BSc Microbiology is a 3-year undergraduate degree that focuses on studying the unicellular and clusters of microscopic animals, viruses, bacteria and fungi. The course teaches the effects of these organisms on the human body and the environment. The BSc Microbiology syllabus also contains information on different types of viruses and bacteria and how they function in human cells.
In order to be eligible for BSc Microbiology, candidates must complete their Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects. BSc Microbiology Admission is done based on the candidate’s marks in the Class 12 examination. Career as a Microbiologist is thriving with opportunities coming from top sectors.
Each year, the demand for microbiologists is growing at a steady rate of 3%. Last year, the vacancies available for microbiologists jumped up to 32.13%. The average fees required for pursuing BSc Microbiology across the Top Microbiology Colleges in India range from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000 on average. BSc Microbiology Syllabus includes Molecular Ecology, Molecular biology, immunology, Enzymes Technology, Industrial Microbiology, etc.
BSc Microbiology Course Details:
- The average annual fees for BSc Microbiology course range between INR 20,000-INR 2,00,000.
- The B.Sc Microbiology Admission process is usually based on merit. But, few of the colleges conduct their own entrance exams.
- Top B.Sc Microbiology Entrance Exams are AMUEEE, LPUNEST, Assam CEE, HPU MAT, IISc Entrance Exam, and many more.
- Regular B.Sc in Microbiology, Part-time B.Sc in Microbiology, and Distance B.Sc in Microbiology are the most common types of B.Sc Microbiology courses pursued by students in India.
- BSc Microbiology Top Colleges offering B.Sc in Microbiology are NIMS University, Madras Christian College, LPU, Fergusson College, Mount Carmel College, Ethiraj College for Women, RamNarain College, and many more.
- Common Jobs after B.Sc. Microbiology: Microbiologist, Operations Manager, Senior Business Analyst, Senior research scientist, Quality control Microbiologist, Clinical Research Associate, etc
- The average annual starting salary offered to BSc Microbiology graduates in India range between INR 3 and 5 Lakh depending on the candidate’s expertise in the field.
- Popular Courses after B.Sc. Microbiology are MSc Microbiology, MSc in Applied Microbiology, MSc Medical Microbiology, and MSc Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics
BSc in Microbiology: Course Highlights
| Full Form | Bachelor of Science in Microbiology |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | Class 12th or equivalent with at least 55-60% marks/ secure minimum required scores in entrance exams |
| Top Colleges and Universities | NIMS University, Madras Christian College, Mount Carmel College, Ethiraj College, etc. |
| B.Sc in Microbiology Courses | Regular, Distance. |
What is BSc Microbiology?
With the rise in the complexities of diseases caused by microorganisms in recent times, with the global pandemic being one of the latest examples, BSc Microbiology courses are in great demand. The core BSc Microbiology syllabus encompasses subjects such as Mycology, Industrial microbiology, Biostatistics, etc, equipping the students with skills required by the candidates to slog it out in the industry.
Why Study BSc Microbiology?
BSc Microbiology is in high demand because of the benefits that the course brings along with itself. Candidates after completion of the course can find themselves in different research labs, pharmaceutical companies, food processing plants, etc.
The Perks of BSc Microbiology have been listed below :
- Diverse opportunities: A graduate degree in Microbiology can open up job opportunities for candidates in various unique profiles such as bacteriologists, virologists, cell biologists, Mycologists and many more.
- Higher Education: Candidates after completion of the course can opt for higher education by enrolling in the MSc programs such as MSc Microbiology, MSc in Applied Microbiology, MSc Medical Microbiology, and MSc Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics. A PG degree also increases the job prospect for the candidates. Similarly, the candidates can opt for PhD courses after completing their PG.
- Research opportunities: Most microbes quickly change their genetic structures. This opens up opportunities for research. Microbiologists continuously research microbes to understand the next wave of infectious diseases, the environmental impact of microbes, the effect of microbes on food products and many more.
- Competitive Salary: A microbiologist in India earns around INR 310,000 per annum. A microbiologist with over 10 years of experience can earn upto INR 600,000 per annum.
Who Should Study BSc Microbiology?
- Candidates who have an interest in studying microbes and their behaviors should pursue microbiology.
- Career as a microbiologist requires constant research, so candidates who have an aptitude for research should follow this course.
- The aspirants should also have an aptitude for understanding the need for food security and the way microbes affect the food production process.
- Individuals who are passionate and ethical should pursue this course.
- The course requires the individual to display leadership and accountability in lab conditions. So individuals with good leadership skills should take up the course.
- As the Microbiology course is still seen as a niche education in India, the aspirants must be patient about their opportunities.
- The Part-time and distance Bsc Microbiology courses can be pursued by individuals who are working or have lesser financial resources.
When Should You Study Microbiology?
- The course should be pursued immediately after the completion of the 12th or equivalent exam, for those who are pursuing a regular course.
- Candidates who are working can do their B.Sc in Microbiology via distance or part-time mode.
- The candidates should pursue this course when they have decided that they want to pursue a career that is mainly based on research
Types of BSc Microbiology
The increasing demand for Microbiologists in India has led to the formation of different types of BSc in Microbiology courses, in order to suit the needs of various students. The different courses types of BSc In Microbiology courses are BSc Microbiology (Hons) Fulltime, BSc Microbiology Fulltime, Distance BSc in Microbiology.
BSc Microbiology (Hons) Full time
- The Duration of the course is of 3 years.
- The candidates must pass their 12th or equivalent exam from a recognized board or university with a minimum of 55-60% marks.
- The admissions are based on a merit list or an entrance exam.
- The average course fee ranges between INR 4000-INR 2 lacs
- The Top colleges are Abhilashi Institute of Life Sciences, University of Delhi, Maulana Azad College, JECRC University, etc
BSc Microbiology Full time
- The duration of the Course is 3 years.
- The average annual course fees range between INR 50,000- INR 200,000.
- Admissions are based on merit lists, however, some colleges prefer entrance exams.
- The top colleges are NIMS University, Madras Christian College, Mount Carmel College, etc.
BSc Microbiology Integrated
- Many colleges provide integrated BSc Microbiology courses. The course consists of a 3 year UG course [BSc Microbiology or BSc Microbiology (Hons)] and a 2 years PG Course (MSc Microbiology )
- The duration of the course is for a period of 5 years.
- The eligibility criteria are that the candidates must pass the 12th or equivalent exam with 55%marks.
- Some colleges require candidates to sit for an Interview.
- The average course fee Ranges between INR 3 Lacs to INR 4.47 Lacs.
- Some of the top colleges are Annamalai University, Shoolini University, etc.
Distance BSc Microbiology
- The distance BSc Microbiology courses are offered for a period of 3 years.
- The courses are available at a lower cost than the regular courses.
- The candidates must pass their 12th with a minimum score of 45-50%. The candidates must have Biology in their 12th exam.
- The top colleges are JSS University, NIMS University, Annamalai University, etc.
BSc Biotechnology VS BSc Microbiology
Both BSc Biotechnology and BSc Microbiology are specialized courses and are popular among students. The basic difference between these two courses is provided in the table below:
| Parameters | BSc Biotechnology | BSc Microbiology |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Form | Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology | Bachelor of Science in Microbiology |
| Course Overview | B.Sc. Biotechnology is a full-time undergraduate program that is of 2-year duration and is a more diverse field as compared to a B.Sc. Microbiology. | Bachelor of Science in Microbiology is a full-time undergraduate program the duration of which is 2 years and can be pursued after completing Class 12. |
| Average Annual Fees | INR 3,000 to 1 Lakhs | INR 25,000 to 2 Lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 4 Lakhs per annum | INR 5 Lakhs per annum |
| Colleges | Punjab University, Lovely Professional University, GD Goenka University, Gurgaon, etc. | Indian Academy Degree College, Bangalore, Rai University, Ahmedabad, Punjab University, GD Goenka University, Gurgaon, etc. |
Distance BSc Microbiology
The distance BSc Microbiology is a 3 years course offered to the working professional or to those individuals who cannot pursue the courses in regular mode.
Distance BSc Microbiology Admission 2024
- Admission to the distance BSc Microbiology is provided on the basis of merit list
- The average cost of studying from distance education colleges always cost less than the regular full-time.
- Suitable for those aspirants who cannot pursue the course full time.
The study materials are provided to the correspondence address or are available through the internet.
The detail of Distance Education from various institutes has been provided below:
BSc Microbiology Distance: Top Colleges
| College/University Name | Location | Average Annual Fee Charged |
|---|---|---|
| Periyar University | Tamil Nadu | INR 6,845 |
| Annamalai University | Tamil Nadu | INR 19,400 |
| NIMS University | Jaipur | INR 66,000 |
| Vinayaka Mission University | Tamil Nadu | INR 33,000 |
BSc Microbiology Subjects
The BSC Microbiology syllabus is divided into six semesters. The average length of the semester is for a period of six months. In the first two semesters, the general subjects are mainly taught. The core subjects are taught in the final four semesters. Some colleges require candidates to undergo industrial training in their final semester.
BSc Microbiology Syllabus
B.Sc. Microbiology covers the subjects related to microorganisms, cell biology, ecology, and other related terms related to microorganisms. The detailed semester-wise syllabus of B.Sc. Microbiology program is provided in the table given below:
| BSc Microbiology Syllabus Semester I | BSc Microbiology Syllabus Semester II |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Biology | Physics |
| Chemistry | Microbial Ecology |
| English | Biochemistry |
| Introduction to microbiology | Creative writing |
| Information systems | Mathematics |
| Cultural education I | Cultural education II |
| Microbiology lab | Physical science lab |
| – | Biochemistry lab |
| BSc Microbiology Syllabus Semester III | BSc Microbiology Syllabus Semester IV |
| Molecular biology | Cell biology |
| Mycology | Inheritance biology |
| Microbial physiology | Immunology |
| Analytical biochemistry | Enzyme technology |
| Virology | Biostatistics |
| General microbiology lab | Food microbiology |
| Molecular biology lab | Immunology lab |
| – | Food microbiology lab |
| BSc Microbiology Syllabus Semester V | BSc Microbiology Syllabus Semester VI |
| Industrial microbiology | Project |
| Medical bacteriology | Pharmacology |
| Recombinant DNA technology | Parasitology |
| Environmental and agricultural microbiology | – |
| Research methodology | – |
| Medical bacteriology lab | – |
| Industrial microbiology lab | – |
| Genetic engineering lab | – |
BSc Microbiology Reference Books
A few of the top reads and course books of B.Sc. Microbiology is enlisted below for your reference. This list of books will definitely help you to grow advanced knowledge of the subject.
| Book Name | Author |
|---|---|
| Microbiology: An Introduction | Gerard J. Tortora, Berdell R. Funke, and Christine L. Case |
| Brock Biology of Microorganisms | Michael T. Madigan, John M. Martinko, Kelly S. Bender, Daniel H. Buckley, David A. Stahl, and Thomas Brock |
| Clinical Microbiology made Ridiculously Simple | Mark Gladwin, Bill Trattler and C. Scott Mahan |
| Prescott’s Microbiology | Joanne Willey, Linda Sherwood, and Christopher J. Woolverton |
| Bailey & Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology | Patricia Tille |
| Greenwood Medical Microbiology | David Greenwood, Richard C. B. Slack, Michael R. Barer, and Will L Irving |
BSc Microbiology Admission 2024
The BSc Microbiology Admission is mainly done on the basis of the merit list. However, some of the colleges prefer to take entrance exams for the admission process.
BSc Microbiology Eligibility
Students who aspire to seek admission to BSc Microbiology course is required to follow the minimum eligibility criteria given below:
- Must have passed Class 12 or any other equivalent examination from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 60% marks.
- Aspirants must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/ Zoology/ Botany as compulsory subjects in Class 12.
BSc Microbiology Admission Process
- Most of the institutes and universities in India follow a merit-based admission process for BSc Microbiology Admission.
- Marks obtained by students in Higher secondary class or relevant examinations are taken into consideration. Seats are then allotted to deserving candidates.
- A few of the colleges do offer admission on the basis of entrance exams.
Merit-Based Admission
- Colleges Offering admissions on the basis of merit list consider the 10+2 score.
- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Zoology are the mandatory subjects, that means you should be from a science background.
- To apply for merit-based admission offering colleges you need to fill the application form online
- Pay the application fee along with the necessary documents
- Keep a check on the cutoff list released by the college or university.
Entrance Based Admission
- A few of the colleges and states conduct their university and state level entrance tests for offering admissions in this course
- Some of the entrance exams are LPUNEST for Lovely Professional University, Assam CEE for Dibrugarh University, and alike.
- For this mode of admission, you need to apply on their college website
- Submit the necessary documents and keep the receipt for future reference
- Then appear for the entrance exam and score well.
- Students who would qualify for the entrance exam have to appear in the counselling round and accept the admission offer by paying the admission fee.
BSc Microbiology Entrance Exams
Some of the top colleges and universities which offer this Bachelor’s degree program conduct an entrance test for admission to this program. There are a number of universities, state, and college-level entrance exams like MGU CAT, LPU NEST, Assam CEE, and others. With the help of these examinations, colleges/ universities will be able to test the student’s knowledge and ability on the basis of which the selection takes place.
BSc Microbiology Important Dates
| Name of the Exams | Registration Dates (Tentative) | Exam Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|---|
| NPAT | December 2023 – May 21, 2024 | January 2024 – May 2024 |
| CUET | February 2024 – April 2024 | May 15 – 31, 2024 |
| CUCET | November 28, 2023 – May 29, 2024 | May 2024 |
| SET | January 2024 | May 2024 |
BSc Microbiology Top colleges in India
Some of the top colleges offering B.Sc. Microbiology program is listed in the table given below:
Top BSc Microbiology Colleges Based on The Week ranking
| The WEEK Ranking | Name of the College/ University | Average Annual Fees | Average Placement Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Madras Christian College, Chennai | INR 88,857 | INR 3,80,000 |
| 8 | Fergusson College, Pune | INR 22,110 | INR 5,70,000 |
| 10 | St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | INR 20,507 | INR 6,20,000 |
| 13 | Mount Carmel College, Bangalore | INR 1,26,000 | INR 6,80,000 |
| 17 | Ethiraj College for Women, Chennai | INR 59,000 | INR 4,80,000 |
| 21 | RamNarain RUIA Autonomous College, Mumbai | INR 22,350 | INR 3,25,000 |
| 29 | Jai Hind College, Mumbai | INR 18,715 | INR 4,25,000 |
| 31 | Kishinchand Chellaram College, Mumbai | INR 18,735 | INR 5,10,000 |
BSc Microbiology Jobs and Salary
Microbiologists are in huge demand nowadays in the field of Medical Research, Quality Control, and the biotechnology industry. Numerous graduates get jobs as researchers working in Universities, Pharmaceutical and Bioscience companies and institutes.
B.Sc. Microbiology graduates also move forward in laboratory-based careers in clinical or technical roles not involving research. There are a large number of job opportunities for those who want to pursue a career in the field of Microbiology. Microbiologist graduates will be able to find jobs in various sectors including government and private hospitals, food industries, research and development organizations, chemical industries, and pharmaceutical industries.
B.Sc. Microbiology graduates can also opt for a career as a science writer, writing articles for professional microbiologists. The salary of microbiologists depends on various factors including qualification, experience, and job profile.
Some of the popular professional jobs available to a B.Sc. Microbiology graduates along with the corresponding salaries are provided in the table given below:
| Job Position | Job Profile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Bacteriologist | The job of a Bacteriologist is to study different kinds of bacteria that are constantly changing and evolving. Their main work is to do research in a laboratory mostly for govt. or pharmaceutical companies. | INR 2,91,000 |
| Virologist | A Virologist is a professional who studies the growth, development, structure, and characteristics of distinct viruses. His main job is to isolate and make cultures of significant viruses in a standard inhibitory medium in a way such that to control environmental factors including aeration, moisture, temperature, and nutrition. | INR 10,00,000 |
| Mycologist | A Mycologist is a person who studies fungi which is an independent organisms similar to animals, algae, plants, and bacteria. Mycologists usually study operations of the organism-based processes of poisonous, edible, and parasitic fungi to find organisms that are pretty helpful in medicine, industry and agriculture sectors. | INR 6,00,000 |
| Cell biologist | Cell biologists are used to research and study the properties, interactions, and structure of molecules of a cell from which they can derive basic principles or about the effects of cell behavior on a particular organism. | INR 10,70,000 |
| Biochemist | Biochemists work with the chemical composition of living organisms and carry out studies of the chemical processes involved in all the basic life functions. With the help of research, experimentation, and study, these professionals will be able to provide us with much of the background knowledge on topics like genetics and heredity. | INR 7,00,000 |