All About BSc Life Science Course

BSc Life Science is a 3-year undergraduate course involving the study of various life processes in plants, animals, and organisms. The course, incorporating both practical and theoretical knowledge, was introduced in the academic year 2005-2006. Principal subjects included in this course are Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Agricultural Science, Molecular Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry.

The program also offers choices for various electives and skill-enhancement courses (SECs) under the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The average fee charged for the course ranges from INR 10,000 – INR 1.5 Lakh in different colleges.

Aspiring candidates can proceed with their studies after a BSc in Life Science by pursuing a master's in the same and then going for an MPhil or PhD. Contenders may also enroll for an MBA program or MSc in Biotechnology, or may even take up Clinical Research.

Otherwise, graduates could work in industries and laboratories in private and public sectors as pathologists, Nutritionists, Horticulturists, Biomedical engineers, or Food Scientists. They may also enter the profession of teaching and/or further research.

The average initial salary proffered to a life science degree holder is 1.2-4 LPA, which increases with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.

Why BSc Life Science?

Students can learn new techniques for research analysis in advanced research laboratories and industries because a lot of microscopes and other equipment are used for experimenting during the course.

Because the program involves the processes of change from molecular to cellular life in various organisms, students may have the opportunity to experiment on a wide range of plant and animal species

Students learn and improve on skills such as computation, speaking and writing, critical and analytical thinking, microscopic and inferential skills, and the ability to work long hours

The BSc Life Science course prepares students for advanced studies in Life Sciences, such as an MSc, MPhil, and PhD, or an MSc in Biotechnology, or even an MBA

Graduates may also pursue a Master's degree or conduct research in any of the Life Sciences specializations such as Biotechnology and Fish Genetics

Graduates have a better chance of finding work, particularly in the fields of scientific writing, pharmaceuticals, and fish product manufacturing

BSc Life Sciences Eligibility Criteria

As per the BSc Life Science eligibility criteria, candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent with an overall grade point average of 50% are eligible to apply for this BSc Life Science degree program. Aside from that:

Physics, Chemistry, and Biology must be required subjects in higher secondary school

Institutions that require an entrance exam for admission may consider both the entrance exam score and previous academic records. Each institution determines the examination cut-off mark

Candidates from the SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories will be given a 5% mark relaxation

Letters of recommendation can be beneficial to the candidate as well

Document Required For BSc Life Sciences

10th Marksheet, 12th Marksheet, School, Transfer Certificate, Conduct Certificate, Community Certificate, Income Certificate, Domicile Certificate, and Entrance Exam Result.

Semester Wise BSc Life Sciences Syllabus

BSc Life Sciences Semester-I Syllabus

• Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
• Atomic Structure
• Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
• Alkyl and Aryl Halides

BSc Life Sciences Semester-II Syllabus

• Fundamentals of Organic Chemistry
• Stereochemistry
• Ionic Equilibria
• Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• Aldehydes and Ketones (aliphatic and aromatic)

BSc Life Sciences Semester-III Syllabus

• Biological Systems, Evolution, and Biodiversity 
• Cell Cycle: Interphase, Mitosis, and Meiosis
• Cell Membrane and Cell Wall

BSc Life Sciences Semester-IV Syllabus

• Techniques in Biology
• Cell Organelles
• Cell as a Unit of Life
• Chemical Context of Living Systems

BSc Life Sciences Semester-V Syllabus

• Regulation of gene expression
• Human Diseases
• Cancer

BSc Life Sciences Semester- VI Syllabus

• Genetic Material
• Project
• Exams

How To Get Admission in BSc Life Sciences?

Before exploring the top universities for BSc Life Sciences in India, one should know about the admission process. Admissions into the BSc Life Sciences can be availed with merit. Students can also opt for direct admission. The admission procedure involves filling up the details of the candidate within the form either online or offline. Once the student gets the confirmation from the university/college they need to pay the required course fees, after which admission will be granted by the faculty. Mentioned below is the admission process in general:

How to Apply?

As per guidelines, applications for admissions can be availed either from the University website or by visiting the admissions office of the same. To apply for top colleges for BSc Life Sciences in India, students must make sure that they fulfill the eligibility criteria for the BSc Life Sciences course. After that fill out the registration form by providing the required details. The course details will be there on the website too.

Selection Process

Admission is strictly offered to only those students who clear the eligibility criteria of minimum aggregate. The list of selected candidates can be informed through the college’s official website or will be informed via email regarding the result and the further admission process.

Career Prospects and Job Scope for BSc Life Sciences

Career opportunities after BSc in Life Sciences are adequate. The salary of a BSc Life Sciences graduate depends on the respective specialization and demand for the job role. The scope of BSc Life Sciences is diversified into different sectors. BSc Life Sciences courses are offered by many institutes and colleges and thus aspirants have the scope and opportunity to work in different places. The most common BSc Life Sciences jobs roles are:

• Pathologist
• Immunologist
• Agronomist
• Paleontology
• Horticulturist
• Food Scientist

How to Prepare for Entrance Exams?

Each entrance exam is held between 1 hour and 3 hours, and their maximum marks are different. Nonetheless, their pattern is similar and students may prepare for any of the exams with some common methods.

Test the candidate's knowledge of the PCB subjects.

Questions are objective-type

There is a negative marking for wrong answers.

Medium of Examination: English & Hindi.

Candidates must have sufficient knowledge in the PCB subjects, Mathematics and Agriculture.

BSc Life Science Job Profiles

1. Biochemist
2. Pathologist
3. Food Scientist
4. Scientific/Journal Writer
5. Veterinarian

BSc Life Science Future Scope

Students can either opt for a job or continue higher studies in this field. Students can pursue an MSc and then a PhD in this field. Here are a few out of the multitude of options available to the students.

Graduates interested in gaining more knowledge in Life Sciences can do so by pursuing a master's in Life Sciences or any of its specializations, and then proceeding to an M.Phil. and PhD in Life Sciences.

Graduates can also enter the academic profession and/or contribute to the vast expanse of knowledge of Life Science through research in a relevant aspect.

Students who want to proceed in a different route can take up an MBA and build a career in Management.

Candidates may even go for master's in Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, and Biology depending on some universities.

Though, jobs are not guaranteed after a BSc in Life Science, hard work and determination can ensure anyone a job in both the private and public sectors.

Candidates can take up additional specialization courses in subjects which were given in the BSc. Life Science curriculum, as electives and skill-enhancement courses, by the UGC. Some of these courses include Molecular Modelling and Drug Design, Immunology, Ethnobotany, Cheminformatics, Fuel Chemistry, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Medical Diagnostics, and Apiculture.