It is a three-year (six semesters) under-graduate programme, conducted in affiliation to Bengaluru North University. In this course, genetics, biochemistry and Microbiology are taught as optional subjects (semesters 1 to 6), with equal emphasis on each of these three subjects. In addition, English language and an optional language are also taught during semesters 1 to 4.
In addition, other subjects like Environment and Public Health, Indian Constitution, are also taught as part of this course curriculum from semester 1 to 4. The practical papers in all three core subjects (Genetics, Biochemistry, and Microbiology) focuses on experiential learning through custom designed laboratory experiments.
Genetics is the study of genes and their interaction with the environment. One of the ever fascinating mechanisms known to man is reproduction, and genetics examines this mechanism of biological inheritance. Mapping of the human genome has led to extensive research in this field. This subject covers human genetics, developmental genetics, recombinant DNA technology, population genetics, developmental genetics and tissue culture.
Biochemistry is the study of mechanisms of life at the molecular level. Thus, knowledge of this subject has become an indispensable tool to biologists. Biochemistry mainly deals with the reactions involved in the degradation of food substances which provide the energy required by organisms to survive. Some of the major topics covered as part of this subject are principles of chemistry and physics, structure and function of macromolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids, enzymes and enzyme kinetics, biochemistry and function of micronutrients and vitamins, and metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins. In addition, molecular genetics, molecular cell biology and immunology are also covered.
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms which include bacteria, algae, fungi, protozoa and viruses. This subject also covers numerous other disciplines such as immunology, biochemistry, genetics and molecular biology. Microbiology affects almost all aspects of medicine, and is essential for environmental cycles that sustain the planet. There has been growing recognition of the utility of microorganisms in many areas; for example, they are of commercial use in food processing industries and in fermentation, etc. Some of the major aspects covered include basic microbiology and control of microorganisms, microbial taxonomy and culture techniques, microbial physiology and microbial genetics, molecular biology, genetic engineering and biophysics, agricultural and environmental microbiology, food and dairy microbiology, immunology and medical microbiology, industrial microbiology, and microbial technology.
