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Departmental Information - Life Science
FACULTY :
Senior College : Dr. M.C. Arunan, PhD Head of the Department
Dr Medha Rajadhyaksha, PhD. Vice Principal (Science)
(Recognized as Guide for PhD in Applied Biology)
Dr.Hemlata Ramchandran. PhD
Dr. Hema Subramaniam PhD
Dr. Yasmin Khan PhD (Recognized as Guide for PhD in Applied Biology)
 
ABOUT THE SUBJECT :

Life Science has become one of the attractive fields in Biology for students interested in pursuing higher education with an entry point into varied career options in Industry and Academics. A judicious combination of advanced aspects of traditional biological sciences of Zoology, Botany and Microbiology this course has been evolved to meet the demands of the modern Biotechnology based world. The interdisciplinary approach and the emphasis on project work is the novel method used in this course to make it more contemporary and relevant.

For those keen in further studies at Sophia college the BSc program leads to the MSc program with a specialization in the most attractive field of today, Neurosciences. However, Neuroscience Education in India lags perilously behind with even Biology curriculum giving only cursory treatment to Neurobiology. Till the year 2000, Sophia College for Women was the only center offering Masters Programme in Neurobiology in the country's large university system.  For the past more than two decades our department have been experimenting on and developing a new paradigm of teaching - learning which is recognized by the UGC in 2004 by giving a substantial grant for Innovative teaching-Learning Through Hands-on Research in Neurosciences.
 
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT :

- Broad Based Integrated Biology Undergraduate Program (Life sciences )
- Mumbai University 's Only Post Graduate Centre for M.Sc. Life Sciences (Neurosciences)
- DST- FIST Sponsored (2001-2006) Department of Life Sciences Laboratories
- UGC's Funding (2004-2009) for Innovative Program in Neurosciences- First in the Country
- Recognized for Ph.D Program in Applied Biology.
- Extensive Departmental Reference Library (Books and e-books) available for UG and PG students. Recent publication are made available by contributions from staff and students. The ex-students gift a book to the department every year.
- Departmental Internet facility available for staff and students. Maintained through contributions from the Life Science Internet Club.
The department encourages teacher-student interaction, both in the department and though internet (e-mentoring). Departmental ex-students (peer group) interact with staff and students through the Sophia Life Science network group (? Yahoo group) for admission and placement counseling to Universities abroad and access to research papers.
 
HIGHLIGHTS  OF  OUR OTHER  ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES
Sophia Nobel Lectures – Invited lectures given by experts on the work of the Nobel Laureates of the year
National Science Academies sponsored lecture workshops
Mandatory presentations by students and JRFs at a National Level Conference
Annual Khandala Seminar – Two day program involving  presentations by students and an invited guest speaker followed by a nature walk
Weekly seminars/causeries by students and regular lab meetings with mentors
Mandatory submission of project proposal for LTMT scholarships
Summer vacation research program

Our Benchmarks :
All our students will–
- be conversant with all areas of Biology to confidently form informed opinion.develop communication skills to articulate effectively.
- be computer literate.develop leadership qualities and team spirit.be able to analyze controversial issues relevant to biology and society.take up a clear position on controversial issues.intervene in policy decisions, where ever possible.be familiar with the Nobel Prize work of the year.
- of course get good marks in their University exams.

Collaborations In The Last 5 Years
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research /National Centre for  Biological Sciences
- National Centre for Cell Sciences
- Advanced Centre for Training Research and Education in Cancer
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre
- National Institute of Research in Reproductive Health
- Foundation for Medical Research
- Cardiff University
- University of Louisville
- University of Bath
 
ABOUT THE FACULTY :
Dr. M.C. Arunan, Ph.D (1980), BITS, Pilani :
Head, Life sciences, Reader & Coordinator, UGC Innovative Programme in Neurosciences, Sophia College for Women

Visiting Faculty- TIFR (1988-89)
BITS – Bhakti Vedanta Institute (1996-98)
Interests…
Cooking a Good Meal & Feeding those who Dare…
Learning & Memory:Its Molecular Basis OR How to Teach a Snail & What Happens to Our Genes When We Learn?
Regeneration Studies: How organ Like the Brain can be regenerated in a Head-less Earth Worm?
Urbanoponics: One-shot solution (?!) for Urban Waste Recycling and Urban Agriculture! Experimenting In Science Education: How to Teach High-End Science with Low-End Models & Experiments Dialogue, Dialectics of Science, Justice and Peace for All Making Movies
 
Dr Medha Rajadhyaksha, Ph.D. (1986), Pune University :
Vice Principal (Science )& Reader, Life sciences

Interests:
•  Developing Brain – of students and of Zebra fish
•  Neuroprotection – not letting nerve cells die, by drugs or otherwise.
•  Evolution – The long argument...
•  Popularizing Science – building bridges
•  Education for Independence – Developing vocational courses for Std X dropouts
 
Dr.Hemlata Ramchandran. Ph.D. (1988), Mumbai University :
•  Adds flavour to the subject with humour and simple approach.  
•  Through environmental biology strums the chords of global and Indian Political scenario.
•  Makes students explore the world of Neurobiology through innovative videos, presentations and songs.
•  Builds curiosity to delve into the field of fundamental research.
•  Involves in teacher struggle movements to sustain qualitative education for all.
 
Dr. Hema Subramaniam. Ph.D. (1988), Institute of science, Mumbai University :
•  Sniffing out cues to understand olfactory biology and behaviour   using insect chemosensory system.
•  Encouraging the use of computers in biology; Seeing science in art and art in science.
•  Instrumental in maintenance of Laboratory Equipments in working condition.
 
Dr. Yasmin Khan Ph.D. (1988) Foundation for Medical Research, Mumbai University :
1. Post Doctoral Fellow - NII, New Delhi (1989-93)
2. TIFR, Mumbai  (1993-95)

•  Establishing links – Neural ones from flies to man
•  Defense mechanisms – Educating for survival, also from diseases
•  Nurturing Students in classrooms, and cells in Petri dishes
 
COURSES : (Click on papers to view Syllabus)
FYBSC :
PAPER I Life Sciences at the Molecular and Cellular Level
PAPER II Life Sciences at Systems, Organisms and Community level
   
SYBSC :
PAPER I Physiological approach : Organism as a regulatory Unit
PAPER II Biochemical Approach : Regulation and Integration of processes in cells
PAPER III Population Approach : Population & communities as Regulatory Units
   
TYBSC :
PAPER I Genetic And Immunology
PAPER II Developmental Biology & Neurobiology
PAPER III Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering
PAPER IV Environmental Biology and Global Issues & Resources
  Applied Component – Environmental Sciences
   
M.Sc. (Part I)
PAPER I Biodiversity, Evolution and Environmental Biology
PAPER II Cell and Molecular Biology
PAPER III Measurements and Techniques in Biology
PAPER IV Biochemistry, Physiology and Developental Biology
 
M.Sc. (Part II)
Different specializations offered by Mumbai University
1) Biological Macromolecules 2) Biotechnology 
3) Applied Medical Sciences  4) Neurobiology

Sophia College offers a specialization in Neurobiology 
PAPER I Organization of the Nervous System
PAPER II Systems Approach to Neurosciences
PAPER III Behavioural Neurosciences
PAPER IV Molecular Neurobiology
PAPER V Practical I - Practical techniques in Neurosciences
PAPER VI Practical II - Compulsory Research Project with Literature Review and Dissertation
 
Subject combinations with maximum students strength is as follows
FYBSC :
1. Life Science – Chemistry –Statistics 30 students
2. Life Science – Chemistry – Physics 30 students
3. Life Science – Zoology – Maths 10 students
 
SYBSC :
1. Life Science – Chemistry  
2. Life Science – Zoology  
   
TYBSC :
1. Life Science Single Major 6 Units
2. Life Science Double Major 3 Units and 3 units in Bio-chemistry
   
Post graduates :
Master of Science (MSc) – by papers
Number of seats – 10 (7 university & 3 college seates)
Note: For admission to university seats students have to apply to the University of Mumbai after the declaration of BSc results. The college seats are for the college students and the admission is on the basis of university guidelines and merit
 
RESEARCH :
Students :

Last year three students have received LADY TATA MEMORIAL TRUST Scholarship Grants and are working on the following topics.

  • To study the effect of Super Paramagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) on the morphology and viability of C6 Glioma cells”.
  • Understanding the mechanism of action of carbamazepine using Dictyostelium discoideum as a model system
  • To study the role of Wnt signaling and effect of lithium on regeneration and wound healing in Eudrilus eugeniae

    Other student's research projects undertaken
  • Brain Research and Behaviour using....Chick, Snail, Fruit fly, Mosquito, Zebra Fish, issue Culture (Astrocytes )
  • Urban Environmental Studies Butterflies, Birds, Rainwater research, Domestic Garbage analysis & Utilization Studies, Fresh water bodies, Urban Flora
 
Staff :

M.C.Arunan

Behavioral assay:
1. Drosophila larval gustatory assay
2. Drosophila larval olfactory assay
3. E.worm gustatory assay

Learning & Memory:
1. Habituation/dishabituation in snail
2. Associative learning & memory
3. Short term memory paradigm
4. Long term memory paradigm
5. Decapitated Fly behavior

Organization of the Invertebrate nervous system: E. Worm, Snail, Drosophila V. N.chord squash prep & methelene blue staining – E worm & snail ganglia Immunohisochemical techniqe- Staining of V. nerve chord neuron Chemosensory receptors: Drosophila Antenna, Wing and Leg

Dev. Neurobiology : Drosophila Imaginal discs – Eye, antenna, Wing, Legs, Larval nervous system dissection; squash prep, immuno histochemistry of larval organs, Hemocytes and metamorphosis

Regeneration studies in E.Worm – morphlogy, blastema dissociation, Histology Paraffin sections, Snail foot regeneration-histology, Transformation experiments in E.coli: Plasmid isolation and characterization- AGE & PCR Protein separation through PAGE with comassie /under transillumination - a comparison

Neurogenetics: Gal 4 UAS system, Enhancer trap system,P dysgenesis Culturing Dapnia, E. worm, Drosophila, snail

M. Rajadhyaksha :

Primary Investigator ofProject supported by BRNS, Department of Atomic Energy, India.(2005- 2008 )
Awarded short term Overseas Associateship byDepartment of Biotechnology to work at University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA. (2005-2006)
Visiting Scientist at National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Washington, USA. (2001 Aug-Oct)
As recognized guide for Ph.D. in `Applied Biology”, Mumbai University, Mumbai involved in guiding student for Ph.D.

H. Ramachandran :

Developmental aspects of neural retina, role of neurotransmitters in retina, changes induced during aging including clinical conditions like glaucoma.
Isozyme patterns of acetylcholine esterase activity in embryonic and ageing brain also their relevance to memory/Alzeimers.
Cell signaling in neurons and their physiological significance in understanding mental disorders/behaviour.
Developing simple Neurophrmacological model to understand mental disorder- currently working on Dictyostelium ( Fungi imperfecti)
Univ minor res. Grant awarded “ To study the effect of lithium on vertebrate retina” (2003)
Effect of melatonin on  developing chick brain (2007)
Recent Publication:Effect of lithium on developmentally relevant neuronal enzymes in embryonic chick brain (H.Ramachandran & M.S. Rajadhyaksha
Toxicology International(Dec.2007)

H. Subramaniam :

Minor Research Grants

Y. Khan

Major Research Grant received from Lady Tata Memorial Trust for the project “To determine the role of TLR2 in nerve damage in leprosy” (2006-2008)
Minor Research Grant from Mumbai University

  1. “To study the effect of lithium on the cytoskeletal elements in neuroblastoma and glioma cells.’ (2005-2006)
  2. ‘To determine the protective effect of Lithium on in vitro astrocyte cultures exposed to different stress conditions’ (2001-2002)

Other Research Interests (student research awarded the LTMT scholarships)

  1. To study the effect of lithium on the differentiation of the C6 glioma cell line
  2. Estimation of NO in sera of leprosy patients as a predictive indicator of disease state and treatment efficacy
To study the effect of nanoparticles on neural cells in culture
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