IHE (Institute of Home Economics)

B.Sc. (Honours) Microbiology

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

The course is being offered as per NEP 2020 guidelines of the University of Delhi from 2022-23 (https://www.dr.du.ac.in/files/UGCF-2022.pdf). The new structure creates an undergraduate teaching-learning framework that entices young individuals to explore research, innovation, apprenticeship, social outreach, entrepreneurship, and other areas of human knowledge and endeavors. This framework fosters an intellectually stimulating academic environment within the University and its constituent colleges. The main objectives of NEP include promoting holistic development, providing flexibility in learning paths, eliminating disciplinary hierarchies and silos, and fostering multidisciplinary and holistic education. It aims to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and ethical values, while also emphasizing multilingualism, life skills development, and the incorporation of the Indian Knowledge System relevant to specific disciplines. The curriculum framework allow the student to have multiple exit options depending upon their needs and aspirations in terms of their goals of life, without compromising on the teaching learning, both in qualitative and quantitative terms.

About the course

Microbiology is an essential course for advancing the knowledge of the microbial world, addressing global health challenges, promoting sustainable practices, and driving innovation in various sectors. It has far-reaching implications for human health, agriculture, industry, and environmental conservation. The expertise of a microbiologist is essential for infectious disease control, drug & vaccine development, food quality assurance, environmental monitoring, and research advancements. With the expanding applications of microbiology in various sectors, the demand for a professional with microbiology as a specialization is expected to continue growing.

The highly esteemed B.Sc. (Hons) Microbiology course attracts top-performing students nationwide. The Institute of Home Economics, affiliated with the University of Delhi, is one of the six colleges offering this program. The comprehensive curriculum comprises theoretical knowledge and intensive practical work, providing students with a well-rounded understanding of Microbiology and Biotechnology. Under the NEP program from 2022-23, students have gained significant flexibility. Exiting after the first year earns them an Undergraduate Certificate in Microbiology, after the second year an Undergraduate Diploma, after the third year a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Microbiology, and upon completion of 176 credits in the fourth year, a Bachelor of Science (Honours with Research/Academic Project/Entrepreneurship) degree in Microbiology.

Our alumni have achieved remarkable success by pursuing higher education at prestigious institutions and securing promising job placements within the country or abroad. This accomplishment can be attributed to the highly qualified and experienced faculty in the Microbiology department, who come from diverse fields within the discipline. The teaching methodology incorporates lectures, practical, group projects, and interaction with eminent scientists and professionals. The Department emphasizes independent research projects, industrial/lab visits, and extensive written and practice-based assignments/review articles/posters by the students, molding them as independent researchers.

The college has well-equipped microbiology labs offering a controlled environment with specialized tools and equipment for enhancing practical skills. It provides the necessary infrastructure and resources for conducting experiments and facilitates research on a diverse array of topics. Furthermore, conferences/ lectures/ seminars and/or training are regularly organized in the department for the overall growth of the students.

Programme Specific Eligibility

Candidates must appear in CUET in the following subject combination:
Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Biological Studies/Biotechnology/Biochemistry
Merit will be based on the CUET scores obtained from the above-mentioned combination of subjects.
Candidates must have obtained a minimum of 30% score in any one language of List A in CUET.

Course Objectives

Objectives of the course kept in sync with the NEP objectives include:

to promote holistic development of students having the world view of a truly global citizen
To provide flexibility to students so that learners have the ability to choose their learning trajectories and programmes, and thereby choose their paths in life according to their talents and interests
To eliminate hierarchies among disciplines/fields of study and silos between different areas of learning
Multidisciplinary and holistic education to ensure the unity and integrity of all knowledge
To promote creativity and critical thinking and to encourage logical decision- making and innovation;
To promote ethics and human & Constitutional values;
To promote multilingualism and the power of language in learning and teaching;
To impart life skills such as communication, cooperation, teamwork, and resilience;
To promote outstanding research as a corequisite for outstanding education and development;
To incorporate the Indian Knowledge System relevant for a particular discipline or field of studies.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to use scientific logic as they explore a wide range of contemporary subjects spanning various aspects of basic microbiology such as Bacteriology, Virology, Biochemistry, Microbial Physiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Systems Biology, in addition to becoming aware of the applied aspects of microbiology such as Industrial Microbiology, Food and Dairy Microbiology, Environmental Microbiology and Medical Microbiology to name just a few.
Students will appreciate the biological diversity of microbial forms and be able to describe/explain the processes used by microorganisms for their replication, survival, and interaction with their environment, hosts, and host populations. They will become aware of the important role microorganisms play in maintenance of a clean and healthy environment. They will learn of the role of microorganisms in plant, animal and human health and disease.
Students will gain knowledge of various biotechnological applications of microorganisms and will learn of industrially important substances produced by microorganisms. They will gain familiarity with the unique role of microbes in genetic modification technologies.
Students will become familiar with scientific methodology, hypothesis generation and testing design and execution of experiments. Students will develop the ability to think critically and to read and analyze scientific literature.
Students will acquire and demonstrate proficiency in good laboratory practices in a microbiological laboratory and be able to explain the theoretical basis and practical skills of the tools/technologies commonly used to study this field.
Students will develop proficiency in the quantitative skills necessary to analyze biological problems (e.g., arithmetic, algebra, and statistical methods as applied to biology).
Students will develop strong oral and written communication skills through the effective presentation of experimental results as well as through seminars.
Graduates of the B.Sc. (Honours) Microbiology programme will be informed citizens who can understand and evaluate the impact of new research discoveries in the life sciences, and will be able to pursue a wide range of careers, including biological and medical research in higher education institutions as well as careers in public and global health, scientific writing, environmental organizations, and food, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries.
For more details, the candidates may refer to syllabus (UGCF, 2022) available on the website of University of Delhi at: