BSc Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany

In this course, biochemistry, microbiology and botany 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 (Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany) focuses on experiential learning through custom designed laboratory experiments.

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.

Botany is a broad field of science dealing with the scientific study of plants. Major topics that are covered are algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, ferns, conifers and flowering plants. Some important aspects include diversity of non-vascular plants, microbiology, viruses, bacteria, cyanobacteria, phycology, mycology, plant pathology, bryophytes and plant anatomy, pteridophytes, palaeobotany, environmental biology and phytogeography, gymnosperms and embryology of angiosperms, taxonomy, economic botany, molecular biology, genetic engineering, biotechnology, plant physiology, cytology, evolution and plant breeding.