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Molecular biology is referred to as the field of biology which studies the composition, structure, and interactions of cellular molecules such as nucleic acids and proteins which carry the biological processes which are essential for the maintenance and functioning of the cell. With the evolution of the double helix structure of DNA, molecular biology was discovered which has become one of the top booming careers in the world. This blog brings you a complete guide on Molecular Biology courses, eligibility, universities, jobs, and more!
What is Molecular Biology?
Molecular Biology is the study of science that involves studying chemical structures and processes of biological phenomena that involve the basic unit of life, molecules. It is primarily concerned with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell including the interrelationship of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis, and knowing how these interactions are regulated. It plays a vital role in understanding formations, actions, and regulations of various parts of cells that can be used to efficiently target new drugs as well as understand the physiology of the cell.
Basically, this field of biology seeks to understand the three-dimensional structure of biological macromolecules through techniques such as X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. Such biologists try to map the location of genes on specific chromosomes, associate these genes with particular characters of an organism and use genetic engineering to isolate, sequence, and modify specific genes.
Top Molecular Biology Courses
Molecular Biology is commonly a part of programs in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, etc. and often this specialization is offered in combination with such fields! Here are the most popular Molecular Biology courses:
- BSc in Genetics
- BSc in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Bioengineering
- BSc in Microbiology
- BSc Biology
- Bachelor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- MSc in Molecular Biology
- MSc in Biomolecular Sciences
- Master in Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Must Read: BSc Microbiology Syllabus
Top Abroad Universities
Here are the top universities for studying courses in Molecular Biology:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California-San Francisco
- University of Cambridge
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Oxford
- John Hopkins University
- University of Toronto
- Cornell University
Must Read: Scope of Microbiology
Top Indian Universities for M.Sc In Molecular Biology
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Delhi University
- University of Hyderabad
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Indian Institute of Science
- TATA Institute of Fundamental Research
- IIT Kharagpur
- BITS Pilani
- Bangalore University
- Indian Agriculture Research Institute
- Kannur University
Eligibility Criteria
If you are applying for a degree in Molecular Biology, you need to qualify certain admission requirements and some of the major eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Official Academic Transcripts
- The applicant must have completed their bachelor’s degree in biology from a recognized academic institution with the minimum marks required by the chosen university.
- In order to be eligible for carrying out research work in the field, one must qualify the CSIR-UGC-NET exam or the ICMR JRF examination taking Life Science. Engineering or Pharm graduates with Biotechnology as a subject of study, having qualified in GATE examination with a minimum of 85 percentile can also apply for Research Fellowship subject to qualifying the written test and/or interview.
- If you plan to apply abroad then you will have to submit English language proficiency scores such as IELTS/TOEFL, etc. You can prepare for the tests with us at Leverage Live!
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
B.Sc Molecular Biology Syllabus
| 1 Semester | |
| Sr. No. | Subjects to Study |
| 1 | Chemistry |
| 2 | Cell Structure & Dynamics |
| 3 | Biomathematics |
| 4 | Biophysics & Instrumentation |
| 5 | Introduction to Computer |
| 6 | Macromolecular Structure & Analysis |
| 7 | Practicals: BMI, Biochemistry, Basic Microscopy & Instrumentation, Chemistry, Introduction to Computer |
| 2 Semester | |
| 1 | Chemistry |
| 2 | Gene Expression and Gene Regulation |
| 3 | Introduction to C-Programming & Digital Logic |
| 4 | Organic Mechanisms in Biology |
| 5 | Principles of Microbiology |
| 6 | Principles of Transmission Genetics |
| 7 | Practicals: Chemistry, Cytogenetic, Techniques, Introduction to C-Programming & Digital Logic, Microbiology |
| 3 Semester | |
| 1 | Chemistry |
| 2 | Genome Organization |
| 3 | Introduction to Data Structure & Computer Organization |
| 4 | Microbial Genetics |
| 5 | Principles of Immunology |
| 6 | Plant and Animal Tissue Culture Techniques and applications |
| 7 | Practicals: Chemistry, Immunology, Introduction to Data Structure & Computer Organization, Tissue Culture Techniques |
| 4 Semester | |
| 1 | Biodiversity & Taxonomy |
| 2 | Chemistry |
| 3 | Computational Biology & Bio-informatics |
| 4 | Introduction to DBMS, Computer Network & Numerical Analysis |
| 5 | Molecular Genetics |
| 6 | Tools for analyzing Gene Expression |
| 7 | Practicals: Bio-informatics, Chemistry, Introduction to DBMS, Computer Network & Numerical Analysis, Molecular Biology Techniques |
| 5 Semester | |
| 1 | DNA Typing, Proteomics & Beyond |
| 2 | Environmental Biotechnology |
| 3 | Genetic Modification in Agriculture, Food & Industry |
| 4 | Recombinant DNA Technology |
| 5 | Practicals: Analysis of Gene Expression, Genetic Engineering Techniques |
| 6 Semester | |
| 1 | Medical Molecular Biology |
| 2 | Molecular Human Genetics |
| 3 | Molecular Technology: Social, Legal & Ethical Issues |
| 4 | Model Organisms in Human Genome Project |
| 5 | Practicals: Dissertation on Molecular Biology, Project on Biodiversity |
M.Sc Molecular Biology Syllabus
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Biostatistics | Applied Molecular Biology |
| Biomolecules | Concepts of Immunology |
| Fundamentals of Molecular Biology | Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids |
| Computer Applications | Elective I |
| Enzymology | Interdisciplinary Course I |
| Practical in Biochemistry | Practical in Molecular biology |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Metabolism of Proteins and Nucleic Acids | Clinical Biochemistry |
| Physical Biochemistry and Biochemical Techniques | Seminar |
| Elective II | Elective IV |
| Elective III | Interdisciplinary Course III |
| Interdisciplinary Course II | Research Techniques |
| Practical in Immunology | – |
Explore the Branches of Biology!
Jobs and Scope
Molecular biology is a rare field of science with a lot of potential and thus the competition is much less as compared to other fields of basic and applied sciences. Jobs in this field require you to work with advanced lab equipment, like cloning kits, DNA synthesizers, electronic guns. They regularly emphasize deductive reasoning and critical thinking in their tasks, as they attempt to enact change to processes and reinforce new methodology in solving problems.
Molecular biologists have an opportunity to get themselves a job at private industries, universities for research work or government agencies. Such biologists can also act as a consultant of specific scientific problems. There are a lot of research opportunities available in government agencies as well as universities.
The US Bureau of Labour Statistics estimated a growth of about 6% in this field in the next ten years which means this is the best time to seize the opportunity. A fresher with a molecular biology degree can earn anywhere between INR 6,00,000- INR 8,00,000 and this is just for the beginning which surely goes up with experience.
Popular Industries for Molecular Biologists:
- Consulting Services
- Research and Development
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
List of Top Microbiology Courses
Top Molecular Biology Companies
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Editas Medicine
- Benchling
- Aarhus University
- Promab Biotechnologies
- Elitech
- T2 Biosystems
- Freenome
- Genewiz
- Promega
Check Out: Microbiology Jobs
FAQs
Due to the rarity of Molecular Biology as a subject of research, competition is projected to be lower than in other sectors of basic and applied sciences. The job, on the other hand, is both demanding and fulfilling. Only those with strong interests and relevant academic credentials can pursue a career in molecular biology.
Plants, animals, and human genetics, as well as their variation and relationships, are studied by molecular biologists. Molecular biologists use their knowledge of chemistry, physiology, genetics, physics, and biology to deal with DNA and RNA from humans, plants, animals, and other creatures.
A Ph. D. is required for most molecular biologists. Molecular biology doctoral programs, unlike many other professions, accept candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree rather than a master’s degree. It can take up to six years to finish this process.
We hope that this blog was able to familiarize you with different aspects of molecular biology in general as well as in terms of a career. Confused about finding the right university? Connect with our Leverage Edu experts and we will help you find the right course and university as per your interests and preferences!
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Hello,
You can take up courses like BSc Biology or BSc Genetics and then do an MSc in Molecular Biology. Read more about MSc in Molecular Biology here- https://leverageedu.com/blog/msc-in-molecular-biology/.