MSc in Microbiology Syllabus & Subjects 2024

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Feb 28, 2024 21:52PM IST

MSc Microbiology Syllabus and Subject Overview

MSc Microbiology syllabus is designed to provide a holistic approach to the candidates by incorporating a mixture of theoretical and practical topics. MSc in Microbiology subjects deal with several aspects of microorganisms including specialisations such as Biostatistics, Dairy Microbiology, Microbial Technology, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, Virology, Enzymology, and Microbial Genetics. The syllabus for the MSc Microbiology course helps the students to comprehend the basic concepts of different microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, algae, etc.

MSc Microbiology subjects educate students about microscopic living organisms and that helps in the analysis of many important factors, especially in the field of medicine. In all, the course curriculum trains students about microbes that help the microbiologists to know the cause of the disease and they can develop medicines, antibiotics, vaccines etc. 

MSc Microbiology has varied career aspects and the students can work as scientists in laboratories, hospitals, and various research agencies. All those who have completed their BSc in Microbiology and are looking to pursue higher education in a similar field can check this page till the end to get detailed information about the MSc Microbiology syllabus and subject, course structure, best reference books, and so on.

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MSc Microbiology Year Wise Syllabus

The MSc Microbiology syllabus focuses on different aspects of Cell Morphology, Fermentation Balances, Enzymology, Virology, Biostatistics, Dairy Microbiology, Eukaryotic Genome, Agricultural Microbiology, Fermentation Techniques, Pharmaceutical Microbiology, etc. The programme is very unique and diverse and requires an in-depth study of various MSc Microbiology subjects. 

MSc Microbiology course is a two-year program like other master’s courses that has been split into four semesters. The students are exposed to different syllabi through theoretical and practical teaching methodology and an examination is conducted at the end of every semester to assess the knowledge of the students and to verify the learning outcome from this course. The syllabus of MSc microbiology may slightly vary from one college to another but one can check the syllabus that is followed by most of the institutes as mentioned in the table given below. The following is a discussion about the year-wise MSc Microbiology syllabus and subjects.

First-Year MSc Microbiology Syllabus

Listed below are the semester-wise MSc Microbiology subjects for the first year.

Semester 1Semester 2
Molecular BiologyVirology
Microbial MetabolismBacteriology
Microbial DiversityMycology and Phycology
EnzymologyDNA Technology
BiostatisticsBioinformatics (GE)
LabLab

Second-Year MSc Microbiology Syllabus

Listed below are the semester-wise MSc Microbiology subjects for the second year.

Semester 3Semester 4
Environmental Microbiology and Waste ManagementHost-Pathogen Interaction
Infection Immunity and DiagnosticsFood Microbiology
Microbial GenomicsFermentation Technology
Intellectual Property Rights and Ethical IssuesDissertation- II (DSE)
Labs-
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MSc Microbiology Subjects

MSc Microbiology Subjects are planned in such a way that they give detailed information about several aspects of microorganisms. The students are trained to study these microorganisms and find out the presence of bacteria, fungi, viruses etc. for the benefit of mankind. MSc Microbiology course subjects taught at different universities hold a lot of importance for the students because they will be able to have proper knowledge about all the important subjects. The MSc Microbiology subjects focus on core microbiology concepts alongside various electives available throughout the course duration. The students attain all the basic skills required to excel at the professional level as per industry standards. The important MSc Microbiology subjects are mentioned below

  • Introduction to Prokaryotes
  • Eukaryotic Genome
  • Plasmids and Bacteriophages
  • Microbial Genomics
  • Isolation Techniques of Microorganisms
  • Nutrition and Cultivation
  • Fermentation Technology
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MSc Microbiology Common Subjects

MSc Microbiology Subjects and syllabus have been discussed in the article as mentioned above in different sections. The students are exposed to numerous core and elective MSc Microbiology subjects as per the requirement of the course. However, there are certain common MSc Microbiology course subjects that are taught to every student to give them basic information about the course. The common subjects of MSc Microbiology are significant for every student. One can check the list of common subjects along with their details as mentioned in the table given below.
 

Common Subjects

Details

Food Microbiology

Food Microbiology deals with the study of microbes in context to their effects on food. There are various types of microorganisms that contaminate or spoil food completely. The process of fermentation and other related topics are discussed in this subject. The food microbiology also helps in understanding the usage of microorganisms for food production or enhancement.

Environment Microbiology

Environmental Microbiology deals with the study of Microbes that are present in the environment. One gets to learn about their structures and activities, genetics, interactions, population, and evolution processes. In short, it mainly focuses on all the interactions of the microbes with the given set of environments.

Virology

The study of viruses is referred to as virology. It is related to identification of the structure of viruses, their genetic composition, disease-causing potential, extent of damage that the virus can cause,  classification etc.

Bacteriology

Bacteriology is one of the most important subjects in the MSc Microbiology syllabus. Bacteriology deals with the study of different types of bacteria that cause infection in living organisms. Various bacteria are useful as well and this subject covers different aspects of bacteria. The students are also trained to know the process of classification, identification, and characterization of different species of bacteria.

Medical Microbiology

Medical Microbiology is also a very relevant subject in the current scenario as part of MSc Microbiology syllabus. It can be defined as the study of microbes to determine various measures for the treatment, diagnosis of diseases and prevention of infectious diseases. The subject also deals with researching the usage of different microbes for health benefits.

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MSc Microbiology Optional Subjects

Optional subjects for MSc Microbiology are also termed electives, which can be chosen by students based on their interests or professional objectives. However, these may vary from one college to another. The following is a list of optional MSc Microbiology subjects:

  • Agriculture and Soil Microbiology
  • Biostatistics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Enzymes and Reaction Kinetics
  • Science Journalism
  • Techniques of Downstream Processing
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MSc Microbiology Lab Subjects

While laboratories allow you to apply theory to real-world problems, classrooms merely impart theoretical understanding. The most recent technology is used in the well-appointed, contemporary labs. College laboratories facilitate research to increase the body of practical knowledge. Listed below are the MSc in Microbiology lab subjects:

  • Bacterial Diversity - Lab
  • Enzyme Technology
  • Microbial Cell Biology
  • Microbial Physiology and Metabolism - Lab
  • Principles of Biochemistry - Lab
  • Principles of Microbiology - Lab
  • Recent Trends in Virology - Lab
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Syllabus for MSc Microbiology Distance Programs

For two years, a distance-learning MSc in Microbiology is offered. The subject is covered over four semesters. Every semester, exams are given based on the content covered in class. Candidates enrolled in the distance MSc Microbiology course learn the following topics.

First-Year MSc Microbiology Syllabus for Distance Programs

Listed below are the semester-wise MSc Microbiology subjects for the first year of distance programmes.

Semester ISemester II
Food and Dairy MicrobiologyMicrobial Diversity and Extremophiles
Biostatistics and Computer ApplicationsMicrobial Physiology
BioinstrumentationMolecular Immunology
Bioenergetics and Molecular EnzymologyRecent Trends in Virology
Microbial Genetics-

Second-Year MSc Microbiology Syllabus for Distance Programs

Listed below are the semester-wise MSc Microbiology subjects for the second year of distance programmes.

Semester IIISemester IV
Enzyme TechnologyRecombinant DNA Technology
Environmental Microbial TechnologyBioinformatics, Microbial Genomics, and Proteomics
Bioprocess Engineering and TechnologyPharmaceutical Microbiology
Fermentation Technology-
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MSc Microbiology Entrance Exam Syllabus

The admission to MSc Microbiology course is granted both on a direct basis and through entrance examinations. Many top colleges and universities accept admission to this course only based on entrance examinations. The aspirants of this course must be aware of the different entrance examinations that are conducted for granting admission to MSc Microbiology. The list of some of the common entrance examinations along with their details is mentioned below:

Entrance ExamDetailsSyllabus
CUET PGCentral University Entrance Test is a national-level entrance test conducted by NTA to provide admission in different PG courses. There are almost 66 participating universities in CUET.Syllabus of CUET PG
IIT JAM Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admission Test is a national-level exam that offers admission in different postgraduate courses at IITs and integrated PhD degrees at IISc. Syllabus of IIT JAM
JNUEEJawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Exam is conducted annually at the national level. This entrance test grants admission to different UG, PG and PhD programmes. Syllabus of JNUEE
TS CPGETOsmania University conducts an annual Common Entrance Exam at the University level for granting admission to different postgraduate courses. OUCET has now been replaced with TS CPGET which stands for Telangana State Common Postgraduate Entrance Tests. Syllabus of TS CPGET
BITSATBirla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test is conducted annually in two sessions in an online mode by Bits Pilani to offer admission in postgraduate programs for its different campuses in Goa, Pilani and Hyderabad.Syllabus of BITSAT
IPU CETIndraprastha University Common Entrance Test is conducted yearly at the university level to grant admission to different undergraduate and postgraduate courses.Syllabus of IPU CET
DUETDelhi University Entrance Test is conducted to offer admission in various UG and PG programmes for almost 60 courses. The DUET exam is conducted once a year and NTA is the conducting body of DUET. Syllabus of DUET
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MSc Microbiology Important Books

The books are very vital for those students who chose to study MSc Microbiology. They must be familiar with important books of MSc Microbiology subject to excel in that field. It is a well known fact that there are hundreds of books available in the market for every course. But it is important to know about the best books that will help to clear different entrance examinations as well as the course of MSc Microbiology. The students must go through those books that should help them in preparing for pursuing higher education as well if they plan to do MPhil or PhD. Books are very important as they shape your research skills and level of understanding of the subject. The students must know about the popular, important and recognized MSc Microbiology books for studying MSc Microbiology courses as mentioned in the table given below. They can also keep these books for lifetime to revisit any topics and for any future references in their professional journey. 

MSc Microbiology Books

Author

Prescott’s Microbiology

Christopher J Woolverton

Brock Biology of Microorganisms

Michael T Madigan

Microbial Biofilms

Arindam Mitra

Prescott’s Microbiology

Sherwood, Wiley, and Woolverton

Medical Microbiology

Pfaller, Rosenthal, and Murray

Textbook of Microbiology

DR Arora 

Mims Medical Microbiology

Richard V Goering

General Microbiology

Roger Stanier

Textbook of Microbiology

Ananthanarayan and Paniker

Mims Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Peter L Chiodini

Biotechnology

Purohit and Mathur

Prescott’s Microbiology

Sherwood, Wiley, and Woolverton

Principles of Microbiology

Ronald M Atlas

Industrial Microbiology

A H Patel

Microbiology

Pelczar

Immunology

Richard Goldsby, Thomas Kindt, Barbara Osbourne, Janis Kuby

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MSc Microbiology Course Structure

MSc Microbiology Course is a postgraduate course that is structured as a mix of core and elective subject pattern. The course and syllabus has been divided into four semesters. The students of MSc Microbiology get to choose specialization electives of their choice as per their interest and can develop projects on those topics accordingly. As the course demands a lot of practical exposure and laboratory classes, the syllabus has been designed accordingly. Most of the training in the last two semesters deals with practical and laboratory classes while the first two semesters focus on the theoretical aspect of MSc Microbiology course. A basic outline of MSc Microbiology course structure mentioned below:

  • 4 Semesters
  • Core Subjects
  • Electives
  • Project Submissions
  • Lab Classes
  • Practical Classes
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FAQs about MSc in Microbiology Syllabus

What are the best MSc Microbiology colleges?

The best colleges for MSc Microbiology are St xavier's college (Kolkata), St. Joseph College, (Bangalore), Chandigarh University, (Mohali, Punjab), Presidency University (Bangalore), Amity University (Noida), Fergusson College (Pune), etc.

What is the average MSc Microbiology program course fee ?

The MSc Microbiology average course fee varies from college to college as the fee structure of government college is very less as compared to private university. But, the average MSc Microbiology fee is Rs 50,000 – Rs 2,40,000 lakhs per annum.

Do we get a chance to do a summer internship for the MSc Microbiology program?

Yes, in the final year there is an internship program in MSc Microbiology course structure. The students have to do lab projects and internships for field exposure to gain practical knowledge and for industry experience.

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

The average package after completing MSc Microbiology course is Rs 5 – Rs 8 lakhs per annum . However, it also depends on company standards and work experience

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

MSc Microbiology admission is done through entrance as well as direct admission is also given on the basis of marks. The common entrance examinations for MSc Microbiology courses are JNUEE, IITJAM, CUET PG, BITSAT, DUET, IPU CET, etc.

What are some of the major MSc Microbiology course subjects?

The MScMicrobiology course subjects are mentioned below -BacteriologyMycology and PhycologyDNA TechnologyMicrobial MetabolismEnzymologyBiostatisticsMicrobial DiversityMicrobial GenomicsIntellectual Property Rights and Ethical IssuesVirologyEnvironmental Microbiology and Waste ManagementInfection Immunity and DiagnosticsMolecular Biology

Is the MSc Microbiology syllabus tough?

MSc Microbiology syllabus is nor tough nor easy. Students have to pay attention in the class and work hard to get proper understanding of the MSc Microbiology course subject

Is MSc Microbiology a good choice for a bachelor's degree?

MSc Microbiology has a very bright scope as jobs are easily available in medical settings and sectors. MSc Microbiology course field in India offers various opportunities and is a continually rising sector.

What is the percentage that is considered good in a MSc Microbiology course?

In the MSc Microbiology course anything above 60% is considered good as students are considered eligible for taking admission in higher education.

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

If the students fail in MSc Microbiology course then there is always an option to appear for back papers by giving supplementary or compartmental examinations.

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

MSc Microbiology has varied career aspects and the students can work as scientists in laboratories, hospitals, and various research agencies.

What is the course duration of MSc Microbiology?

MSc Microbiology course duration is 2 years.

What are the skills required to pursue a MSc Microbiology course?

The skills required for MSc Microbiology are as follows - Analytical Skills, Research Skills, Communication Skills, Adjustment skills,Team building skills, Patience, Hard work, Leadership Skills, Listening Skills, Attention to Details, Interpersonal Skills, Numerical Skills, IT SkillsTime Management Skills, etc
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