MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology: Course Details, Fees, Colleges. Scope

MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is a two-year postgraduate degree programme. It provides students with a thorough grasp of cellular and molecular processes and how they can be used for purposes such as genetic engineering, medication discovery, and bioengineering. Students gain knowledge of molecular mechanisms in living things and the application of biological systems to technological improvements in this MSc degree programme.

Graduates can work in diverse fields such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, agriculture, and academic research. They may pursue roles like biotechnologist, molecular biologist, bioinformatics analyst, research scientist, or pursue higher studies. Topics included in the curriculum are molecular genetics, genetic engineering, bioinformatics, cell biology, genomics, proteomics, and microbiology.

Highlights of M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Eligibility Criteria

Candidates who wish to pursue M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology must fulfil the required eligibility criteria of the programme. These admission conditions can be different for various colleges, however, most of the institutes require the same eligibility conditions to be fulfilled. Some basic admission requirements are as follows:

• Individuals are required to complete their BSc degree in a relevant field like Chemistry or Biochemistry.
• Students must obtain a minimum of 50 per cent in their respective bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Admission

The admission process to pursue M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology vary by institute. Candidates are advised to check the admission process of the programme on the official websites of various colleges to get the exact information. However, a general framework of the procedure to be followed is provided below.

• Candidates are required to either visit the institute or fill out the application form through the college’s official website.
• They must submit the relevant documents along with the application form.
• The candidate's merit is the only consideration in the admissions process.
• To get admission, applicants must satisfy the cutoff score for admission to certain colleges.
• Some universities may also choose to conduct personal interviews.

Cutoff of Top Colleges

MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology cut-off is dependent on a group of factors such as determining a student's merit and the number of applicants. Admission to the college is provided to those who score above the cut-off percentage, rank, or marks. Each college's cutoff depends majorly on the merit examinations and the number of students who apply for the programme.

M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Syllabus

The MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology course curriculum varies from one college to another. However, the major subjects in the programme are covered in almost all institutes. In the table below, we have added the MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology syllabus provided by Tezpur University:

Scope of M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

The scope of an M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is vast and expands numerous career opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental sectors. There is a growing need for molecular biologists in diagnostics, especially for diseases like cancer, genetic disorders, and viral infections. With increasing demands for food security, professionals can work on improving crop yield, nutrition, and resistance through genetic modifications and biotechnological innovations.

With advancements in sequencing technologies, there is a huge demand for bioinformaticians to analyse large datasets in genomics, proteomics, and systems biology. Graduates can pursue teaching roles in universities and colleges, where they can also engage in academic research. Biotechnology graduates with an understanding of molecular biology can work in patent law firms, analysing and filing patents related to new discoveries and products.

Career Options after M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

Graduates have a wide range of employment options in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. Promising opportunities exist in academia and research and in the public and private sectors. We have provided below major career options that they can opt for right after successful completion of M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

Top Recruiters

MSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology graduates are in high demand across various sectors. Some of the top recruiters in the field of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology include:

• Biocon,
• Cipla,
• Dr. Reddy's Laboratories,
• Novozymes, Monsanto (now Bayer CropScience),
• Syngenta,
• Dow AgroSciences,
• Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR),
• Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)

Benefits of M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

An M.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology offers several benefits, from personal development to broad career opportunities. With applications in healthcare, agriculture, environmental sciences, and industry, the demand for molecular biology and biotechnology experts is continually growing. Graduates can find roles in diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotech firms, research institutions, hospitals, government agencies, and academic institutions.

With innovations like CRISPR, gene editing, synthetic biology, and personalised medicine, molecular biology and biotechnology are at the vanguard of scientific progress. Students pursuing this degree have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research and help bring about ground-breaking advancements in science and medicine.

Expected Salary after M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

The salary offered to M.Sc. Molecular Biology and Biotechnology graduates vary depending on their skills and knowledge. Employers seek candidates with previous relevant experience. Those who have done internships in the same are preferred over freshers. Below are some of the high-paying job profiles and their corresponding yearly average salaries:

Source: Glassdoor

The Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology is a postgraduate programme that focuses on the study of the molecular and genetic processes of living organisms and their applications in biotechnology. This interdisciplinary programme combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on laboratory skills, providing a comprehensive understanding of subjects such as genetics, molecular biology, bioinformatics, cell biology, and biochemistry.