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B-SC in Biology at University of Mysore
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Biology at University of Mysore Mysuru?
This Biology program at University of Mysore offers a comprehensive exploration of life sciences, ranging from cellular mechanisms to ecological systems. Governed by NEP 2020 guidelines and the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), it integrates core disciplines like Botany, Zoology, and Biochemistry. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skill development, preparing students to address India''''s evolving challenges in health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for aspiring researchers, educators, and professionals seeking careers across diverse biological fields. It suits fresh 12th-grade science graduates with a foundational interest in living organisms and natural processes. The flexible structure also caters to working professionals seeking to upskill in specialized areas like biotechnology or environmental management, and career changers transitioning into the rapidly expanding Indian life sciences industry.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can anticipate varied career paths in India, including roles such as research assistants, lab technicians, environmental consultants, or science communicators. Entry-level salaries generally range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 LPA, with significant potential for growth in academia, pharmaceutical companies, agricultural research, and governmental organizations. The curriculum provides a strong foundation for higher education, including M.Sc. and Ph.D. programs, and competitive civil services examinations.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Conceptual Foundations- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate consistent time each week to review core concepts in Botany, Zoology, and Biochemistry. Focus on understanding ''''why'''' and ''''how'''' rather than rote memorization. Actively participate in laboratory sessions to solidify practical understanding of theoretical principles, ensuring a firm grasp of biological fundamentals.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks, Standard reference books, University library resources, Peer study groups, Online platforms like NPTEL for conceptual clarity
Career Connection
A strong foundation is critical for competitive exams (UPSC, state PSCs), higher studies (M.Sc, Ph.D), and entry-level positions in research labs or as educators in India.
Develop Scientific Observation and Documentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Maintain detailed lab notebooks for all practicals, including clear diagrams, precise observations, and accurate interpretations. Practice identifying specimens, performing dissections, and meticulously recording experimental data. Seek constructive feedback from lab instructors on the quality and completeness of documentation.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Scientific drawing guides, Microscopy techniques, Mentorship from teaching assistants
Career Connection
Essential for roles in R&D, quality control, and any scientific research where accurate record-keeping, data integrity, and precise experimental logging are paramount for Indian biotech and pharma sectors.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Thinking- (Semester 1-2)
Recognize the inherent interconnectedness of biological disciplines, understanding how biochemistry underlies physiological processes or how genetics impacts ecology. Engage in discussions that link concepts across subjects. Actively seek opportunities to participate in university-level science fairs or biological quizzes to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
Science magazines, Documentaries, Inter-departmental seminars, Online forums for biological sciences
Career Connection
Prepares students for multidisciplinary research, biotech industry roles, and problem-solving that requires integrating knowledge from various biological domains, highly valued in modern Indian science.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Hands-on Project Work- (Semester 3-5)
Proactively seek opportunities for short-term research projects or mini-dissertations with faculty members. These can involve small-scale studies, comprehensive literature reviews, or assistance in ongoing research. This applies theoretical knowledge and critically develops practical research aptitude and problem-solving skills.
Tools & Resources
Faculty research interests, Departmental notice boards for project opportunities, Research journals like Indian Journal of Biotechnology, Online data repositories
Career Connection
Builds a valuable research portfolio, provides practical lab experience, and is highly regarded for M.Sc admissions, Ph.D. applications, and entry-level research positions in Indian universities and industries.
Explore Skill Enhancement Certifications- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond the prescribed curriculum, enroll in short-term certification courses or workshops in high-demand areas like Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology Techniques, Biostatistics, or Fermentation Technology. These add practical, industry-relevant skills that are immediately applicable in professional settings.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL, Coursera, Local institutes offering specialized workshops (e.g., in Bengaluru), University skill development centers
Career Connection
Increases employability in biotech, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic labs across India by providing specialized, in-demand skills, making graduates more competitive in the job market.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 3-5)
Attend seminars, guest lectures, and workshops organized by the department or other science faculties. Actively connect with guest speakers, university alumni, and industry professionals working in biological fields. Join relevant professional online groups and attend local scientific conferences.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, University alumni portal, Departmental events, Science conferences in Mysore or Bangalore
Career Connection
Opens doors to internship opportunities, valuable mentorship, and provides critical insights into various career paths and industry trends within the Indian biological sector, facilitating future job prospects.
Advanced Stage
Intensify Research and Project Involvement- (Semester 6-8)
Focus on a significant research project or dissertation in your chosen major (e.g., Zoology, Botany, Biochemistry). Aim to produce a high-quality research report, potentially leading to a publication in a student journal or presentation at a scientific forum. This is crucial for Honours degree completion.
Tools & Resources
Research labs within the university, Collaborating institutions (e.g., CFTRI, DFRL), Specialized software for data analysis and visualization (e.g., GraphPad, R)
Career Connection
Prepares students for advanced research roles, Ph.D. programs, and demonstrates deep expertise in a specific biological domain, making them highly competitive for R&D positions in Indian scientific organizations.
Prepare for Higher Education and Competitive Exams- (Semester 6-8)
Begin focused preparation for national-level entrance exams such as NET, GATE (for research/lecturing roles), or specific university entrance exams for M.Sc/Ph.D. programs. Utilize mock tests, comprehensive study guides, and review previous year''''s question papers rigorously.
Tools & Resources
Online coaching platforms, Previous year''''s question papers, Reference books for advanced biology, Mentorship from experienced faculty
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing academic careers (lecturer, scientist) or specialized roles requiring advanced degrees in biological sciences across India''''s public and private sectors.
Develop Communication and Presentation Skills- (Semester 6-8)
Actively participate in scientific paper presentations, poster sessions, and group discussions. Practice articulating complex biological concepts clearly, concisely, and persuasively to diverse audiences. Seek opportunities for public speaking and debate on scientific topics.
Tools & Resources
University communication workshops, Toastmasters clubs (if available), Departmental presentation opportunities, Online tutorials for effective scientific presentation
Career Connection
Highly valuable for roles in science communication, regulatory affairs, academic teaching, and leadership positions in research or industry, enhancing professional impact in India and globally.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Candidates who have passed the Two years Pre-University Examination of Karnataka State or any other equivalent thereto are eligible for admission to the programme.
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters) for Honours, 3 years (6 semesters) for Basic
Credits: 160 for 4-year Honours Degree Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGBOT 101 | Plant Kingdom, Morphology, Anatomy and Ecology | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Algae, Fungi, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms and Angiosperm Morphology, Plant Anatomy: Tissues and Meristems, Secondary Growth, Stem, Root, Leaf Structure, Plant Ecology: Ecosystems and Biogeochemical Cycles |
| UGZOO 101 | Animal Diversity - Invertebrates and Chordates | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Protozoa, Porifera, Coelenterata, Helminthes, Annelida, Arthropoda, Mollusca, Echinodermata, General Characters of Chordates, Classification of Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia, Aves and Mammalia |
| UGCBC 101 | Introduction to Biochemistry | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Biomolecules: Classification and Functions, Water, pH and Buffers: Importance in Biology, Carbohydrates: Structure and Properties, Lipids: Classification and Biological Role, Amino acids, Proteins: Structure and Levels of Organization, Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA Structure |
| UGESV 101 | Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Ecosystems: Structure and Function, Biodiversity and Conservation, Natural Resources: Forest, Water, Mineral, Environmental Pollution: Air, Water, Soil, Social Issues and the Environment |
| UGENG 101 / UGKEN 101 / UGHIN 101 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (Language) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Basic Communication Skills, Grammar and Vocabulary, Comprehension and Composition, Functional Language Usage, Cultural Contexts of Language |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGBOT 102 | Plant Physiology and Metabolism | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Water Relations in Plants: Absorption and Transpiration, Mineral Nutrition: Essential Elements, Photosynthesis: Light and Dark Reactions, Respiration: Glycolysis, Kreb''''s Cycle, ETS, Enzymes: Classification, Mechanism of Action, Nitrogen Metabolism, Plant Growth Regulators |
| UGZOO 102 | Cell Biology and Genetics | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Ultra Structure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Cell Organelles: Structure and Function, Cell Division: Mitosis and Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics: Laws of Inheritance, Gene Interactions, Linkage and Crossing Over, Chromosomal Aberrations, Sex Determination, Structure of DNA and RNA |
| UGCBC 102 | Metabolism | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Carbohydrate Metabolism: Glycolysis, Kreb''''s Cycle, Lipid Metabolism: Beta-Oxidation, Fatty Acid Synthesis, Amino Acid Metabolism: Transamination, Deamination, Nucleotide Metabolism: Biosynthesis and Degradation, Bioenergetics: ATP, High Energy Compounds, Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation |
| UGICC 101 | Indian Constitution | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Preamble and Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Governments: Legislature, Executive, Judiciary, Constitutional Amendments and Emergency Provisions, Local Self-Government: Panchayati Raj |
| UGENG 102 / UGKEN 102 / UGHIN 102 | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (Language) | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC) | 2 | Advanced Communication Skills, Report Writing and Presentation, Official Correspondence, Literature Appreciation, Language for Professional Settings |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGBOT 103 | Diversity of Microbes, Mycology and Plant Pathology | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Viruses: Structure, Replication, Economic Importance, Bacteria: Morphology, Reproduction, Genetics, Cyanobacteria and Mycoplasma, Fungi: Classification, Reproduction, Economic Importance, Lichens and Mycorrhiza, Plant Diseases: Symptoms, Causal Organisms, Management |
| UGZOO 103 | Developmental Biology and Immunology | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Gametogenesis: Spermatogenesis and Oogenesis, Fertilization and Early Embryonic Development, Organogenesis: Development of Major Organ Systems, Basic Concepts of Immunology: Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigens and Antibodies: Structure and Types, Immune Response and Immunological Techniques |
| UGCBC 103 | Molecular Biology | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | DNA Replication: Mechanism and Enzymes, Transcription: RNA Synthesis and Processing, Translation: Protein Synthesis, Gene Regulation in Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes, Mutagenesis and DNA Repair Mechanisms, Basic Concepts of Recombinant DNA Technology |
| UGBIO 105 | Introduction to Bioinformatics | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Biological Databases: NCBI, EMBL, PDB, Sequence Alignment: BLAST, FASTA, Phylogenetic Analysis: Tree Construction, Protein Structure Prediction, Drug Design and Discovery Tools |
| UGXXO 101 | Open Elective (e.g., from Commerce/Arts/Social Sciences) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | Introductory topics from chosen discipline |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGBOT 104 | Plant Biotechnology and Tissue Culture | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Plant Tissue Culture Techniques: Micropropagation, Callus Culture, Suspension Culture, Protoplast Culture, Genetic Engineering: Gene Cloning, Vectors, Gene Transfer Methods in Plants, Transgenic Plants and their Applications, Molecular Markers and Gene Mapping |
| UGZOO 104 | Animal Biotechnology and Applied Biology | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Recombinant DNA Technology in Animals, Transgenic Animals: Production and Applications, Animal Cell Culture: Principles and Techniques, Immunological Techniques in Animal Science, Animal Breeding and Reproductive Technologies, Sericulture, Apiculture, Aquaculture: Principles and Practices |
| UGCBC 104 | Enzyme Technology and Clinical Biochemistry | Discipline Specific Core (DSC) | 4 | Enzyme Kinetics: Michaelis-Menten Equation, Enzyme Isolation, Purification, and Characterization, Immobilized Enzymes: Methods and Applications, Clinical Enzymology: Diagnostic Importance, Liver Function Tests, Kidney Function Tests, Biochemistry of Diabetes Mellitus and Heart Diseases |
| UGBIO 106 | Biostatistics | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion, Probability and Probability Distributions, Hypothesis Testing: t-test, Chi-square Test, ANOVA: Analysis of Variance, Correlation and Regression Analysis |
| UGXXO 102 | Open Elective (e.g., from Commerce/Arts/Social Sciences) | Open Elective (OE) | 3 | Introductory topics from chosen discipline |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGZOO MJC 5.1T | Animal Physiology | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Physiology of Digestion and Absorption, Respiration: Gaseous Exchange and Transport, Circulation: Heart, Blood Vessels, Blood, Excretion: Kidney Structure and Function, Nervous System: Impulse Transmission, Brain, Endocrine System: Hormones and their Functions |
| UGZOO MJC 5.2T | Genetics and Evolution | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Gene Structure and Function, Gene Expression and Regulation, Population Genetics: Hardy-Weinberg Principle, Speciation and Mechanisms of Evolution, Evolutionary Theories: Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism, Evidences of Evolution |
| UGBOT DSE 5.3 | Plant Genomics and Proteomics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Plant Genome Sequencing Approaches, Gene Annotation and Functional Genomics, Transcriptomics: Gene Expression Profiling, Metabolomics: Plant Secondary Metabolites, Proteomics: Protein Identification and Interaction, Applications in Crop Improvement |
| UGCBC DSE 5.4 | Nutritional Biochemistry | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Macronutrients: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Micronutrients: Vitamins and Minerals, Balanced Diet and Dietary Guidelines, Digestion, Absorption, and Transport of Nutrients, Nutritional Deficiencies and Malnutrition, Nutrigenomics and Personalized Nutrition |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGZOO MJC 6.1T | Ecology and Biodiversity | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Ecosystems: Components and Energy Flow, Population Dynamics and Community Structure, Biodiversity: Levels, Threats, and Conservation, Biogeographical Regions of India, Wildlife Conservation Strategies, Climate Change and its Impact on Biodiversity |
| UGZOO MJC 6.2T | Applied Zoology and Sericulture | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Fisheries: Aquaculture and Fish Farming, Apiculture: Bee-keeping and Honey Production, Sericulture: Silkworm Rearing and Silk Production, Vermiculture: Earthworm Rearing and Vermicompost, Pest Management: Biological Control, IPM, Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry |
| UGMBH DSE 6.3 | Industrial Microbiology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Fermentation Technology: Bioreactors, Downstream Processing, Microbial Products: Antibiotics, Enzymes, Vitamins, Microorganisms in Food Production: Dairy, Bakery, Pharmaceutical Microbiology: Vaccine Production, Environmental Microbiology: Bioremediation, Biofuels and Biofertilizers |
| UGCBC DSE 6.4 | Biophysical Chemistry | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Thermodynamics in Biological Systems, Reaction Kinetics in Enzymatic Reactions, Spectroscopic Techniques: UV-Vis, IR, NMR, Microscopy Techniques: Electron, Fluorescence, Chromatographic Separations: Gel Filtration, Ion-Exchange, Electrophoresis: SDS-PAGE, Agarose |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGZOO MJC 7.1T | Animal Biotechnology | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Recombinant DNA Technology: Gene Cloning, Gene Editing, Transgenic Animals: Methods and Applications, Animal Cell Culture: Media, Techniques, Applications, Gene Therapy and Stem Cell Technology, Cloning and Ethics in Animal Biotechnology, Molecular Diagnostic Techniques in Animal Health |
| UGZOO MJC 7.2T | Immunology and Animal Diseases | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Cells and Organs of the Immune System, Hypersensitivity and Autoimmunity, Immunodeficiency Disorders, Principles of Vaccination, Common Animal Diseases: Etiology, Symptoms, Control, Diagnosis and Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases |
| UGBOT DSE 7.3 | Pharmacognosy | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Sources of Crude Drugs: Cultivation and Collection, Classification of Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry: Secondary Metabolites (Alkaloids, Glycosides), Extraction and Isolation of Plant Metabolites, Quality Control and Standardization of Herbal Drugs, Pharmacological Actions of Important Medicinal Plants |
| UGGEN DSE 7.4 | Human Genetics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Pedigree Analysis and Genetic Mapping in Humans, Karyotyping and Chromosomal Disorders, Autosomal and Sex-Linked Genetic Disorders, Molecular Basis of Human Genetic Diseases, Genetic Counseling and Prenatal Diagnosis, Population Genetics and Human Evolution |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UGZOO MJC 8.1T | Bioinformatics and Biostatistics for Biologists | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | Biological Databases and Data Retrieval, Sequence Alignment Algorithms and Tools, Phylogenetic Analysis: Methods and Interpretation, Genomics and Proteomics: Data Analysis, Statistical Methods for Biological Data, Introduction to R or Python for Biostatistics |
| UGZOO MJC 8.2T | Current Trends in Zoology | Major Core (Example: Zoology Major) | 3 | CRISPR-Cas9 and Gene Editing Applications, Personalized Medicine and Pharmacogenomics, Neurobiology: Advanced Concepts, Impact of Climate Change on Animal Life, Conservation Biology: Modern Approaches, Ethical Considerations in Animal Research and Biotechnology |
| UGZOO PJT 8.3 | Project Work | Major Core / Project | 4 | Research Methodology and Experimental Design, Literature Review and Problem Identification, Data Collection and Analysis, Scientific Report Writing, Presentation of Research Findings, Ethical Considerations in Research |
| UGCBC DSE 8.4 | Pharmaceutical Biochemistry | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 3 | Drug Discovery and Development Process, Pharmacokinetics: ADME, Pharmacodynamics: Drug-Receptor Interactions, Biochemical Basis of Drug Action, Drug Metabolism and Toxicity, Biomarkers in Disease Diagnosis and Drug Response |
