Educational Visit to the Sophisticated Instruments Centre, Punjabi University
24th February, 2026: Patiala
An educational visit to the Sophisticated Instruments Centre (SIC), Punjabi University was organized for the students of BSc II Medical and BSc II & III (Hons.) Biotechnology. The visit was led by Dr. Bhanvi Wadhawan and Dr. Teena Pathak as part of an academic exposure programme aimed at strengthening students’ practical understanding of advanced analytical techniques and modern research instrumentation. The students were familiarised with state-of-the-art scientific instruments that support interdisciplinary research across life sciences, physical sciences, and allied fields.
Principal, Dr. Neeraj Goyal, appreciated the initiative and remarked that exposure to advanced instrumentation is essential for developing analytical thinking and research aptitude among science students. He highlighted that hands-on familiarity with sophisticated techniques strengthens their academic foundation and aligns undergraduate learning with current trends in interdisciplinary research. Dr. Kuldeep Kumar, (Dean, Life Sciences) also expressed his appreciation for organizing the visit and stated that experiential learning enhances conceptual clarity and builds confidence among students.
During the session, students were introduced to high-end instruments including the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for detailed surface morphology analysis; High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Flash Chromatography for compound separation and purification; Real-Time PCR and Thermocycler for molecular amplification and gene expression studies; Gel Electrophoresis and Gel Documentation System for nucleic acid and protein analysis; Spectrophotometer and Spectrofluorometer for quantitative biochemical analysis; and the Fluorescent Microscope for cellular and molecular imaging.
The experts at the Centre provided comprehensive demonstrations of each instrument, explaining their working principles, operational procedures, and diverse applications in biomedical research, environmental analysis, pharmaceutical studies, and biotechnology. Students gained valuable insights into sample preparation, data acquisition, interpretation of results, and the importance of precision and calibration in sophisticated instrumentation. The visit proved to be highly informative and intellectually enriching and served as a meaningful step toward experiential learning and academic development.