The Master of Science (MSc) in Microbiology degree is a two-year post-graduate course in the Life Science subject Microbiology. Microbiology is the branch of science which deals with the study of living systems and their interaction with other living organisms and the environment. The course is usually undertaken after a three-year BSc graduate degree program and prepares candidates for application and research-based careers. The course provides in-depth knowledge about Microbiology and emphasizes on the theoretical and practical concepts and the fundamentals of Microbiology. It also involves the basic concepts of Biology and Chemistry. Important theories are taught that involve microbial, water microbiology, soil microbiology, nano microbiology, agricultural microbiology, evolutionary microbiology, molecular microbiology, and microbial genetics. Candidates are trained to determine the composition, structure, function, and application of living organisms in daily life, profession, research, and industry.
The course enhances personal skills like communication, attention to detail, teamwork, logic, presentation, and analysis; and professional skills like planning and execution, problem- solving, critical thinking, analytical thinking, and reasoning.
SCOPE OF MSc MICROBIOLOGY
MSc Microbiology graduates have multiple opportunities in the fields of Research and Science. Opportunities can be found in:
Students can contribute as scientists in national laboratories and organizations like:
Indian Analytical Testing Laboratory
Indian Institute of Science
Indian Institute of Technology
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Apotex Research Centre
Space Application Centres (SAC)
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health
Raja Ramanna Centre for advanced Technology (RRCAT)
Students can become Research Associates in research institutes like:
Institute for Plasma Research (IPR)
Anand Diagnostic Laboratory
Bioline Pharma
Equinox Pharma
Consortium for Scientific Research (CSR)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
Students can assist in laboratories and institutes of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) like:
Regional Research Laboratories
National Institute of Science (NIS)
Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS)
Institute of Materials and Mineral Technology (IMMT)
National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)
Students can contribute in agricultural research services.
Teaching positions in secondary and higher secondary schools, degree colleges, engineering colleges, and universities.
Tutoring in Biology for reputed coaching institutes.
Professional certifications in specializations like:
Molecular Microbiology
Clinical Microbiology
Virology
Bacteriology
Epidemiology
Industrial Microbiology
ADMISSION AND ELIGIBILITY
Colleges and universities offer admission on the basis of two main modes of admission:
Merit - colleges invite for Application Forms. Interested candidates can apply once the applications are open through entrance examination, group discussions, and personal interview
Management - students can go for Direct Admission
Important considerations for admission:
Marks in Bachelor’s degree
Qualification in competitive entrance examinations
Important points to consider for eligibility to do MSc Microbiology:
Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Bachelor’s degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by UGC/AIU
Compulsory subjects - Life Science and English
Candidates who are in the final year of their studies and writing their final year examination with 50% aggregate marks in all the semesters/years of Undergraduate Examinations
Ratio based on both entrance exam score (85%) and academic record (15%) is considered for admission
COURSE CURRICULUM
The entire program of MSc Microbiology is divided into two years with each year split into two semesters. In the two-year duration, 16 Theory papers and 7 Practical papers are covered with additional skill-enhancing programs and workshops. The course consists of:
The fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of Microbiology
Important subjects and topics included:
Bacteriology
Bioenergetics
Bioinformatics
Bioinstrumentation
Bioprocess Engineering
Biostatistics
Dairy Microbiology
Environmental Microbial Technology
Enzymology
Fermentation Technology
Food Microbiology
Immunology
Microbial Diversity
Microbial Genetics
Microbial Genomics
Molecular Biology
Molecular Enzymology
Mycology
Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Physiology
Proteomics
Recombinant DNA Technology
Virology
Practical classes consist of:
Dry Laboratory Techniques
Wet Laboratory Techniques
Electives are included for further specialization
Guided Dissertations and Projects for practical exposure
Certification and Foundation Courses for holistic development
Study Tours to reputed national laboratories, research institutions, and industries, under the supervision of the department
Seminars
Lectures by experienced faculty and scientists
Workshops
Tutorials and Brainstorming Sessions
QUALIFYING ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
In order to get admission through Merit into reputed colleges in India, qualification in entrance examinations is important. The examinations may be national, state, and institution-specific. These examinations:
Are NOT mandatory but may be required for certain colleges/universities to be considered for the Merit category
Consist of objective type questions with MCQs
Syllabus includes 4 main sections:
English Grammar and Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning
Analytical Thinking
Numerical/Graphical Analysis
A maximum of 4 options will be given to aspirants
Negative marking may be present
FUTURE PROSPECTS
After successful completion of MSc Microbiology course, students have many opportunities:
Research Associate in national and international research laboratories
Teacher, Professor, or Lecturer in schools, colleges, or universities
Research Scientist
Public and Private companies and MNCs
M.Phil. in Microbiology
Ph.D. in Microbiology
Diploma in subjects like Clinical Microbiology and Environmental Microbiology
INTERNSHIPS AND PROJECTS
The course curriculum of MSc Microbiology includes opportunities for students to obtain practical exposure. Summer internships, dissertations, and projects provide a strong foundation for a career in Research. Points to remember:
Students are trained to write a clear scientific report that includes a theoretical background, experiment description, presentation of methodology, analysis of results, careful interpretation and evaluation of data, and conclusion
The Research Project is an opportunity to get hands-on training and laboratory exposure In the final evaluation, class assignments, end-semester exam results, internships, and project reports are taken into account for a candidate to earn their MSc Microbiology degree.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Multiple career opportunities are available in public and private academic institutions, research laboratories, atomic and space organizations, meteorology departments, telecommunication organisations, manufacturing companies, corporates, MNCs, and medical industries. Potential career roles:
Research Scientist
Lecturer/Professor
Microbiologist
Medical Microbiologist
Research Analyst
Consultant
Online Tutor
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Microbiology Project Mentor
Lab Assistant
Training Manager
Auditor
Research Associate
Junior Research Fellow
Research Scientist
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Control Manager
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Clinical Reviewer
Clinical Data Manager
Medical Coder
Pharmacologist
Biomedical Scientist
Food Microbiologist
Industrial Microbiologist
Environmental Microbiologist
Veterinary Microbiologists
Medical Technologists
Food Technologist
Scientific Laboratory Technician
Physician Associate
POPULAR RECRUITERS
Graduates can find employment in many public and private companies. Popular recruiters are:
Schools
Colleges
Research Centers
Infosys
Zydus Cadila
Accenture
Cipla Inc.
Biocon
Roche Diagnostics Corporation
Quintiles Inc.
Sciformix
Emcure
Cognizant
Syngene
Wipro
Capgemini
National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
Mascot International
Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd.
Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd.
Jubilant Life Sciences
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
SALARY PACKAGE
Fresh graduates can easily get jobs in popular scientific research companies. Job positions start as Trainee and gradually proceed to Senior Associate/Scientist. With more career exposure, project experience, skills, and certifications, a salary hike of about 20% to 25% is guaranteed together with additional benefits and bonuses.
The average salary after MSc Microbiology ranges between 3 LPA to 10 LPA. The lowest salary expected (for a fresh graduate) is between 2 LPA to 3.5 LPA and with work experience increases to 10 LPA to 15 LPA.
CONCLUSION
MSc Microbiology is one of the most popular natural science courses in India. The two-year MSc Microbiology post-graduate course is designed to prepare students for a career in research. The curriculum consists of strong theoretical concepts, practical experiments, and skill-building programs that create a balance between academics and practical exposure. This degree is available for students all over India and admission is subject to eligibility criteria. Multiple internships, project, and career opportunities are available in various departments, business sectors, and professional fields. Graduates are prepared for ANY type of job opportunity in the future.
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