Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) budget for 2014-15 has proposed setting up three new centres and two chairs in various areas.
Vice-Chancellor B. Madhusoodana Kurup presented the budget, with a total expenditure of Rs. 433.28 crore.
The budget has envisaged setting up Centre for Aquaculture Genetics and Biotechnology Research; Centre for Germplasm Conservation of Inland Aquatic Organism; Centre for Bio-floc Technology; Professor Alikunhi Chair for Sustainable Aquatic Systems and Dr. Anantha Krishnan Chair for Monsoon Studies, according to an official release.
It has also been proposed to establish an industry incubation centre at the varsity, with the support of Kerala Life Science Park of State Industrial Development Corporation.
The university will offer research in various branches of marine bio-technology, including bio-fuel, marine drugs, genomics, nanotechnology and genetic engineering, with the idea of making the institution a centre of excellence in fisheries and ocean studies sector.
New coursesThe budget has proposed starting seven new postgraduate and three PG diploma courses, including M.Sc programmes in bio-technology and bio-informatics, marine micro-biology and marine drugs, meteorology and disaster management and climate sciences. Two MFSs programmes in fish biotechnology and fish genetic and breeding, and one M.Tech programme in Coastal and Offshore Engineering will also be launched.
The diploma courses will be offered are in aquarium science technology, applied aquaculture and climate change and climate services.
The budget has envisaged setting up a postgraduate department for teaching and research in commerce and International Trade under the School of Management and Entrepreneurship. A business school at its Thiruvallam campus in Thiruvananthapuram, has also been proposed.
