Modern Microbiology is a large discipline with many different specialties. It has great impact on fields such as medicine, agriculture, food sciences, ecology, genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. Microbiology has both basic and applied aspects. Research and development in microbiology has led to the emergence of two new fields, namely molecular biology and genetic engineering. Microbiology is one of the most popular upcoming streams in the applied sciences. The subject explores the relevance of microbes to the mankind, by enlightening students about their useful and harmful aspects. The masters program is oriented for those who have an inclination to research. The program provides an understanding of medical, agricultural, industrial, food, dairy and general microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, biophysics and aero or space microbiology.
Course Information
The students are encouraged to take up short term dissertation work under the guidance of an experienced faculty member. Visit to national and international research institutions are arranged regularly for the students to recognize their future interests.
Some of the subjects covered during the course of study include Bacteriology and Virology, BioPhysics and Bio-Statistics, Microbial Physiology, Computer Applications and Bioinformatics, Recombinant DNA Technology, Food Microbiology, Agricultural Microbiology, Fermentation Technology, Microbial Diversity and Cellular Microbiology, Microbial Genetics, Food Microbiology, Medical Microbiology.
Entry Requirement
B.Sc. degree with 50% marks in all the three optionals in aggregate and should have studied Chemistry / Biochemistry compulsorily, along with atleast one of the following optional subjects. a. Microbiology, b. Botany, c. Biotechnology, d. Applied Botany, e. Zoology, f. Applied Zoology, g. Industrial Microbiology, h. Environmental Science, i. Genetics, j. Applied Genetics, k. Sericulture, l. Home Science, m. Life Science, n. Biological Science, o. Agricultural Sciences, p. Biochemistry, q. Dairy Sciences, r. Horticulture, s. Forestry and t. Fisheries.
Assessment
The assessment methodology is a combination of the practical lab involvements, seminars,projects and term end examination.
Job Prospects
• The Microbiologists have bright prospects as quality Analysis manager in Industries such as Pharmaceuticals, Hotels, Breweries and Distilleries, Dairy, Water purification plants, Medical coding sectors (Dry Lab), Health Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Textile and Leather Industry, Bio fertilizers and Bio pesticides manufacturing industry, Airline catering Industry and Medical Insurance sectors.
• As Junior research fellow in CSIR recognized research Laboratories.
• In Government sector Microbiologists are absorbed as Lectures, Environmental Officers (Pollution Control Board, Waste Water Treatment Plant etc.,) Soil Analysts (Agricultural Department) Microbiologist (Dairy Industry, Coffee Board), Para Medical Staff, Health Inspectors (Human Resource Department), Veterinary Supervisor (Animal Husbandry Department).
