M.Sc. (Biotechnology)
M.Sc. Biotechnology program of SAU has been developed with an aim to produce graduates who would have sufficient knowledge and expertise to pursue inherent problems of the region. The course structure is technology-centric where students learn technology and are taught necessary basic subjects for that purpose.
Since our students come from different countries and educational background, the first semester of MSc course focuses on all basic subjects in an attempt to bring all the students at par. The second and third semesters are designed to be teach courses that will enable students to understand all areas of modern biology. The students have to complete and defend a short project with any faculty member independently as part of their MSc dissertation work. The MSc teaching laboratory is well equipped with all modern instruments.
The MSc. Biotechnology program at SAU is unique as it exposes the students to all areas of basic and applied Biotechnology, which will help students to choose the path (academic or industry) after completing the course.
Classes are informal and students can raise questions at any time. Students are advised to listen carefully, understand and make notes. The most recent findings discussed in the class might not be present in textbooks. Attendance in all classes is compulsory.
Evaluation : The students are evaluated on the basis of a mid semester and end semester exams along with regular assignments and quizzes.
Teaching resources : The university has a state of the art library which houses all the important textbooks as well as journals. Any textbook on the courses may be consulted by the students to review and expand upon what will be taught in the class. It is however of utmost importance for all students to pay full attention in the class. Questions asked in the examinations may not have ready answers in textbooks and understanding gained in class-room will be crucial.
Course Structure
- S.No. Course Credits
SEMESTER I
- 1 Biomolecules/Biochemistry 3
- 2 Microbiology 2
- 3 Cell Biology 3
- 4 Molecular Biology 2
- 5 Genetics 3
- 6 Applied Physics and Instrumentation 2
- 7 Laboratory Techniques 4
- 8 Total Credits 19
SEMESTER II
- 1 Infection and Immunity 2
- 2 Bioinformatics and Biostatistics 3
- 3 Genetic Engineering 2
- 4 Plant Biotechnology and Crop Improvement 3
- 5 Biodiversity and Evolution 2
- 6 Environmental Biotechnology 2
- 7 Laboratory Techniques 4
- 8 Total Credits 18
SEMESTER III
- 1 Topics in Commercial Biotechnologies 3
- 2 Structural Biology 2
- 3 Virology 2
- 4 Fermentation and Biochemical Engineering 3
- 5 Protein Engineering 2
- 6 Optional I (Cancer Biology) 2
- 7 Optional II (Neurobiology) 2
- 8 Optional III (Adv. Plant Biotechnology) 2
- 9 Research Methodology 4
- 10 Total Credits 20
SEMESTER IV
- 1 Seminar 1
- 2 Term Paper 1
- 3 Introduction to South Asia NC
- 4 Project 8
- 5 Total Credits 10
Grand Total = 67 credits
Audit: Introduction to South Asia
Optional Courses: Biophysics, Bioimaging, Transgenics, Immunotherapy, Mathematical Modelling, Bioprocessing, Forensic Biotechnology, Bioarchaelogy, Molecular parasitology, Cognition and Neuroscience applications, Biomaterials and Prosthetics, Medical Biotechnology, Biomarkers in Health disease, Biosensors, Bioconversion and sustainable development, Biotechnology in waste management, systems biology.
Note: The course outline is tentative, and subject to modifications from time to time. All optional courses may not be offered at any given time.
Previous Year Question Papers
Eligibility & other Details
A 3-years Bachelor’s degree in Basic Sciences ( Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Biochemistry & allied subjects) / Agriculture and allied sciences / Veterinary and allied sciences / Engineering (Biotechnology / Biochemical Technology / Biomedical Engg. / Chemical Engg.) or the MBBS degree, from an institution recognised by the government of the respective SAARC countries, with a minimum of 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Students, who have not studied Biology at Bachelor’s level, must have studied and passed Biology as a subject at 10+2 (12th Class) level.
Details regarding Entrance Test Question Paper:
The question paper will have two parts : Part – A; and Part – B. All questions will be multiple choice type with four choices of answer.
Part A – will contain 30 questions carrying one mark each. The paper will be of 10+2 (12th Class) level. This Part will have questions from Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology and Maths. Each subject will have 6 questions with a total of 30 questions. Candidates will be expected to attempt all questions from Part-A.
Part B – This part will contain total of 120 questions out of which the candidates will have to answer any 70 questions. Each question will carry one mark.
Part-B willhave 60 questions from the subjects of Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology,Immunology, Plant Sciences, Genetics, Microbiology, Botany and Zoology :(each will have about 7 – 8 questions); from Chemistry 30 questions, from Physics20 questions; and from Maths 10 questions.
Calculators and Log Tables may be used.
There will not be negative marking.
For Sample Questions, refer previous year’s question paper
Fee
Tuition feeat SAU is highly subsidized. Following is the fee structure payable by students coming from SAARC countries :
- Admission Fee (Non-Refundable)US $ 100(one time)
- Tuition Fee US $ 440 (per semester)
- Security Deposit (Refundable)US $ 100(one time)
