Free Online Molecular Biology Course | IIT Guwahati NPTEL | Prof. Vishal Trivedi
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 1465 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Biosciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Code of Life: A Comprehensive Guide to the Molecular Biology MOOC from IIT Guwahati
Have you ever wondered how a single cell orchestrates the complex symphony of life? How instructions in DNA are translated into the proteins that build and run our bodies? Molecular biology holds the key to these questions and is the foundational science behind modern biotechnology, medicine, and genetic engineering. For students and professionals eager to dive deep into this fascinating world, a remarkable opportunity awaits.
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati), through the National Programme on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), is offering a detailed and accessible 12-week online course on Molecular Biology. Designed and delivered by an esteemed expert, this course is your gateway to mastering the principles that govern all living systems.
Learn from an Expert: Meet Your Instructor, Prof. Vishal Trivedi
The course is led by Prof. Vishal Trivedi from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering at IIT Guwahati. Prof. Trivedi brings a wealth of knowledge and research experience to the virtual classroom:
- Ph.D. in Structural Biology from the Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow.
- Postdoctoral Research at prestigious institutions like Harvard University and Tufts University, Boston, USA, specializing in cell biology, intracellular signaling, and immunology.
- Current Research focuses on malaria parasite biochemistry, novel protein functions, anti-malarial drug development, and immunomodulation.
This blend of deep fundamental knowledge and cutting-edge applied research ensures that the course content is both rigorous and relevant to real-world scientific challenges.
Who Should Enroll in This Molecular Biology Course?
This course is meticulously designed for:
- Undergraduate (UG) & Postgraduate (PG) Students in Engineering (Biotech, Biomedical), Biosciences, Microbiology, Genetics, and related fields.
- MTech Students looking to solidify their core biology concepts.
- Professionals & Researchers in biotech and pharmaceutical industries seeking to refresh or expand their knowledge base.
- Any enthusiastic learner with a basic understanding of biology who wants to understand the molecular mechanisms of life.
What Will You Learn? Course Objectives and Outcomes
Prof. Trivedi has structured the course to build a strong conceptual foundation before moving to advanced techniques and applications. By the end of this 12-week journey, you will be able to:
- Understand the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology (DNA Replication, Transcription, Translation) in detail.
- Comprehend cell structure, function, and manipulation using molecular tools.
- Explain mechanisms of mutagenesis, DNA repair, genome editing (like CRISPR), and gene silencing.
- Grasp key molecular techniques such as PCR, Blotting (Southern, Northern, Western), and molecular cloning.
- Understand the process of cloning and over-expressing foreign proteins in expression systems.
- Appreciate the role of molecular biology in developing diagnostic tools and recombinant DNA technology.
Your 12-Week Learning Journey: Detailed Course Layout
The course is systematically divided into weekly modules, each comprising 3-4 video lectures. Here’s a snapshot of your learning path:
| Week | Module Title | Key Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | Foundations | Cellular Structure, Metabolism, Cell Cycle, Biomolecules (DNA, RNA, Protein) |
| 4-7 | The Central Dogma | Genetic Material, Replication, Transcription & Translation in Pro/Eukaryotes, Gene Control |
| 8-9 | Core Techniques | Blotting Techniques (Southern, Northern, Western), Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR, Real-Time PCR) |
| 10-11 | Genetic Manipulation | Molecular Cloning, Gene Delivery, Screening, Genome Editing Principles |
| 12 | Applications & Summary | Real-world Applications of Molecular Biology and Course Conclusions |
Industry Recognition and Support
This course is not just academically sound; it is recognized by leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries in India. The curriculum aligns with the skill sets sought by major players, including:
- Biocon
- Jubilant Life Sciences
- Shantha Biotechnics Ltd
- Panacea Biotec
- Serum Institute of India
This industry support underscores the practical relevance and career-oriented value of the knowledge you will gain.
Essential Reading and Resources
To complement the video lectures, the course recommends several authoritative textbooks, perfect for deepening your understanding:
- Molecular Biology of the Cell (Alberts et al.)
- Molecular Cell Biology (Lodish et al.)
- Genes XII (Lewin)
- Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA (Glick & Pasternak)
Why Enroll in This MOOC?
This course offers a unique combination of world-class IIT pedagogy, expert instruction from an active researcher, a comprehensive and structured syllabus, and complete free access. Whether you are a student preparing for higher studies or a professional aiming to pivot into the biotech sector, this course provides the foundational knowledge and technical insight necessary to excel.
Ready to decode the language of life? Enroll in the Molecular Biology MOOC by IIT Guwahati on the NPTEL platform and embark on a transformative educational journey into the heart of biological science.
Enroll Now →