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M-SC-AGRICULTURE in Plant Breeding Genetics at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Plant Breeding & Genetics at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This Plant Breeding & Genetics program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on developing advanced expertise in genetic improvement of crops, crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and food security in India. The program emphasizes both classical and modern breeding techniques, responding to the growing demand for resilient, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior crop varieties in diverse Indian agro-climatic zones.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for Bachelor''''s graduates in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or Biotechnology seeking specialized knowledge in crop improvement. It suits individuals aspiring for research careers in agricultural institutions, seed companies, or those looking to contribute to India''''s Green Revolution 2.0. Professionals in agricultural extension or R&D looking to upskill in genomics and molecular breeding will also find it beneficial.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to pursue rewarding careers in India as Plant Breeders, Geneticists, Seed Production Managers, Research Scientists, or Agronomists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-6 lakhs annually, with experienced professionals earning significantly more in both public (ICAR, SAUs) and private (Syngenta, Bayer, UPL) sectors. The specialization also prepares students for doctoral studies and entrepreneurial ventures in agricultural biotechnology.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Genetic Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong foundation in classical and molecular genetics, cytology, and basic plant breeding principles. Regularly review lecture notes, engage in practical lab sessions to understand chromosomal behavior and genetic crosses, and solve problems from standard Indian agriculture textbooks.
Tools & Resources
NCERT Biology (Class 11/12 for refresh), ICAR e-courses, genetics problem sets, virtual lab simulations for basic genetics
Career Connection
A solid theoretical base is critical for understanding advanced breeding techniques and is often tested in competitive exams for government research positions and private sector R&D roles.
Develop Analytical and Statistical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to Biostatistics and experimental design courses. Practice data analysis using statistical software (e.g., R, SAS, or even Excel for basics) on agricultural datasets. Form study groups to discuss and interpret research papers from Indian journals like Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding.
Tools & Resources
Online tutorials for R/SAS, statistical handbooks for agricultural research, sample datasets from ICAR projects
Career Connection
Strong analytical skills are essential for designing experiments, interpreting breeding trial results, and making data-driven decisions in both research and commercial plant breeding roles.
Engage in Field & Lab Practicals- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, especially those involving plant identification, crossing techniques, seed handling, and molecular lab protocols. Document observations meticulously in lab notebooks. Seek opportunities for extra field visits to local farms or research stations during breaks.
Tools & Resources
University research farms, well-equipped labs, local agricultural extension centers for practical exposure
Career Connection
Hands-on experience is highly valued by employers in the seed industry and agricultural research, demonstrating practical competency beyond theoretical knowledge.
Intermediate Stage
Specialize in Molecular & Genetic Engineering Techniques- (Semester 3)
Deep dive into molecular breeding, gene cloning, and genetic engineering. Seek opportunities to work on small projects in university labs using techniques like DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and marker-assisted selection. Attend workshops on advanced biotechnological tools.
Tools & Resources
Departmental molecular biology labs, bioinformatics platforms (NCBI, EMBL), online courses on genetic engineering
Career Connection
Expertise in molecular techniques is crucial for modern plant breeding, opening doors to advanced research positions in biotechnology firms and R&D divisions of major seed companies in India.
Network with Industry Professionals- (Semester 3)
Attend national and international agriculture conferences, seminars, and webinars (e.g., organized by Indian Society of Plant Breeders, ISGPB). Connect with guest speakers, faculty members, and alumni working in public and private agricultural sectors. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking.
Tools & Resources
Professional societies in agriculture, university alumni network, LinkedIn
Career Connection
Networking can lead to internship opportunities, project collaborations, and direct placements in agricultural research institutions and seed companies.
Develop Research Proposal & Communication Skills- (Semester 3)
Actively participate in the Seminar course and the Research Methodology course. Practice formulating research questions, designing experiments, and presenting findings concisely. Start exploring potential thesis topics and supervisors early in the semester.
Tools & Resources
Scientific journals, thesis templates, university library resources, presentation software
Career Connection
Strong research and communication skills are fundamental for pursuing higher education (Ph.D.) or for roles requiring report writing, project management, and scientific dissemination.
Advanced Stage
Conduct In-depth Research (Dissertation)- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort to the Project/Dissertation. Choose a research topic aligned with current challenges in Indian agriculture (e.g., climate change resilience, nutritional security). Execute experiments diligently, analyze data robustly, and write a high-quality thesis.
Tools & Resources
Research lab facilities, statistical software, academic writing guides, faculty mentors
Career Connection
A strong dissertation demonstrates independent research capability, a key requirement for research scientist roles and Ph.D. admissions in prestigious Indian and international institutions.
Gain Extension & Field Experience- (Semester 4)
Fully engage in the Extension Project, working directly with farmers or rural communities to understand ground-level agricultural issues and disseminate improved varieties or practices. This builds empathy, problem-solving skills, and practical agricultural knowledge specific to India.
Tools & Resources
Local Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), farmer cooperatives, university extension departments
Career Connection
This practical experience is highly valued in government agricultural departments, NGOs, and companies focused on rural development and technology transfer.
Prepare for Placements & Higher Studies- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in placement drives organized by the university. Tailor your resume and cover letter to specific job descriptions in the Indian agricultural sector. Prepare for technical interviews by reviewing core subject concepts and practice aptitude tests for competitive exams (e.g., ASRB-NET, UPSC-Agriculture Officer).
Tools & Resources
Career counseling services, mock interview sessions, online aptitude test platforms, previous year question papers for competitive exams
Career Connection
Focused preparation ensures successful entry into desired career paths, whether in public sector research, private seed industry, or further academic pursuits.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry / B.Tech. Biotechnology / B.Sc. Ag. (or equivalent) with a minimum of 50% marks
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 75 Credits
Assessment: Assessment pattern not specified
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBG21101 | Principles of Genetics | Core | 3 | Mitosis and Meiosis, Chromosomal theory of inheritance, Linkage and Crossing over, Multiple alleles and Gene interactions, Quantitative inheritance and Cytoplasmic inheritance, Mutation and Transposable elements |
| PBG21102 | Principles of Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | History and scope of plant breeding, Modes of reproduction in crop plants, Major breeding methods in self-pollinated crops, Breeding methods in cross-pollinated crops, Breeding for disease and insect resistance, Drought tolerance and nutritional quality breeding |
| PBG21103 | Modern Concepts in Genetics | Core | 3 | Structure of DNA and RNA, Gene expression and Genetic code, Recombination in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, Gene mapping techniques, Genome organization and Epigenetics, Population genetics principles |
| AGR21101 | Agronomy of Field Crops | Core | 3 | General principles of crop production, Agronomy of cereals and pulses, Agronomy of oilseeds and fiber crops, Tillage and crop establishment, Nutrient and weed management, Water management in crops |
| SSC21101 | Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management | Core | 3 | Soil physical and chemical properties, Essential plant nutrients, Nutrient cycles in soil, Soil organic matter dynamics, Biofertilizers and organic manures, Integrated nutrient management |
| STA21101 | Biostatistics | Core | 3 | Data types and measures of central tendency, Probability distributions, Hypothesis testing and estimation, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Correlation and Regression analysis |
| ENS21101 | Intellectual Property Rights and Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 2 | Concepts of Intellectual Property Rights, Patents, Trademarks, Copyrights, Geographical Indications and Breeder''''s Rights, Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship, Business planning and project formulation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBG21201 | Cytogenetics | Core | 3 | Chromosome structure and organization, Chromosomal aberrations, Polyploidy and Aneuploidy, Translocation and Inversion, Cytogenetics in crop improvement, Genome evolution |
| PBG21202 | Molecular Breeding | Core | 3 | DNA markers (RFLP, RAPD, SSR, SNP), Marker-assisted selection (MAS), QTL mapping and gene tagging, Association mapping and Genomic selection, Transgenics in breeding, Functional genomics in breeding |
| PBG21203 | Breeding for Resistance | Core | 3 | Types and mechanisms of resistance, Gene-for-gene concept, Durable resistance and its components, Breeding for disease resistance, Breeding for insect pest resistance, Breeding for abiotic stress tolerance |
| PPH21201 | Advanced Plant Physiology | Core | 3 | Photosynthesis and respiration pathways, Water relations and mineral nutrition, Plant growth regulators and their roles, Stress physiology in plants, Seed physiology and germination, Source-sink relationships |
| ENT21201 | Integrated Pest Management | Core | 3 | Principles and components of IPM, Insect ecology and population dynamics, Biological control strategies, Chemical control and resistance management, Cultural and mechanical control methods, Host plant resistance in IPM |
| AEX21201 | Extension Methodologies for Technology Transfer | Core | 2 | Principles of extension education, Communication models and theories, Teaching and learning methods in extension, Participatory rural appraisal, Agricultural policies and programs, Impact assessment of extension activities |
| PBE21201 | Bio-informatics | Core | 3 | Biological databases (NCBI, EMBL), Sequence alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Gene prediction and annotation, Phylogenetic analysis, Protein structure prediction, Genomics and Proteomics |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBG21301 | Population Genetics | Core | 3 | Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, Genetic drift and gene flow, Mutation and natural selection, Quantitative trait variation, Heritability and genetic advance, Genetic diversity analysis |
| PBG21302 | Heterosis Breeding | Core | 3 | Basis of heterosis and inbreeding depression, Genetic components of heterosis, Prediction of heterosis, Inbred lines development, Hybrid seed production techniques, Male sterility and apomixis in breeding |
| PBG21303 | Gene Cloning and Genetic Engineering | Core | 3 | Restriction enzymes and cloning vectors, Gene transfer methods in plants, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, Plant tissue culture techniques, Development of transgenic plants, Ethical and safety issues of GMOs |
| HORT21301 | Breeding of Horticultural Crops | Core | 3 | Breeding principles for fruits, Breeding principles for vegetables, Breeding principles for flowers, Breeding of spices and plantation crops, Varietal development and release, Seed and planting material production |
| PBG21304 | Commercial Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | Varietal release and notification system, Seed certification and quality control, DUS testing and plant breeder''''s rights, Intellectual Property Rights in plant breeding, Seed industry structure and regulations, Public-private partnerships in breeding |
| PBG21305 | Seminar | Seminar | 1 | Scientific literature review, Research topic identification, Preparation of presentation slides, Effective oral communication, Question and answer sessions |
| PBE21302 | Research Methodology and Technical Writing | Core | 3 | Research problem formulation, Experimental designs in agriculture, Data collection and analysis, Scientific report writing, Manuscript preparation for journals, Ethical considerations in research |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBG21401 | Molecular Cytogenetics | Core | 3 | FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization), GISH (Genomic In Situ Hybridization), Flow cytometry in plant genetics, Chromosome painting and karyotyping, Applications in genome analysis, Molecular cytogenetics in crop improvement |
| PBG21402 | Advances in Plant Breeding | Core | 3 | Genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs), Speed breeding and rapid generation advance, Precision breeding technologies, Synthetic biology in plant breeding, Digital phenotyping and remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence in crop improvement |
| PBG21403 | Project / Dissertation | Project | 15 | Identification of research problem, Development of experimental design, Data collection and rigorous analysis, Scientific thesis writing, Presentation of research findings, Viva-voce examination |
| PBE21401 | Extension Project | Project | 2 | Rural appraisal and needs assessment, Technology dissemination strategies, Impact evaluation of agricultural interventions, Community engagement techniques, Transfer of improved crop varieties, Problem-solving in field conditions |
