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BACHELOR-OF-SCIENCE-BSC in Botany at Surendranath Evening College
Kolkata, West Bengal
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About the Specialization
What is Botany at Surendranath Evening College Kolkata?
This Botany Honours program at Surendranath Evening College, affiliated with the University of Calcutta, focuses on the scientific study of plant life. It delves into plant structure, growth, reproduction, metabolism, diseases, chemical properties, and evolutionary relationships. The curriculum emphasizes both fundamental theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing students for diverse roles in plant sciences within the Indian context, addressing critical needs in agriculture, environment, and biotechnology sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong interest in biological sciences and a curiosity about the plant kingdom. It attracts students aspiring for research careers in botanical gardens, forestry, and plant biotechnology. It also suits those aiming for roles in agri-business, environmental conservation, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as preparing for higher education in plant science or related fields in India and abroad.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect various career paths in India, including plant geneticists, biotechnologists, environmental consultants, taxonomists, and horticulturalists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6-12+ LPA. Growth trajectories are significant in agri-tech startups, government research institutions like ICAR, and CSIR labs, along with opportunities in academia and forest services.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Botanical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong foundation in plant morphology, anatomy, physiology, and taxonomy. Utilize textbooks, detailed lab manuals, and online resources like NPTEL videos for clear understanding. Form study groups to discuss complex topics and clarify doubts regularly.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL (Botany courses), BYJU''''S (Biology section), NCERT textbooks (XI-XII Biology), Lab manuals
Career Connection
A robust foundation is critical for all advanced studies and forms the bedrock for competitive exams (e.g., UPSC, NET) and entry-level research positions.
Develop Practical Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions, learning to handle microscopes, prepare slides, conduct experiments on plant tissues, and identify specimens. Maintain a meticulous lab notebook. Seek opportunities for extra lab work or demonstration sessions if available.
Tools & Resources
College Botany Lab Manuals, Microscope, Plant specimen kits
Career Connection
Strong practical skills are essential for research labs, quality control roles in industries, and even for fieldwork in botany and agriculture.
Engage with Environmental Studies- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention to the Environmental Studies (AECC) component, as it provides a broader context for plant sciences. Participate in college environmental clubs, local clean-up drives, or awareness campaigns to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world issues.
Tools & Resources
UNEP reports, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) website, Local NGOs
Career Connection
This builds awareness for careers in environmental conservation, sustainable development, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Interdisciplinary Electives (GE & SEC)- (Semester 3-4)
Strategically choose Generic Electives (GE) from complementary fields like Chemistry, Zoology, or Biotechnology to broaden your scientific perspective. Opt for Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) that offer practical, market-relevant skills such as Mushroom Cultivation or Nursery & Gardening.
Tools & Resources
College prospectus for GE options, Online courses (Coursera, edX) in related skill areas, Local agricultural extension centers
Career Connection
Diverse skills and interdisciplinary knowledge make you a more versatile candidate for jobs in agri-food, pharma, and environmental sectors, increasing employability.
Participate in Workshops and Seminars- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek and attend workshops, seminars, and guest lectures organized by the college or other institutions in Kolkata on topics like plant tissue culture, molecular techniques, or bioinformatics. These events expose you to current research and industry trends.
Tools & Resources
College notice boards, University event calendars, LinkedIn for professional events
Career Connection
Networking with experts and understanding cutting-edge techniques can open doors to internships and clarify potential career paths in research and industry.
Undertake Mini-Projects or Field Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively approach professors to get involved in small research projects or guided field studies. This provides hands-on experience in research methodology, data collection, and analysis, which is invaluable for a science degree. Document all findings meticulously.
Tools & Resources
Departmental research labs, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Local parks or forests
Career Connection
Practical research experience enhances your CV, demonstrates initiative, and is often a prerequisite for postgraduate studies and R&D roles.
Advanced Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization & Electives- (Semester 5-6)
For DSE courses (Plant Breeding, Bioinformatics, etc.), delve deeply into the selected subjects. Read advanced journals, engage in critical discussions, and explore their real-world applications in agriculture, medicine, or environmental management, especially in the Indian context.
Tools & Resources
Research journals (e.g., Indian Journal of Plant Physiology), MOOCs for advanced topics, Botany research papers
Career Connection
This specialized knowledge is crucial for roles as a subject matter expert in research, industry (e.g., seed companies, biotech firms), or for pursuing higher studies like M.Sc./Ph.D.
Prepare for Higher Education & Competitive Exams- (Semester 5-6)
Begin preparing for entrance exams for M.Sc. (Botany/Biotechnology) or competitive exams like UGC NET, GATE, UPSC Civil Services (Forest Service optionals). Focus on understanding core concepts, practicing objective questions, and staying updated with current affairs in science.
Tools & Resources
Previous year question papers, Coaching institutes (if desired), Online test series, Current affairs magazines
Career Connection
Success in these exams is key for admission to prestigious postgraduate programs, securing research fellowships, or entering government services in scientific roles.
Build a Professional Network- (Semester 5-6)
Connect with faculty, visiting experts, and alumni on platforms like LinkedIn. Attend career fairs and industry expos. Seek mentorship opportunities. A strong network can provide insights into career options, internship leads, and job referrals in India''''s botanical and allied industries.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Alumni association events, Industry conferences, Departmental alumni talks
Career Connection
Networking is vital for discovering hidden job markets, gaining industry insights, and ultimately securing better career opportunities post-graduation.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- 10+2 with Science stream (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology) with a minimum of 50% aggregate and 45% in Botany/Biology/Biotechnology OR 55% in Botany/Biology/Biotechnology if aggregate is below 50% (as per Surendranath Evening College admission criteria)
Duration: 3 years (6 semesters)
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT-A-CC-1-1-TH | Phycology and Microbiology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Algae (general characteristics, classification, life cycles), Fungi (structure, reproduction, economic importance), Lichens and Mycorrhiza, Bacteria (ultrastructure, nutrition, reproduction), Viruses (structure, replication, plant viruses) |
| BOT-A-CC-1-1-P | Phycology and Microbiology (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Microscopic examination of Algae and Fungi, Bacterial staining techniques, Culture methods for microbes, Observation of Lichens and Mycorrhiza |
| BOT-A-CC-1-2-TH | Biomolecules and Cell Biology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins (structure, function), Enzymes (nomenclature, kinetics, regulation), Cell wall, Plasma membrane, Cell organelles, Chromatin structure and function, Cell cycle and cell division (mitosis, meiosis) |
| BOT-A-CC-1-2-P | Biomolecules and Cell Biology (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Qualitative tests for biomolecules, Enzyme activity experiments, Study of cell organelles, Observation of mitosis and meiosis |
| AECC-1 | Environmental Studies / English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies, Natural resources, Ecosystems, Biodiversity and conservation, Environmental pollution, Human population and environment |
| GE-1 | Generic Elective - I | Generic Elective | 6 | Fundamentals of chosen discipline, Basic concepts and theories, Introductory methods and techniques, Applications in real-world contexts, Current trends and perspectives |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT-A-CC-2-3-TH | Mycology and Phytopathology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Classification of Fungi, Fungal pathogens and plant diseases, Symptoms and etiology of plant diseases, Disease cycles and epidemiology, Principles of plant disease management |
| BOT-A-CC-2-3-P | Mycology and Phytopathology (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Study of fungal specimens, Isolation and culture of plant pathogens, Identification of plant disease symptoms, Preparation of culture media |
| BOT-A-CC-2-4-TH | Archegoniate (Theory) | Core | 4 | General characters and classification of Bryophytes, General characters and classification of Pteridophytes, General characters and classification of Gymnosperms, Evolutionary trends in Archegoniate, Economic importance of Archegoniate |
| BOT-A-CC-2-4-P | Archegoniate (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Morphological and anatomical study of Bryophytes, Study of Pteridophytes (ferns and allies), Observation of Gymnosperm features, Permanent slides of reproductive structures |
| AECC-2 | Environmental Studies / English Communication | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Basic concepts of communication, Grammar and vocabulary, Reading comprehension and writing skills, Public speaking and presentation skills, Group discussion and interview techniques |
| GE-2 | Generic Elective - II | Generic Elective | 6 | Advanced concepts in chosen discipline, Methodologies and experimental design, Problem-solving approaches, Ethical considerations in the field, Interdisciplinary connections |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT-A-CC-3-5-TH | Anatomy of Angiosperms (Theory) | Core | 4 | Meristematic and permanent tissues, Primary structure of root and stem, Secondary growth in dicot stem and root, Anatomy of leaf, Periderm formation and anomalous secondary growth |
| BOT-A-CC-3-5-P | Anatomy of Angiosperms (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Study of various plant tissues, Anatomical study of root, stem, leaf, Microscopic examination of secondary growth, Preparation of hand sections and staining |
| BOT-A-CC-3-6-TH | Economic Botany and Plant Biotechnology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Cereals, Pulses, Spices and Condiments, Fibre crops, Timber yielding plants, Medicinal plants, History and scope of Plant Biotechnology, Plant tissue culture techniques, Genetic engineering in plants and its applications |
| BOT-A-CC-3-6-P | Economic Botany and Plant Biotechnology (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Identification of economically important plants/products, Sterilization techniques in plant tissue culture, Preparation of culture media, Explant preparation and inoculation |
| BOT-A-CC-3-7-TH | Genetics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Mendelian principles of inheritance, Extensions of Mendelian genetics (gene interactions), Chromosome theory of inheritance, Linkage and crossing over, Sex determination and sex-linked inheritance |
| BOT-A-CC-3-7-P | Genetics (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Problems based on Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, Pedigree analysis, Probability in genetics, Chi-square test, Karyotype analysis |
| SEC-1 | Skill Enhancement Course - I (e.g., Biofertilizers / Mushroom Cultivation) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Types and applications of biofertilizers, Mushroom cultivation techniques, Nutritional value of mushrooms, Pest and disease management in mushroom farms, Marketing of biofertilizers/mushrooms |
| GE-3 | Generic Elective - III | Generic Elective | 6 | Specialized topics in chosen discipline, Advanced analytical tools, Research ethics and proposal writing, Case studies and problem-solving, Contemporary issues and debates |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT-A-CC-4-8-TH | Plant Ecology and Phytogeography (Theory) | Core | 4 | Concept of ecosystem, components, energy flow, Plant communities, succession, ecological adaptations, Environmental factors affecting plant growth, Biogeographical regions of India, Conservation of biodiversity |
| BOT-A-CC-4-8-P | Plant Ecology and Phytogeography (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Quantitative analysis of plant communities, Measurement of environmental factors, Study of ecological adaptations, Map work on phytogeographical regions, Field visits for ecological observations |
| BOT-A-CC-4-9-TH | Plant Systematics (Theory) | Core | 4 | Principles of plant classification, Hierarchical classification, taxonomic ranks, Botanical nomenclature (ICN), Major families of Angiosperms (e.g., Poaceae, Fabaceae), Modern trends in plant systematics (chemotaxonomy, molecular taxonomy) |
| BOT-A-CC-4-9-P | Plant Systematics (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Identification of plant specimens, Description of Angiosperm families, Preparation of herbarium sheets, Study of floral morphology |
| BOT-A-CC-4-10-TH | Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms (Theory) | Core | 4 | Structure and development of microsporangium and ovule, Pollination (types, agents, mechanisms), Fertilization, embryo, and endosperm development, Apomixis, polyembryony, parthenocarpy, Seed dormancy and germination |
| BOT-A-CC-4-10-P | Reproductive Biology of Angiosperms (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Study of floral parts and pollen grains, Pollen viability tests, Study of embryology through permanent slides, Seed viability tests, Dissection of flower and ovule |
| SEC-2 | Skill Enhancement Course - II (e.g., Nursery and Gardening / Plant Propagation) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Types of nurseries and their layout, Potting media and containers, Propagation methods (sexual, asexual), Garden tools and equipment, Pest and disease management in nurseries |
| GE-4 | Generic Elective - IV | Generic Elective | 6 | Advanced topics and current research trends, Practical applications and case studies, Project work or independent study, Professional skills development, Ethical considerations and societal impact |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT-A-CC-5-11-TH | Plant Physiology (Theory) | Core | 4 | Water relations (absorption, ascent of sap, transpiration), Mineral nutrition (essential elements, uptake mechanisms), Photosynthesis (light and dark reactions, C3, C4, CAM cycles), Respiration (glycolysis, TCA cycle, electron transport chain), Plant growth regulators (auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, ABA, ethylene) |
| BOT-A-CC-5-11-P | Plant Physiology (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Experiments on water potential, osmosis, Demonstration of transpiration, Estimation of photosynthetic pigments, Study of respiration rates, Experiments on plant growth regulators |
| BOT-A-CC-5-12-TH | Plant Metabolism (Theory) | Core | 4 | Nitrogen metabolism (fixation, assimilation), Lipid metabolism (beta-oxidation, biosynthesis), Secondary metabolites (terpenes, phenolics, alkaloids), Bioenergetics (ATP synthesis), Regulation of metabolic pathways |
| BOT-A-CC-5-12-P | Plant Metabolism (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Estimation of proteins, amino acids, Analysis of lipids, Demonstration of enzyme activity, Separation of secondary metabolites, Chromatographic techniques |
| BOT-A-DSE-5-1-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - I (e.g., Plant Breeding) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | History and objectives of plant breeding, Methods of crop improvement (selection, hybridization), Breeding for disease and pest resistance, Heterosis and hybrid vigour, Molecular approaches in plant breeding |
| BOT-A-DSE-5-1-P | Discipline Specific Elective - I (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Lab | 2 | Study of various breeding techniques, Demonstration of emasculation and bagging, Identification of disease-resistant varieties, Statistical analysis in plant breeding, Field visit to a breeding center |
| BOT-A-DSE-5-2-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - II (e.g., Bioinformatics) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Introduction to Bioinformatics, Biological databases (NCBI, EMBL), Sequence alignment (BLAST, FASTA), Phylogenetic analysis, Genomics and Proteomics |
| BOT-A-DSE-5-2-P | Discipline Specific Elective - II (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Lab | 2 | Database searches using NCBI tools, Sequence alignment using BLAST, Phylogenetic tree construction, Gene prediction using software, Protein structure visualization |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOT-A-CC-6-13-TH | Molecular Biology (Theory) | Core | 4 | DNA as genetic material, DNA structure, DNA replication, repair mechanisms, Transcription (RNA synthesis, RNA processing), Genetic code, Translation (protein synthesis), Gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes |
| BOT-A-CC-6-13-P | Molecular Biology (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | DNA extraction and quantification, Agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR techniques, Restriction digestion, Plasmid isolation |
| BOT-A-CC-6-14-TH | Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Theory) | Core | 4 | Recombinant DNA technology (tools and techniques), Gene cloning vectors, gene transfer methods, Development of transgenic plants (Bt cotton, Golden Rice), Applications of plant biotechnology, Biosafety issues and ethical considerations |
| BOT-A-CC-6-14-P | Plant Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (Practical) | Core Lab | 2 | Demonstration of gene transfer methods, PCR for gene amplification, Study of transgenic plants, Bioinformatics tools for gene sequence analysis, Plant cell culture techniques |
| BOT-A-DSE-6-3-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - III (e.g., Environmental Biotechnology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Bioremediation of contaminated sites, Phytoremediation technologies, Waste management (composting, vermicomposting), Biofuels and renewable energy, Microbial technologies for environmental protection |
| BOT-A-DSE-6-3-P | Discipline Specific Elective - III (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Lab | 2 | Study of bioremediation processes, Assessment of heavy metal uptake by plants, Composting and vermicomposting experiments, Production of biogas, Microbial assays for environmental samples |
| BOT-A-DSE-6-4-TH | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (e.g., Research Methodology) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Principles of scientific research, Research design and experimental protocols, Data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Scientific writing and presentation, Ethical considerations in research |
| BOT-A-DSE-6-4-P | Discipline Specific Elective - IV (Practical) | Discipline Specific Elective Lab | 2 | Formulation of a research problem, Literature review techniques, Statistical software usage (e.g., MS Excel, R), Preparation of a research proposal, Presentation of research findings |
