Integrated MSc in Life sciences (4+1 years as per NEP 2020)

Preamble

Four Year Bachelor Programme as per NEP 2020 is an eight-semester programme, which encompasses theory and practical in different areas of biological Sciences. The programme is of 127 credits for 3-year bachelor and 169 credits for 4-year honours/research program with lateral exit options in 1st year with certificate and 2nd year with diploma. On completion of 3 years with summer internship, the student will be awarded with Bachelor’s degree in Life Science. If a student continues for additional 1 year, he/she will be awarded either B.Sc. (Honours/Research). For students opting for B.Sc. (Research), he/she has to complete research project of 3 (three) credit in seventh semester and 9 (nine) credits in eighth semester. For students opting for B.Sc. (Honours), he/she has to complete theory and practical courses of 12 credits in lieu of Research projects.

1. Introduction

Four Year Bachelor Programme as per NEP 2020 in life sciences aimed at developing skills to understand the biological diversity, evolutionary phenomena and molecular understanding of life forms. As a core course of life science, subjects such as animal and plant diversity, taxonomy, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, immunology and biotechnology are offered. The course also contains basic physics, chemistry, mathematics (optional) up to fourth semesters as General Electives (GE). If a student completes 12 credits in any one of the general elective courses, he/she will be awarded Minor in that subject along with Major in Life Science. The program offers Bioinformatics as Discipline-specific Elective (DSE) of 12 credits for awarding Minor in Bioinformatics in lieu of above-mentioned GEs. The program also contains Multi-disciplinary Courses (MDC) of 9 credits, Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC) of 8 credits, Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) of 9 credits and Value-Added Courses (VAC) of 6 credits. In the 5th semester, a student has to complete mandatory summer internship of 2 credits in Universities/HEIs/Research Organizations/Industries/Registered NGOs.

2. Qualification descriptors for the graduates

Knowledge and Understanding

1. In dept knowledge and understanding in diversity of life forms
2. In dept knowledge and understanding of origin and evolution of plants and animals
3. In dept knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology of plants and animals
4. In dept knowledge and understanding of cellular and molecular basis of life

Skill and Technique

1. Graduates will be skilled in techniques handling advanced instruments used in the field of life science.
2. Graduates will be skilled in microbiological techniques and applications.
3. Graduates will be skilled in using tools and techniques of biotechnology and bioinformatics.

Competence

1. Graduates will be competent to critically analyse biological problems.
2. Graduates will be able to design and carry out research in diverse areas of life sciences.
3. Graduates will be competent to contribute to academia and the society.

3. Graduates Attributes

1. Graduates with knowledge and specialization in life sciences.
2. Graduates with skill to contribute to societal developmental activities such as academics, small scale industry, bio-entrepreneurship etc.
3. Graduates will be able to improve their knowledge and competence through continuously learning.

4. Program Outcomes (POs)

PO1: Graduates will gain fundamental knowledge in biology.

PO2: Graduates will gain fundamental understanding on evolution and diversity of life forms.

PO3: Graduates will develop research skills for taking up challenges in solving complex biological problems.

PO4: Graduates will gain communication skills for disseminating knowledge of biology.

PO5: Graduates will gain knowledge and confidence to participate as a member of a multidisciplinary team with ethical values and social responsibility.