DEPARTMENT OF MARINE BIOLOGY

Vision:

The Department of Marine Biology seeks to enhance and apply the knowledge of the global ocean resources and its interactions with human development through research, innovation, education and community engagement to cater the global challenges.

Mission:

• To create and disseminate knowledge about marine science, oceanography and fisheries through relevant and transformable academic programmes responsive to local & global needs.
• To train a well-educated, skilled workforce through Industry-institute partnerships and internship programmes.

Scope & Importance of Establishment of Marine Biology Department in Vikrama Simhapuri S University, Nellore

• Nellore  is the “Shrimp Capital of India”  due to its high production of shrimp species in the brackish water of the coastal region of Nellore 

• Several National & Multi-National companies established a number of industries like Sea Food Processing plants, Export industries, Storing and Packaging industries, Freezing facilities;  Shrimp, Prawn, and Fish Feed manufacturing plants, Shrimp & Fish hatcheries; Shrimp & Fish Farming Industries; Aqua Laboratories; Aquaculture Chemicals, Drugs, Probiotics manufacture etc. 

• World-class Port- Krishnapatnam  & Fishing Harbor; Largest Brackish water  " Pulicot Lake"

• Potential for Maritime & Coastal Research

The importance of Marine Biology to the region having a vast seacoast extending over 169 kms has been duly taken note of. There are 93 coastal fishermen habitations, having a population of 82,500. There is an inland fish production of 45805 metric tons with marine fish production of 45363 metric tons. Thus fishing sector of the district contributes a major share of national income. Other marine resources need to be taken into account in a comprehensive study of the oceanographic features of the district and M.Sc. in Marine Biology will study the marine living resources of the region and also launch on biodiversity and ecology studies. Hence this course has been started with an accent on the study understanding of ocean wealth. The course, like all other courses offered by Vikrama Simhapuri University, has a Project Work/Internship Programme component through which industrial, technical, and practical training on a significant aspect of Marine Biology is imparted to the student.  

Courses Offered 

1. MSc  Marine Biology (2 Years Duration) 

2. P.hD in Marine Biology (Full-Time & Part-Time) 

Activities of  the Department:

• Regularly Conducting National & International Seminars / Conferences/ Workshops/Symposia 
• Field Visits/ Industrial Visits/Educational tours for students to get Realtime Knowledge and Field Exposure 
• Regular weekly seminars for PG Students & Research Scholars 
• Conducting Guest Lecture Programmes with Experts from Industry and & Academia
• Regularly conducting Placement drives for outgoing PG/Diploma Students 
• Students Internship / Project works linked with Industry, Organizations and Laboratories  

Thrust Areas of Research in the Department:

• Biodiversity of Marine fungi
• Marine bio-waste utilization (wealth from waste)
• Biopolymers (Chitin/chitosan) for bioremediation
• Impact of Immunomodulators ( beta glucon)  on white  shrimp Penaeus vannamei .
• Novel Probiotics and their immmuno stimulatory effects
• Studies on Marine Pollution & Ecotoxicology
• Microbial Bioremediation Technology