

B-A-HONS in Home Science at Patna Women's College


Patna, Bihar
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About the Specialization
What is Home Science at Patna Women's College Patna?
This Home Science program at Patna Women''''s College focuses on a holistic understanding of family and community well-being. It integrates disciplines like nutrition, human development, resource management, and textile science, aligning with the growing need for skilled professionals in areas impacting daily life and domestic economy in India. The program emphasizes practical applications for improving quality of life, catering to diverse needs within Indian households and communities.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for students passionate about enhancing family welfare, community health, and sustainable living practices. It suits fresh graduates seeking careers in nutrition, child development, social work, or textile industries. It also benefits individuals looking to start small businesses in food processing, fashion, or interior design, particularly those focusing on local Indian markets and traditional practices.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including dieticians, nutritionists, child care professionals, extension workers, fashion designers, and interior decorators. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5-4 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-10 LPA or more, particularly in specialized roles or entrepreneurial ventures. Growth trajectories often involve leadership roles in NGOs, healthcare, or consumer product companies.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Scientific and Foundational Knowledge- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core concepts in nutrition, human development, and food science. Utilize recommended textbooks, actively participate in lab practicals, and form study groups for peer learning. Attend workshops on scientific writing and basic research methodologies offered by the college.
Tools & Resources
College library resources, NCERT science books (for revision), Online platforms like NPTEL for foundational concepts, Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation in these areas is crucial for all advanced courses and forms the bedrock for specialized roles in health, food industry, and development sectors in India.
Develop Essential Communication and Environmental Awareness- (Semester 1-2)
Engage actively in Communication Skills and Environmental Science courses. Practice public speaking, report writing, and critical analysis of environmental issues. Participate in college debates or environmental clubs to enhance soft skills and awareness relevant to community work.
Tools & Resources
College''''s language lab, Public speaking clubs, Environmental awareness campaigns, Local NGOs focusing on sustainability
Career Connection
Strong communication is vital for client interaction, extension work, and presenting research. Environmental awareness is increasingly relevant for sustainable development roles in India and policy advocacy.
Master Basic Dietetics and Resource Management Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Apply theoretical knowledge of dietetics and family resource management to real-life scenarios. Create balanced meal plans, analyze household budgets, and practice time management techniques. Seek opportunities to assist in college events requiring planning and resource allocation to gain practical experience.
Tools & Resources
Budgeting apps, Local markets for understanding food costs, Family members for interviews on resource use, Practical projects given in class
Career Connection
These skills are directly applicable to roles as dietetics assistants, family counselors, or aspiring entrepreneurs in food service or consumer goods industries within India.
Intermediate Stage
Gain Practical Skills in Clothing, Design, and Research- (Semester 3-4)
Actively participate in practicals for Clothing and Textile Science and Interior Design. Experiment with different fabrics, construction techniques, and design principles. Apply research methods learned by conducting mini-projects or surveys within the college or local community to gather data.
Tools & Resources
Department labs for textiles, Basic design software (if available in college), Local artisans for textile workshops, Research databases
Career Connection
These skills are essential for careers in fashion design, textile quality control, interior decoration, and social research roles, particularly in India''''s growing lifestyle sector.
Focus on Community Engagement and Digital Literacy- (Semester 3-4)
Seek opportunities for field visits or short-term volunteering with NGOs or rural development projects to understand extension education and community needs. Utilize the Computer Application Skills course to build proficiency in productivity tools and online research relevant to Home Science applications.
Tools & Resources
Local NGOs, Community centers, Government rural development schemes (e.g., Anganwadi centers), Online tutorials for MS Office
Career Connection
Prepares students for roles in community development, public health, and for effectively using technology in professional settings, crucial for modern career demands.
Explore Entrepreneurial Avenues and Advanced Human Development- (Semester 3-4)
Develop an entrepreneurial mindset by identifying potential small business ideas related to Home Science (e.g., food products, handmade textiles, childcare services). Deepen understanding of advanced human development concepts by observing children in local schools or Anganwadis.
Tools & Resources
Business plan templates, Local entrepreneurs as mentors, Government schemes for small businesses (e.g., Mudra Yojana), Child care centers for observation
Career Connection
Fosters self-employment opportunities, prepares for roles in child counseling, special education, or geriatric care, aligning with India''''s need for skilled service providers.
Advanced Stage
Specialize through Electives and Applied Nutrition- (Semester 5-6)
Choose Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) strategically based on career interests (e.g., Family Dynamics, Fashion Design, Food Quality Control). Focus intensely on Applied Nutrition and Institutional Food Service Management by seeking internships in hospitals, community clinics, or large catering units.
Tools & Resources
Hospital dietetics departments, Food service industries, Specialized journals, Professional body guidelines (e.g., Indian Dietetic Association)
Career Connection
Direct path to specialized roles as clinical dieticians, food service managers, counselors, or textile quality controllers, catering to specific industry demands.
Execute a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 6)
Undertake the Dissertation/Project Work/Internship with utmost dedication. Select a topic of strong interest and practical relevance to the Indian context. Apply all learned research methods, conduct thorough data collection and analysis, and present findings professionally in a well-structured report.
Tools & Resources
Research methodology books, Basic statistical software, University research ethics board, Faculty mentors for guidance
Career Connection
Provides crucial research experience, enhances problem-solving skills, and can be a strong portfolio piece for higher studies or job applications in research or development roles.
Prepare for Placements and Professional Networking- (Semester 6)
Actively attend campus placement drives and career counseling sessions. Prepare a strong resume highlighting practical skills and project work. Network with alumni and professionals in the field through college events or LinkedIn. Practice interview skills and group discussions to boost confidence.
Tools & Resources
College''''s career services cell, LinkedIn for professional networking, Professional association events, Mock interviews and group discussion practice sessions
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements in relevant industries across India, building a strong professional foundation for a successful career.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Intermediate/+2 or equivalent with 45% marks in aggregate from any recognized Board.
Duration: 3 Years (6 semesters)
Credits: 130 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHSCC101 | Nutrition for the Family | Core | 6 | Food and Nutrition Basics, Macronutrients and Micronutrients, Balanced Diet Concepts, Nutritional Requirements across Lifecycle, Food Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines |
| BAHSCC102 | Introduction to Human Development | Core | 6 | Concepts of Human Development, Stages of Development, Prenatal Development, Infancy and Childhood, Adolescence and Early Adulthood, Growth and Development Theories |
| BAHS AECC 101 | Communication Skills | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Communication Process and Types, Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication, Listening and Reading Skills, Presentation Techniques, Group Discussion and Interview Skills |
| BAHS GE101 | Dietetics and Meal Planning | Generic Elective | 6 | Principles of Dietetics, Meal Planning for Various Age Groups, Therapeutic Diets, Food Preparation Techniques, Food Safety and Hygiene |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHSCC203 | Food Science | Core | 6 | Composition of Foods, Food Processing Methods, Food Preservation Techniques, Food Quality and Standards, Food Additives and Contaminants, Sensory Evaluation of Food |
| BAHSCC204 | Family Resource Management | Core | 6 | Concepts of Resource Management, Time and Energy Management, Financial Management for Families, Decision Making in Households, Consumer Education and Protection, Housing and Home Furnishing |
| BAHS AECC 202 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 4 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Ethics, Sustainable Development Goals, Climate Change Impacts |
| BAHS GE202 | Public Health and Hygiene | Generic Elective | 6 | Public Health Concepts, Community Hygiene and Sanitation, Disease Prevention and Control, Health Policies and Programs, Maternal and Child Health, Foodborne Diseases |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHSCC305 | Clothing and Textile Science | Core | 6 | Textile Fibers and Yarns, Fabric Construction Methods, Textile Finishes and Embellishments, Dyeing and Printing Techniques, Garment Construction Basics, Clothing Care and Maintenance |
| BAHSCC306 | Research Methods in Home Science | Core | 6 | Introduction to Research, Research Design and Types, Data Collection Methods, Sampling Techniques, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Ethics in Research |
| BAHSCC307 | Extension Education and Rural Development | Core | 6 | Principles of Extension Education, Rural Community Development Programs, Communication Strategies for Development, Program Planning and Evaluation, Adoption of Innovations, Role of Home Scientists in Rural Development |
| BAHS SEC 301 | Computer Application Skills | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Basic Computer Operations, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Internet and Email, Data Management Basics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHSCC408 | Interior Design and Decoration | Core | 6 | Elements and Principles of Design, Space Planning and Layouts, Furniture Selection and Arrangement, Color Theory and Schemes, Lighting and Accessories, Surface Finishes and Materials |
| BAHSCC409 | Advanced Human Development | Core | 6 | Middle Childhood and Adolescence, Adulthood and Aging (Gerontology), Family Dynamics and Relationships, Children with Special Needs, Guidance and Counseling, Developmental Challenges |
| BAHSCC410 | Community Nutrition | Core | 6 | Nutritional Problems in Communities, Nutritional Assessment Methods, Community Nutritional Programs, Maternal and Child Health Nutrition, Food Security and Poverty, Nutrition Education Strategies |
| BAHS SEC 402 | Entrepreneurship Development | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Concepts of Entrepreneurship, Idea Generation and Feasibility, Business Plan Development, Marketing and Sales Strategies, Financial Management for Startups, Legal Aspects of Business |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHSCC511 | Applied Nutrition | Core | 6 | Diet Therapy Principles, Nutritional Care Process, Diet in Diseases (Diabetes, Heart Disease), Assessment of Nutritional Status, Dietary Counseling, Food Service Management in Hospitals |
| BAHSCC512 | Consumer Economics and Education | Core | 6 | Consumer Rights and Responsibilities, Consumer Protection Laws in India, Household Budgeting and Financial Planning, Saving and Investment Options, Marketing, Advertising and Consumer Behavior, Smart Shopping Practices |
| BAHS DSE 501 | Family Dynamics and Counseling | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Family Systems and Structures, Marital and Parental Relationships, Family Stress and Crisis Management, Counseling Theories and Techniques, Conflict Resolution in Families, Professional Ethics in Counseling |
| BAHS DSE 502 | Advanced Textile Chemistry | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Chemistry of Textile Fibers, Advanced Dyeing Processes, Printing Technologies, Textile Testing and Quality Control, Eco-friendly Textiles, Functional and Smart Textiles |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BAHSCC613 | Institutional Food Service Management | Core | 6 | Types of Food Service Systems, Menu Planning and Engineering, Food Procurement and Storage, Quantity Food Production Techniques, Hygiene, Sanitation and Safety Standards, Cost Control and Financial Management |
| BAHSCC614 | Dissertation / Project Work / Internship | Core | 6 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review and Data Collection, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing and Presentation, Fieldwork and Practical Experience, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| BAHS DSE 603 | Fashion Design and Merchandising | Discipline Specific Elective | 6 | Fashion Trends and Forecasting, Elements of Fashion Design, Pattern Making and Draping, Garment Production and Quality Control, Visual Merchandising, Retail Management in Fashion |
| BAHS DSE 604 | Family Entrepreneurship | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Family Business Concepts, Challenges and Opportunities in Family Business, Succession Planning, Innovation and Growth Strategies, Marketing and Finance for Family Ventures, Legal and Ethical Aspects |




