MSc Virology is a postgraduate biomedical course of 2 years. The course is based on a detailed description of human viral disease, viruses, the evolution of the virus, its mechanism, and a detailed structure of the same.
The program is specifically designed to fulfill and develop the requirements of the health sector which need well-trained professionals in the field of virology. The course is a great choice for the ones who wish to gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in animal virology, knowledge about treatment and prevention of viral infections, etc. The course aims to provide the students with the ability to describe various structures, virus latency, integrate experimental strategies, replication strategies of different viruses, interpreting data from experiments to find conclusions from them, etc.
For admissions to the course, the aspiring candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in Science or any related field like microbiology, biochemistry, life science biotechnology, chemistry, etc. with a minimum of 50% aggregate at the qualifying exam. The admissions are both merit and entrance based. The average course fee in India ranges between INR 80,000 - INR 2,50,000.
At the successful completion of the course, the students can get involved in the study of viruses for performing research and knowing about the diseases linked to it.These graduates can further undertake research studies or can even pursue a career by being a professional microbiologist or they may also take up teaching jobs in reputed colleges and universities. The professionals of the course are eligible to find lucrative job positions in reputed organisations. They can choose to be a Research Associate, Virologist, Assistant Professor, Laboratory Assistant, etc.
They can find employment in areas like Pharmaceutical Companies, Research Centres, Private Clinics, Human Immunology Laboratory, Government Hospitals, reputed Colleges and Universities, etc. The average initial salary of these professionals ranges between INR 2,50,000 - 5,00,000.
MSc Virology Course Highlights
| Course Level | Post Graduate |
| Full-Form | Masters of Science in Virology |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Examination Type | Semester based |
| Eligibility Criteria | The aspiring candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in Science or any related field like microbiology, biochemistry, life science biotechnology, chemistry, etc. with a minimum of 50% aggregate at the qualifying exam. |
| Admission Process | Merit and Entrance based |
| Average Course Fee | INR 80,000 - INR 2,50,000. |
| Job Positions | Research Associate, Virologist, Assistant Professor, Laboratory Assistant, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Pharmaceutical Companies, Research Centres, Private Clinics, Human Immunology Laboratory, Government Hospitals, reputed Colleges and Universities, etc. |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 2,50,000 - INR 5,00,000. |
MSc Virology: What is it About?
A brief introduction about the course MSc Virology has been presented below to provide the students with an idea of what the subject deals with:
- MSc Virology is a postgraduate biomedical course of 2 years. The course is based on a detailed description of human viral disease, viruses, the evolution of the virus, it's the mechanism and a detailed structure of the same.
- The course is a great choice for the ones who wish to gain theoretical knowledge and practical training in animal virology, knowledge about treatment and prevention of viral infections, etc.
- The course aims to provide the students with the ability to describe various structures, virus latency, integrate experimental strategies, replication strategies of different viruses, interpreting data from experiments to find conclusions from them, etc.
- The 2-year program teaches the students about subjects like Virus Replication, Virus Encephalitis, HIV/AIDS, Tissue Culture Techniques, and much more.
- The program is specifically designed to fulfil and develop the requirements of the health sector which need well-trained professionals in the field of virology.
There are several reasons due to which students in recent times have an interest in this particular field. Some advantages of the course have been listed below:
- The course is a great choice for the ones who wish to acquire theoretical knowledge and practical training in the field of animal virology, knowledge about treatment and prevention of viral infections, etc.
- The focus of the course is to provide the students with the ability to describe the various structures, virus latency, integrate experimental strategies, replication strategies of different viruses, interpreting data from experiments to find conclusions from them, etc.
- At the successful completion of the program, the students are experienced enough to get involved in the study of viruses for performing research and knowing about the diseases linked to it.
- These graduates can further undertake research studies or can even pursue a career by being a professional microbiologist or they may also take up teaching jobs in reputed colleges and universities.
- The professionals of the course are eligible to find lucrative job positions in reputed organisations. They can choose to be a Research Associate, Virologist, Assistant Professor, Laboratory Assistant, etc.
- They can find employment in areas like Pharmaceutical Companies, Research Centres, Private Clinics, Human Immunology Laboratory, Government Hospitals, reputed Colleges and Universities, etc.
- The average initial salary of these professionals ranges between INR 2,50,000 - 5,00,000.
What is the MSc Virology Admission Process?
The admission to MSc Virology is the same as any other course. However, certain essential points must be kept in mind while applying for the course.
- Aspiring candidates of MSc Virology must meet the eligibility criteria for the same.
- The admissions to the course are both merit and entrance based.
- Some of the popular entrance exams conducted for the admissions are Manipal Entrance Test, NIV College Entrance Test, etc.
- The students can register themselves for the same either through an online or offline mode.
How to apply for MSc Virology?
In India, several colleges are offering the course of MSc Virology. The admissions to these colleges are mostly entrance based.
- Register on the official websites and provide the necessary personal details.
- Fill the online application form available in there.
- Attend the exam on the prescribed dates only.
- The results are issued based on the marks obtained by all the candidates at an average.
- Some colleges may even hold personal interviews before the further admission process.
What is Eligibility Criteria for MSc Virology?
Matching the eligibility criteria is the primary requirement for taking admission into a particular college or university. The eligibility for MSc Virology is as follows:
- Bachelor's degree in Science or any related field like microbiology, biochemistry, life science biotechnology, chemistry, etc.
- A minimum of 50% aggregate in the qualifying exam.
- The degree must be obtained from a recognised college or university.
What are the top MSc Virology Entrance Exams?
Admissions to MSc Virology are mostly entrance based across India. The most popular entrance exams have been listed below:
- SVUCET conducted by Sri Venkateswara University Common Entrance Test is an offline exam.
- MET conducted by Manipal Entrance Test is an online exam.
- The admission process is usually based upon the merit of the students in these entrance exams.
- The cut off marks are generally set up by taking an average mark scored by all the candidates who appeared for the exam.
Some important dates have been mentioned below:
| Entrance Exams | Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| CUET PG | Check Here |
| BITSAT | Check Here |
| NEST | Check Here |
| IIT JAM | Check Here |
| DUET | Check Here |
| TISS NET | Check Here |
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, some exams have either been postponed or cancelled. The above exams have been conducted successfully amid this situation. These given dates provide the students with an idea of when doing the exams take place every year.
How to Prepare for MSc Virology Entrance Exams?
If an aspirant wishes to clear the entrance exams with flying colours, they need to prepare themselves very well to achieve that. Several tips have been given below for a reference of the students:
- Stay alert about the latest exam pattern which will help you to prepare well for the exams.
- Check the latest syllabus for the exam which is available on the official websites.
- Practice all types of questions including MCQ so that you don't get confused at the time of examination.
- Do not go for guesswork if there is negative marking.
- Make a newspaper reading your daily habit to stay updated about the current affairs.
- Revise prepared topics thoroughly until the final exam.
- Do not go for new topics a day before the actual exam as this might confuse you.
- Sit for mock exams as this will give you an idea of how the exams take place.
Know more about: MET Exam Pattern
How to get Admission in top MSc Virology colleges?
Getting admission into a reputed college is a dream for every aspirant. For this, they need to prepare themselves well enough to clear the entrances and get into the college. Certain tips have been mentioned below for a reference of the students:
- Admission to any college requires a strong academic background. In the case of MSc, the students must have a bachelor's degree in Science or any related field like microbiology, biochemistry, life science biotechnology, chemistry, etc.
- They must acquire a minimum of 50% aggregate at the qualifying exam.
- Start preparing for the entrances a year before the actual exam.
- Find out whether the college you desire to get in is good enough or not.
- Get an idea of the curriculum offered for the course in that particular college.
- Check if the college offers placements as this has been a requirement in recent years.
- Find out about the fee structure of the college and check if it matches your requirements.
MSc Virology Syllabus
The syllabus of the course might differ in different colleges and universities. However, the syllabus given below provides an idea to the students as to what subjects are taught within 4 years.
| Semester I | Semester II |
|---|---|
| Tissue Culture and Cell Biology | Virus Cell Interaction |
| Vector Biology | Virus Replication |
| Basic Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Immunological Techniques |
| Basic Biology | Biochemical Methods |
| Basic Immunology | Serological Methods |
| Tissue Culture Techniques | Molecular Techniques |
| Virological Methods | Bioinformatics |
| Virus Antigen Detection | Antivirals and Vaccines |
| Statistical Methods | Advanced Epidemiology |
| Analytical Methods | Bioinformatics |
| Entomological Methods | Advanced Immunology |
| Propagation of viruses | Applied Entomology |
| - | Gene Regulation and Recombinant DNA technology |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Viral Hepatitis | Special Topic |
| Exanthematous diseases of virus aetiology. | Research Projects |
| Viral Enteric Diseases and Cancers | - |
| Viral Respiratory Diseases | - |
| Viral Haemorrhagic Fever | - |
The syllabus is subject to vary in different colleges and universities.
MSc Virology: Important Books
Books are the most important part of a course and choice of books is much more important than that. A list of the most popularly referred books has been given below for the reference of the students:
| Name of the Book | Name of the Author |
|---|---|
| Understanding Viruses | Teri Shors |
| Aquaculture Virology | Frederick S.B. Kibenge, Marcos Godoy |
| Field of Virology | Peter M.Howley, David M.Knipe, Sean Whelan |
| The Viral Storm | Nathan Wolfe |
| Molecular Virology of Human Pathogenic Diseases | Wang-Shick Ryu |
These are only a few books which are mostly chosen by the students and scholars as well. The students may refer to many such books which are related to the field of Biotechnology. Reading these books will provide them with extensive knowledge of the subject which they may further utilise in their career ahead.
MSc Virology Top Colleges
In India, many institutions are currently providing the course of MSc Virology. However, the most desired and reputed ones amongst them have been listed below:
| Name of the College | Area of Location | Admission Process | Average Course Fee |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | Entrance Based | INR 1,30,990 |
| Manipal University | Karnataka | Entrance Based | INR 1,96,600 |
| Sri Venkateswara College | Tirupati | Entrance Based | INR 84,190 |
| Amity University of Virology and Immunology | Noida | Merit-Based | INR 50,000 |
MSc Virology College Comparison
A comparison between the most reputed colleges has been given below to help the students decide which college would be the best for them and matches their requirements.
| Comparison Parameters | Savitribai Phule Pune University | Sri Venkateswara College | Manipal University |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | Also recognised as the Pune University, this is one of the well-known universities of the country. The 411 acres campus of this The university was established in 1949 under the Poona University Act. | Established in 1954, the university has been ranked on the second position in Andhra Pradesh by the NIRF in 2020. The Institute offers various UG, PG, Doctoral courses under various streams. | Earlier known as Manipal University but now as Manipal Academy of Higher Education, this institute was set up in 1953 and is known to provide various UG, PG and Research Courses. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 1,30,990 | INR 84,190 | INR 1,96,600 |
| Admission Process | Entrance Based | Entrance Based | Entrance Based |
| Area of Location | Pune | Tirupati | Karnataka |
| Average Initial Salary | INR 2,00,000 - 4,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 - 3,00,000 | INR 3,00,000 - 5,00,000 |
Course Comparison: MSc Virology vs MSc Biology
A course comparison has been given below two different fields available in MSc programs. These are often the most chosen courses so a comparison will help the students decide their area of interest wisely. Check Out: MSc Biology Course
| Comparison Parameters | M.Sc Virology | M.Sc Biology |
| Overview | M.Sc Virology is a postgraduate biomedical course of 2 years. The course is based on a detailed description of human viral disease, viruses, the evolution of the virus, it's the mechanism and a detailed structure of the same. | This is a postgraduate degree of 2 years which focuses on the structure, function, growth, evolution, origin, etc. of living organisms. The students are taught about the application of scientific methods in experiments, laboratory techniques, analyzing data, etc. |
| Average Course Fee | INR 80,000 - 2,50,000. | INR 40,000 - 4,00,000. |
| Job Positions | Research Associate, Virologist, Assistant Professor, Laboratory Assistant, etc. | Biology Content Developer, Geneticist, Biochemist, Health Educator, etc. |
| Top Recruiters | Pharmaceutical Companies, Research Centres, Private Clinics, Human Immunology Laboratory, Government Hospitals, reputed Colleges and Universities, etc. | Baxter, Abbott Laboratories, Johnson and Johnson, Merck and Pfizer, etc. |
| Average Salary | INR 2,50,000 - 5,00,000 | INR 2,00,000 -5,00,000 |
The above comparison has been done among two different subjects available in the MSc fields. These are the most desired and chosen courses among the students in recent times. This comparison will allow the students to make a wise choice as to which subject would benefit them and meet their requirements.
MSc Virology Job
| Job Profile | Job Description | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Laboratory Assistant | Their work involves working with the teachers and assisting them and the students to perform laboratory work. | INR 2,00,000 - 3,00,000 |
| Virologist | Their area of work includes diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent viral diseases and perform a variety of related tests. | INR 2,50,000 - 3,50,000 |
| Assistant Professor | They work towards guiding, mentoring, and leading the students in various research projects. They even assist senior professors in their daily works and tasks. | INR 2,50,000 - 5,00,000 |
| Research Associate | These professionals indulge in performing specialized and advanced experiments, tests, and studies. | INR 3,00,000- 4,00,000 |
MSc Virology Future Scope
The field of virology is an emerging developing field. This increases the demand for professionals of this field.
- The specialized candidates of the field can find employment opportunities in the Private as well as the government sector.
- Graduates of the course begin their career as holding positions in firms that are related to the field of Virology.
- These graduates can further undertake research studies or can even pursue a career by being a professional microbiologist or they may also take up teaching jobs in reputed colleges and universities.
- Those who are willing to opt further for higher studies may even go for a Ph.D. in Microbiology or related fields.
MSc Virology FAQs
Ques. What is the main focus of the subject?
Ques. What is M.Sc Virology?
Ques. Which are the top institutes offering this course?
Ques. What is the eligibility criteria for MSc Virology?
Ques. What are the employment opportunities after the course?
Ques. Which are the entrance exams conducted for admission to the course?
- SVUCET: Sri Venkateswara University Common Entrance Test
- MET: Manipal Entrance Test
Ques. Where can I find employment?
Ques. For whom the course is suitable enough to opt?
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