MSc Life Science is a 2-year Post Graduation course which includes subjects like Microbiology, Ecology, Plant Developmental Biology, Genetics & Molecular Evolution, Plant Development Biology etc.
An aspirant requires a B.Sc. degree after 10+2 with major/honours in Life Science and any other related life Science discipline like bioscience/Botany/Zoology, they become eligible for this course. Some colleges grant admission on the basis of an entrance exam whereas some grant admission on the basis of merit and marks obtained in the graduation.
Learn more about Top MSc Colleges in India
The course fees differ based on the universities or colleges standards, facilities and also the specialization one wants to choose. The average annual fee for this course is INR 4,000 to 50,000 per year. After the successful completion of the MSc Life Science course, one can be recognized as a research analyst in Life Science or scientist and will be able to work as a product manager, food scientist, Nutritionist, biology content developer, senior laboratory technician, etc.
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The graduates of MSc Life Science work in the areas such as Colleges and Universities, Pharmaceuticals Product Life Science, Biotechnology Labs, Food Processing Companies, Science Content Writing etc. The average salary one can expect after this course is INR 2 to 5 Lakhs per annum, which varies based on the specialization and the sector in which the candidate is working.
- MSc Course Highlights
1.1 What is an MSc Course?
1.2 Why study? - MSc Admission Process
2.1 Eligibility
2.2 Entrance exams
2.3 How to prepare for Entrance exams
2.4 How to get admission in good college? - MSc Life Science Syllabus
3.1 Books for MSc Life Science - Top Colleges
- MSc Life Science Course Comparison
- MSc Life Science Distance Education
6.1 MSc Life Science in IGNOU - MSc Life Science Jobs
- MSc Life Science Scope
- MSc Life Science: FAQs
MSc Life Science Course Highlights
| Course | MSc Life Science |
| Full form | Master of Science in Life Science |
| Level | Post graduation |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. degree in Life Science or in relevant field |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based |
| Average tuition fee | INR 4,000 to 50,000 per year |
| Job Positions | Food Scientist, Immunologist, Nutritionist, Laboratory Technician, Biology Content Developer, Associate - Intellectual Property Life Science, Research Assistant - Biotechnology Lab, Research Scientist - Metabolic Identification, Sales Executive - Life Science etc. |
| Top recruiting areas | Colleges and Universities, Pharmaceuticals Product Life Science, Biotechnology Labs, Food Processing Companies, Science Content Writing etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 2 to 5 Lakhs |
MSc Life Science: What is it about?
- Life Science is one such course which has become widely popular in recent times.This course is designed scientifically to orient the candidates towards research and development skills.
- It is a postgraduate environmental course; it comprises the field of Science that involves the scientific study of living organisms like plants, animals, and human beings.
- Students are directly exposed to various modern aspects of ongoing global activities from the beginning.
- This course is a combination of biology at the microorganism level as well as at the level of human beings. Students are required to study organisms and microorganisms at the molecular and physiological levels.
- This course has a particular area of concentration in which the course offering will focus on the specific topic and which will result in the students having an in-depth and comprehensive knowledge base. MSc Life Science program that covers a broader base of knowledge and skills is better for the graduate who is unsure about narrow specific discipline.
- The course of study is suitable for those candidates who want to increase their knowledge for accelerating their career by exploring and acquiring a critical understanding of the integrated study of life Science.
- The study is focused on theoretical and practical aspects and principles techniques in an academic discipline such as biochemistry, cell and molecular, and so on.
Why Study for an MSc Life Science course?
- MSc Life Science gives a deep study of the various life processes in plants, animals, and human beings along with microorganisms like fungi, virus etc.it is a study of the living beings at all levels starting from the molecular and cellular levels to the major life processes like digestion, reproduction, etc.
- This course comprises the fields of Science that involves the Science of all living organisms like plants, animals, and human beings.
- Lucrative job opportunities in major public oil and research firms and other attractive offers knock the door of individuals who have passed the degree of masters.
- The Master degree course gives a good base for higher degree programs in respective subjects such as MPhil and PhD. for research work.
- The post graduates can become teachers in schools on a private basis and after clearing the NET exam can go for permanent jobs at college/universities.
- These students can seek jobs in healthcare industries like pharmaceutical industries, medical research, genetic engineering, lab technology and pharmaceutical sales.
- Candidates can seek a place for jobs in research institutes. Here, they utilize the latest scientific tools and techniques in the laboratory consecutively to understand how living systems work.
- The Master degree course has a wide range of job opportunities in different areas such as material Science, biomedical Science, chemical and physical Science and engineering.
MSc Life Science Admission Process
- Admission to the MSc Life Science program begins after the declaration of BSc exams results.
- The colleges and universities conduct entrance examinations for admission to MSc Life Science courses and some private institutes grant direct admissions as well.
Merit Based Admission:
Some colleges offer admission to this program based on the candidate's performance in the graduation examination.
- To get direct admission to MSc Life Science course, candidates are required to score good marks in their bachelors of Science degree examination.
- The universities prepare a merit list based on graduation marks.
- The shortlisted candidates would be called for document verification.
- After the successful verification of documents, the candidates will be offered admission to the course.
Entrance Based Admission:
Most colleges admit students based on their performance in the entrance examination conducted by the admission authorities followed by subsequent admission rounds.
- Candidates must check the eligibility and apply for required exams.
- Students are required to crack the respective exam of a college/university to get admission in the course.
- After successfully appearing for the test, the college or university announces the result and releases a merit list of shortlisted candidates.
- Shortlisted students then need to go through the college wise admission process.
- Allotment of seats to the candidate is the final step, and after that, the candidate is required to deposit the fee for the course and enrol for the specific academic session.
MSc Life Science Eligibility
- A candidate must qualify the following eligibility criteria in order to pursue the MSc Life Science course from any college or university.
- Aspiring students should have passed B.Sc. (three years) Degree after 10+2 with Honours in Life Science and any other related Life Science
- Bachelor of Science degree with Life Science/bioscience with Botany and Zoology (equal weight-age) as two of the three main Subjects.
- Minimum 50% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade for General candidates and 45% marks for SC/ST candidates.
- There is no age limit for pursuing MSc Life Science.
MSc Life Science Entrance Exams
| Entrance Exams | Registration | Exam Dates |
|---|---|---|
| CUET PG | December 27, 2023 | 11th March to 28th March, 2024 |
| BITSAT | Last week of January 2024 | Last week of May 2024 |
| NEST | February 2023 | June 2023 |
| IIT JAM | September 5, 2023 | February 11, 2024 |
| DUET | February 2024 | 15th – 31st May 2024 |
| TISS NET | February 2024 | 11th March to 28th March, 2024 |
- AIIMS PG: AIIMS PG is a national level entrance exam conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi for admission in Postgraduate courses.
- IIT JAM: IIT JAM is a National level admission test conducted by any of the IITs and Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
- CUCET: CUCET Exam is a national level entrance exam to provide a single window opportunity to students seeking admission into various UG, PG & PhD programmes offered by 14 Central Universities of India.
- JNU CEEB: Conducted by the National Test Agency, JNU CEEB is a university-level entrance examination for candidates interested in pursuing postgraduate programs like MSc and M.Tech at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
How to Prepare for MSc Life Science Entrance Exams?
- Stay alert about the latest exam pattern which will help you to prepare well for the exams.
- Check the latest syllabus for the exam which is available on the official websites.
- Practice all types of questions including MCQ so that you don't get confused at the time of examination.
- Do not go for guesswork if there is negative marking.
- Make reading the newspaper your daily habit to stay updated about current affairs.
- Revise prepared topics thoroughly until the final exam.
- Do not go for new topics a day before the actual exam as this might confuse you.
- Sit for mock exams as this will give you an idea of how the exams take place.
- Since the course involves a lot of research-based studies, candidates can subscribe to weekly journals to keep updated in the fields.
See Also: Top MSc Colleges in Kerala
How to Get Admission in a Good College Offering MSc Life Science?
To secure admission to a good quality MSc Life Science College, several factors come into action. Some of the following guidelines will be helpful in that watch.
- Most colleges and universities consider the graduation percentage as an eligibility criterion. Make sure you have scored at least 50% overall score in your graduation degree.
- Always get a note of the top colleges in the area that you wish to study.
- Select particular colleges according to criteria like fees, ease of access, location, etc. of your choice.
- Check the college websites and understand the eligibility and admission process.
- Make sure to pursue the instructions given by the colleges very causational.
- Always stay updated on the colleges that you want to apply to and In case of doubt make sure to get connected by a call or mail to the management.
- Start preparing for the entrance examination at least a year before the date of the examination.
- As practice makes perfect, therefore make sure to solve previous years question papers as many you can solve.
- There are a number of colleges and universities in India which conduct an interview after the entrance test. So, you must be prepared for the interview as well.
MSc Life Science Syllabus
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Biochemistry | Ecology |
| Cell and molecular biology | Microbiology |
| Genetics and molecular evolution | Plant Diversity |
| Biophysics | Plant Physiology |
| Life Science practical l | Life Science practical ll and lll |
| Plant Developmental biology | - |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Animal diversity | Dissertation |
| Animal Physiology | Safety and first aid |
| Animal Developmental | Seminar l |
| Immunology | Plant cell, tissue and organ culture and transformation |
| Biostatistics | Horticulture, floriculture and landscaping |
| Life Science practical IV | Economics and Ethnobotany |
| - | Animal Systematic and molecular Taxonomy |
See Also: MSc Life Science Syllabus
What are the Books for MSc Life Science?
| Name of the Book | Author |
|---|---|
| Cell Biology | Lodish |
| Immunology | Kuby |
| Biochemistry | Lehninger |
| Molecular Biology | Bruce Alberts |
| Microbiology | Prescott |
MSc Life Science Top Colleges
| College | Average Fees |
|---|---|
| St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai | INR 15,674 |
| Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College, Mumbai | INR 37,295 |
| Rama Devi Women’s University, Bhubaneswar | INR 4,023 |
| Assam University, Silchar | INR 14,745 |
| Kuvempu University, Shimoga | INR 6,600 |
| Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam | INR 20,200 |
| Apex Professional University, Arunachal Pradesh | INR 56,000 |
| Asian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar | INR 60,000 |
| Manipal University, Manipal | INR 2.62 Lakhs |
MSc Life Science Course Comparison
MSc Life Science Vs. MSc in Biological Science
| Parameters | MSc Life Science | MSc Biological Science |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Masters in Science in Life Science | Masters in Science in Biological Science |
| Level of Study | Post Graduation | Post Graduation |
| Duration | 2 years | 2years |
| Course Overview | It is a postgraduate environmental course; it comprises the field of Science that involves the scientific study of living organisms like plants, animals, and human beings. | This program designed to equip students with the generic skills of a researcher in Biomedical Science, Ecology, Evolution and Behaviour or Plant Molecular Science with a broad base of knowledge in Biological Science. |
| Eligibility | B.Sc. degree in Life Science or in relevant field | Graduation in any field of Science |
| Admission Process | Merit-based or Entrance-based | Based on the candidate’s performance in the written tests conducted at the level of institutes, and the round of personal interview. |
| Average Course Fees | INR 4,000 to 50,000 | INR 5,000 to 2 Lakhs |
| Job options | Food Scientist, Immunologist, Nutritionist, Laboratory Technician, Biology Content Developer, Associate, Intellectual Property Life Science, Research Assistant, Biotechnology Lab, Research Scientist, Metabolic Identification, Sales Executive, Life Science etc. | Immunologist, Biotech Engineer, Epidemiologist etc. |
| Salary Offered | INR 2 to 5 Lakhs | INR 2 to 8 Lakhs |
See Also: Top MSc Biological Science Colleges in India
MSc Life Science Distance Education
Msc Life Science is available in various distance education colleges. The top colleges which provides distance education for MSc Life science are mentioned below:
| College Name | Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| Dr BR Ambedkar Open University | 12,600 |
| Vardhman Mahaveer Open University | 12,000 |
| Dravidian University | 12,600 |
| Bharathiar University | 10,650 |
| Alagappa University | 13,000 |
| Mother Teresa Women’s University | 30,000 |
| CDE | 16,800 |
MSc Life Science in IGNOU
- The course is also offered by IGNOU as the distance mode of education.
- The duration of this course is a minimum of 2 years however the maximum duration is of 5 years.
- The admission is through an entrance exam conducted by the IGNOU and the syllabus includes the basic knowledge of Life Science.
- There is no age limit for pursuing this course from IGNOU.
- The course fee is INR 35,000.
- If a candidate opts for a hard copy of material, the printed material is sent to the registered address of the student via post or speed post. However if the candidates opt for soft copy, they get a 15% discount in the course fee.
MSc Life Science Jobs
| Job Position | Description | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Food Scientist | A food scientist’s responsibility is to research new ways to ensure food safety and improve the taste or nutrition of the food. They also check for stability and maturity in raw ingredients to ensure that the products meet the required standards, quality, and nutrient values. | INR 4.1 Lakhs |
| Nutritionist | The responsibilities of a nutritionist includes, evaluating the dietary needs of a client by assessing their health and exercise levels, sleep and food habits etc. | INR 3.2 Lakhs |
| Laboratory Technician | The responsibilities of a laboratory technician include receiving, labelling and analyzing samples (blood, toxic, tissue etc.) Designing and executing laboratory testing according to standard procedures. | 2.3 Lakhs |
| Research Assistant in Biotechnology Lab | The Research Assistant - Biotechnology Lab is responsible for assisting the main researcher in a number of tasks that support the research activities. | INR 6.1 Lakhs |
| Immunologist | The responsibility of an immunologist is to diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the immune system or immunologic conditions. | INR 6.8 Lakhs |
- Students can learn and gain experience to enable them to venture into the industrial field and public sectors.
- After the successful completion of the course one can be recognized as a research analyst of Life Science or scientist and able to work as a product manager, food scientist, Nutritionist, biology content developer, senior laboratory technician, etc.
- The master degree course has a wide range of job opportunities in different areas such as material Science, biomedical Science, chemical and physical Science, and engineering.
- They can seek jobs in healthcare industries like pharmaceutical industries, lab technology, genetic engineering, etc.
MSc Life Science Scope
- The students will be willing to go for teaching fields after completing this course at a higher degree level both in private and government institutions.
- The post graduates can seek jobs in healthcare industries like pharmaceutical industries, medical research, genetic engineering, lab technology and pharmaceutical sales.
- The students who wish to go for higher studies can pursue MPhil Life Science, PhD Life Science degree programs.
- The students after passing this course can work in industries and laboratories in the private and public sectors as a Pathologist, Nutritionist, Horticulturist, Biomedical Engineer, or a Food Scientist.
- The students may also pursue Master's or research in any of the specializations of Life Science like Biotechnology and Fish Genetics.
MSc Life Science: FAQs
Ques. How do I prepare for the JNU Life Science MSc entrance exam?
Ans. MSc Life Science Entrance test is carried out in two sections. The first section covers questions based on the syllabus of Biology taught in plus two class levels. The second section is based on the syllabus of qualifying B. Sc degree. The questions are mainly from the areas of botany, zoology, bio Science, etc. The model of the entrance test is objective. Each question carries 4 different answers. The candidate should select the right one among them.
Ques. Which do you think is better, an MSc in life Science or biotechnology?
Ans. Both are mainstream courses and they are equally better. It's always better to go on a broad spectrum. Both biotech and life Science provides you that. Choose your course according to the university or college you want to take admission in.
Ques. Which college in DU offers an MSc in Life Science?
Ans. Some colleges which offer MSc Life Science are Miranda House, Ramjas College, Sri Venkateswara College, Kirorimal College, Hansraj College, Hindu College, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur College
Ques. Which is the best course for an MSc in Life Science with huge chances of getting a job?
Ans. Opt for Molecular Biology, the field where exciting Research work is going on around the World. In India too CSIR Labs are doing great work.
Ques. Is it compulsory to sit for an entrance test for the MSc Life Science course?
Ans. It completely depends upon the admission process of the college or university where you would like to take admission.
Ques. Has there been any changes in the examination dates for the MSc Life Science candidates?
Ans. Yes, all entrance examinations have been either cancelled or rescheduled due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Ques. What documents are required during the admission process?
Ans. You would require your Class 10 Marksheet, Class 12 Marksheet, Passing Certificate, Graduation Marksheet, Aadhar Card or any equivalent document for verification.
Ques. Can I work internationally after MSc Life Science?
Ans. Yes, you can work internationally if you get the opportunity and meet the employers expectations.
Ques. Is MSc Life Science tough?
Ans. No, the course is not tough. It depends upon an individual and their interests and their ability to grasp knowledge.
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