MSc Biotechnology Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Sep 24, 2024 21:10PM IST

The MSc Biotechnology syllabus covers the best of life sciences and technology. Some notable subjects in MSc Biotechnology include mathematics, nucleic acids, DNA repair, bioconjugate chemistry, glycoscience, imaging, environment technology and many more. Since it’s a two-year program, the syllabus is divided into four semesters, combining both practical and theoretical knowledge.

MSc Biotechnology Syllabus and Subject Overview

MSc Biotechnology syllabus is designed to broaden graduates' knowledge of Science and Technology. MSc Biotechnology course subjects include a variety of Life Sciences experiments performed with the assistance of technology. The MSc Biotechnology syllabus is designed in such a way that anyone can expand their knowledge beyond what they learned in high school. MSc Biotechnology subjects combine Biology, Science, and Technology in the course syllabus. 

An MSc Biotechnology syllabus may include:

  • Mathematics
  • Nucleic acids
  • DNA repair
  • Bioconjugate chemistry
  • Peptides and peptidomimetics
  • Glycoscience
  • Imaging
  • Biological catalysis
  • Genetic rescue of a species
  • Removal of pollution
  • Renewable energy generation
  • Environmental technology

MSc Biotechnology is a two-year professional degree for students interested in careers in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and related fields. One must check the MSc Biotechnology course syllabus if they are willing to pursue this course so that they are aware of the content of this course. There is a great scope for students after pursuing an MSc Biotechnology course. They can opt for higher education or pursue research or a PhD in the relevant stream to be part of the research committee of the leading organizations. They can also opt to become an academician after their doctorate and can teach at the university level. Students of the MSc Biotechnology course can specialize in any subject of their choice such as Immunology, Biology, Cell Engineering, Fermentation, etc. 

MSc Biotechnology courses are becoming increasingly popular in India and around the world as the market demands a wider range of career options. The MSc Biotechnology programme focuses on the experimental development of medicines to combat various pandemic situations. The MSc Biotechnology programme aids in the resolution of all plant and animal life problems. Biotechnology creates hybrid mechanisms and genetically modified organisms.

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MSc Biotechnology Course Details

The following are the main highlights of the MSc Biotechnology programme:

Particulars Details 
Course NameMaster of Science in Biotechnology (MSc in Biotechnology)
Degree LevelPostgraduate (Master of Science - MSc)
Minimum QualificationCandidate must be a graduate with at least 50% relevant discipline (Chemistry or Biology)
Course FeesINR 40K - 2.40 LPA
Starting SalaryINR 3 - 6 LPA
Job RolesLaboratory Technician, Professor, Entrepreneur, Research Associate
Top Recruiters Biocon, Bharat Serums and vaccines limited, GalaxySmithKline Pharmaceutical limited  

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MSc Biotechnology Year Wise Syllabus

MSc Biotechnology syllabus is divided into four semesters and the MSc Biotechnology subjects taught in the two-year course duration are Biomolecules, Molecular Cell Biology, Enzyme Technology, Bioinformatics, Microbiology, etc. The MSc Biotechnology course syllabus gives a combination of both practical and theoretical knowledge.The syllabus includes theory and practical classes, assignments, project work, internships and examinations. 

MSc Biotechnology First Year Syllabus

Listed below in the table are the MSc Biotechnology course subjects taught in the 1st year.

MSc Biotechnology Semester 1 Syllabus MSc Biotechnology Semester 2  Syllabus
Advanced BiochemistryGenetic Engineering
Animal Cell TechnologyImmunology
Environmental BiotechnologyImmunotechnology
Exercises in advanced BiochemistryPlant Biotechnology
Advanced Molecular BiologyFermentation Technology
Molecular BiologyBio instruments
Exercises in Environmental BiotechnologyBioinformatics
LabsExercise in Genetic Engineering
Exercises in Molecular and Cell BiologyExercises in Bacteriology and Virology
Biostatistics--

MSc Biotechnology Second Year Syllabus

Listed below in the table are the MSc Biotechnology course subjects taught in the 2nd year.

MSc Biotechnology Semester 3  SyllabusMSc Biotechnology Semester 4  Syllabus
Animal BiotechnologyFood Microbiology
Database management and IPR BiotechnologyNanobiotechnology
Enzyme TechnologyGenomics and Proteomics
GenomicsMedical Biotechnology
Environmental Microbiology and Waste ManagementAgriculture Biotechnology
Intellectual Property Rights and Ethical IssuesCancer Biology
Exercises in Animal Biotechnology, Enzyme TechnologyThesis
Lab WorkLab
ThesisInternship
SeminarsExamination
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MSc Biotechnology Syllabus - Detailed

MSc Biotechnology course syllabus is vast and one must know about the syllabus in detail for different MSc Biotechnology course subjects. Check the detailed description of the MSc Biotechnology course syllabus topic-wise and year-wise as mentioned in the table given below.

Detailed MSc Biotechnology Syllabus of 1st year

Check out the MSc Biotechnology Syllabus for 1st year here:

TopicDescription
Molecular Biology
  • Transcription and Transcriptional Control
  • Translation
  • Control of Gene expression 
  • Nuclear Organization
  • Modern Concept of Gene Organization
  • Gene Mutation
Cell Biology
  • Historical origin of Cell Biology
  • Cytoskeleton and Cell Motility 
  • General Structure of Cell
  • Steps in Cell Cycle
Immunology
  • Immune System
  • Functions, Development and Histogenesis of various primary and secondary Lymphoid organs in the body 
  • Cell types involved in Defense Mechanisms of the body
  • Gross features
Environmental Biotechnology
  • Status and Scope of Environmental Protection 
  • Bioremediation
  • Physicochemical and Bacteriological analysis of Soil and Water
  • Waste Water Constituents
Plant Biotechnology
  • Constituents and Concepts of Sterilization 
  • Suspension cell culture, Callus culture, Protoplast Isolation, culture & fusion
  • Anther & Pollen culture for Production
  • Preparation, Isolation and Selection of Explant
Genetic Engineering
  • History and Scope of Genetics
  • Linkage and Crossing over
  • Linkage mapping
  • Sex determination 
  • Mendelian Laws of Inheritance
  • Variations of Mendelian Analysis

Detailed MSc Biotechnology Syllabus of 2nd year

Check out the MSc Biotechnology Syllabus for 2nd  year here:

TopicDescription
Molecular Biotechnology
  • Isolation of Genomic DNA from bacterial cell/plant cell
  • Determination of Tm values of DNA
  • Isolation of Temperature sensitive conditional Mutant
  • Isolation of RNA from Yeast cells
  • Bacterial Conjunction
Bioinformatics
  • Data Mining
  • Gene Prediction and Genome Analysis
  • Protein Structure Prediction 
  • Introduction to operating system and Basics of computer
  • Biological Database
Animal Biotechnology
  • Applications of Animal Cell Culture
  • Serum Protein Media Viability and Cytotoxicity 
  • Equipment’s & Media used for Animal Cell Culture Technology
  • Primary & Established cell line culture and Culture Media
Food Technology and Nutrigenomics
  • Food Spoilage & Preservation
  • Designer Foods, Nutraceuticals
  • Genetically Modified Foods 
  • Methods of Food Processing
Fermentation Technology
  • Basics of Industrial Fermentation
  • Industrial Production of Chemicals 
  • Design of Fermenter
  • Product Recovery and Purification
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MSc Biotechnology Subjects

MSc Biotechnology syllabus imparts knowledge through practical, laboratory, and theoretical classes in different MSc Biotechnology subjects. The various MSc Biotechnology subjects that the aspirants are introduced to are biology, genetics, chemistry, geology, etc. The MSc Biotechnology syllabus suits all those students who are interested in different specializations of biology such as agriculture, food, plant life, animal life, organism, genetics, etc. Listed below are the MSc Biotechnology Subjects that are being taught in universities and colleges.

MSc Biotechnology Subject List
Cell Biology Environmental BiotechnologyAnimal Biotechnology
Principles of Bacteriology and VirologyAdvances Biological Chemistry Bioprocess Engineering and Fermentation Technology
Genetic Engineering Immunology Molecular Biology
Scientific research and CommunicationNano-BiotechnologyPlant Biotechnology
Exercises in Genetic EngineeringExercises in Environmental BiotechnologyExercises in Immunology
BioinformaticsAgriculture BiotechnologyGenomics and Proteomics
Food Technology and NutrigenomicsAdvanced Genetics Biochemical and Biophysical Techniques
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MSc Biotechnology Common Subjects

Since we are familiar with the detailed syllabus topic wise as mentioned above, we should also know about the common subjects that are taught to all the students of MSc Biotechnology irrespective of the universities they take admission into. A brief summary of the important and common subjects is motioned here for the knowledge of the students.

Microbiology

Microbiology is one of the core and the most important MSc Biotechnology course subjects in the MSc Biotechnology course. It deals with the understanding of all microscopic organisms that are found in living organisms such as algae, bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. 

Immunology 

Immunology is the study of immune systems where one gets trained about all the important components that are responsible for making up the immune system in any living organism. This course helps us to understand the functioning of the immune system in both healthy and diseased states. 

Cell Biology

Cells are the smallest functional basic unit of living organisms. In this subject, students learn about the structure and function of cells, their composition, properties and life cycle of cells. Cell biology enables us to understand the smallest structure as well as how different cells combine together to form tissues.

Environmental Biotechnology

Environmental Technology is a very important subject of MSc Biotechnology in the current scenario. In this subject, students learn the usage of biotechnology to protect the environment and make it more sustainable for the survival of human beings. 

Virology

Virology is the core of MSc Biotechnology. Virology is the study of viruses and virus-like cells that helps in understanding the nature of different types of viruses. The subject basically helps us to know about different properties of viruses such as their structure, classification, disease-causing capacity, etc. 

Biochemistry

Biochemistry as a subject of the MSc Biotechnology syllabus is extremely vital as it deals with all the chemical processes that happen within the body of any living organism. 

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MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam Syllabus

There are many universities/colleges that grant admission in MSc Biotechnology through entrance examinations. Check the list of MSc Biotechnology entrance examinations details and their syllabus thoroughly in the table mentioned below.

Entrance ExamDetailsSyllabus
CUET PGCommon University Entrance Exam for postgraduate is a national-level exam for the  candidates who wish to take admissions to PG programmes of 66 participating universities Syllabus of CUET PG
BITSATBITSAT is conducted in two sessions in an online mode by Bits Pilani to offer admission in postgraduate programs for campuses in Goa, Pilani and Hyderabad.Syllabus of BITSAT
TISS NETTISS NET is a national-level exam conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to offer admission to 52 master's degree programmes. Syllabus of TISS NET
IPU CETIndraprastha University Common Entrance Test is a university-level exam which is conducted annually for admission into UG and PG programmes.Syllabus of IPU CET

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IIT JAM Syllabus for MSc Biotechnology

Here is the IIT JAM syllabus for MSc Biotechnology.

SectionWeightageTopicsDifficulty Level
Biology44%Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Basic Biotechnology, Biochemistry and Physiology, And General BiologyGraduation Level
Chemistry20%Synthetic Polymers, Functional Group Chemistry, And Atomic StructureGraduation Level
Physics18%The Physical World and Measurement, Mechanics of Solids and Fluids, Electrostatics, Gravitation, Elementary Statics and Dynamics, etc.Class 12 Level
Mathematics18%Logarithms, Complex Numbers, The Cartesian System of Rectangular Coordinates, Statistics, Three-Dimensional Geometry, Differentiation, And Other Concepts in Mathematics  Class 12 Leve
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MSc Biotechnology Important Books

MSc Biotechnology books help the students to better learn about the course. Many top colleges of MSc Biotechnology use these books to give aspirants a proper understanding of MSc Biotechnology subjects. Students can refer to the below-mentioned books during the MSc Biotechnology course tenure so that they enhance their course knowledge and grasp MSc Biotechnology subject knowledge effectively. 

BooksAuthor
Concepts of Applied Ecology RS DeSanto
Plant Breeding Biometry BiotechnologyDipak Kumar Kar and Soma Halder
Animal BiotechnologyB. Singh
Molecular and Cell Biology for Dummies Rene Fester Kratz
Genetic Engineering Smita Rastogi and Neelam Pathak
Bioinformatics: Principle and ApplicationZhumur Ghosh and Bibekanand Malick
Immunology Roitt I and Male Brostoff
Plant Biochemistry Hans-Walter Heldt
Animal Cell Culture: Practical ApproachMasters J R W
Pharmaceutical Biotechnology S P Vyas
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MSc Biotechnology Course Structure

MSc Biotechnology is a two-year postgraduate program like any other regular master’s program. MSc Biotechnology is divided into four semesters and the syllabus and course curriculum are structured into core and elective subjects, seminars, projects, research, etc. MSc Biotechnology course structure also focuses on practical and laboratory-based classes mainly apart from compulsory courses. The course is structured in such a way that it is job oriented. The basic outline of the MSc Biotechnology course structure is mentioned below.

  • IV Semesters
  • Core subjects
  • Practical and Laboratory
  • Internships
  • Research Work
  • Dissertation
  • Projects
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MSc Biotechnology Projects

There are no limits for aspirants who wish to do MSc Biotechnology Projects. The nature of the course is such that students can do limitless projects and can research in multiple areas as per the requirement of the syllabus. The students can research plant life, animal life, and modified organisms with the help of technology. They can also do research projects on different types of bacteria, viruses, etc. Some of the common areas of doing projects in MSc Biotechnology include the following topics:

  • Biomanufacturing
  • Bioprinting
  • Production of ethanol using molasses and its effluent treatment
  • Renewable Energy Technology Management Promoting Village.
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MSc Biotechnology Teaching Methodology

MSc Biotechnology teaching methodology also includes classroom teaching apart from many practical-oriented sessions. The nature of the subject is such that anyone has to take a lot of training in laboratories. They are also taught with reference to case studies of the past. Some of the common and required teaching methodologies and techniques adopted in the course curriculum of the MSc Biotechnology postgraduate degree course are as follows:

  • Practical & Laboratory sessions 
  • Experimentation
  • Guest Lectures, Seminars, and Workshop
  • Group Assignment and Discussion
  • Learning through Industrial Visit
  • The emphasis on Practical Learning
  • Research & Development
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FAQs about MSc in Biotechnology Syllabus

What are some of the common MSc Biotechnology subjects that are being taught in almost all the universities?

The common MSc Biotechnology subjects are - Cell Biology , Environmental Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Lab work, Nano-Biotechnology, immunology, Plant Biotechnology, etc.

What are the best books to enhance the knowledge for MSc Biotechnology subjects?

The best books are - Animal Biotechnology by B.Singh, Concepts of Applied Ecology by RS DeSanto, BioInformatics: Principle and Application by Zhumur Ghosh and Bibekanand Malick, Plant Biochemistry by Hans-Walter Heldt, Genetic Engineering by Smita Rastogi and Neelam Pathak etc.

What are the required skills for doing an MSc Biotechnology course?

The skills required for pursuing MSc Biotechnology course are -Organizational SkillsBudget ManagementBusiness StrategyPeople ManagementProject ManagementCommunication SkillsResearch

MSc Biotechnology syllabus is divided into how many semesters?

MSc Biotechnology syllabus is divided into four semesters.

What is the eligibility criteria for the MSc Biotechnology course?

Aspirants must have completed BSc degree in Biotechnology/ Biology/ food science/ Microbiology for applying to be eligible for MSc Biotechnology course

What is the course duration of MSc Biotechnology?

The course duration of MSc Biotechnology course is 2 years.

Does a MSc Biotechnology course have a good scope in future?

There are several scopes after successfully completing MSc Biotechnology as there is a lot of demand in sectors like medical biotechnology and agricultural biotechnology. Medical Biotechnology field has a lot of popularity and demand thus as medical biotechnology generates about 70 percent of the total revenue in the biotechnology sector.

What can be done if I fail in the MSc Biotechnology course?

f you fail in any of the subjects of the MSc Biotechnology course then you will have to appear for a back paper exam by giving supplementary or compartmental examinations. And if you fail in all the subjects then you will have to repeat the year and will have to take re-admission by applying fresh.

What is the percentage that is considered good in MSc Biotechnology?

If anyone scores more than 60% in MSc Biotechnology then it is considered a good score.

Is the MSc Biotechnology syllabus tough?

MSc Biotechnology syllabus is neither easy nor tough. One must concentrate on studies and properly understand the MSc Biotechnology subjects then they would find the course interesting and they will be easily able to grasp the topics.

What are the entrance examinations that are being taken for MSc Biotechnology admission?

The famous entrance examinations conducted by the top universities for granting admission for PG courses include CUET PG, JNUEE, DUET, TISS NET, IPU CET, etc.

What is the average placement package after pursuing a MSc Biotechnology course?

The average placement package ranges from 4 lakhs- 7 lakhs per annum depending on the company standards.

What are the main subjects that are taught in the MSc Biotechnology syllabus?

The main MSc Biotechnology subjects are - Advanced BiochemistryMolecular BiologyImmunologyGenetic EngineeringImmunotechnologyBioinformaticsGenomicsEnzyme Technology

What is the average MSc Biotechnology program course fee?

The average MSc Biotechnology course fee differs from college to college. However, it is between 40 K - 2.50 lakhs per annum.

What are the best MSc Biotechnology colleges?

The best colleges for MSc Biotechnology are Jawaharlal Nehru University, Banaras Hindu University, Calcutta University, Jamia Milia Islamia, Aligarh Muslim University, etc
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