M.Sc. Biosciences: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1) What is the eligibility to take admission to M.Sc. in Biosciences?
Ans: Candidates who have passed three years Bachelor's Degree examination of Mangalore
University or any other University considered equivalent thereto with Life Science subjects
are eligible for the program provided they have studied Chemistry/Biochemistry as one of
the major/optional/subsidiary subjects and have secured a minimum of 45% marks (40% in
case of SC/ST/Category–I candidates) in aggregate excluding languages and group III
subjects.

2) Are candidates with B.E. (Biotechnology) eligible to apply for M.Sc. Biosciences?
Ans.: Yes, candidates with B.E. (Biotechnology) are eligible to apply for the programme.

3) Does the M.Sc. Biosciences programme have project work?
Ans.: Yes, in the fourth semester, every student is assigned with a project work under the
supervision of a faculty member to conduct a research-based study and submit the
dissertation for evaluation.

4) Are there opportunities for internships for M.Sc. Biosciences students?
Ans.: As such, there is no internship as a part of the curriculum, however, the interested
students will be supported /encouraged to take an internship in a recognized institute or
organization.

5) Is there an educational tour or fieldwork-based studies?
Ans.: As per the revised syllabus 2022-23, a provision has been made for an educational tour
wherein students will be taken to reputed research institutions and allied industries.  Some
of the practical will be carried out outside the classrooms/laboratories enabling students to
have experiential learning.

6) Do students have the opportunity to learn life skills as part of the programme?
Ans.: Yes, there is a very good scope to learn life skills including communication skills,
seminar presentations, and how-to face interviews, how to prepare chemical reagents,
laboratory safety measures, entrepreneurship opportunities, and many others.  for a better
future for the students.

7) How many total courses are there in the four semesters and how many of them are hard
core and soft core?

BSH 401: Biochemistry
BSH 402: Cell Biology
BSH 403: Basic Microbiology
BSS 404: Genetics
BSS 405: Biochemical Techniques
BSP 406:Biochemistry Lab
BSP 407:Cell Biology Lab
BSP 408:Basic Microbiology Lab
BSP 409: Genetics Lab
BSP 410:Biochemical Techniques Lab
BSH 451: Molecular Biology
BSH 452:Plant & Animal Systematics
BSS 453: Applied Microbiology
BSS 454: Aquatic Biology
BSS 455: Metabolism and Bioenergetics
BSP 456: Molecular Biology Lab
BSP 457: Plant & Animal Systematics Lab
BSP 458: Applied Microbiology Lab
BSP 459: Aquatic Biology Lab
BSP 460: Metabolism and Bioenergetics Lab
BSE 461: Biodiversity and Conservation
BSE 462: Eco-friendly Practices
BSH 501: Animal Physiology
BSH 502: Plant Physiology
BSS 503: Applied Ecology
BSS 504: Immunology
BSS 505: Ecotoxicology
BSP 506: Animal Physiology Lab
BSP 507: Plant Physiology Lab

BSP 508: Applied Ecology Lab
BSP 509: Immunology Lab
BSP 510: Ecotoxicology Lab
BSE 511: Pollution and Bioremediation
BSE 512: Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine
BSE 513: Behavioural Biology
BSH 551: Biotechnology
BSH 552: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics
BSS 552: Environmental Physiology
BSS 553: Developmental Biology
BSS 554: Nutritional Biology
BSP 555: Biotechnology Lab
BSP 556: Environmental Physiology Lab
BSP 557: Developmental Biology Lab
BSP 558: Nutritional Biology Lab
BSP 559: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Lab
BSP 560: Project Work (Report/Dissertation & Presentation/Viva-voce)

8) How does M.Sc. Biosciences differ from other programmes such as Zoology, Botany
Biotechnology and other life science subjects?
Ans.: Two-year M.Sc. Biosciences programme offers skill-based knowledge both in basic and
applied aspects of biological sciences. The syllabus is formulated in accordance with the
CSIR-UGC-NET syllabus for life sciences which covers zoology, botany, biotechnology,
microbiology, and many other subjects.

9) Is it a professional or basic science program? 
Ans.: It is both a professional and basic science program since the syllabus is composed of
application-oriented courses with background knowledge of discoveries and innovations
(basics of life sciences).

 
10) Under which syllabus M.Sc. Biosciences programme belongs to CSIR-UGC NET?
Ans.: Life Sciences. The candidates are also eligible to apply UGC NET examination in
Environmental Sciences.

11) Can students go for a summer vacation research programme meant for PG students
under the funding of Govt of India?
Ans.: Yes, interested students are supported /encouraged to go for summer
vacation research programmes conducted by the Indian Academy of Sciences and other
reputed agencies.

12) What are the career prospects and job opportunities for M.Sc. Biosciences?
Ans.: Some of the career and job opportunities are teaching, research, product manager,
food scientist, nutritionist, Project Manager, Immunologist, Research Assistant, Data
Scientist, and toxicologist.

13) Are there campus selections?
Ans.: There is a provision for departmental-level campus selection whenever the companies
or industries are in demand of qualified manpower. In addition, the University through its
employment bureau conducts mega job mela during which many lives science-related
companies also participate. 

14) Are there research opportunities for M.Sc. Biosciences qualified candidates?
Ans.: There are tremendous opportunities for research not only in the Department of
Biosciences but also across the disciplines including zoology, botany, biotechnology,
microbiology, biochemistry, and all other life science-related subjects in India and abroad, in
universities, research institutions, IITs, and others.

15) Do students have the opportunity to get self-employment/ Self entrepreneurship?
Ans.: Yes, it is both a professional and basic science program since the syllabus is composed
of application-oriented courses with background knowledge of certain employable skills
such as hydroponics, aeroponics, aquaculture practices, apiculture, pisciculture, dairy
farming etc.

16) Does the M.Sc. Biosciences programme create career prospects in sustainable
agriculture/ environmental management?
Ans.: Yes, two-year M.Sc. Biosciences programme offers skill-based knowledge both in
basic and applied aspects of biological sciences. Students will comprehend the knowledge
on eco-friendly life practices. Hence, they can implement their practical skills on agricultural
field like, organic farming- vermicompost, grub composting, crop rotation, soil health
improvement through biofertilizers, plant grafting etc.

17) Does the M.Sc. Biosciences programme have the job opportunity?
Ans.: Yes, Faculty position from PU to PG levels. In industries, Medical coding, Academic
content writer (Microbiology/Biology/Life Science/Medical), Biomedical Engineer,
Functional Principal Consultant/ Life Sciences Professional services & Healthcare,
Biostatistician-Clinical studies, Research Scientist (Analytical Lab). Publication Writer/
Editor/ Proof reader/-Life Sciences, R&D Associate, Research Associate.