant manager Transasia Biomedical Ltd
Madhavi Umesh Bhise Junior Research Fellow ICAR CIFE
Manjiri Gajmal Microbiologist Bhavans Research Center
Divya Rathod Integrated PhD student
Founder
Cofounder
NMIMS
DivyaInnovationDivyashInnovation LLP
Study Channel
Pinakin Shah Associate Director R D Johnson and Johnson Pvt Ltd.
Kedar Deshpande Assistant Manager, Production Department, Blending Section Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd.
Veena Maheshwari AssistantProessor, Dept of Biotechnology Bhavans College
Shobha Gupta Assistant Professor, Dept of Biotechnology VartakCollege, Vasai west
Sujata Landge QC Microbiologist Bushal chemi pharma
Gayatri Gandbhir-Borkar Internal agency partner(senior advisor) kotak life
Susan Jacob Trainee Microbiologist Excel Industries, Jogeshwari
Deepika Mhatre Jr. microbiologist Bhavans Research Center
Saniya Shaikh Microbiologist Reliable analytical labs
Asha Sridhar Head : Food Safety Services TUV INDIA Pvt Ltd., 801RahejaPlaza1, LBS Marg,Ghatkoparwest, Mumbai 86
Vrishali Murugkar Associate Scientist Colgate Palmolive India Ltd.
Deepika Shete Technical reviewer TUV India, Ghatkopar
Shweta Sonawane Sr. Microbiologist VarniAnalytical laboratory- NABL ACCREDITED, Mira road
Zareen Patel Scientific Officer SRL LTD. Mumbai
Sonal Gawande District lead
employer
PoshanAbhiyan,Osmanabad,Maharashtra
TATA Trusts
Nirmladevi Thakur Senior Microbiologist Excel Industries,Jogeshwariwest
Aafrin M.Pettiwala PhD student Institute Curie, Pais, France
Lalita Limaye working on post-doctoral TIFR
Nimish Shah Director Partnership Advocacy Hindustan Unilever Ltd.
Akshata R. K. Microbiologist QMS CALF laboratory, National Dairy Development Board, Anand, Gujarat
Vivek Tanavde Associate Professor Division ofiologicaland Life Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Ahmedabad University
Sandhya Shrivastava Director Bhavans Research Center
Kartikey Shah General Manager Marketing and Operations LumisBiotech-Enzymes, Mumbai
Jayashree Vadhyar Associate Research Scientist Hindustan Unilever Research Centre
Pradnya Roundhal Trainee Technical Officer SRL Diagnostics Pvt Ltd
Rajbinder KaurDehiya Associate Professor Dept. Of Microbiology, Sophia College (autonomous), Mumbai
Nagraj Balasubramanian Associate Professor IISER, Pune
Krupa Purandare Associate Professor Deptof Microbiology, GNKhalsaCollege,Mutanga, Mumbai
Amy Thakker D.Manager-MktgSales Shimadzu Analytical (India) Pvt Ltd, Mumbai
Komal Vora VP Information Technology Audit (APAC) Mizuho Bank
Hemant Tupalli Associate Director Global Feasibiligy IQVIA
Wahida Dastakeer Lecturer, General Studies HCT, Dubai Mens College, UAE
Dhanashree Kulkarni Associate Manager Global Feasibiligy India
Rashmi Chitgupi Associate Director Clinical Management, PPD
Mamta Gandhi Regular Affairs Manager Torrent PharmaGmbH
GianniErevellesMapara Associate Professor Sophia College (autonomous),BhulabhaiDesai Road, Mumbai
JignaSheth(Doshi) Head CLIA/Assay Development Roche, San Jose, CA
Omkar Pingulkar Research Associate,BioanalyticalDept , Centaur Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd,Santacruz
Priyanka Lingarkar Sr.Executive Microbiology, MicrobiologyDept Cipla RD Mumbai
Prasad Shetty Sr.Director India Head,ProjetLeadership IQVIA, Bangalore
Esha Awale Clinical Analyst Support IQVIA, Thane
Farhaan Makba Assistant Professor,Deptof Microbiology Royal College, Mira Road

Bhavan’s Research Center [Microbiology]

BRC was instituted in April 2005, by the Faculty of the Department of Microbiology, Bhavan’s College, in partnership with one of the prestigious management institutes of India - S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research (S.P.J.I.M.R), Mumbai. BRC is an entrepreneurial knowledge center created to promulgate research and analysis for the industry and strives to bridge academia-industry gap. It is proud to be one of the few academic enterprises in the country to be ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 accredited by National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) and the only laboratory accredited by them for certain specialized tests in the areas of Hygiene and Water Microbiology. It specializes in Hygiene & Water Microbiology and houses the advanced R&D facility with Molecular Biology.