Course Overview:
B.Sc. in Molecular Biology is a 3-year undergraduate program that focuses on the study of molecular processes within living organisms, particularly DNA, RNA, proteins, and their roles in cellular functions. The program combines elements of genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms in life sciences. Graduates can pursue careers in biotechnology, research, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare.
Duration:
3 years (6 semesters)
Syllabus - Semester-Wise Breakdown
Year 1 (Semester 1 & 2):
Introduction to Molecular Biology: Basic concepts of molecular biology, structure, and function of nucleic acids and proteins.
Cell Biology: Study of cell structure, organelles, cell cycle, and cell communication.
Biochemistry: Basics of biomolecules, metabolic pathways, and enzyme kinetics.
Genetics: Mendelian genetics, gene interaction, and linkage mapping.
Microbiology: Introduction to microorganisms, their genetics, and molecular biology.
Laboratory I: Practical training in molecular biology techniques, including DNA isolation, PCR, and electrophoresis.
Year 2 (Semester 3 & 4):
Molecular Genetics: Gene structure, transcription, translation, and regulation of gene expression.
Genetic Engineering: Tools and techniques of genetic manipulation, including CRISPR, recombinant DNA technology.
Cell Signaling and Communication: Study of molecular mechanisms of signal transduction and cellular responses.
Developmental Biology: Genetic control of development, molecular mechanisms guiding embryogenesis and organogenesis.
Immunology: Study of immune response at the molecular level, including antibody formation and immune regulation.
Laboratory II: Advanced molecular techniques including cloning, protein expression, and western blotting.
Year 3 (Semester 5 & 6):
Genomics and Proteomics: Genome sequencing, gene function analysis, and protein-protein interactions.
Molecular Evolution: Evolution of genomes, molecular phylogenetics, and evolutionary genetics.
Bioinformatics: Use of computational tools for analyzing biological data, including DNA sequencing and protein structure prediction.
Biotechnology and Applied Molecular Biology: Application of molecular biology in biotechnology, agriculture, and medicine.
Research Methodology and Ethics: Scientific research methods, data analysis, and ethical considerations in molecular biology research.
Internship and Project Work: Practical experience in research labs, hospitals, or biotech companies, with a focus on molecular biology applications in health, agriculture, or industry.
Average Fees:
INR 50,000 - 2,50,000 per year (varies based on institution)
Exams to Attend:
NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) for some institutions
IISER Aptitude Test (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research)
JEE Mains (for some institutions)
BITSAT (Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test)
State-level entrance exams like KEAM (Kerala), KCET (Karnataka)
University-specific entrance exams
Top 10 Molecular Biology Institutes in India:
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi
Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
Madras Christian College, Chennai
Presidency University, Kolkata
Christ University, Bangalore
Top 10 Molecular Biology Institutes in Kerala:
Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kochi
University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Thiruvananthapuram
St. Thomas College, Thrissur
Sacred Heart College, Kochi
St. Joseph’s College, Devagiri
Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram
Farook College, Kozhikode
Government Victoria College, Palakkad