MSc Molecular Biology: Eligibility, Colleges & Admission

MSc Molecular Biology is a postgraduate course that can be pursued after a UG with a biological branch like BSc Zoology, Botany, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, etc. The course duration is 2 years with a dissertation and internship in the final semester. Admission in the MSc Molecular Biology is generally merit-based. Candidates have to qualify an entrance exam or interview conducted by universities.

The course focuses on imparting knowledge of the biological molecules of organisms. The major takeaways of the MSc in Molecular Biology are an understanding of the building blocks of the living body. Average course fee ranges from INR 10,000 to 25,000 for government institutes and INR2 to 4 Lacs for private institutes. Master of Science in Molecular Biology opens the door for research and academic careers with well-reputed positions around the globe. In India, one can expect the initial earnings to be around INR 3 to 9 LPA after completing an MSc in Molecular Biology.

MSc Molecular Biology Course Highlights

MSc in Molecular Biology deals with structure and function of molecules in living organisms. It covers the fundamentals of basic building blocks of our body i.e. DNA, RNA, and Protein.

The course emphasizes learning of the Central Dogma process. Molecular biology combines biology, chemistry, genetics aspects, and developmental biology.

Why Pursue an MSc in Molecular Biology

MSc Molecular Biology is an emerging field in medical research. Vaccine research, Drug discovery, Breeding, Genetic engineering, Cancer research, etc demands expertise in molecular biology techniques.

Since these techniques deal with micro- and nano-sized molecules, they require precision and high concentration while working. Master of Science Molecular Biology trains students to develop these skills with hands-on practical sessions.

Hands-on training is the major benefit of the Master of Science Molecular Biology course. It trains students to isolate, quantify, and visualise DNA, RNA, and Protein. Techniques involved in this practical aspect are Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, SDS PAGE, Genomic DNA, RNA isolation by PCI, PCR, etc.

• It offers wide opportunities in the research and development sectors around the globe.
• One can work in academia as an Assistant Professor after completing an MSc in Molecular Biology.
• The initial salary for such positions is 4 to 5 LPA in India.
• After an MSc in Molecular Biology, one can also work in a forensic lab or own diagnostic lab.

MSc Molecular Biology Eligibility

Eligibility for MSc in Molecular Biology is BSc in any biological subject from a UGC recognized university. Some universities consider UG merit while many universities conduct entrance exams and personal interviews.

• Minimum 50% aggregate marks in UG and the entrance exam are required.
• Candidates with other equivalent UG degrees like Bachelor in Pharmacy, Agriculture, Dental Science etc can also apply for this course.

MSc Molecular Biology Admission Process

The Master of Science Molecular Biology admission process varies among the government and private colleges. Government universities conduct their own entrance exam and subsequent interview rounds. For private institutions, they may consider UG merit and call for either counselling or personal interview.

Candidates are advised to go through the admission guidelines and selection process of the university of their choice beforehand.

Basic steps to apply for MSc Molecular Biology are as follows.

• Visit the official admission portal of the university/college.
• Fill out the application form with the required information.
• Upload the supportive documents such as ID proof, Marksheets, etc.
• Pay the registration fees.
• Appear in the entrance exam and interview, if applicable.
• Wait for the merit/cut-off release and university confirmation letter.

MSc Molecular Biology Colleges

It is important to note that specialization in molecular biology is not offered by many universities across the country. Those who offer MSc in Life Science courses include some aspects of molecular biology. However, certain institutes provide specialization in molecular biology for an MSc qualification.

Some of the best colleges/universities are tabulated below.

MSc Molecular Biology Entrance Exams

Some of the universities conduct entrance examinations to enroll students in their courses which are given below:

MSc Molecular Biology Syllabus

MSc in Molecular Biology involves both theoretical and practical learnings of biological molecules in living organisms. The course comprises electives, interdisciplinary subjects, internships, and dissertation in the final semester. Additionally, it involves studying immunology, basics of DNA, RNA, Protein, History of molecular biology, Applications of molecular biology techniques, etc.

The table below represents the MSc Molecular Biology syllabus followed by Guru Nanak Dev University.

MSc Molecular Biology Vs MSc in Biotechnology

MSc Molecular Biology and MSc Biotechnology are both Master Level qualifications and offer similar opportunities for jobs. They only differ in the range of concepts they cover in the curriculum.

• MSc in Molecular Biology is a specialized course that provides an in-depth understanding of basic biological and chemical processes inside the living body.
• MSc Biotechnology, on the other hand, is a broad specialization that involves other subjects along with molecular biology. For instance, Cell biology, Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics, Analytical Techniques, Industrial Biotechnology, Forensic Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, etc.
• MSc Molecular Biology is narrowed down to certain techniques in the biotechnology field. Therefore, the future scope becomes quite specific, unlike MSc Biotechnology.
• One can study certain basic concepts of molecular biology while pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology.

MSc Molecular Biology Jobs & Salary in India

MSc Molecular Biology ensures well reputed jobs in diverse sectors such as Biomedical research, Academia, Biotech or Pharma Industries, Forensic lab etc.

One can pursue PhD in Vaccine research, Cancer research, Genetic, etc. after completing MSc in Molecular Biology.

Those who are not sure about PhD but wish to explore research field, can join as Junior Research Fellow or Research Associate in Government-funded projects.

Those looking for a government job can prepare for competitive exams like SET, NET, UPSC etc to secure positions in government universities or laboratories.

Some job profiles and initial average salary as per the current government pay scale policy and market trend are given below. The earnings typically depend on the job role, responsibilities, position, type of industry, and location.

MSc Molecular Biology FAQs