M.SC. - BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES

The NMIMS (Deemed to be University) is introducing the M.Sc. programme in Biological Sciences from August 2012. The salient feature of this programme is the emphasis being laid on the overall development of laboratory skills of a 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 student will have ample opportunity to acquire hands-on training on modern, sophisticated instruments/equipment, he/she will also be able to benefit from the expertise of one or more faculty, wherever needed.

Duration

The M. Sc. is a two years course which includes three semesters and a full semester project work.

Intake

A total of 20 seats are available for the M.Sc. program in Biological Sciences

Value Proposition

• Unique program, with a provision of completing M.Sc. in 2 years including one semester project work either internal or external (with reputed academic institutions)
• 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
• 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 "Industry Interface Program” has been initiated 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, etc. to ensure learner centric environment.

In the second year, after the third semester students can take up one semester research projects on varied topics either at academic or research institutions of repute.

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

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.

Programme Incharge's Message

The Sunandan Divatia School of Science (SDSOS) is a newly founded endeavor of the prestigious SVKM’S NMIMS (Deemed to be University), in its efforts to diverge to various disciplines of higher education and learning. The SOS evolved in 2007-2008, with a view to provide undergraduates and post graduates an opportunity to embark on a challenging, yet exciting domain of Pure and Applied Sciences. At the SOS, we offer unique multi- as well as inter-disciplinary programs, viz, Post graduate program in Statistics, Biological Sciences, Chemical Sciences and Physiotherapy; Integrated Post-Graduate-Doctoral program in Biological Sciences and Chemical Sciences and a Doctoral program in Biological Sciences and Chemical Sciences.

There is a major emphasis on ‘Research’ in all the programs offered at the SDSOS. We are strongly driven by a highly qualified scientific talent pool. The main focus of our R & D activities has been conducting applied research at the interface of Chemistry and the Biosciences on problems of national and international importance.

Our strategic future plan involves inclusion of innovative areas of inter-disciplinary research, in specific areas through the application of new and cutting-edge technologies.

I welcome you all to an enjoyable and stimulating learning experience at the SDSOS and look forward to working together to help us achieve our goal, to be recognized as a ‘Centre of Excellence’.

Dr. Purvi Bhatt

In-Charge Dean, Sunandan Divatia School of Science