Quick Summary
- Microbiology is the branch of science that studies microorganisms, which are tiny, often unicellular organisms that can only be seen with a microscope.
- Microbiologists investigate the biology, ecology, genetics, and biochemistry of these organisms.
- This subject plays a crucial role in understanding health and disease, developing antibiotics and vaccines, and harnessing microorganisms for industrial processes and environmental management.
Table of Contents
Introduction To BSc. Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of pathogens, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. BSc. Microbiology is one of the most preferred courses in India.
It is a 3-year course. Only the students who have completed their studies till the 12th Class with at least 50% to 60% marks can enroll in it. The students must also clear an entrance test to get admission to BSc. Microbiology.
Many jobs are available to those who complete this course. They include jobs in pharmaceutical companies, food-processing plants, and research laboratories.
The candidates can also pursue higher education after course completion. It improves their job prospects after completing a BSc. in Microbiology. Some of the important Microbiology subjects are industrial Mycology, Bio-statistics, and BSC Biochemistry.
BSc. Microbiology: Highlights
The students must have a basic idea of what a BSc is. The key details of the BSc. Microbiology course are as follows:
| Course Information | Details |
| BSc. Microbiology Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. |
| Course Duration | 3 years (Six Semesters). |
| BSc. Microbiology Eligibility | 1. The candidates must have cleared 10+2 with at least 50% to 60% marks. 2. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are compulsory subjects. 3. The candidates must clear the entrance test to secure admission to BSc. Microbiology. |
| Best Universities & Colleges for Microbiology Course | 1. MCC (Madras Christian College) Chennai. 2. Fergusson College, Pune. 3. SXC Kolkata. 4. Gargi College, New Delhi. 5. MCC Bangalore. 6. PSG College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore. 7. Mount Carmel College.8. Ethiraj College. |
| Is it an online or regular course? | Both regular and distance education (online) options are open. |
| Admissions | Admissions are conducted either through an entrance exam or merit-based. The admission route depends upon the college/ university. |
| Course Fee | Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000 |
| Scholarships | The candidates who belong to the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) or reserved categories are eligible for state government scholarship programs. |
| Average Salary | In India, the average annual salary for beginners ranges from Rs 2,00,000 to Rs 4,00,000. |
| Career Options | The following career options are available for the candidates once they complete their BSc. Microbiology: 1. Bacteriologist. 2. Immunologist. 3. Biomedical. 4. Cell Biologist. 5. Geneticist. 6. Mycologist. 7. Virologist. 8. Food Microbiologist. 9. Biochemist. 10. Protozoologist. 11. Biotechnologist. |
Skills Needed For BSc. Microbiology
The students who have the required educational credentials can apply for the BSc. Microbiology course. Those interested in learning the subjects taught in this course should apply for it. The applicants enrolled in a BSc. Microbiology course must be:
1. They Must be Interested in Studying Microbes
Candidates interested in studying the behaviour of microbes can apply for a BSc. in Microbiology. They must be eager to learn about various microbes and their cell structures.
2. They Must Have Research Skills
Microbiologists indulge in extensive research work while studying different microscopic cultures. Their extensive research skills help them to excel in this field.
After completing the BSc. in microbiology, the candidates might have to gather information related to food production. They need to learn how microbes can infect food.
The others will have to dedicate most of their time to lab research. Only those with the right aptitude for such work should apply for BSc. in Microbiology.
3. They Should be Compassionate Toward Society
The candidates who pursue the BSc. in Microbiology should be compassionate towards society. The learning outcomes of this course include:
- Understanding how viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms can affect the health of people.
- Knowing the impact of microorganisms on the environment.
4. They Must be Responsible
Those who study Microbiology must be prepared to take on various responsibilities. These responsibilities include preparing cell cultures, observing microbes under a microscope, maintaining lab equipment, etc. They must also imbibe leadership qualities for being in in-charge of a lab.
5. They Must Possess Strong Communication Skills
The students are required to study in groups in the lab and while studying microbiology subjects. Having strong communication skills helps them to interact with other students and teachers to gain more knowledge. Also, communication skills will help them later in their career as they would require to convey their research findings and observations to their senioRs
Syllabus & Subjects
These are the semester-wise Microbiology subjects taught in BSc. Microbiology:
| Semester | Subjects |
| Semester 1 | 1. Introduction to Biology. 2. Chemistry. 3. English. 4. Introduction to Microbiology. 5. Information Systems. 6. Cultural Education 7. Microbiology Lab. |
| Semester 2 | 1. Physics. 2. Microbial Ecology. 3. Biochemistry. 4. Creative Writing. 5. Mathematics. 6. Cultural Education 2. 7. Physical Science Lab.8. Biochemistry Lab. |
| Semester 3 | 1. Molecular Biology. 2. Mycology. 3. Microbial Physiology. 4. Analytical Biochemistry. 5. Virology. 6. General Microbiology Lab. 7. Molecular Biology Lab. |
| Semester 4 | 1. Cell Biology. 2. Biostatistics. 3. Immunology. 4. Inheritance Biology. 5. Enzyme Technology. 6. Food Microbiology. 7. Food Microbiology Lab. 8. Immunology Lab. |
| Semester 5 | 1. Industrial Microbiology. 2. Medical Bacteriology. 3. Recombinant DNA Technology. 4. Environmental & Agricultural Microbiology. 5. Research Methodology. 6. Genetic Engineering Lab. 7. Industrial Microbiology Lab. 8. Medical Bacteriology Lab. |
| Semester 6 | 1. Project Work. 2. Parasitology. 3. Pharmacology. |
Note: The subjects vary according to the college/institute/university in which the students enrol.
Difference Between BSc. Microbiology & BSc. Biology
There are many differences between BSc. Microbiology and BSc. Biology.
Biology is the study of living organisms. It deals with the interaction of living beings with the environment.
BSc. Microbiology involves the study of microorganisms. It deals with their interaction with human life and the environment.
Microbiology is a subset of Biology. Biology involves the study of microscopic organisms.
Microbiologists use a microscope to carry out their lab work. Biologists may not always need a microscope to complete their research work.
Biology is a vast discipline comprising diverse subjects. The curriculum of BSc. Biology is extensive in comparison to BSc. Microbiology.
Top Colleges for BSc. Microbiology
Several colleges offer BSc. Microbiology course in India. Advanced lab facilities, placement opportunities, and the experience of the teaching staff are some good criteria for comparison.
These are the top 8 colleges/universities/institutes in India for pursuing a BSc. Microbiology course. The yearly BSc. Microbiology fees are also mentioned in the below list:
1. MCC (Madras Christian College), Chennai
MCC was established in 1837. It offers UG, PG, and research-level courses in the science, commerce, and arts streams. An average annual fee of Rs 88,000 is charged by this college. Both day and evening college timings are available to choose from for the candidates.
2. Fergusson College, Pune
Fergusson College is one of the most reputed colleges in India. Noteworthy politicians and eminent personalities have graduated from this college. Its average annual fee is Rs 22,000.
3. St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai is an autonomous institute. Jesuits established it in 1869. Its average annual fee is Rs 20,000. It is regarded as one of the best colleges to study BSC. Microbiology.
4. Mount Carmel College, Bangalore
Mt. Caramel College is an independent college in Bangalore meant for women. Its average annual fee is Rs 1,26,000. It got started in Trichur first but got shifted to Bangalore in 1948.
5. Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai
Ethiraj College is a Chennai-based art and science college that provides high-quality education to women. The college campus spreads over 9 acres. Its average annual fee is Rs 59,000. It is located in the central part of Chennai.
6. RamNarain RUIA Autonomous College, Mumbai
Founded in 1937, RamNarain Ruia Autonomous College is one of the best Microbiology colleges in India. It is affiliated with Mumbai University. An average annual fee of Rs 22,000 is charged by this college. It provides an online admission facility to the candidates.
7. Jai Hind College, Mumbai
Jai Hind College received autonomous status from Mumbai University in the academic year 2018-19. Its average annual fee is Rs 19,000. It is renowned for BSC. Microbiology course in Mumbai.
8. Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai
Kishinchand Chellaram College provides a practical learning experience to students.
An average annual fee of Rs 18,500 is charged by this college. It is famous as KC. College in Mumbai. It is one of the best colleges to study BSC. Microbiology in India.
Jobs After BSc. Microbiology In India
The students who study Microbiology get lucrative career opportunities after course completion. They must read the BSc. Microbiology course details.
Going through all the details will help them find out whether they can pursue a career in this field or not. These are the best jobs after completing a BSc. Microbiology in India:
1. Bacteriologist
Bacteriologists study the characteristics of bacteria. They study their impact on human life, plants, and animals. Their job is to observe whether a certain type of bacteria can be a threat to living beings or not.
Their average annual salary is Rs 11,00,000. Experienced bacteriologists earn up to Rs 14,00,000 per year in India. They can earn a higher salary by working in countries like the UK, the US, and Canada.
2. Cell Biologist
Cell biology is the study of the functions and properties of plant and animal cells. They observe cells of microorganisms, humans, animals, and plants. They have excellent research skills and deep knowledge of biological terms and concepts.
Their job is to understand the structure, organization, and function of these cells. The average annual salary of cell biologists can be up to Rs 5,50,000. They become eligible for higher salary packages as they gain experience.
3. Scientist
A scientist makes path-breaking revelations in the field of science. Microbiologists are scientists with a deep understanding of microorganisms and their organization.
They study fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other types of microorganisms. They observe the interaction of microorganisms with humans and the environment. Their job is to detect whether certain microbes can pose a threat to humans or animals. The average yearly salary of a Microbiologist is up to Rs 5,00,000.
4. Virologist
Virologists study viruses and their impact on plants, animals, and humans. Their key duties include:
- Diagnosis of viral infections.
- Research on antiviral drugs.
- Advising veterinary doctors and regular doctors on medicine against viruses.
On average, virologists earn up to Rs 16,00,000 every year. Their average salary can range from Rs 11,00,000 to Rs 21,00,000. The salary varies as per their experience. It also varies as per the lab or company for which they work.
5. Mycologist
Mycologists study different types of fungi. They study the effects of fungi on human life and the environment. Different types of yeast and mushrooms also fall in the category of fungi. They also study these microbes in detail.
Mycologists research the use of fungi in the field of medicine. Their studies also involve the development of antibiotics. Their average annual salary in India is Rs 10,00,000.
Chegg Expert in Microbiology
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What jobs are available after studying for BSc? Microbiology?
These jobs are available after completing in BSc. Microbiology:
Job Profile Average Annual Salary
1. Research Associate Rs 31,938
2. Biomedical Scientist Rs 26,445
3. Microbiologist Rs 17,704
4. Pharmacologist Rs 11,17,927
5. Ecologist Rs 49,323
6. Science Writer Rs 9,00,000
7. Food Technologist Rs 22,126
Q2. How much salary do students get after completing a BSc. in Microbiology?
The salary depends upon the candidates’ firm, post, and qualification. With experience, they can earn higher salaries.
Q3. Is BSc. Microbiology a good course?
BSc. Microbiology unlocks opportunities for working in the pharmaceutical, medical, and research sectors Also, the diverse job roles available for those who complete this course make it a good career option.
Q4. Is studying BSc. in microbiology easy?
Studying BSc. Microbiology is not easy. It involves the detailed study of microbes. Only those who have a passion for this field should enrol in it.
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