Masters of Science in Life Science

Students undertaking the M.Sc. program in Life Science at Mount Carmel College are trained to explore and acquire an in-depth understanding of the episteme – Life Science. By putting in a conscious effort to impart knowledge about the field by reputed professors and lecturers, this program is designed to foster a culture wherein students’ talent is amplified with knowledge, technical training and guidance. Through rigorous evaluation patterns, our students are encouraged to put their skills to use and venture into the field of Life Science by enhancing their critical thinking abilities and sensibilities. The program spans over two academic years, divided into four semesters. It gives the students an insight into various branches of Biological Sciences. The course introduces the concepts of unity and diversity in Biology and the hierarchy of organization of biological systems. In the first year, students are introduced to the building blocks of life (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), information perpetuation and transfer (Genetics), cells as the basic functional unit of life (Cell Biology) and higher levels of organization (tissue systems and physiology). In the second year, the focus is on applied papers like Food and Fermentation Technology, Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, Animal Tissue Culture, Plant Tissue Culture, Immunology, Applied Microbiology and Bioinformatics. This allows the students to obtain a deeper understanding of the various aspects of Biology. Students undertake an in-house research project which helps them to develop the technical and analytical skills necessary to pursue a career in scientific research. The Curricular and Extracurricular activities are designed in a way to ensure that the students receive a holistic understanding through the curriculum.

Dr. Suba G. A. Manuel
M. Phil., Ph. D.

Semester 1:

Four core courses and two allied courses

Community Development Program will commence.

Semester 2:

Four core courses and two allied courses

Community Development Program will be evaluated.

Internship (4 – 6 weeks).

Semester 3:

Four elective courses (two compulsory papers and two papers with choice) and one allied course.

Multidisciplinary / Open Elective offered by other departments.

Internship will be evaluated.

Semester 4:

Three elective courses (one compulsory paper and two papers with choice).

Project (in-house).

Aspirants must have a B. Sc. degree in any discipline of Biological Sciences with minimum of 55% marks in aggregate.

The performance of the student will be assessed throughout the semester. Evaluations will be based on continuous internal assessment (CIA) and end-semester examinations (ESE).

Continuous Internal Assessment (CIA):

Core Paper:  30 marks (Theory) + 15 marks (Practical)

Theory marks will be based on a written exam (CIA I which is descriptive and CIA II which is online multiple-choice questions) and oral presentations / assignments. The practical component is assessed by a pre-final examination and class record.

Allied Paper:  15 marks

Theory marks will be based on a written exam (CIA I which is descriptive and CIA II which is online multiple-choice questions) and oral presentations / assignments.

End-Semester Examination (ESE): 70 marks (Theory) + 35 marks (Practical)

There are two sections for theory:

For Core Paper

Section A: Students will have to answer four questions for 05 marks each.

Section B: Students will have to answer five questions for 10 marks each.

Practical exam:  Students will be assessed for their performance and a viva voce.

For Allied Paper

Section A: Students will have to answer four questions for 05 marks each.

Section B: Students will have to answer three questions for 10 marks each.

Project report (200 marks)

In the third and fourth semesters, students will work on a topic of their choice, under the academic supervision of a faculty member. They will be evaluated on the basis of their performance, quantum of work, written report and viva.

An M. Sc. degree will be awarded when a student has passed all courses and completed the Community Development Program, Internship and Project.

The program prepares students for careers in teaching as well as research.
Jobs in R&D sector.