Build your career in science with an M.Sc degree

MSc, or Master of Science, is a graduate programme that provides a variety of specialisations in areas such as life sciences, mathematics, computer science, and geography. The syllabus and course curricula are determined by the speciality chosen. 

The primary purpose of this course is to prepare students for successful careers in specific industries, academia, and research. As a result, the M.Sc syllabus is revised every so often, year after year to meet the needs of the research and scientific community. 

Each speciality has its own syllabus and course programme. It usually comprises core studies that must be undertaken by all students attending that M.Sc programme and students can choose from a range of optional subjects assigned by the institutions based on their interests.

M.Sc, or Master of Science, is a professional and scholarly degree that offers students with adequate training and cognitive experience in a variety of subjects and businesses.

The degree is often completed by students who want to work in the academic research fields, both in the government and commercial sectors.

M.Sc 1st Year Syllabus

The first year of every M.Sc degree in any academic field is the introduction year, during which students must learn the fundamentals of essential topics. As a result, it is critical to introduce students to key topics in order to lay a solid foundation, which the first year syllabus achieves. 

The following are the most significant core subjects in numerous courses in the first year of M.Sc:

M.Sc Computer Science-Ist Year

Statistics and Data Analytics

Java Programming

Data Compression

Structured and Object-Oriented Programming

Aside from these academic areas, there are also practical subjects that must be covered and passed. These classes provide a student with the core knowledge needed to pursue an M.Sc in Computer Science, such as the fundamentals of programming languages, hardware, and software.

M.Sc Biotechnology-Ist Year

Plant Biotechnology

Synthetic Biology

Molecular Biology

Immunology

These are the core disciplines that help students develop their foundations in addition to the required practical practice. The first year is spent studying and establishing an awareness of biotechnology principles as well as how to conduct various experiments and tests in this field.

M.Sc Data Science-Ist Year

Applied Statistics

Data Mining and Algorithms

Artificial Intelligence

Fundamentals of Data Science

These are the main principle disciplines that make up the foundations of data mining and algorithms, as well as the required practicals and experiments.

M.Sc Physics-Ist Year

Relativity and Cosmology

Mathematical Methods

Solid State Physics

Molecular Spectroscopy

These essential disciplines are taught in the first year so that students can learn the fundamentals of physics and participate in practical classes. And these hands-on lab lessons are required.

M.Sc Statistics-Ist Year

Computer Programming

Ancillary Mathematics

Linear Models and Regression Analysis

Multivariate Analysis

These disciplines, as well as the actual lab lessons, are critical for establishing the fundamentals of statistics, computer programming, and maths.

It's worth noting that, in addition to these topics, each of these years has mandatory practicals, with a 70:30 ratio of theoretical to practical marks. As a result, passing the practical tests is just as vital as passing the academic ones.

M.Sc 2nd Year Syllabus

During the second year of the M.Sc, there is a strong emphasis on reinforcing the fundamentals and building on those foundational cores in order to get a greater grasp of the discipline and to provide the groundwork for future research and innovation. Here's a review of some of the most important courses taught in the final year of M.Sc that are both beneficial and necessary for gaining a deeper understanding:

M.Sc Computer Science-2nd Year

Web Technology

Soft Computing

Web Services

Visual and Dot Net programming

These disciplines are required for laying the groundwork for a future professional career as well as practical lab tests and experiments. Practical lessons are important because they help students gain relevant field experience.

M.Sc Biotechnology-2nd Year

Systems Biology

Genetic Engineering

Bioinformatics

Animal Biotechnology

These disciplines, combined with the practical lab sessions, provide the professional core basics needed to further a graduate's job, as well as prepare you for future challenges in the field of biotechnology and help you map out a career path.

M.Sc Data Science-2nd Year

Python Programming

Machine learning

Cyber Security

Spatial Modelling

Along with the above-mentioned disciplines, practical lab sessions in data sciences assist students to gain up-to-date skills and experience to become effective professionals in their professions. Data scientists are high in demand these days because of the new evolution and advancements in technology.

M.Sc Physics-2nd Year

Astrophysics

Nuclear Physics

Statistical Mechanics

Quantum Mechanics

These fundamental disciplines and topics provide graduates with the central tenets for a more successful professional career. Compulsory lab lessons help students learn the principles of physics, which will help them grow and thrive in their future careers.

M.Sc Statistics-2nd Year

Time Series Analysis

Sample Surveys

Measure Theory and Probability

Multivariate Analysis

These topics and subjects give students the required background knowledge in the area, allowing them to pursue a more successful career path in statistics.

The same criterion applies to the final year or second year of all M.Sc degrees as it does to the first year: the ratio of theoretical to practical marks is 70:30.

M.Sc Specialisation Syllabus

For a successful career in research and academia, one can choose from a wide choice of specialist disciplines for M.Sc. A specialisation trains a person to gain knowledge in a particular area, allowing the field to progress further via study and experimentation. Let us see what are the different most commonly pursued M.Sc specialisations in India:

1. M.Sc Microbiology

Syllabus for M.Sc Microbiology

Introduction to Microbes and Prokaryotes	Structure and Properties of Mono
Intracytoplasmic Inclusions	Isolation Techniques of Microorganisms
Distribution, Morphology and Classification	Classification and Structure of Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Nutrition and Cultivation	General Aspects of Amino Acid Classification
Morphological Characteristics of Bacteria	Homo and Heterolactic Fermentation
Different Cell Morphology	Classification and Structure of Amino Acids

Eukaryotic Genome	Recombinant DNA Technology
Isolation Techniques of Microorganisms	Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Aquatic Microbiology	Immune System and Immunity
Plasmids and Bacteriophages	Fermentation Technology
Soil Microbiology	Proteomics, Bioinformatics and Microbial Genomics
Elective I	Elective III
Elective II	Elective IV

Books for Microbiology

Name of the Books	Authors
Prescott’s Microbiology	Sherwood, Wiley, and Woolverton
Microbiology: Laboratory Theory and Application	Leboffe and Pierce
Microbial Biofilms	Arindam Mitra
Textbook of Microbiology	DR Arora
Medical Microbiology	Pfaller, Rosenthal, and Murray

2. M.Sc Biotechnology

Syllabus of M.Sc Biotechnology

Bioinformatics	Biochemical and biophysical techniques	Stem Cell Technology and Regenerative Medicines	Genomics and Proteomics
Bioprocess Engineering Agricultural Biotechnology	Advanced Biological Chemistry	Bio-entrepreneurship	Immunology
Animal Biotechnology	Food Technology and Nutrigenomics	Cell Biology	Biochemical and Biophysical techniques
Scientific Research and Communications	Advanced Genetics	Microbiology	Nano-biotechnology
Environmental Biotechnology	Molecular Biology	Bioprocess engineering & Fermentation Technology	Principles of Bacteriology and Virology

Books for M.Sc Biotechnology

Book	Author
Applied Immunology	Benjamin Abraham Thomas
Algorithm in Bio-informatics	Aron and Jens
Introduction to Bio-informatics	Lesk
Animal Biotechnology	Ranga M M
IPR, Biosafety and Bioethics	Goel and Prashar
Plant Biotechnology	P K Gupta
Plant Biochemistry	Hans Walter Heldt
Advances in Applied Microbiology	Geoffrey Micheal Gadd

3. M.Sc Computer Science

Data Structures	Operating Systems
Computer Organisation and Architecture	C++ Programming Laboratory
Structured and Object-Oriented Programming	Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
Design and Analysis of Algorithms	Database Management System
Operating Systems Laboratory – Unix and Shell Programming	Computer Graphics
Computer Networks	Visual and Dot Net (.NET) Programming
Design and Analysis of Algorithms	Database Management System
Database Management and Case Tools Laboratory	Dot Net (.NET) Laboratory
Web Technology	Web Tech/ Java Laboratory
Software Engineering	Java Programming
Mini Project	Elective 1
Elective 2	Project Work

Books for M.Sc Computer Science

Book Name	Author
Core Java: An Integrated Approach, New: Includes All Versions up to Java 8	R. Nageswara Rao and DT Editorial Services
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach	Kurose James F. and Ross Keith W.
Fundamentals of Database System	Elmasri Ramez and Navathe Shamkant
C in Depth	Deepali Srivastava and S. K. Srivastava
DATA COMMUNICATIONS AND NETWORKING (SIE)	Behrouz A. Forouzan
Data Structures and Algorithms	Data Structures and Algorithms

4. M.Sc Psychology

M.Sc Psychology Syllabus

Statistics in Behavioural Science	Cognitive Psychology
Research Methods in Psychology	Experimental Design Theory
Cognitive Psychology 2	Psychometrics Theory
Neuropsychology	Elective
Seminar	Practicals
Psychology and Social Behaviour Theory	Systems Skills and Intervention
Application of Psychology 1	Application of Psychology 2
Systems and Skills	Dissertation
Personality Theory	Systems and Skills intervention
Synopsis	Self and Positive Psychology

Books for M.Sc Psychology

Name of the Books	Authors
Cambridge International AS and A Level Psychology Coursebook	Julia Russell and Fiona Lintern
Psychology Course Book: The Only DP Resources Developed With the IB [Oxford IB Diploma Programme]	Crane
AP Psychology Crash Course	Larry Krieger
The Possible Human: A Course in Enhancing Your Physical, Mental & Creative Abilities	Jean Houston
IB Psychology Online Course Book	John Crane and Jette Hannibal
Personality Disorders [Clinical Psychology: A Modular Course]	Paul M.G. Emmelkamp and Jan Henk Kamphuis
NLP: Essential Crash Course to Harnessing the Power of NLP for Mind Control, Hypnosis, & Self Confidence [ Psychology of Success, Confidence, Motivation, Communication, Emotions, Behaviour Book 1]	J.D. Saunders and NLP
Changing of the Course of Autism: A Scientific Approach for Parents and Physician	Bryan Jepson and Jane Johnson
Cognitive Psychology for Dummies	Peter J. Hills and Michael Pake

5. M.Sc IT

M.Sc IT Syllabus

Database Management Systems	Core Java
Data Communication	Advanced Java
E-Commerce	Algorithm Design andOptimization
Fundamentals of Information Technology	Artificial Intelligence
Management Information Systems	Computer Ethics and Cyber Law
Microprocessor System	Communication & Soft Skills
Multimedia	Basic Mathematics
NET Technologies	Computer Graphics
Operating Systems	Computer Networking
Principles of Management	Computer System Architecture
Programming in C	Desktop Publishing Tools
Programming in C++	Digital Electronics Fundamentals
Project Management	Data Structures through C
Relational Database Management System	Digital Electronics
Software Engineering	Data Mining
Software Testing	Distributed System
Visual Basic	Web Development

Books for M.Sc IT

Name of the Book	Name of the Author
Logic and Prolog ProgrammingMathematical Statistics	Saroj Kaushik
Mathematical Statistics	J. E. Freund
Introduction to Mathematical Statistics	Robert V. Hogg
Theoretical Mechanics	M. R. Spiegel
Operating Systems: Internals and Design Principles	William Stallings
Python for Data Science	Ethan Williams

6. M.Sc Physics

M.Sc Physics Syllabus

Classical Mechanics	Electronics
Solid-State Physics	Renewable Energy Sources
Mathematical Physics	Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics	Atomic Physics
Fundamentals of MATLAB	Spectroscope
Labs	Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Nuclear Physics	Specialisation Subject
Specialisation Subjects	Dissertation/Thesis - 2
Dissertation/Thesis - 1

Books for M.Sc Physics

Name of the Book	Authors
Mathematical Methods	Paul Goldbarts
Solid State Physics, Device and Electronics	K.Vijaya Kumar & T. Sreekanth
Mechanics	D. S Mathur
Electricity and Magnetism	James Clerk Maxwell
Optics	Ajay Ghatak
Theory and Problems of Complex Variables	M. R. Spiegel
Mathematical Methods for Physicists	G. Arfken
Mathematical Methods of Physics	J. Mathews and R. I Walker
Mathematics for Physicists	P. Dennery and A. Krzywicki
Classical Mechanics	K. C. Gupta

7. M.Sc Maths

M.Sc Maths Syllabus

Algebra - I	Real Analysis	Topology - I	Ordinary Differential Equations
Discrete Mathematics	A Brief Biography of Eminent Mathematicians and the History of Mathematics	Algebra - II	Complex Analysis
Topology - II	Functional Analysis	Partial Differential Equations	Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis - I
Differential Geometry	Mathematical Methods	Fluid Mechanics	Numerical Analysis - II
Measure And Integration	Electives I-VI

Books for M.Sc Maths

Name of the Book	Author
Algebra, Prentice-Hall of India, 1991	M. Artin
Algebra, 3rd edition, Addison-Wesley, 1993	S.Lang
Basic Algebra, Volumes I & II, W.H.Freeman, 1980	N.Jacobson
Basic Abstract Algebra ( 2nd Edition)	P.B. Bhattacharya, S.K. Jain, and S.R. Nagpaul
An Introduction to the Study of Population, South Asian Publishing	Misra.B.D.(1982)
Data Structures and Algorithm Analysis in C”, Addition-Wesley, Third Indian Reprint, 2000	Mark Allen Weiss

8. M.Sc Economics

M.Sc Economics Syllabus

Advanced Macroeconomics-1	Advanced Macroeconomics-2	Mathematics for Economics	Statistics for Economics
Development of Economics	Econometrics-I	History of Economic Ideas	Advanced Indian Economics
Public Economics	Research Methodology	Indian Economics	Contemporary Issues in the Indian Economy
Economics of Business Strategy	International Economics	Labour Economics	Environmental Economics
Financial Econometrics	Research Project	Electives I, II, III

Books for M.Sc Economics

Name of Book	Author
The New Palgrave Dictionary of Economics	Palgrave Macmillan
A dictionary of economics	Nigar Hashimzade, Gareth Myles
An Encyclopedia of Keynesian Economics	Thomas Cate

Apart from these, some of the other common specialisations that are opted for by students are:

1. M.Sc Biology
2. M.Sc Chemistry
3. M.Sc Zoology
4. M.Sc Botany

Once the degree programme is over, a graduate has a plethora of opportunities to explore. Since the M.Sc programme is a key factor in enabling an individual towards an extensive academic and research career. In positions such as Research Executive, Clinical Research Associate, Project Assistant, JRF/SRF, Pharma Associate, Young Professionals, and others, the average beginning compensation might be approximately INR 3.5-5.5 Lacs Per Annum.

After obtaining an M.Sc in any field, students have a variety of choices. Upon completing a Master of Science degree, there are several employment prospects in government and private in the sectors given below:

1. Drug Research Institutes
2. Medical Research
3. Hospitals
4. Seed and Nursery Organizations
5. Pharmaceutical Firms
6. Botanical Survey
7. Agricultural Research Organizations
8. Medical Laboratories
9. Food Research Institutes
10. Sustainable Development Industry
11. Testing Laboratories
12. Biotechnology Firms
13. Wildlife and Fishery Departments
14. Public Schools
15. Government and Private Colleges

Some of the top companies that employ M.Sc graduates readily with good packages are:

1. Indian Immunologicals Ltd.
2. Biocon
3. NextGen Life Sciences
4. CSIR Institutes
5. Bharat Serums & Vaccines
6. ICAR Institutes
7. Novozymes
8. FSSAI
9. IQVIA
10. Cargo
11. Coca Cola 
12. Pepsi Co