M.SC. PH.D - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The NMIMS (Deemed to be University) introduced M.Sc.-Ph.D. programmes in Biological Sciences and Chemical Sciences in July 2007. The salient feature of these programmes is the emphasis being laid on the overall development of laboratory skills of a research student coupled with an expansion of his/her knowledge base through an interdisciplinary course work comprising lectures and practicals in the first year of the course and subsequently fine tuning these skills in a particular area of specialization. While the research student will have ample opportunity to acquire hands-on training on modern, sophisticated instruments/equipment wherever necessary, he/she will also be able to benefit from the expertise of one or more supervisors, wherever needed.

Duration

The M.Sc. course work in the first two years extends over 4 semesters. After the M.Sc. course work the students will commence the Ph.D. program subject to passing of a qualifying test. The qualifying test involves assessment of the research aptitude of the students by the Research and Recognition Committee (RRC). Each student then undertakes research in a specialized area on a topic to be decided by the student in consultation with the Research Supervisor(s) following approval from the Research and Recognition Committee (RRC). The duration of the research project would be minimum 3 years.

Intake

A total of 10 seats are available for the Integrated M.Sc.- Ph.D. program in Biological Sciences

Board Of Studies

Dr. Purvi Bhatt, Dean, SDSOS, NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai
Dr. Pravin Potdar, Former Head & Chief of Department of Molecular Medicine & Biology at Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai
Dr. Penna Suprassana, Former Head of Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai & Professor, Homi Bhabha National Institute, Department of Atomic Energy, Mumbai
Dr. Prabhakar Dongre, Professor, Biophysics, University of Mumbai, Mumbai
Dr. Krutika Desai, Principal, SVKM’s Mithibai College, Mumbai
Dr. Vikrant Bhor, Scientist D, Department of Molecular Immunology and Microbiology, NIRRCH, Mumbai
Dr. Ekta Khattar, Associate Professor, SDSOS, NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai
Dr. Pamela Jha, Assistant Professor, SDSOS, NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai
Dr. Brijesh S., Assistant Professor, SDSOS, NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai
Dr. Bajarang Kumbhar, Assistant Professor, SDSOS, NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai
Dr. Harinder Singh, (Member Secretary, BOS), Assistant Professor, SDSOS, NMIMS, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai

Value Proposition

Unique program, with a provision of completing M.Sc. and Ph.D. in minimum 5 years after B.Sc.
Extensive course work in line with the requirements of Industry, thus adding value to the degree
Hands on training on sophisticated analytical instruments
Development of skills to use statistical and computational techniques as research/data analysis tools
In built opportunity to improve soft skills as well as scientific writing
Flexibility in project selection on interdisciplinary topics to complete thesis requirement.
Grading system at par with international standards
Each student will be supervised by an individual expert committee constituted according to the interdisciplinary nature of the research project
A system of continuous evaluation through seminars, quizzes and practicals
Guest faculty drawn from a pool of experts from Industry
Innovative teaching methods involving continuous interaction amongst faculty and students

Programme Objectives

Modern facilities to provide ambience and support for curricular and extra-curricular activities for the overall development of students.
Dedicated, qualified faculty to ensure high standard of teaching, learning and evaluation processes.
Periodic review and revision of curricula based on feedback from the industry with quick response to ensure the relevance of the programmes to the changing needs of industry.
Semester system with proper planning to utilize the resources effectively and efficiently.
Industry based project work as part of the curricula to get recognition and reward to the students in the form of job offer or support for further studies and research.
The initiatives are taken to keep the students abreast of the latest trends in the industry/research organizations through industrial visits and guest lectures.
The program is a full time program which is offered from Monday to Saturday.

Pedagogy

The course lays emphasis on the overall development of laboratory skills of a research student coupled with an expansion of his/her knowledge base through an interdisciplinary course work. The course work comprises of lectures and practicals in the first year and subsequently fine tuning these skills in a particular area of specialization.

The course is reviewed regularly in consultation with our Board of Studies, which comprises of experts from academia, research institutions and industry from all over India. Thus, the course is tailor made to fulfill the requirements needed to keep pace with the current developments in scientific research.

While the research student will have ample opportunity to acquire hands-on training on modern, sophisticated instruments/equipment wherever necessary, he/she will also be able to benefit from the expertise of one or more supervisors, wherever needed.

In the first year, along with the permanent faculties, the regular lectures are also conducted by visiting faculties who are experts in their respective fields. Apart from the course work, the Faculty also conducts Guest lectures by eminent academicians and scientists, paper presentations, Doctoral Committee Meetings to ensure learner centric environment.

A Research and Recognition Committee (RRC), under the Chairmanship of the Honorable Pro-VC, has recently been established to oversee the quality of research being carried at the School, and to advise the School on measures to improve courses of studies at the post-graduate level and Doctoral level. In addition, methods like quiz, discussions, tutorials, Industry visits etc. are also used by the faculty to benefit the students.

Eligibility

Bachelor of Science in Biology (Microbiology, Biochemistry, Applied Biology, Life Science, Biotechnology, Botany, Zoology) or Chemistry, Physics (2 years of Biology at Graduate level), or B. Pharm., B. E./B. Tech. (Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering) from a recognized University with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent grade.

Admission Criteria Process

Students who satisfy the requirements of the selection process will be considered for admission to the integrated courses.

Stage 1 - All eligible candidates will be required to appear for a Written Test to be conducted at the NMIMS campus in Mumbai. The venue will be announced sufficiently in advance of the test date.
Stage 2 - Candidates will called for a personal interview at the NMIMS Campus, Mumbai.

Based on the performance in Stages 1 and 2, a composite merit list will be prepared as per criteria laid down by the University.

Curriculum

First Year

Semester I

Paper I: Cell Biology
Paper II: Molecular Biology
Paper III: Analytical Techniques in Biology
Paper IV: Research Methodology
Paper V: Biostatistics
Paper VI: Human Evolutionary Genetics
Paper VII: Cell and Molecular Biology Lab
Paper VIII: Analytical Techniques and Research Methods Lab

Paper IX: Research Seminar

Paper X: Soft Skills

Semester II

Paper I: Recombinant DNA Technology
Paper II: Omics
Paper III: Bioinformatics
Paper IV: Entrepreneurship, IPR and Patenting
Paper V: Recombinant DNA Technology and Omics Lab

Paper VI: Bioinformatics Lab

Paper VII: Research Seminar

Paper VIII: Introduction to Organizational Structure and Function

Electives:

Paper I: Stem Cell Biology

Paper II Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering

Paper III: Nanobiology

Second Year

Semester III

Paper I: Molecular Oncology
Paper II: Immunology
Paper III: Computational Tools
Paper IV: Research and Publication Ethics

Paper V: Research Proposal Presentation
Paper VI: Molecular Oncology and Immunology Lab

Paper VII: Employability Skills

Electives:

Paper I: Introduction to Pharmacology
Paper II: Molecular Medicine
Paper III: Introduction to Programming

Semester IV

Research Project

Program outcome

Evaluation Criteria

During the course work the students will be required to have a minimum attendance of 80% for lectures, practicals and seminars, separately. The students will be evaluated through semester end exams and through continuous internal assessment.

Internal assessment will be on the basis of internal tests/quizzes/assignments/presentations based on Theory. Practical work will be evaluated on a continuous basis and a test/viva at the end of the semester. The grade will be awarded at the end of the year on the basis of Cumulative Grade Point Average. The project work will be evaluated by a thesis submission followed by a presentation/viva.

During the research project, the progress of the work will be evaluated by a Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC). The progress of the work will be evaluated on the basis of the presentation made by the student in a TAC meeting every six months. The students will be allowed to start writing their thesis only after getting the permission from the TAC following their last RRC meeting (generally 5th or 6th).

Thesis can be submitted to the University only after two articles have been published/accepted for publication in National/International peer reviewed Journals.