Mangaluru: A hands-on workshop on ‘Techniques in Biological Sciences’ organized by the five departments of Biological sciences (Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology) kicked off on November 24 and 25 for the PU Students of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts under the Star College Scheme of Department of Biotechnology, government of India at St Aloysius College.

As many as 149 Students of 15 colleges participated in the workshop. The objective of the workshop was to promote life sciences, and inculcate scientific temper in young minds. The college also intends to share its knowledge, expertise and infra structure with other colleges especially of rural area.

Elveera Philomena, principal of Government PU College, Car Street and president of PU Principals Association was the chief guest of the inaugural programme. The programme was presided over by Fr Dionysius Vas, rector of St Aloysius College. Fr Dr Praveen Martis SJ, principal of St Aloysius College and Fr Dr Leo D’Souza, director of Laboratory of Applied Biology, St Aloysius College, Mangaluru were the guest of honour.

During the inaugural the president released the soft copy of the protocols of experiments which was given to the participants. The chief guest emphasized on the diverse streams in science and ample opportunities in the field of life sciences. Fr Praveen Martis stressed on the need of research and appreciated the attempt undertaken by the departments of Biological Sciences.