Semester-wise  Syllabus for MSc Biology

Semester 1: Core Foundation Subjects

1. Cell Biology & Genetics

   • Cell structure, organelles, cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis

   • DNA replication, transcription, translation

   • Mendelian & molecular genetics

2. Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

   • Biomolecules (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids)

   • Enzymes, metabolism (glycolysis, TCA cycle)

   • DNA repair, recombination

3. Microbiology & Immunology

   • Microbial diversity (bacteria, viruses, fungi)

   • Antibiotics, vaccines, immune response (innate & adaptive immunity)

4. Research Methodology & Biostatistics

   • Experimental design, data analysis, hypothesis testing

5. Lab Work (Practical sessions on microscopy, DNA isolation, microbial culture)

Semester 2: Advanced Topics

1. Developmental Biology & Evolution

   • Embryogenesis, stem cells, evo-devo

   • Theories of evolution, speciation

2. Plant & Animal Physiology

   • Photosynthesis, respiration, hormonal regulation

   • Nervous system, endocrine system

3. Biotechnology & Bioinformatics

   • Recombinant DNA technology, PCR, CRISPR

   • Sequence alignment, genomics, proteomics

4. Environmental Biology & Ecology

   • Ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation

   • Climate change, pollution

5. Lab Work (Gel electrophoresis, PCR, ecological sampling)

Semester 3: Specialization & Electives

Students choose electives based on their interests:

Elective Subjects (Examples)

• Medical Biology: Cancer biology, neurobiology

• Industrial Microbiology: Fermentation, bioprocessing

• Marine Biology: Aquatic ecosystems, coral reefs

• Plant Biotechnology: GM crops, tissue culture

Core Subjects

1. Advanced Genetics (Epigenetics, genomics)

2. Pharmacology & Toxicology (Drug action, toxicity mechanisms)

3. Lab Work & Research Project (Begin dissertation work)

Semester 4: Research & Dissertation

• Thesis/Dissertation (Independent research project)

• Seminar & Viva Voce (Presentation & defense)

• Advanced Electives (Optional courses like Nanobiotechnology, Systems Biology)