M.Phil. (Microbiology) Syllabus, Course Structure and Program Schedule 2025-2026

Course Structure

M. Phil. in Microbiology is a one year course, generally divided in 2 semesters. The course is delivered through classroom lectures, discussions, presentations and industry visits. Lab practical is an important part of the curriculum and attendance in practical sessions is compulsory.

In M. Phil. in Microbiology Practical, viva voce is equally important like written exam and dissertation. At the end of the examinations held at the end of each semester, students are assessed on various parameters such as attendance, presentation, assignment and class participation for internal assessment marks. The final marking scheme for each of these parameters is given below:

Examination	Marks Allotted
Written Examination	100
Dissertation	150
Viva Voce	50

Syllabus

The syllabus for M. Phil. in Microbiology in major universities in India follows a pattern set by UGC. An overview for the syllabus is given below:

Core Papers

Name of Paper	Topics	Description
Research Methodology	Microscopy Bright field Analytical instrumentations Separation techniques DNA techniques Bioinformatics	This paper focuses on the topics such as Dark field, Phase contrast, NMR, Measurement of radioactivity – X –ray film, Two dimensional electrophoresis (IEF), DGCE, RFLP, Cloning strategies, Data processing and publishing. Guidelines in preparation of manuscripts & thesis.
Microbial Biotechnology	Historical development of Microbial technology Introduction Microbes in Medicine Microbial Products and their bioprocesses Biodegradation and Bioremediation Microbes IPR, Biosafety and bioethics	This paper aims to impart knowledge about Isolation, purification and preservation of microbes, Production of insulin, vaccines, and antibiotics. Production of antibodies in E. coli, Production of wine, vinegar and alcohol. Biofertilizers – cyanobacteria, Azospirillum , VAM and Azolla, Biofuels, Microbial hydrogen production. biodegradation of oils and petroleum products, Basic requirement of patentability, process of patenting, patenting biological materials.
Microbial Genomics	Genome Mapping Sequencing methods and Strategies Genome Analysis Comparative Genomics Functional Genomics	It is the study of DNA markers - RFLPs, SSLPs, SNPs – Linkage analysis – Cross breeding and pedigree analysis, DNA sequencing by capillary array electrophoresis,Genome-annotation- Molecular phylogenetics, Host-pathogen interactions- genomics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis , Vaccinology: from genome to vaccine- Microbial genomics for Antibiotic Target Discovery.
Microbial Biodiversity and Molecular Taxonomy	Biodiversity Prokaryotic and eukaryotic microbial diversity Symbiosis Microbial Classification Introduction Molecular Taxonomy Bioinformatics	In this subject students focus on Isolation, cultivation and preservation of microorganisms, Lichens, VAM. Structure, Criteria for classification and identification of microorganisms – morphological, physiological & biochemical, RAPD, STRR & LTRR, Blotting and hybridization. DNA Microarays/Chips, Submission of rDNA sequences – Bankit & Sequin guidelines.
Microbial Metagenomics	History of the Culture divide Early Microbiology and Microscope Bioprospecting Community Genome Analysis Methods Metagenomic approaches Industrial applications	This exam consists of topics such as Culture independent insight, Archaea, Sargasso sea explorations, Phylogenetic oligonucleotide arrays – Whole genome ORF arrays- Environmental Gene Tags, Screens, Selections, Multiparameter footprint analysis, Putative gene products.
Rhizoremediation Technology	Rhizosphere Rhizosphere’s microorganisms Xenobiotic Bioremediation Bioinoculants Microbial association	This subject focuses on Methods of rhizosphere research related with sustainable in modern agriculture, plant-microbe interactions, microbe-microbe interaction, uncultivable microorganisms, agrochemicals and surfactants, Definition and concepts bioremediation, biogeochemical cycles, Isolation and screening bioremediation’s microbes, Outline of biopesticide, bioinsecticides, bioherbicides and its application to the agriculture. Enhancement of novel microbes.
Applications of Nano biotechnology	Introduction Nano biotechnology in Cell biology Nano biotechnology in Tissue engineering Nanotechnology in Therapeutics Stimulation Advantages and Disadvantages	It helps students to understand the Terminologies of nano technology, molecular structures in relation to the cellular architecture; cytoskeleton and the cell organelles, Surface characterization methodology; modification of biomaterials surfaces, drug delivery, and tissue engineering, Virus particles used as a novel nanomaterial for tumor targeting, Therapeutic application of gold nanoparticles, Protein nano patterning advantages and disadvantages.