The School of Science focuses on disciplinary plus a wide range of interdisciplinary courses to broaden students’ perspectives and knowledge in the Sciences. The high-quality programs are conducted by qualified teachers, along with guest faculty members from the industry, subject experts, and independent researchers. The school also collaborates with industry for research and development on real life projects, making students industry ready.
A robust placement assistance program bridges the gap between the student’s aspirations and industry expectations. Some of the leading companies in pharmaceuticals and clinical research employ students from School of Science at NUV.
The MSc in Botany & Biotechnology is a distinctive two-year postgraduate program designed to prepare students for plant biology and biotechnology’s dynamic and rapidly evolving fields. Focused on cultivating essential skills in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas, the program strongly emphasizes research, innovation, and practical applications. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that broadens students’ knowledge base and hones their laboratory and field skills, fostering a holistic learning and professional development approach.
This unique program caters to diverse interests by providing specializations that span from traditional botanical studies to cutting-edge biotechnological applications, including innovative blends that anticipate future industry and research demands. The coursework combines lectures, practical sessions, and hands-on training, complemented by skill-building through technical and research-oriented programs. Regular reviews by the Academic Advisory Board ensure the curriculum remains dynamic and aligned with the latest advancements in the field.
The Navrachana University Centre for Environment Research and Innovation (NUCERI) is an interdisciplinary platform fostering intellectual discussions and research endeavours. NUCERI motivates innovators to contribute towards a sustainable future, aligning with the program’s emphasis on addressing contemporary environmental challenges, such as biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable agriculture.
Collaborating with the University of Arizona, the Navrachana University Centre for Public Health (NUCPH) facilitates research, training, and education in the crucial field of Public Health. Recognising the paramount importance of public health considerations in the current decade, this partnership enhances opportunities for students to engage in impactful research on medicinal plants, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices, gaining insights from a global perspective.
The MSc in Botany & Biotechnology equips students with a solid foundation in plant sciences and biotechnology and provides them with the tools to drive innovation, contribute to sustainable practices, and address global challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural innovation. Through strategic partnerships and a forward-thinking curriculum, the program positions itself at the forefront of research and education in botany and biotechnology, preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions to science and society.
| Degree | Master of Science – Botany & Biotechnology |
| Duration | 2 Years, 4 semesters |
| Start of study | Autumn Semester |
| Mandatory Course Credits | 87 |
| Elective Credits | 9 |
| Total Credit | 96 |
For Detailed Curriculum: click here
The Master of Science (MSc) in Botany & Biotechnology is a comprehensive and flexible program designed to provide students with a profound understanding of the fundamental principles and practical applications within the fields of plant biology and biotechnology. The program is structured around mandatory courses, discipline-specific electives, and university electives, ensuring a well-rounded, interdisciplinary education. The compulsory area includes internships and a 6-month dissertation as a master’s project, while university electives are chosen from a specified catalogue to acquire additional technical, interdisciplinary, and professional skills. Elective modules can be selected from the entire range of courses offered across Navrachana University (NUV), allowing students to tailor their academic journey to their interests and career goals.
The core courses form the bedrock of the program, providing students with a solid grounding in essential topics such as Advanced Botany, Cell and Molecular Biology, Genetics and Genomics, Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, and Research Methodology in Life Sciences. These foundational courses lay the groundwork for a deeper exploration of specialised tracks, enabling students to customise their academic path based on individual interests and career aspirations.
Students can choose from distinct pathways to focus their studies within the specialised fields. The Plant Biotechnology and Genomics field delves into areas such as Recombinant DNA Technology, Plant Genetic Engineering, and Advanced Plant Genomics. The Plant Ecology and Conservation track offers courses like Plant Biodiversity, Conservation Biology, and Ecosystem Restoration. For those interested in Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Practices, the field includes Crop Improvement Techniques, Sustainable Agriculture, and Plant-Microbe Interactions courses.
The program strongly emphasises practical training and research, offering laboratory work, field studies, and opportunities to engage in collaborative research projects with faculty or industry partners. Advanced elective courses allow students to further tailor their education by selecting topics that align with their specific interests, such as Medicinal Plant Biology, Plant Pathology, Environmental Botany, or Bioinformatics.
A series of seminars on innovative topics in botany and biotechnology provides students with exposure to the latest developments in the field. The capstone experience involves presenting research findings in a public forum, highlighting the culmination of a student’s academic journey.
Complementing the academic curriculum focuses on professional development, including career development workshops, networking events with industry professionals, and optional internships. The program also incorporates a mobility window, providing opportunities for international collaboration or participation in exchange programs, further broadening students’ global perspectives.
The culmination of the MSc in Botany & Biotechnology is marked by the successful completion and defence of a thesis, where students conduct independent research under the guidance of faculty mentors. This research project demonstrates their ability to address complex challenges in botany and biotechnology, contributing meaningfully to advancing knowledge in the field.
Graduates emerge from the program with a solid foundation in plant sciences, specialised expertise in their chosen track, and the practical skills necessary for success in botany and biotechnology’s dynamic and evolving landscape. Equipped to tackle global challenges in food security, environmental sustainability, and agricultural innovation, they are prepared to excel in diverse career paths, including research, industry, conservation, and academia. Through its innovative curriculum, research opportunities, and professional development initiatives, the program positions students at the forefront of these disciplines, ready to make meaningful contributions to science and society.
4 Semesters | Two-year | Postgraduate Degree Program
Fee Structure: Rs.42,000/- per semester
Navrachana University, a premier university in Vadodara, known for its innovative and forward-looking approaches to education has now implemented a choice-based curriculum for its students. It is aimed at transforming the student learning experience, empowering them to “tailor-make” their own degree.
The need of the hour today is to create highly skilled professionals who possess a broad-based outlook enabling them to collaborate, understand and empathize with larger sociocultural realities.
Proof of an internship of 3 to 4 weeks should be provided before registration for master’s thesis. Internships that were completed before and during the bachelor’s degree will be considered.
Dissertation of at-least 6 months is a mandatory requirement for the completion of master’s degree with specialization (Animal Sciences, Plant Sciences, Biochemistry and Environmental Sciences)
Candidates who have completed their BSc degree from recognized University in any of the following Programs with minimum 50% aggregate marks: Botany, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Life Science, Biological Sciences, or any other allied Programs.
Multiple Choice (Objective) written test followed by interaction. Admission based on Merit (written test & interaction).
Limited number of Merit Scholarships are available to meritorious students with a score of over 70% marks in Graduation exam. These scholarships are offered to students whose parent’s combined income does not exceed Rs 8 lakh per year. Interested candidates must meet Admin Department after seeking admission.
Pre-teaching sessions, conducted at the beginning of every semester, serve as vital preparatory sessions aimed at providing students with foundational knowledge and essential skills necessary for success in their upcoming courses. These sessions typically encompass a variety of activities and discussions designed to orient students, set academic expectations, and foster a conducive learning environment.
Description of what pre-teaching sessions may entail:
A monthly course audit is a systematic review process conducted to assess the progress and effectiveness of ongoing courses.
Academic Advisory Board consists of Program matter experts who provide guidance, expertise, and innovative pedagogy and continuous improvement within the academic.
Student feedback serves as a valuable tool for assessing and improving the effectiveness of teaching and learning practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and enhancing overall academic quality.
A mentorship program for MSc Botany & Biotechnology students is designed to provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional development within the field of life science.
Ratio of Mentor: Mentee is 1:3
Academic Advisors play a crucial role in guiding students through the selection, planning, and completion of elective courses and minors within their academic programs.
