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M-SC in Applied Microbiology at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA)
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Applied Microbiology at Shanmugha Arts Science Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA) Thanjavur?
This M.Sc. Applied Microbiology program at Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy focuses on understanding microorganisms'''' role in health, environment, and industry. India''''s burgeoning biotech and pharmaceutical sectors demand skilled microbiologists for drug discovery, diagnostics, and sustainable practices, making this program highly relevant for addressing national needs. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills essential for diverse applications.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for science graduates with a background in life sciences, biotechnology, or microbiology, seeking to delve deeper into the applied aspects of microbial science. It also caters to aspiring researchers, quality control professionals, and those aiming for careers in clinical diagnostics, food safety, environmental management, or bio-pharmaceutical industries in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can pursue careers as Microbiologists, Research Scientists, Quality Assurance/Control specialists in food, pharma, and biotech companies across India. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA. The program also prepares students for further research (Ph.D.) or specialized roles in public health and environmental agencies.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Microbial Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate significant time to thoroughly understand foundational subjects like Microbial Biochemistry, General Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Immunology. Create detailed notes, flowcharts, and mind maps for complex pathways and immune responses. Actively participate in laboratory sessions to gain hands-on proficiency in basic microbiological techniques, sterile practices, and molecular biology experiments.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses on Microbiology/Biochemistry, Reference textbooks (e.g., Brock, Prescott), Online quizzes, peer study groups
Career Connection
Strong fundamentals are crucial for advanced studies, research roles, and problem-solving in industrial or clinical settings. Proficiency in lab techniques is directly applicable to research and QC/QA jobs.
Develop Analytical Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on mastering all experimental procedures in General Microbiology and Molecular Biology labs. Document experiments meticulously in a lab notebook, including observations, results, and troubleshooting. Seek opportunities to assist professors or senior students with their research to gain exposure to advanced equipment and experimental design beyond the regular curriculum.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, YouTube tutorials for specific techniques, Mentorship from faculty/research scholars
Career Connection
Hands-on laboratory expertise is highly valued in R&D, diagnostic labs, and quality control departments across various industries. This builds confidence and practical readiness.
Engage in Scientific Reading & Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Begin reading scientific literature related to your core subjects. Identify and summarize key research papers (e.g., 1-2 papers per week) to understand current trends and develop critical thinking. Participate in departmental seminars and present findings from research papers to improve oral communication skills, which are vital for conferences and project presentations.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Google Scholar, Institutional library databases, Scientific journals (e.g., Nature Microbiology)
Career Connection
Essential for research roles, academic pursuits, and staying updated with industry advancements. Effective communication is crucial for collaboration and report writing.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Applied Microbiology Domains- (Semester 3)
Choose electives wisely that align with your career interests (e.g., Bioinformatics, Genomics and Proteomics). For core subjects like Food, Environmental, and Medical Microbiology, look for real-world case studies in India. Try to connect theoretical knowledge with current challenges in Indian food safety, water treatment, or infectious disease management.
Tools & Resources
Industry reports, news articles on microbiology in India, Guest lectures from industry experts, Online courses on specific applied areas
Career Connection
Helps narrow down career paths, identifies specific industries (food, pharma, environment) for job applications, and makes you more appealing to employers in those sectors.
Seek Industry Internships or Projects- (Semester 3)
Actively search for short-term internships (e.g., 4-6 weeks during semester breaks) in relevant industries (e.g., food testing labs, pharmaceutical QC, breweries, water treatment plants) or research institutions. If internships are unavailable, undertake mini-projects under faculty guidance focusing on applied aspects, like developing a new microbial product or analyzing environmental samples.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA placement cell, LinkedIn, Internshala, Industry contacts, faculty advisors
Career Connection
Provides invaluable practical experience, industry exposure, and networking opportunities. These experiences are strong resume builders for placements.
Participate in Technical Competitions/Workshops- (Semester 3)
Join or organize microbiology-related workshops, seminars, or competitions (e.g., bio-quiz, poster presentations) at SASTRA or other universities. These events hone problem-solving, presentation skills, and expose you to diverse perspectives. Consider becoming an an active member of scientific societies or clubs within the university.
Tools & Resources
University notice boards, Professional body websites (e.g., AMI), Science festivals
Career Connection
Builds a strong co-curricular profile, enhances soft skills, and expands professional networks, all of which are beneficial during interviews.
Advanced Stage
Excel in Project Work & Dissertation- (Semester 4)
Choose a research project aligned with your career goals and devote maximum effort to it. Maintain regular communication with your project guide, refine your experimental design, meticulously collect and analyze data, and write a high-quality dissertation. Prepare for a strong viva-voce presentation, practicing explanations of your methodology and findings.
Tools & Resources
Statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS), Academic writing guides, Plagiarism checkers, presentation tools
Career Connection
A well-executed project is a cornerstone for research-oriented jobs, Ph.D. admissions, and demonstrates independent research capabilities, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to employers.
Master Interview and Placement Skills- (Semester 4)
Actively engage with SASTRA''''s placement cell for mock interviews, resume reviews, and aptitude test preparation. Research target companies, understand their values, and prepare to articulate how your Applied Microbiology skills align with their requirements. Practice answering common HR and technical questions specific to microbiology roles.
Tools & Resources
SASTRA placement office, Online interview preparation platforms, Company websites, current affairs related to science/biotechnology
Career Connection
Directly translates into securing desirable placements in industries like pharma, diagnostics, food & beverage, and environmental sectors.
Develop Professional Networking- (Semester 4)
Leverage your internship contacts, faculty mentors, and alumni network to gain insights into industry trends and job opportunities. Attend career fairs, professional conferences, and webinars. Build a strong professional online presence (e.g., LinkedIn) to connect with potential employers and industry leaders, enhancing your visibility in the job market.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Professional associations (e.g., AMI), University alumni network, career fairs
Career Connection
Opens doors to unadvertised jobs, mentorship, and long-term career growth. Networking is critical for staying informed about industry changes and future roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A Pass in B.Sc. with any branch of Life Sciences (Botany / Zoology / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Biochemistry / Plant Sciences / Animal Sciences) as a major / ancillary subject.
Duration: 4 semesters / 2 years
Credits: 67 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC001 | Microbial Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Biomolecules structure and function, Enzyme kinetics and regulation, Carbohydrate metabolism (Glycolysis, TCA, ETC), Lipid and amino acid metabolism, Photosynthesis and chemosynthesis |
| MAC002 | General Microbiology | Core | 4 | History and scope of microbiology, Microbial classification and taxonomy, Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure, Microbial nutrition and growth, Sterilization and control of microorganisms |
| MAC003 | Mycology and Phycology | Core | 4 | Fungal diversity, structure, and reproduction, Economic importance of fungi, Algal classification, pigments, and distribution, Algal blooms and toxins, Applications of algae and fungi in industry |
| MACL01 | General Microbiology Lab | Core | 2 | Microscopic techniques and staining, Isolation and identification of bacteria, Microbial culture and enumeration methods, Sterilization and disinfection techniques, Antibiotic sensitivity testing |
| MACL02 | Microbial Biochemistry Lab | Core | 2 | Qualitative and quantitative analysis of biomolecules, Enzyme assay and kinetics, Chromatographic techniques, Spectrophotometric analysis, Lipid extraction and analysis |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC004 | Molecular Biology and Microbial Genetics | Core | 4 | DNA and RNA structure and function, DNA replication and repair, Transcription and translation, Gene regulation in prokaryotes, Bacterial genetics: mutation, recombination, plasmids |
| MAC005 | Immunology | Core | 4 | Components of immune system (organs, cells), Antigens and antibodies, Humoral and cell-mediated immunity, Hypersensitivity and autoimmunity, Immunodiagnostic techniques |
| MAC006 | Virology | Core | 4 | Viral structure and classification, Bacteriophage and animal virus replication, Viral diseases and pathogenesis, Antiviral agents and vaccines, Diagnostic methods for viral infections |
| MACL03 | Molecular Biology and Microbial Genetics Lab | Core | 2 | DNA isolation and quantification, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Agarose gel electrophoresis, Bacterial transformation and plasmid isolation, Restriction digestion and ligation |
| MACL04 | Immunology and Virology Lab | Core | 2 | ELISA and Western blotting, Agglutination and precipitation reactions, Immunodiffusion techniques, Viral titration and plaque assay, Cell culture techniques |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC007 | Food and Dairy Microbiology | Core | 4 | Microbiology of fresh and processed foods, Foodborne pathogens and intoxication, Food preservation techniques, Fermented foods and beverages, Dairy products microbiology and quality control |
| MAC008 | Environmental Microbiology | Core | 4 | Microbial diversity in natural environments, Biogeochemical cycles, Water and soil microbiology, Wastewater treatment technologies, Bioremediation and biodegradation |
| MAC009 | Medical Microbiology | Core | 4 | Host-pathogen interactions and virulence factors, Bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, Parasitic diseases, Antimicrobial agents and drug resistance mechanisms, Laboratory diagnosis of infectious diseases |
| MACL05 | Food and Environmental Microbiology Lab | Core | 2 | Microbiological analysis of food samples, Detection of foodborne pathogens, Water quality analysis (MPN, HPC), Isolation of environmental microbes, Bioremediation experiments |
| MACL06 | Medical Microbiology Lab | Core | 2 | Isolation and identification of clinical pathogens, Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Serological tests for infectious diseases, Molecular diagnostics for pathogens, Parasite identification |
| MACX01 | Bioinformatics | Elective | 3 | Biological databases (NCBI, UniProt), Sequence alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Phylogenetic analysis, Genomics and proteomics data analysis, Drug design and molecular docking principles |
| MACX02 | Genomics and Proteomics | Elective | 3 | Genome sequencing technologies, Genome assembly and annotation, Transcriptomics and gene expression analysis, Proteomics techniques (2D-PAGE, Mass Spectrometry), Protein-protein interactions |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MAC010 | Research Methodology and Biostatistics | Core | 4 | Research problem identification and design, Data collection and sampling techniques, Descriptive and inferential statistics, Hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA, correlation), Scientific writing and ethics in research |
| MACPJ1 | Project Work and Dissertation | Core | 12 | Extensive literature review, Experimental design and execution, Data analysis and interpretation, Dissertation writing and submission, Oral presentation and defense |
