The B.Sc. Microbiology program offered by UPES is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the field of microbiology. The program focuses on studying the biology of microscopic creatures, including bacteria, archaea, fungi, algae, protozoa, and viruses. Students will learn about the impact of microbes on the health of the planet and its inhabitants, as well as their significance in the study of all life forms.
The program offers specializations in two areas: food and environment microbiology and medical and pharmaceutical microbiology. Students can choose to explore the diverse applications of microbiology in these fields. Additionally, the program incorporates the emerging field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) application in healthcare, which has significant implications for life science and healthcare.
The duration of the program is four years, in line with the New Education Policy (NEP). Upon completion of the first year, students will receive a Certificate in Microbiology. After two years of study, students will be awarded a Diploma in Microbiology. At the end of the third year, students will earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology. In the fourth year, students who achieve a score of 75% and above will qualify for the "BSc Honours by research" in Microbiology. These students will be required to undertake a 15-credit research project and will have the opportunity to directly qualify for a PhD without the need for a Master's degree. Students who achieve a score below 75% will qualify for the "BSc Honors Microbiology" degree. In their final semester, they will engage in industry training or an internship, earning 15 credits. These students will then have to pursue a one-year MSc program to qualify for a PhD.