All you need to know about MSc Microbiology

INTRODUCTION

The Master of Science (MSc) in Microbiology degree is a two-year post-graduate course in the Life Science subject Microbiology. Microbiology is the branch of science which deals with the study of living systems and their interaction with other living organisms and the environment. The course is usually undertaken after a three-year BSc graduate degree program and prepares candidates for application and research-based careers. The course provides in-depth knowledge about Microbiology and emphasizes on the theoretical and practical concepts and the fundamentals of Microbiology. It also involves the basic concepts of Biology and Chemistry. Important theories are taught that involve microbial, water microbiology, soil microbiology, nano microbiology, agricultural microbiology, evolutionary microbiology, molecular microbiology, and microbial genetics. Candidates are trained to determine the composition, structure, function, and application of living organisms in daily life, profession, research, and industry.

The course enhances personal skills like communication, attention to detail, teamwork, logic, presentation, and analysis; and professional skills like planning and execution, problem- solving, critical thinking, analytical thinking, and reasoning.

SCOPE OF MSc MICROBIOLOGY

MSc Microbiology graduates have multiple opportunities in the fields of Research and Science. Opportunities can be found in:

• Students can contribute as scientists in national laboratories and organizations like:
  • Indian Analytical Testing Laboratory
  • Indian Institute of Science
  • Indian Institute of Technology
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Apotex Research Centre
  • Space Application Centres (SAC)
  • National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
  • All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health
  • Raja Ramanna Centre for advanced Technology (RRCAT)
• Students can become Research Associates in research institutes like:
  • Institute for Plasma Research (IPR)
  • Anand Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Bioline Pharma
  • Equinox Pharma
  • Consortium for Scientific Research (CSR)
  • Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
• Students can assist in laboratories and institutes of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) like:
  • Regional Research Laboratories
  • National Institute of Science (NIS)
  • Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS)
  • Institute of Materials and Mineral Technology (IMMT)
  • National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)
• Students can contribute in agricultural research services.
• Teaching positions in secondary and higher secondary schools, degree colleges, engineering colleges, and universities.
• Tutoring in Biology for reputed coaching institutes.
• Professional certifications in specializations like:
  • Molecular Microbiology
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Bacteriology
  • Epidemiology
  • Industrial Microbiology

ADMISSION AND ELIGIBILITY

Colleges and universities offer admission on the basis of two main modes of admission:

• Merit - colleges invite for Application Forms. Interested candidates can apply once the applications are open through entrance examination, group discussions, and personal interview
• Management - students can go for Direct Admission

Important considerations for admission:

• Marks in Bachelor’s degree
• Qualification in competitive entrance examinations

Important points to consider for eligibility to do MSc Microbiology:

• Minimum 50% aggregate marks in Bachelor’s degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by UGC/AIU
• Compulsory subjects - Life Science and English
• Candidates who are in the final year of their studies and writing their final year examination with 50% aggregate marks in all the semesters/years of Undergraduate Examinations
• Ratio based on both entrance exam score (85%) and academic record (15%) is considered for admission

COURSE CURRICULUM

The entire program of MSc Microbiology is divided into two years with each year split into two semesters. In the two-year duration, 16 Theory papers and 7 Practical papers are covered with additional skill-enhancing programs and workshops. The course consists of:

• The fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of Microbiology
• Important subjects and topics included:
  • Bacteriology
  • Bioenergetics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Bioinstrumentation
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Biostatistics
  • Dairy Microbiology
  • Environmental Microbial Technology
  • Enzymology
  • Fermentation Technology
  • Food Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Microbial Diversity
  • Microbial Genetics
  • Microbial Genomics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Molecular Enzymology
  • Mycology
  • Pharmaceutical Microbiology
  • Physiology
  • Proteomics
  • Recombinant DNA Technology
  • Virology
• Practical classes consist of:
  • Dry Laboratory Techniques
  • Wet Laboratory Techniques
• Electives are included for further specialization
• Guided Dissertations and Projects for practical exposure
• Certification and Foundation Courses for holistic development
• Study Tours to reputed national laboratories, research institutions, and industries, under the supervision of the department
• Seminars
• Lectures by experienced faculty and scientists
• Workshops
• Tutorials and Brainstorming Sessions

QUALIFYING ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

In order to get admission through Merit into reputed colleges in India, qualification in entrance examinations is important. The examinations may be national, state, and institution-specific. These examinations:

• Are NOT mandatory but may be required for certain colleges/universities to be considered for the Merit category
• Consist of objective type questions with MCQs
• Syllabus includes 4 main sections:
  • English Grammar and Comprehension
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Numerical/Graphical Analysis
• A maximum of 4 options will be given to aspirants
• Negative marking may be present 

FUTURE PROSPECTS

After successful completion of MSc Microbiology course, students have many opportunities:

• Research Associate in national and international research laboratories
• Teacher, Professor, or Lecturer in schools, colleges, or universities
• Research Scientist
• Public and Private companies and MNCs
• M.Phil. in Microbiology
• Ph.D. in Microbiology
• Diploma in subjects like Clinical Microbiology and Environmental Microbiology

INTERNSHIPS AND PROJECTS

The course curriculum of MSc Microbiology includes opportunities for students to obtain practical exposure. Summer internships, dissertations, and projects provide a strong foundation for a career in Research. Points to remember:

• Students are trained to write a clear scientific report that includes a theoretical background, experiment description, presentation of methodology, analysis of results, careful interpretation and evaluation of data, and conclusion
• The Research Project is an opportunity to get hands-on training and laboratory exposure In the final evaluation, class assignments, end-semester exam results, internships, and project reports are taken into account for a candidate to earn their MSc Microbiology degree.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Multiple career opportunities are available in public and private academic institutions, research laboratories, atomic and space organizations, meteorology departments, telecommunication organisations, manufacturing companies, corporates, MNCs, and medical industries. Potential career roles:

• Research Scientist
• Lecturer/Professor
• Microbiologist
• Medical Microbiologist
• Research Analyst
• Consultant
• Online Tutor
• Subject Matter Expert (SME)
• Microbiology Project Mentor
• Lab Assistant
• Training Manager
• Auditor
• Research Associate
• Junior Research Fellow
• Research Scientist
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Quality Control Manager
• Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
• Clinical Reviewer
• Clinical Data Manager
• Medical Coder
• Pharmacologist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Food Microbiologist
  Industrial Microbiologist
• Environmental Microbiologist
• Veterinary Microbiologists
• Medical Technologists
• Food Technologist
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Physician Associate

POPULAR RECRUITERS

Graduates can find employment in many public and private companies. Popular recruiters are:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Research Centers
• Infosys
• Zydus Cadila
• Accenture
• Cipla Inc.
• Biocon
• Roche Diagnostics Corporation
• Quintiles Inc.
• Sciformix
• Emcure
• Cognizant
• Syngene
• Wipro
• Capgemini
• National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
• Mascot International
• Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd.
• Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd.
• Jubilant Life Sciences
• Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)

SALARY PACKAGE

Fresh graduates can easily get jobs in popular scientific research companies. Job positions start as Trainee and gradually proceed to Senior Associate/Scientist. With more career exposure, project experience, skills, and certifications, a salary hike of about 20% to 25% is guaranteed together with additional benefits and bonuses.

The average salary after MSc Microbiology ranges between 3 LPA to 10 LPA. The lowest salary expected (for a fresh graduate) is between 2 LPA to 3.5 LPA and with work experience increases to 10 LPA to 15 LPA.

CONCLUSION

MSc Microbiology is one of the most popular natural science courses in India. The two-year MSc Microbiology post-graduate course is designed to prepare students for a career in research. The curriculum consists of strong theoretical concepts, practical experiments, and skill-building programs that create a balance between academics and practical exposure. This degree is available for students all over India and admission is subject to eligibility criteria. Multiple internships, project, and career opportunities are available in various departments, business sectors, and professional fields. Graduates are prepared for ANY type of job opportunity in the future.