Educational Visit to Gauhati University

ASSAM DON BOSCO UNIVERSITY

School of Life Sciences, Department of Botany

Date: 12^th November 2025

The Department of Botany, Assam Don Bosco University, successfully organized an educational field visit to the Departments of Botany and Zoology, Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, on 12^th November 2025.
The visit aimed to provide students with practical exposure, hands-on learning, and an opportunity to observe state-of-the-art research facilities in different biological sciences.

🌿 Visit Highlights

🔹 1. Dr. H.K. Baruah Regional Botanical Resource Centre

Students explored a rich collection of medicinal, endemic, ornamental, and economically important plant species.
Key learnings included:

Ex situ & in situ conservation
Herbarium practices
Seed bank operations
Live plant collection management

Dr. Rubul Buragohain, Superintendent of the Botanical Garden, guided the tour and explained various plant groups, including pteridophytes, gymnosperms, angiosperms, bryophytes, algae, and mushrooms.

🔹 2. Vermicompost Unit

At the vermicompost facility, students observed the biological conversion of organic waste using species like Perionyx excavatus and Eisenia fetida.
Under the guidance of Dr. Hemen Deka, they learned about:

Waste segregation
Bed preparation
Moisture control
Compost harvesting

The session emphasized sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship.

🔹 3. Bio-Compost Unit

The bio-compost unit, demonstrated by Dr. Diganta Narzary, showcased aerobic microbial decomposition using leaf litter, kitchen waste, and agricultural residues.
Students gained insight into:

Temperature regulation
pH management
Aeration and microbial activity
Carbon-nitrogen ratio

This session highlighted the importance of eco-friendly waste management.

🔹 4. Molecular Biology Laboratory

A major highlight was the visit to the Molecular Biology Lab, equipped with advanced instruments such as:

PCR machines
Gel electrophoresis
Centrifuges
Laminar airflow chambers
Spectrophotometers
Gel Doc

Research scholars demonstrated techniques like DNA isolation, PCR, microbial analysis, and genetic characterization, enhancing students’ understanding of modern biotechnology.

🔹 5. Herbarium Centre

Students learned the scientific process of plant specimen handling:

Collection
Pressing and drying
Mounting
Labeling and taxonomic organization

The herbarium visit emphasized its importance in biodiversity documentation and taxonomy research.

🔹 6. Aquaculture & Biodiversity Centre (Zoology)

At the Zoology Department, students observed:

Freshwater fish diversity
Larval rearing units
Breeding setups
Water quality management

The session highlighted the conservation of endemic and threatened fish species and the role of aquaculture in livelihood enhancement.

🎓 Educational Impact

The visit provided students with:

Exposure to real-world scientific research
Better understanding of biodiversity conservation
Practical insights into biotechnology, composting, taxonomy, and aquaculture
Awareness of interdisciplinary scientific collaboration

The trip successfully connected classroom learning with practical scientific applications, motivating students toward future research and environmental stewardship.