M.Sc in Microbiology

M.Sc Microbiology is a 2-year long postgraduate course specializing in the various tenets of chemistry and biology with specializations in a variety of research areas such as virology, immunology, microbial physiology, bio instrumentation, microbial diversity, etc.

The M.Sc Microbiology syllabus focuses on equipping students with practical knowledge of current development and also imparts them with theoretical knowledge. M.Sc Microbiology job scope is extensive ranging from clinical reviewer to data analyst in both public and private sectors. 

M.Sc Microbiology Eligibility Criteria

The candidates should complete their B.Sc under any registered University in respective subjects with two subjects combination among- Agriculture / Applied Nutrition / Botany / Biochemistry / Biotechnology / Chemistry / Dairy Sciences / Environmental Sciences / Forestry / Fisheries / Horticulture / Home Science / Human Genetics / Microbiology / Medical Lab Technology / Nursing / Nutrition, and Dietetics / Public Health / Plant Protection / Zoology,

The marks of admission for this course vary from University to University.

Why Choose M.Sc in Microbiology Course?

M.Sc Microbiology has been one of the popular science disciplines pursued by aspirants in India and across the globe and for good reasons. From incredible academic prospects to career paths that are rewarding in nature, both professionally and financially, pursuing a two-year postgraduate course could be the choice for you. Outlined here are some of the reasons why you should study MSc Microbiology courses:

Incredible Career Prospects

Among the scientific disciplines, Microbiology may often be considered one of the fields with the highest career prospects. From high-paying jobs to job roles across various industries and sectors, MSc Microbiology trains and qualifies individuals for a range of lucrative roles, especially in the pharmaceutical industry.

Rewarding Discipline

The impact of microbiologists, specifically on the health and well-being of society, often leads to highly rewarding careers. Graduates of the field not only enjoy financial benefits but, in many cases, moral benefits as well. Microbiologists also see incredible career growth opportunities, from research and development to heading entire teams in their respective fields.

High Demand

With a more health-conscious approach taken up, not only by pharmaceutical giants but also food and beverage conglomerates, skin care industries and many other multi-national organizations around the world, Microbiologists provide the much-needed seal of authenticity that attracts more buyers. Thus, the scope of work for MSc Microbiology is continuously growing in demand and variety.

Academic Prospects

The scope of MSc Microbiology also includes the academic prospects, wherein, there are immense opportunities for microbiologists to conduct research and development. The program directs graduates to the right path towards the scope of improvement that could be made to the discipline, allowing for better technology and methodologies to be adopted.

There are several reasons why MSc Microbiology should be the choice of a university program that you should go for. However, the complexity of the course and the research-oriented nature of the discipline require candidates to possess a high level of passion for the field of study, in order to succeed.

Admission Process of MSc Microbiology Courses?

Admissions to MSc Microbiology courses in India are usually done based on entrance exam scores, however, each university reserves the right to determine the admission process as well as the eligibility criteria. However, outlined below are some of the admission processes commonly used by universities and colleges in India:

Entrance-Based Admissions: Universities and colleges would often require students to attempt entrance tests such as BITSAT, IPU CET, BHU PET, JNU EE and many more. Some universities and colleges may even conduct their own entrance tests to enroll the best candidates for the program.

Merit-Based Admissions: Many universities may also enroll students based purely on the academic merit of the candidates. However, such universities may include other selection processes such as personal interviews to enroll students. Moreover, such institutions will also keep high academic requirements to shortlist the best candidates.

Apart from these selection processes, the processes adopted by universities in India would be similar across different institutions. However, the general admission steps for MSc Microbiology courses include:

Compile all the necessary academic transcripts like class 12 board scorecard, bachelor passing certificate and scorecard, SOPs and LORs, and other documents such as work experience certificates, if applicable.

Fill out the application form correctly and completely and submit the documents including the application form before the application deadline.

Participate in the individual admission/selection processes, and clear each step properly.

Await a response from the university and follow the directions outlined for enrolment purposes.

M.Sc in Microbiology Entrance Exam

1. CUET PG
2. BITSAT
3. NEST
4. IIT JAM
5. TISS NET

Syllabus of M.Sc in Microbiology 

Starting from Biostatistics and Computer Applications, Recent Trends in Virology to Microbial Genetics, Pharmaceutical Microbiology and more, there are various MSc Microbiology subjects included in the 2 years of the curriculum.

Apart from gaining theoretical knowledge, MSc Microbiology Syllabus also includes various laboratory and research works throughout the course duration.

The MSc Microbiology Syllabus may vary from college to college, but the basic course syllabus is as mentioned below-

M.Sc in Microbiology Semester 1 Syllabus

• Biostatistics and Computer Applications
• Bioenergetics and Molecular Enzymology
• Bioinstrumentation
• Food and Dairy Microbiology

M.Sc in Microbiology Semester 2 Syllabus

• Recent Trends in Virology
• Molecular Immunology
• Microbial Physiology
• Microbial Diversities and Extremophiles

M.Sc in Microbiology Semester 3 Syllabus

• Enzyme Technology
• Bioprocess Engineering and Technology
• Microbial Genetics
• Environmental Microbial Technology

M.Sc in Microbiology Semester 4 Syllabus

• Recombinant DNA Technology
• Fermentation Technology
• Bioinformatics, Microbial Genomics, and Proteomics
• Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Types of M.Sc Microbiology Courses

Much like many other courses offered in India, students will be able to choose between different types of M.Sc in Microbiology courses in India, based on the teaching methodologies adopted. Understanding the needs of the applicants, several universities, including, reputable colleges and universities offer different courses under different teaching methodologies. Some of these different types of MSc Microbiology courses available in India include:

Full-time Courses: The most common among all the different types of courses, students will be required to physically attend classroom lectures, and laboratory sessions and spend entire days studying different topics under the degree programme.

Part-time Courses: Such courses allow students to take up part-time jobs or complete other important tasks while also focusing on their education. In such courses, students are required to attend some classes on campus, while, others can be taken up online.

Distance Learning Courses: Even as a research-oriented program, several universities and institutes offer MSc Microbiology in distance learning modes. Another alternative to part-time and full-time courses, students can attend lectures and lab sessions completely only, without missing out on the important details regarding the course.

How is the M.Sc Microbiology Course Beneficial?

Microbiologists work in hospitals in pathology or cytology laboratories.

In pharmaceutical industries, opportunities exist in the R&D division.

In Agricultural Research, microbiologists are recruited to conduct research. Microbiology and immunology provide major inputs to biotechnology and hence several organizations involved in Biotechnological research offer opportunities.

To handle industrial production organisms or cultures on various aspects including preservation and maintenance and carry out various microbiological operations involved in bacterial and fungal fermentations from Lab-scale to Pilot-scale to Industrial-scale.

M.Sc Microbiology Employment Areas

• Agri-Chemical Companies
• Educational Institutes
• Environmental Consultants
• Food Standards Agencies
• Food and Beverage Companies
• Pharmaceutical Companies
• Water Companies
• Waste Management Companies

Career Options and Job Prospects After M.Sc in Microbiology

There are numerous job roles available for candidates who complete the MSc Microbiology course. Also, the pay scale of  MSc Microbiology candidates is decent. Following are some of the job roles suitable for  MSc Microbiology candidates:

• Assistant Professor
• Chief Hygienist
• Executive / Senior Executive
• Microbiologist / Microbiology Lecturer / Microbiology Demonstrator / Microbiology Lab Technician
• Quality Control Executive
• Research Officer