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BACHELOR-OF-SCIENCE in Biochemistry Botany Microbiology at JSS College of Arts, Commerce & Science
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology at JSS College of Arts, Commerce & Science Mysuru?
This Biochemistry, Botany, and Microbiology program at JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Mysuru, focuses on providing a comprehensive understanding of life sciences from molecular to ecological levels. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining the chemical processes of life, the study of plants, and the world of microorganisms. The program is designed to meet the growing demands of India''''s bioscience, pharmaceutical, and agricultural sectors by producing skilled graduates with diverse expertise.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for 10+2 science graduates with a keen interest in fundamental biological processes, laboratory research, and environmental science. It is also suitable for individuals aspiring to pursue higher education in specialized biological fields or seeking entry-level positions in biotechnology, healthcare, and food industries. Students passionate about scientific inquiry and practical application will find this program rewarding.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles as research assistants, quality control analysts, microbiologists, botanists, or biochemists in pharmaceutical, food, agriculture, and environmental sectors. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4 LPA, with growth trajectories leading to senior scientist, R&D manager, or lab director positions in prominent Indian and international companies operating in India.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundation- (Semester 1-2)
Attend all lectures diligently, take detailed notes, and actively participate in laboratory sessions. Focus on understanding the basic principles of biochemistry, cell biology, microbial forms, and plant diversity, which are the building blocks for advanced studies.
Tools & Resources
Prescribed Textbooks, Lab Manuals, Online resources like Khan Academy, NPTEL, Departmental Tutorial Sessions
Career Connection
A solid understanding of fundamentals is critical for excelling in competitive exams, higher studies (M.Sc., PhD), and tackling complex challenges in any bioscience industry role in India.
Develop Scientific Observation & Reporting- (Semester 1-2)
Meticulously record all experimental observations in lab notebooks, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Learn to analyze data effectively and write concise, scientifically accurate reports according to standard protocols.
Tools & Resources
Official Lab Notebooks, Basic data analysis software (e.g., MS Excel), Scientific writing guides, Peer feedback sessions
Career Connection
This skill is indispensable for research positions, quality control roles, and any laboratory-based career where precision and clear communication of results are paramount in the Indian context.
Engage in Peer Learning & Discussion- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics, prepare for examinations, and clarify doubts with peers. Explaining concepts to others significantly solidifies one''''s own understanding.
Tools & Resources
Dedicated Study Groups, Online academic forums (if applicable), Departmental common rooms for discussions, Library resources
Career Connection
Enhances communication and teamwork skills, which are highly valued in collaborative research environments and corporate settings across India, while also strengthening academic performance.
Intermediate Stage
Master Core Laboratory Techniques- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities to perform advanced experiments in molecular biology, immunology, microbial culturing, and plant tissue culture. Understand the theoretical principles behind each technique and troubleshoot common issues.
Tools & Resources
Departmental Advanced Labs, Specialized workshops conducted by college/university, Online practical demonstration videos (e.g., JoVE, Labster), Faculty guidance
Career Connection
Proficiency in these techniques is a direct pathway to roles in R&D, diagnostic laboratories, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and biotechnology companies throughout India.
Explore Interdisciplinary Applications- (Semester 3-5)
Regularly read scientific journals and news articles to understand how biochemistry, botany, and microbiology intersect in areas such as sustainable agriculture, disease diagnosis, environmental remediation, and bioprospecting relevant to India.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, Indian scientific magazines and journals, Guest lectures and seminars on interdisciplinary topics, Science news portals
Career Connection
Fosters innovative thinking, helps identify niche career paths, and prepares students for multidisciplinary roles in emerging sectors of the Indian bio-industry.
Network with Faculty & Industry Professionals- (Semester 3-5)
Attend departmental seminars, guest lectures, and industry-academia interactions. Engage with professors about their research and explore potential minor projects, internships, or mentorship opportunities.
Tools & Resources
College career services and placement cells, LinkedIn for professional networking, Industry-specific events (e.g., BioAsia, agricultural expos), Alumni network
Career Connection
Building a strong professional network opens doors for research collaborations, internships, and valuable job opportunities within Indian industries and research institutions.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Research Project/Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to conduct an independent research project under faculty supervision. Focus on identifying a relevant problem, designing experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings.
Tools & Resources
Access to departmental research labs, Scientific databases and literature search tools, Statistical software (e.g., R, Python, SPSS), Faculty mentors and research guides
Career Connection
This experience is invaluable for pursuing higher studies (M.Sc., Ph.D.), securing R&D positions, and demonstrating practical research aptitude to employers in India and abroad.
Prepare for Higher Studies/Placement Exams- (Semester 6)
Systematically prepare for competitive examinations like GATE Biotechnology, CSIR-NET JRF, or university entrance exams for M.Sc./Ph.D. Also, focus on developing strong aptitude and technical interview skills for campus placements.
Tools & Resources
Coaching centers and online test series, Previous year question papers and mock tests, Career counseling and mock interview sessions, Technical interview guides specific to biosciences
Career Connection
Effective preparation maximizes chances of admission to prestigious postgraduate programs or securing direct entry into desired industry roles in India''''s competitive job market.
Develop Professional & Soft Skills- (Semester 6)
Participate in workshops on scientific presentation skills, effective scientific communication, data interpretation, and ethical practices in science. Refine your resume, cover letter, and professional online presence.
Tools & Resources
Communication and presentation workshops, Mock interviews and group discussions, Online courses on professional development, Professional societies (e.g., Association of Microbiologists of India)
Career Connection
Strong professional and soft skills are crucial for career progression, leadership roles, and effective collaboration in any scientific or corporate environment in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 / PUC II (Science stream) from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biochemistry/Botany/Microbiology as subjects.
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters) for B.Sc. Degree / 4 years (8 semesters) for B.Sc. (Honours with Research)
Credits: Approximately 132-140 credits for a 3-year B.Sc. Degree (depending on Open Elective and Skill Enhancement Course choices). 176 credits for a 4-year B.Sc. (Honours with Research) Degree. Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-I | English | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language and Communication Skills, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Presentation Skills |
| AECC-II | Indian Language (e.g., Kannada/Hindi/Sanskrit) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Language Fundamentals, Reading and Writing, Functional Grammar, Cultural Context, Basic Communication |
| SEC-I | Digital Fluency | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Digital Computing Fundamentals, Office Productivity Tools, Internet and Web Technologies, Digital Ethics and Security, Data Handling Basics |
| BIOCHEM T-1 | Biomolecules, Bioenergetics & Enzymology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, Vitamins and Hormones, Laws of Thermodynamics in Biology, Enzyme Nomenclature and Classification, Enzyme Kinetics and Regulation |
| BIOCHEM P-1 | Biomolecules, Bioenergetics & Enzymology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Qualitative tests for carbohydrates and amino acids, Estimation of amino acids and proteins, Estimation of glucose, Enzyme assays (e.g., amylase activity), Preparation of buffers |
| BOTANY T-1 | Microbiology and Phycology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | History and Scope of Microbiology, Bacterial Morphology and Reproduction, Viruses and Viral Replication, General Characteristics of Algae, Classification and Economic Importance of Algae |
| BOTANY P-1 | Microbiology and Phycology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Microscopic observation of bacteria and algae, Staining techniques for bacteria, Isolation of microbes from soil, Identification of algal forms, Preparation of culture media |
| MICROBIO T-1 | Introduction to Microbiology and Bacteriology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | History and Scope of Microbiology, Microscopy and Staining Techniques, Structure and Physiology of Bacteria, Bacterial Growth and Nutrition, Sterilization and Disinfection |
| MICROBIO P-1 | Introduction to Microbiology and Bacteriology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Principles of microscopy, Aseptic techniques, Preparation of culture media, Isolation and enumeration of bacteria, Differential staining (Gram staining) |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AECC-III | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Climate Change and Global Warming, Environmental Policies and Ethics |
| AECC-IV | Constitution of India | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Constitutional History of India, Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Structure and Powers of Government, Judiciary and Local Self-Government |
| SEC-II | Scientific Temper and Career Planning | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Principles of Scientific Inquiry, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Career Exploration in Science, Resume Building and Interview Skills, Professional Ethics |
| BIOCHEM T-2 | Cell Biology, Metabolism and Nutrition | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cell Structure, Membrane Structure and Transport, Carbohydrate Metabolism (Glycolysis, TCA cycle), Lipid and Amino Acid Metabolism, Principles of Balanced Nutrition |
| BIOCHEM P-2 | Cell Biology, Metabolism and Nutrition (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Microscopic observation of animal and plant cells, Cell fractionation techniques, Estimation of total protein, Determination of enzyme activity in tissues, Analysis of food components |
| BOTANY T-2 | Mycology, Lichenology, Plant Pathology and Virology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Characteristics and Classification of Fungi, Economic Importance of Fungi, Lichen Structure and Reproduction, Symptoms and Types of Plant Diseases, Plant Viruses and their Control |
| BOTANY P-2 | Mycology, Lichenology, Plant Pathology and Virology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Study of fungal and lichen specimens, Isolation of plant pathogens, Identification of common plant diseases, Microscopic observation of fungal structures, Demonstration of viral symptoms |
| MICROBIO T-2 | Mycology, Virology, Phycology and Protozoology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | General Characteristics of Fungi, Structure and Classification of Viruses, Cultivation and Assays of Viruses, General Characteristics of Algae and Protozoa, Role of Protozoa in Environment and Disease |
| MICROBIO P-2 | Mycology, Virology, Phycology and Protozoology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Microscopic study of fungal specimens, Identification of algal and protozoan forms, Viral plaque assays, Cultivation of fungi, Epidemiology of viral diseases |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE-I | Open Elective - I | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary knowledge, Skill diversification, Introduction to other fields, Broadening academic horizons, Critical thinking across disciplines |
| SEC-III | Professional Communication / E-Commerce and Digital Marketing (Example choices) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Business Communication, Digital Tools for Communication, E-commerce Basics, Social Media Marketing, Presentation Skills |
| BIOCHEM T-3 | Molecular Biology and Immunology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | DNA Replication and Repair, Transcription and RNA Processing, Genetic Code and Protein Synthesis, Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigen-Antibody Interactions |
| BIOCHEM P-3 | Molecular Biology and Immunology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | DNA isolation from biological samples, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, Immunodiffusion and Immunoelectrophoresis, Blood grouping, ELISA technique |
| BOTANY T-3 | Archegoniate and Palaeobotany | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Characteristics of Bryophytes, Life Cycles of Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms: Structure and Reproduction, Fossil Formation and Types, Geological Time Scale and Fossil Plants |
| BOTANY P-3 | Archegoniate and Palaeobotany (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Study of morphological features of Bryophytes and Pteridophytes, Anatomy of Gymnosperm stems and leaves, Collection and identification of local fossils, Microscopic examination of archegoniates, Sectioning of plant parts |
| MICROBIO T-3 | Microbial Genetics & Molecular Biology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Bacterial Chromosome and Plasmids, Gene Transfer Mechanisms (Transformation, Conjugation, Transduction), Mutations and Mutagenesis, Regulation of Gene Expression, Recombinant DNA Technology Basics |
| MICROBIO P-3 | Microbial Genetics & Molecular Biology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Isolation of bacterial DNA, Bacterial transformation experiment, Mutant isolation (e.g., replica plating), Restriction enzyme digestion, Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OE-II | Open Elective - II | Open Elective | 3 | Interdisciplinary skill building, Exposure to diverse subjects, Problem-solving approaches, Enhancing critical thinking, Understanding societal applications |
| SEC-IV | Data Analytics / Waste Management (Example choices) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Introduction to Data Analysis, Data Visualization, Statistical Software Basics, Types of Waste and Sources, Recycling and Composting |
| BIOCHEM T-4 | Clinical Biochemistry & Biotechnology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Blood Composition and Analysis, Organ Function Tests (Liver, Kidney), Diabetes and Lipid Disorders, Principles of Genetic Engineering, Applications of Biotechnology |
| BIOCHEM P-4 | Clinical Biochemistry & Biotechnology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Estimation of glucose in blood, Estimation of serum protein, Estimation of cholesterol and triglycerides, Recombinant DNA techniques, PCR and its applications |
| BOTANY T-4 | Angiosperm Taxonomy, Economic Botany and Ethnobotany | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Principles of Angiosperm Classification, Botanical Nomenclature and Identification, Medicinal Plants and their Uses, Food and Fiber Yielding Plants, Traditional Uses of Plants by Indigenous Communities |
| BOTANY P-4 | Angiosperm Taxonomy, Economic Botany and Ethnobotany (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Description of flowering plant families, Preparation of herbarium sheets, Identification of medicinal plants, Study of plant parts of economic importance, Field visits to botanical gardens/local markets |
| MICROBIO T-4 | Immunology and Medical Microbiology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Components of Immune System, Antigen-Antibody Reactions, Hypersensitivity and Autoimmunity, Bacterial Pathogenesis and Virulence Factors, Diagnostic Microbiology Techniques |
| MICROBIO P-4 | Immunology and Medical Microbiology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Blood cell counts and differential count, Agglutination and Precipitation reactions, Isolation of pathogenic bacteria from clinical samples, Antibiotic sensitivity testing, Identification of unknown bacterial cultures |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOCHEM T-5.1 | Advanced Biochemical Techniques | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Chromatographic Techniques, Electrophoretic Techniques (PAGE, SDS-PAGE), Spectroscopic Methods (UV-Vis, FTIR), Centrifugation and Radioisotope Techniques, Biosensors and Microarrays |
| BIOCHEM P-5.1 | Advanced Biochemical Techniques (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Paper and Thin Layer Chromatography, Gel Filtration Chromatography, SDS-PAGE of proteins, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Working with pH meter and buffers |
| BIOCHEM T-5.2 | Genetic Engineering and Bioprocess Technology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Cloning Vectors and Restriction Enzymes, Gene Cloning Strategies, Recombinant Protein Production, Fermentation Technology, Bioreactors and Downstream Processing |
| BIOCHEM P-5.2 | Genetic Engineering and Bioprocess Technology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Plasmid isolation, Ligation and Transformation, Screening for recombinants, Production of enzymes by fermentation, Analysis of fermentation products |
| BOTANY T-5.1 | Plant Physiology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Water Relations in Plants, Mineral Nutrition and Absorption, Photosynthesis: Light and Dark Reactions, Respiration and Energy Metabolism, Plant Growth Regulators |
| BOTANY P-5.1 | Plant Physiology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Experiments on water absorption and transpiration, Demonstration of osmosis and plasmolysis, Estimation of photosynthetic pigments, Study of enzyme activity in plants, Effects of plant growth regulators |
| BOTANY T-5.2 | Plant Development and Reproduction | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Plant Cell Growth and Differentiation, Anatomy of Roots, Stems, and Leaves, Sexual Reproduction in Angiosperms, Embryology and Seed Development, Asexual Reproduction and Vegetative Propagation |
| BOTANY P-5.2 | Plant Development and Reproduction (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Study of meristems and tissues, Anatomy of different plant organs, Microscopic study of ovules and anthers, Germination of pollen grains, Vegetative propagation techniques |
| MICROBIO T-5.1 | Food and Dairy Microbiology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Microorganisms in Food, Food Spoilage and Preservation, Foodborne Diseases, Microbiology of Milk and Dairy Products, Quality Control in Food Industry |
| MICROBIO P-5.1 | Food and Dairy Microbiology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Enumeration of microorganisms in food samples, Detection of foodborne pathogens, Microbiological analysis of milk, Tests for milk quality, Isolation of lactic acid bacteria |
| MICROBIO T-5.2 | Industrial Microbiology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Microbial Fermentations, Production of Industrial Alcohol and Antibiotics, Enzyme Technology, Bioreactors and Downstream Processing, Microbial Products in Agriculture |
| MICROBIO P-5.2 | Industrial Microbiology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Isolation of industrially important microbes, Batch fermentation for alcohol production, Production of microbial enzymes, Screening for antibiotic producers, Analysis of fermentation broth |
| MDE-I | Major Discipline Elective - I (e.g., Nutritional Biochemistry / Plant Tissue Culture / Environmental Microbiology) | Major Discipline Elective | 3 | Advanced concepts in chosen specialization, Application-oriented learning, Interdisciplinary insights, Specialized techniques, Current research trends |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BIOCHEM T-6.1 | Human Physiology & Endocrinology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Digestive System and Metabolism, Respiratory and Circulatory Systems, Nervous and Excretory Systems, Major Endocrine Glands and Hormones, Hormone Regulation and Disorders |
| BIOCHEM P-6.1 | Human Physiology & Endocrinology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Analysis of urine samples, Blood pressure measurement, Study of organ models, Estimation of hormones (demonstration), Physiological response to exercise |
| BIOCHEM T-6.2 | Bioinformatics & Biostatistics | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Biological Databases (NCBI, EMBL), Sequence Alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Phylogenetic Analysis, Basic Statistical Concepts, Hypothesis Testing and Data Interpretation |
| BIOCHEM P-6.2 | Bioinformatics & Biostatistics (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Using NCBI for sequence retrieval, Performing BLAST searches, Constructing phylogenetic trees, Basic statistical analysis using software (e.g., Excel, R), Data presentation and graphical representation |
| BOTANY T-6.1 | Cell and Molecular Biology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Cell Organelles and their Functions, Cell Cycle and Cell Division, Structure and Functions of DNA and RNA, Gene Expression and Regulation, Genetic Engineering in Plants |
| BOTANY P-6.1 | Cell and Molecular Biology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Microscopic study of cell division, Isolation of plant DNA, Agarose gel electrophoresis, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Tissue culture techniques |
| BOTANY T-6.2 | Genetics, Plant Breeding and Evolution | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Mendelian Genetics and Deviations, Chromosome Structure and Aberrations, Principles of Plant Breeding, Crop Improvement Techniques, Theories of Evolution and Speciation |
| BOTANY P-6.2 | Genetics, Plant Breeding and Evolution (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Problems on Mendelian genetics, Study of polyploidy, Floral biology techniques, Hybridization techniques, Field visits to research stations |
| MICROBIO T-6.1 | Pharmaceutical Microbiology | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Sterilization in Pharmaceutical Industry, Microbial Contamination in Pharma Products, Antibiotics and Antimicrobial Agents, Vaccines and Serology, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) |
| MICROBIO P-6.1 | Pharmaceutical Microbiology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Microbial limit tests for pharmaceuticals, Assay of antibiotics, Sterility testing of products, Antimicrobial sensitivity testing, Disinfectant efficacy testing |
| MICROBIO T-6.2 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics | Major Discipline Core Course (Theory) | 4 | Biological Databases (NCBI, UniProt), Sequence Alignment Algorithms, Gene Prediction and Genome Annotation, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Statistical Software Applications |
| MICROBIO P-6.2 | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (Practical) | 2 | Retrieval of biological sequences, Using BLAST for sequence homology search, Phylogenetic tree construction, Calculation of mean, median, mode, T-tests and ANOVA using statistical tools |
| MDE-II | Major Discipline Elective - II (e.g., Medical Biochemistry / Forestry / Water and Waste Management) | Major Discipline Elective | 3 | Niche areas within chosen disciplines, Advanced research methodologies, Industrial applications, Policy and regulatory aspects, Emerging trends in biosciences |
| PROJECT | Project Work / Dissertation | Project | 4 | Research problem identification, Literature review, Experimental design and execution, Data analysis and interpretation, Report writing and presentation |
