Introduction

Oral Biology is a tremendously diverse scientific area encompassing various disciplines of craniofacial biology, regeneration and tissue engineering of oral structures, developmental biology, molecular biology, craniofacial genetics, oral microbiology and immunology, biophysics, pharmacology and oral physiology.

The field of oral biology blends together fundamental scientific disciplines with the clinical prospective in intricate and fascinating ways due to the unique combinations of tissue types and functions of the craniofacial complex. This renders Oral Biologist to meet the challenges of developing effective ways to manage, repair, cure and prevent oral diseases and developmental defects.

Mission and Vision of the M. Phi Oral Biology Program

. Encompasses study of fundamental biological phenomenon related to the development, structure, and function of the craniofacial region and integrate it with the development of new therapies, biomaterials, and diagnostic tools for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the craniofacial area with the aim of improving patient health and well-being.

. Focuses on the latest scientific developments related to the craniofacial complex and health offering basic science in a clinical context.

. Builds a strong existing foundation to broaden cutting-edge research into the molecular basis of diseases.

. Aims at investigating the oral diseases at the microbial, molecular and immunological level, with a view to development novel, effective and specific prevention and treatment strategies

. Provides a platform for students for opting diverse careers in academia or industry with the focus on Oral Health and Biomedical research

Structure of the Course:

M. Phil in Oral Biology is two years program. Year one includes compulsory major (Oral Biology) and a compulsory minor (General Anatomy) subject.

Year One:

This program covers major areas of Oral Biology as follows

.Craniofacial developmental biology,

.Oral histology and structure of hard and soft tissues,

.Oral physiology,

.Dental biochemistry

.Occlusion and Tooth morphology

.Head and Neck Anatomy and Neuro-anatomy

.General Anatomy (Minor Compulsory)

Year Two:

Year two is research-based. The students also have to appear in one of the minor electives chosen by them in year two which are as following;

. General Pathology

. Microbiology

. Immunology

. Cytogenetic

Educational Strategy

Teaching methodology followed in the department involves interactive lecture sessions, small group discussions and tutorials. The correlation of the normal with the abnormal oral conditions in development, structure and function is made with the help of clinical examples and histological pictures. The students are provided with the opportunity of learning on various anatomical models regarding the structures of head and neck. The students are given regular course assignments to facilitate independent active-learning. They are expected to present their assignments in a class room for discussion along with opportunity to improve their presentation skills.

Regular workshops on various aspects of research methodology are part of the learning program. There are weekly synopsis sessions with the supervisor and regular journal club meetings to keep in pace with the upcoming research trends. Students are also provided with the opportunity of research placements in other university departments or in collaborative institutes to further enhance molecular biology skills.

1. PROGRAMS OFFERED

The department offers 2-year Full-time M. Phil Oral Biology program. The PhD program in Oral Biology will also be started soon.