B.Sc. Microbiology

B. Sc. Microbiology

Program Details

The B.Sc. Microbiology program offered by UPES is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the field of microbiology. The program focuses on studying the biology of microscopic creatures, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. Students will learn about the impact of microbes on the health of the planet and its inhabitants, as well as their significance in the study of all life forms.

The program offers specializations in two areas: food and environment microbiology and medical and pharmaceutical microbiology. Students can choose to explore the diverse applications of microbiology in these fields. Additionally, the program incorporates the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) application in healthcare, which has significant implications for life science and healthcare.

The duration of the program is four years, in line with the New Education Policy (NEP). Upon completion of the first year, students will receive a Certificate in Microbiology. After two years of study, students will be awarded a Diploma in Microbiology. At the end of the third year, students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. In the fourth year, students who achieve a score of 75% and above will qualify for the "BSc Honours by research" in Microbiology. These students will be required to undertake a 15-credit research project and will have the opportunity to directly qualify for a PhD without the need for a Master's degree. Students who achieve a score below 75% will qualify for the "BSc Honors Microbiology" degree. In their final semester, they will engage in industry training or an internship, earning 15 credits. These students will then have to pursue a one-year MSc program to qualify for a PhD.

Program Highlights

  • Access to advanced facilities and equipment, including a state-of-the-art Aspetic Room (BSL-1), BOD incubators, CO2 incubators, freezers, and centrifuges, to enhance microbiology work.
  • Students working on projects can utilize the central instrumentation facility offered by UPES R&D, providing them with additional resources and support.
  • Partnerships with esteemed institutions and organizations like AIIMS, Rishikesh, Biocon Academy, Sun Pharma Research Centre, and Oil India Limited, offering valuable exposure and practical learning opportunities.
  • Emphasis on practical learning and project-based approaches that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
  • Implementation of teaching methods that involve real-life examples, encourage student engagement, utilize daily assessment tools, gamify the learning process through quizzes and assignments, and leverage open education resources, labs, videos, and simulations.
  • Provision of professional software training and certification, access to Swayam and NPTEL lectures, and participation in competitive events at the in-house, national, and international levels, promoting holistic development and fostering a competitive spirit.

The future scope of a B.Sc. Microbiology program is incredibly promising and diverse. Microbiology graduates have ample opportunities in various industries and sectors worldwide. The field offers a wide range of specializations and career paths. In the field of nourishment microbiology, the study of biological entities and their environment provides insight into food safety and quality. Environmental science offers a deep understanding of our planet's delicate balance, highlighting the need for microbiologists to tackle environmental challenges. Healthcare and medicine present avenues for microbiologists to contribute to healing and scientific advancements. Genetic engineering opens up possibilities for microbiologists to manipulate the fabric of life, paving the way for innovative applications. Agrochemistry biotechnology combines agricultural science and molecular manipulation, holding the potential to revolutionize food production and address global hunger. Microbiologists can also contribute to pollution control boards, protecting the environment and our well-being. The concept of biorefineries offers a vision of sustainable resource utilization and harmonious coexistence with nature.

Career Opportunities

The BSc Microbiology Program equips students with the necessary skills for diverse career paths in the industry. The program focuses on hot research topics in the field, such as environmental genomics and metagenomics, biocomplexity, infectious diseases, the origins and history of life, and engineering microbes to enhance quality of life. With this knowledge, graduates can pursue a range of rewarding opportunities in various sectors. They can contribute to groundbreaking research in understanding and preserving the environment, combating infectious diseases, unraveling the mysteries of life's origins, and utilizing microbes for improving overall well-being. This program opens doors to exciting career prospects for BSc Microbiology graduates.

The subsequent professional paths in the field of Microbiology are available for the students to pursue:

  • National Defence
  • Academics and Research
  • Industrial Sustainability
  • Researcher
  • Academician
  • Lab Technician
  • Microbiologist
  • Teacher
  • Medical Content Writer

Placements

The B.Sc. Microbiology program offered by UPES School of Health Sciences and Technology provides excellent opportunities for placements in the field. The program equips students with a strong foundation in microbiology, including theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career. UPES has established strong industry connections, ensuring that students have access to a wide range of placement opportunities. The university's dedicated placement cell works closely with leading companies and research institutions to facilitate internships and placements for students. Graduates of the B.Sc. Microbiology program from UPES School of Health Sciences and Technology are well-prepared to pursue careers in diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, food and beverage industries, and research organizations.

Fee Structure

Click here for detailed Fee Structure.

Eligibility

Interested students must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements for B.Sc. Microbiology: Minimum 50% Marks at X & XII with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Math’s, and English as a Major Subject in XII

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for students who wish to pursue B.Sc. Microbiology at UPES rely on the individual's performance in a Personal Interview.

Curriculum

Semester 1

CourseLTPCredit
Biosciences3126
Introduction to Microbiology3126
Cell & Molecular Biology3126
Ability Enhancement/Co-
curricular
   0
Living Conversations2002
Environment Sustainability & 
Climate Change
2002
TOTAL   22
,

Semester 2

CourseLTPCredit
Principles of Biochemistry211.54.5
Computer Application & Bioinformatics211.54.5
Fundamentals of Biostatistics211.54.5
Ability Enhancement/Co-curricular   0
Critical Thinking and Writing2  2
Environment Sustainibility &
Climate Change (Living Lab)
2  2
Technologies of the Future2  2
Elective Course211.54.5
Laboratory Safety Guidelines211.54.5
Introduction to Microbiology211.54.5
One Health Perspectives211.54.5
TOTAL   24
,

Semester 3

CourseLTPCredit
Prokaryotic Microbiology211.54.5
Eukaryotic Microbiology211.54.5
Microbial Physiology and Metabolism2125
Ability Enhancement/Co-curricular0  0
EDGE-SoftSkills   0
Design Thinking2  2
TOTAL   16
,

Semester 4

CourseLTPCredit
Agricultural Microbiology and 
Plant Pathology
211.54.5
Environmental Microbiology & 
Biogeochemistry
211.54.5
Biosafety and Aseptic Techniques2125
Working with Data2  2
Ability Enhancement/Co-curricular0  0
EDGE – Advance Communication   0
Elective Course211.54.5
Biosafety Guidelines211.54.5
Environmental Microbiology 
and Biogeochemistry
211.54.5
Food borne infections211.54.5
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 5

CourseLTPCredit
Medical Microbiology & Diagnostics211.54.5
Epidemiology and Global Health211.54.5
Immunology211.54.5
Bioinstrumentation211.54.5
Leadership & Teamwork11 2
Ability Enhancement/Co-curricular0  0
Industrial Training/Survey/Project  40
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 6

CourseLTPCredit
Microbial Genetics & Biotechnology3126
Microbial Systems Biology3126
Food Microbiology3126
Start your Start-up2  2
Ability Enhancement/Co-curricular0  0
Industrial Training/Survey/Project  40
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 7

CourseLTPCredit
Microbiome & Omics3115
Industrial Microbiology3115
Research Methodology3115
Good laboratory and 
Manufacturing Practices
3115
TOTAL   20
,

Semester 8

CourseLTPCredit
Industrial Internship/Startup   15
Research Project   15
Elective Course 32 5
Microbial Quality Control & 
Assessment
32 5
Industrial Microbiology32 5
Microbial Bioprospecting32 5
TOTAL   20

Minors

To opt the minors, please choose the minors from the bucket. Click here to know more.

Varied Specialisations to pick from

Food and Environmental Microbiology

Food and Environmental Microbiology

Link
Medical and Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Medical and Pharmaceutical Microbiology

Link