BSc Life Science is a 3-year undergraduate course involving the study of various life processes in plants, animals and organisms. The course, incorporating both practical and theoretical knowledge, was introduced in the academic year 2005-2006. Principal subjects included in this course are Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Food Science, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Agricultural Science, Molecular Biology, Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry.
The program also offers choices for various electives and skill-enhancement courses (SECs) under Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS) provided by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Average fee charged for the course ranges from INR 10,000 – INR 1.5 Lakh in different colleges.
Aspiring candidates can proceed with their studies after BSc Life Science by pursuing a master’s in the same and then going for MPhil or PhD. Contenders may also enroll for an MBA program or MSc in Biotechnology, or may even take up Clinical Research. Otherwise, graduates could work in industries and laboratories in private and public sectors as a Pathologist, Nutritionist, Horticulturist, Biomedical Engineer, or a Food Scientist. They may also enter the profession of teaching and/or further research.
Average initial salary proffered to a life science degree holder is 1.2-4 LPA, which increases with the number of years of work experience and knowledge in the field.
BSc Life Science is all about studying the life of every living being and organism. The course leads the curious minds to a career full of secrets and things unknown to human beings. Here is a tabulate where more of it is explained.
| Course Level | Graduation |
| Full Form | BSc Life Science |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-based |
| Eligibility | 10+2 schooling or equivalent with PCB subjects and with a minimum score of 50% |
| Admission Process | Merit-based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 10,000-1.5 Lakhs |
| Average Salary Package | INR 1.2 LPA – INR 4 LPA |
| Top Recruiting Companies | AIIMS, Tata Memorial Centre, Cactus, Bcs-Insilico Biology, Vee Technology, Indian Society of Cell Biology, Amazon, HCL |
| Job Position | Researcher, Nutritionist, Epidemiologist, Professor, Biomedical Engineer, Conservation Scientist, Biophysicist, Pathologist, Immunologist, Agronomist, Palaeontology, Horticulturist, Food Scientist |
BSc Life Science is an undergraduate course, where a student may focus on the biochemical processes taking place in a variety of aquatic and terrestrial organisms, plants and animals, including human beings.
- Having many branches of chemistry and biology as the subjects taught, BSc Life Science is a multidisciplinary course, and is also categorized as an Aqua Science course due to the intensive study of marine life.
- Its curriculum includes classroom learning and practical exercises such as lab experiments, especially in the area of molecular biology.
- Enrolling students may require computational, speaking and writing skills, ability to handle microscopes and other equipment, and a critical, analytical and observant nature to acquire maximum understanding of the discipline during the course.
Why BSc Life Science?
Since a lot of microscopes and other equipment are used for experimenting during the course, students can learn new techniques which are used for research analysis in advanced research laboratories and industries.
- The program involves the processes of change from molecular to cellular life in various organisms, and hence, students may get the opportunity to experiment on many diverse species of plants and animals.
- Students tend to acquire and become better at skills like computation, speaking and writing, critical and analytical thinking, microscopic and inferential skills, as well as the capability to work for long hours.
- The course paves the right path for higher studies in Life Sciences I.e., MSc., M.Phil., and PhD, or MSc. in Biotechnology or even an MBA.
- Graduates may also pursue Master’s or research in any of the specializations of Life Sciences like Biotechnology and Fish Genetics.
- Graduates have better chances of employment especially in the sectors of scientific writing, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing of fish products.
What is the BSc Life Science Eligibility Criteria?
Candidates who have completed their 10+2 schooling or equivalent, with an aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to enroll for this program. Apart from that:
- Compulsory subjects taken during higher secondary schooling must include Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
- Institutions requiring an entrance exam for admission may take into account both the entrance exam score as well as previous academic records. The cut-off mark for the examination is decided by each institution.
- Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer), differently abled, and other categories shall get a relaxation of 5% of marks.
- Letters of recommendation can also be favorable to the candidate.
A wide range of careers awaits for BSc Life Science graduates. Jobs in both private and public sectors can be obtained after graduation, though candidates who have finished higher studies find it easier to get a job.
Bsc Life Science Job Profiles
Here are some of the most promising job roles available for the BSc Life Science graduates.
| Job Position | Description | Average Salary Package |
|---|---|---|
| Biochemist | Studies the biochemical processes upto the molecular level and brings solutions to the standing problems in the food processing and agricultural industries. | INR 3,05,000 |
| Pathologist | Studies bodies and body tissues and examines the causes and effects of disease or injury, and advises on the appropriate patient care. | INR 10,00,000 |
| Food Scientist | Studies the techniques and principles behind food processing and manufacturing, to develop and improve the efficiency and safety of food processing. | INR 7,50,000 |
| Scientific/Journal Writer | Writes and edits scientific articles or journals by understanding complex scientific theories and processes. | INR 4,22,000 |
| Veterinarian | Medical professional who provides healthcare service, including medicine and surgery, to all kinds of animals. | INR 5,04,000 |
BSc Life Science Future Scope
Students can either opt for a job or continue higher studies in this field. Students can pursue MSc and then PhD in this field. Here are a few out of the multitude of options available to the students.
- Graduates interested in gaining more knowledge in Life Sciences can do so by pursuing a master’s in Life Sciences or any of its specializations, and then proceeding to M.Phil. and PhD in Life Sciences.
- Graduates can also enter the academic profession and/or contribute to the vast expanse of knowledge of Life Science through research in a relevant aspect.
- Students who want to proceed in a different route can take up an MBA and build a career in Management.
- Candidates may even go for master’s in chemistry, Botany, Zoology, and Biologyvdepending on some universities.
- Though, jobs are not guaranteed after a BSc Life Science, hard work and determination can ensure anyone a job in both the private and public sectors.
- Candidates can take up additional specialization courses in subjects which were given in the BSc. Life Science curriculum, as electives and skill-enhancement courses, by the UGC. Some of these courses include Molecular Modelling and Drug Design, Immunology, Ethnobotany, Cheminformatics, Fuel Chemistry, Instrumental Methods of Analysis, Medical Diagnostics, and Apiculture.