B. Sc. Microbiology
Food and Agricultural Microbiology

The B.Sc. Microbiology – Food & Agricultural Microbiology specialisation program at UPES School of Health Sciences & Technology is a structured undergraduate degree that builds a strong foundation in microbiology with focused applications in food systems, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. It introduces core microbiological principles while emphasising the role of microorganisms in food production, preservation and safety, soil fertility, plant–microbe interactions, and sustainable agriculture.

The curriculum blends fundamentals with applied learning across areas such as foodborne microorganisms, fermentation technology, agricultural microbes, soil and rhizosphere microbiology, plant growth–promoting microorganisms, microbial spoilage, and basic biotechnological applications. Learning is supported through classroom teaching, laboratory training and field exposure, with strong hands-on practice in microbial isolation, staining, culture maintenance, enumeration and identification, alongside modules in food quality assessment, soil health, contamination checks and basic quality control.

Field visits, demonstrations and mini projects connect theory to real agricultural and food-processing environments, building analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Training in well-equipped microbiology labs with aseptic workspaces and biosafety-compliant facilities (BSL-1 & BSL-2).
• Access to BOD incubators, autoclaves, laminar airflow units, advanced microscopes, centrifuges, pH meters, and spectrophotometers.
• Early focus on instrumentation awareness, data interpretation, and scientific documentation for research readiness.
• Industry and institutional exposure through industrial visits, guest lectures, introductory internships, and skill modules.
• Specialisation learning covers food safety and preservation, soil fertility and biofertilisers, plant–microbe interactions, microbial spoilage, and microbes in environmental balance.

Graduates are positioned to contribute to growing sectors including food safety and quality control, sustainable agriculture using microbial solutions for soil health and crop productivity, food processing and preservation (including fermentation-based products), and environmental and agricultural monitoring through microbial analysis of soil and water. The program also provides early exposure to gut microbiome and probiotics concepts, supporting understanding of microbial applications in composting and agricultural waste management.

Career pathways include:

• Food safety & quality control roles (supporting hygiene, safety standards, and compliance in food industries).
• Sustainable agriculture roles (microbial solutions for soil health, plant–microbe interactions, and crop productivity).
• Food processing & preservation roles (fermentation and natural preservation-focused work).
• Environmental and agricultural monitoring roles (microbial analysis of soil, water, and agro-ecosystems).
• Foundations of gut microbiome & probiotics (early exposure linking food microbes and human health).
• Waste management & bio-solutions roles (microbial applications in composting and agricultural waste management).

Job roles include Food Quality Control Assistant/Analyst, Agricultural Microbiology Technician, Lab Technician (food/dairy/agro), Research Assistant, and Production/Quality Executive.

Higher study pathways include M.Sc., M.Tech., MBA, and research programs.

UPES supports students through academic mentoring and industry exposure to explore entry-level roles in food, agriculture and biotech sectors, access internships and skill-based training, and pursue seamless progression to postgraduate and research programs. The program emphasises critical thinking, laboratory competence, ethical scientific practice and innovation, helping students build the tools and confidence to contribute to food and environmental safety and sustainable solutions.

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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 OR Biology (50% marks) and English as a Major Subject in XII.

Admission into the B.Tech. Food Technology program at UPES relies on an individual's performance in UPESEAT / JEE Mains / Board Merit / SAT / CUET as the selection criteria for students interested in pursuing the course.

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