Courses After BSc Zoology: Check MSc/ MBA Courses, Syllabus, Entrance Exam & Other Details

Are you a final year student of BSc zoology and planning to do a master's degree? Are you confused about which course to do after the BSc Zoology degree? Final year or BSc zoology pass-out students can read this Shiksha article to learn about courses after BSc Zoology. Also, check the syllabus and entrance exam to give for MSc courses available for them.

Zoology is one of the most preferred courses by the students from biology field. Zoology is the section of Biology that covers the study of animals and their entire spectrum, which includes evolution, Genetics, physiology, Biochemistry, classifications, and habits. Zoology courses are available at various levels such as UG, PG, PhD, certification, and diploma. Candidates who have completed their UG degree in zoology have a plethora of options for doing their master's degree. Courses after BSc Zoology include all the courses that come under the Biology domain. When a BSc zoology student aspires to do an MSc degree, they can pursue any degree in any degree biology domain.  

Also Read: What are the career options after completing MSc? 

This Shiskha article will provide a thorough list of courses after BSc Zoology at postgraduate and higher levels to help you gain a broader perspective of this field and its wide range of specializations where you can further explore a wide range of career opportunities. Doing a BSc degree will only give the overview and theoretical knowledge of the Zoology subject. In order to gain a deeper level of understanding of Biology domain in analytical, morphological and gene level candidates have plenty of options available while looking for courses after BSc Zoology.

Candidates can read this article to learn about the courses after BSc Zoology, eligibility criteria, entrance exam to appear for, preparation tips and many more.

Courses After BSc Zoology: Advantages

Candidates who wish to pursue an MSc degree after the BSc Zoology course can go through the list of advantages from here:

Deeper Knowledge and Specialization: An MSc allows you to delve much deeper into specific areas of zoology that interest you. This could be animal behaviour, conservation biology, wildlife management, marine biology, or any other subfield.

Enhanced Skills and Research Experience: Master's programs typically involve a strong research component. This equips you with valuable research skills like data analysis, critical thinking, and scientific writing. These are highly sought-after skills in many fields.

Improved Job Prospects and Career Advancement: An MSc can significantly improve your job prospects in the field of zoology. Many employers prefer candidates with a higher level of education, especially for research or specialist positions. An MSc can also be a stepping stone to a PhD program if you aspire to a career in academic research.

Greater Earning Potential: Studies have shown that employees with a Master's degree typically earn more than those with a Bachelor's degree alone.

Other Advantages: An MSc can help you develop strong communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills. It can also broaden your professional network and open doors to new career opportunities.

Also Read: Top 10 BSc, MSc Colleges in India  

Courses After BSc Zoology: MSc Courses

In this section, candidates will be able to learn about the various courses available for a BSc Zoology graduate. A student who has completed or is yet to complete their undergraduate degree in the BSc Zoology has two options: either to pursue an MSc course or shift to another domain of the courses.

BSc Zoology graduates can check the courses available for them to pursue in MSc programmes.

MSc Zoology

It builds upon the foundation of knowledge gained in a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Zoology degree by allowing you to specialize in a particular area of zoology, like animal behavior, conservation biology, or marine biology.

Through coursework and research projects, a Master's in Zoology equips you with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in your chosen field. Candidates can check the MSc Zoology syllabus from here:

Semester I
Genetics and Cytogenetics	Principles of Gene Manipulation	Comparative Animal Physiology	Metabolism: Concepts and Regulation
Semester II
Developmental Biology	Systematics, Biodiversity and Evolution	Immunology	Molecular Cell Biology
Semester III
Principles of Ecology	Computational Biology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics	Biology of Parasitism	Chronobiology
Protein Structure, Function and Evolution	Structure and Function of Genes	Animal Behavior	Comparative Endocrine Physiology
Semester IV
Entomology	Fish Biology	Genomics, Metagenomics and Epigenetics	Molecular Endocrinology and Reproduction

Also Read:

• MSc Zoology Syllabus 
• MSc in Zoology Colleges in India 

MSc Botany

The programme covers a comprehensive understanding of plant life and involves a deeper understanding of morphological, anatomical, genetic and other levels. The course combines theoretical knowledge and practical training to help students develop an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of the plant kingdom. After completing the course, students will have a great understanding of the allied fields of botany, as well as the impact of plant diversity on society and the environment. They should also have the skills to think critically, read and analyze scientific literature, and use biological tools and techniques.

Candidates can check the MSc Botany syllabus from here:

Semester I
Physiology and Biochemistry	Microbiology and Phycology	Biology of bryophytes, pteridophytes and gymnosperms	Plant Systematics
Semester II
Evolutionary Biology	Developmental Biology of Plants	Recombinant DNA Technology and Proteomics	Pathogens and Pests of Crop Plants
Semester III
Principles of Ecology and Environmental Science	Plant Biotechnology and Resource Utilization	Genetics and Cytogenetics	Cell and Molecular Biology
Semester IV
Cell and Developmental Biology	Microbial Technology	Bioinformatics, Computational Biology and Biostatistics	Genetics, Genomics and Molecular Breeding
Algae, Environment and Human Welfare	Genomics and Proteomics	Topics in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry	Landscape and Agricultural Ecology
Reproductive Biology of Flowering Plants	Molecular Interactions of Plants with Symbionts, Pathogens and Pests	Immunology	Advances in Archegoniatae
In Vitro Technologies and Industrial Applications

Also Read: M.Sc. in Botany colleges in Delhi/NCR 

MSc Biochemistry

An MSc in Biochemistry is a 2-year master's degree programme that deals with the study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. MSc Biochemistry combines the study of two interdisciplinary fields i.e., Biology and Chemistry to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying various biological processes. Once graduated, the MSc Biochemistry graduates can opt for job profiles such as Research Associate, Lab technician, Pharmacologist, Biochemist, Quality Controller, etc.  In addition to theoretical knowledge, considerable emphasis is given on hands on experience in the forefront areas of Biochemistry and Biotechnology through practical training in masters’ laboratory in the first year. To augment such training, an important feature of the programme pertains to the course on Practical Skills in Research which will allow students to get experience in tools and methods used in Biotechnology 

Candidates can check the MSc Botany syllabus from here:

Semester I
Proteins – Structure, Folding and Engineering	Seminar on Current Topics	Practical
Semester II
Cell Biology	Immunology and Immunotechniques	Enzymes and their Biotechnological Applications	Molecular Biology
Semester III
Recombinant DNA Technology and Applications in Biotechnology	Developmental Biology	Proteomics and Metabolomics	Presentation: Concepts in Research
Semester IV
Advanced Techniques in Genomics for Biotechnology	Dissertation by Research	-	-

Also Read: M.Sc. in Biochemistry colleges in Delhi/NCR 

MSc Microbiology

Pursuing an MSc Microbiology degree will help candidates explore existing knowledge of biology a step further, focusing on the microscopic world of microbes – bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. This one- to two-year program dives deep into their structure, function, interactions, and impact on human health, the environment, and industry.

Through coursework, you'll gain expertise in areas like microbial physiology, genetics, immunology, and biotechnologies. You'll also develop hands-on skills in culturing microbes, analyzing them through microscopy and molecular techniques, and potentially conducting research on a specific topic. Graduates can pursue careers in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, food science, environmental protection, or public health. The advanced knowledge and practical skills gained in this program position you to play a vital role in tackling challenges like antibiotic resistance, developing new drugs, or ensuring food safety.

Candidates can check the MSc Microbiology syllabus from here:

Semester I
Bacteriology	Immunology	Molecular Virology	Microbial Physiology and Metabolism
Semester II
Environmental Microbiology	Microbial Pathogenicity	Industrial Microbiology	Biophysical and Biochemical Methods
Semester III
Molecular Biology	Microbial Genetics	Recombinant DNA Technology	Computational Biology
Semester IV
Project Work	Plant-Pathogen interactions	Plant-Pathogen Interactions	Food Microbiology

MSc Genetics

This program delves into the blueprint of life, exploring how genes control inheritance, development, and disease. Over one to two years, you'll gain in-depth knowledge of DNA, chromosomes, and the mechanisms behind gene expression. Go beyond theory with hands-on labs, mastering techniques like DNA analysis, genetic engineering, and CRISPR. You'll also explore cutting-edge areas like genomics, personalized medicine, and gene therapy. By tackling a research project, you'll contribute to this ever-evolving field.

Candidates can check the MSc Genetics syllabus from here:

Semester I
Introduction to Genetics	Experiments in Genetics	Molecular Biology	Cell Biology, Chromosome, Genes and Genomes
Semester II
Population, evolutionary and quantitative genetics	Experiments in Genetics- II (practicals based on theory)	Recombinant DNA Technology, Regulation of Gene Expression	Bioinformatics and Biostatistics
Semester III
Microbial Genetics	Experiments in Genetics- III (practicals based on theory)	Plant Tissue Culture and Transgenic Technology	Plant Genetics and Breeding, Human Genetics
Semester IV
Project Work	Developmental Biology and Immunology	-	-

MSc Bioinformatics

MSc Bioinformatics is one of the most emerging degrees nowadays as it is a blend of the intersection of biology and computer science. This program bridges the gap, transforming you into an expert who can analyze the vast amounts of biological data generated in today's research.

Over one to two years, you'll develop strong foundations in both fields. Learn about advanced biological concepts like genomics, protein structure, and gene expression. Master computational skills in programming, data analysis, and machine learning. You'll explore powerful bioinformatics tools used to unlock insights from complex datasets. This unique blend equips you to tackle real-world challenges. Design experiments, analyze DNA sequences, develop algorithms to predict protein function, or even explore personalized medicine applications. Through a research project, you'll contribute to this rapidly evolving field.

Candidates can check the MSc Bioinformatics syllabus from here:

Subjects	Subject Details
Fundamentals of Bioinformatics	The meaning of computational technology and bioinformatics, along with their scope, are explained in this subject.
Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Genetics	Chemical forces, hydrogen bonding, laws of thermodynamics, overview of peptides, proteins, amino acids, etc., are discussed in this subject.
Fundamentals of Programming Languages	The basic programming languages, operation systems, basic commands, etc., are covered in this subject.
Genomics & Proteomics	Genomic annotation, gene networks, types of genome, tools of proteome analysis, and related concepts are covered in this subject.
Data Structures & Algorithms	The basic data structures such as linked lists, arrays, queue, stack, and different types of algorithms are discussed in this subject.
Microbiology & Biotechnology	Microbial diversity, a general overview of archaea, growth kinetics, organisation and classification of genomes, and related concepts are explained in this subject.
Database Management Systems	The meaning of database management, its significance and applications in bioinformatics are discussed in this subject.
Structural Bioinformatics	The rules of protein structure, properties of peptide bonds and amino acids, secondary structures, etc., are covered in this subject.
Java Programming & Software Applications	The object oriented programming in Java language, classes and objects, and related concepts are explained in this subject.
General Chemistry	The basic principles and rules of chemical bonds, reactions, etc., are covered in this subject.
Statistical Methods	The different statistical methods and their applications in bioinformatics are covered in this subject.
Analytical Techniques & Chemoinformatics	Basic principles of UV, mass spectroscopy, X-rays, etc., are covered in this subject.
Biodiversity, Ecological, and Immuno-Informatics	Molecular Phylogenetics, data types, basic concepts of ecosystem, properties of immune responses, and related concepts are covered in this subject.
Essential Mathematics & Statistics	Vector Algebra, cross and dot products, integral and differential calculus, tabular representation and graphical representation of data, and related concepts are discussed in this subject.

MSc Molecular Biology

MSc in Molecular Biology degree is a two-year programme course that deals with the study of animals, plants and human beings at gene level. Learn advanced techniques like gene cloning, protein analysis, and cutting-edge methods like CRISPR. You'll delve into exciting areas like gene regulation, cell signaling, and how these processes are linked to health and disease. Through a blend of theory and practical labs, you'll master these techniques and gain the skills to independently design and conduct research. This program equips you for a rewarding career in research labs, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, and even forensics.

Candidates can check the MSc Molecular Biology syllabus from here:

Semester I
Biomolecules	Biostatistics, Enzymology	Computer Applications, Fundamentals of Molecular Biology	Practicals in Basic and clinical Biochemistry
Semester II
Concepts in Immunology	Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids	Recombinant DNA Technology	Practicals in Molecular Biology
Semester III
Metabolism of Proteins and Nucleic Acids	Biophysical and Biochemical Techniques	Practicals in Immunology & Microbiology	-
Semester IV
Seminars on Current Topics	Advanced Molecular Biology	Research Techniques	-

Courses After BSc Zoology: MBA Courses

There are several reasons why studying for an MBA after a BSc in Zoology could be a good choice for you:

• Broaden your career options: A BSc in Zoology equips you with strong scientific knowledge, but an MBA adds a whole new dimension of business and management skills. This combination can open doors to a wider range of careers, from management roles in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries to business development positions in biotechnology companies.

• Develop in-demand skills: An MBA program will equip you with skills that are highly sought after by employers across all industries. These include critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. You'll also gain a strong understanding of finance, marketing, accounting, and operations, which will give you a well-rounded business foundation.

• Increase your earning potential: Studies have shown that MBA graduates typically earn higher salaries than those with a BSc alone. This is because they are seen as more well-rounded and qualified for leadership positions.

• Specialize in a specific area: Many MBA programs offer specializations that can be tailored to your interests and background in zoology. For example, you could pursue an MBA in healthcare management, biotechnology management, or environmental management.

• Become a business leader: If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, an MBA can give you the tools and knowledge you need to start your own business in the life sciences field.

MBA Courses After BSc Zoology

Candidates can check out the MBA specialisation options available for BSc zoology students:

Courses	Overview
MBA in Biotechnology	designed for individuals who want to combine their scientific background in biotechnology with business and management expertise. It typically lasts two years and equips graduates with the skills to navigate the intersection of these two fields. MBA in Biotechnology creates a synergy between business and science.  The program offers core management courses in finance, marketing, human resource management, product management, and entrepreneurship, equipping graduates to navigate the business side of biotechnology.  Additionally, students gain in-depth knowledge of key biotechnology areas through courses in research and development, application of biotechnology, and environmental biotechnology management, creating a well-rounded skillset for the industry.
MBA in Hospital Administration	The MBA in Hospital Management is a two-year postgraduate program designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills to oversee the smooth operation of hospitals and healthcare facilities.  Over four semesters, you'll gain expertise in key areas like marketing, financial management, supply chain management, and human resource management, all tailored to the specific needs of the healthcare industry.  The program is open to graduates from any academic background, provided they have a strong academic record (minimum 50% or equivalent CGPA) from a recognized university.
MBA in R & D Analyst	An MBA with a focus on R&D prepares graduates to bridge the gap between the technical world of research and development and the business side of innovation.  This program equips you with the skills and knowledge to not only understand the scientific and technological aspects of R&D but also to analyze market needs, manage resources effectively, and contribute to the commercialization of new technologies or products. An MBA combined with R&D expertise positions you as a highly valuable asset for companies seeking to bridge the gap between innovation and business strategy.
MBA in Market Research Analyst	An MBA in Market Research Analyst is a specialized program designed to elevate individuals with a passion for consumer insights to leadership roles within the field. It combines the analytical skills honed through market research with the strategic and financial knowledge gained in an MBA, creating a powerful skillset for driving informed business decisions. The programme bridges the gap between market research and business strategy by exploring how research insights can be used to develop marketing campaigns, launch new products, and optimize business operations.

BSc Zoology Scope

Zoology graduates have a wide range of career opportunities to choose from, in both the government and private sectors. Some of the most popular career options include:

• Zoologist: Zoologists study the anatomy, physiology, behaviour, and ecology of animals. They may work in zoos, aquariums, museums, universities, or government agencies.
• Wildlife biologist: Wildlife biologists study and manage wild animal populations and their habitats. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies.
• Ecologist: Ecologists study the interactions between living organisms and their environment. They may work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or private companies in fields such as environmental conservation, resource management, and pollution control.
• Environmental consultant: Environmental consultants advise businesses and governments on how to comply with environmental regulations and reduce their environmental impact. They may work for private companies, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.
• Scientific writer: Scientific writers communicate complex scientific information to a wide audience. They may write for scientific journals, magazines, websites, or other media outlets.
• Animal nutritionist: Animal nutritionists develop and recommend diets for animals, including livestock, pets, and laboratory animals. They may work for private companies, government agencies, or universities.
• Marine biologist: Marine biologists study the life and environment of marine organisms. They may work in aquariums, research institutions, or government agencies.
• Forest officer: Forest officers manage and protect forests and their wildlife. They may work for government agencies or private companies.
• Veterinary technician: Veterinary technicians assist veterinarians in the care and treatment of animals. They may work in veterinary clinics, hospitals, or research institutions.
• Research scientist: Research scientists conduct research on a variety of zoological topics, such as animal behaviour, ecology, and genetics. They may work for universities, government agencies, or private companies.

Courses After BSc Zoology: Entrance Exam

Candidates can go through the list of entrance exams in which they can appear in to get admissions in the masters degree programme after BSc Zoology degree:

Entrance Exam	Conducting Body	Programmes Offered
MCAER CET	Maharashtra Council of Agricultural Education and Research (MCAER), Pune	MSc Agriculture MSc Horticulture MSc Forestry MFSc MTech Food Technology MSc Agricultural Biotechnology MSc Home Science MSc Post Harvest Management
IIT JAM	IIT (On a rotational basis)	MSc Joint MSc-PhD MSc-MTech Integrated PhD Degree
OUAT Entrance Exam	Odisha University of Agriculture and Technology	MSc Botany MSc Chemistry MSc Mathematics MSc Microbiology MSc Physics MSc Zoology MSc Biotechnology MSc Computer Science
Pantnagar University Entrance Exam	Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology	MCA MSc in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology MTech MBA
UPCATET	Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology	MSc Agriculture MSc Home Science MSc Horticulture MSc Veterinary Science MTech Agricultural Engineering  MVSc MTech/ MSc Biotechnology MTech Mechanical Engineering MBA Agribusiness
GSAT	GITAM Institute of Science, Visakhapatnam	MSc Applied Mathematics (Computational Fluid Dynamics-CFD) MSc Environmental Science (Green Technology/Water Resources Management) MSc Biochemistry (Cancer Biology) MSc Food Science & Tech (Food Processing) MSc Bioinformatics (Drug Design) MSc Microbiology (Fermentation Technology) MSc Biotechnology (Nanotechnology/Protein Engineering) MSc Physics (Nuclear/Material/Nano) MSc Chemistry (Analytical/ Organic/Pharmaceutical Chemistry) MCA Master of Computer Applications MSc Electronics Science (Embedded Systems/Networking)
AGRICET	Acharya N G Ranga Agricultural University	MSc Agriculture MTech Agriculture Engineering MSc Home Science
ICAR AIEEA (PG)	NTA	PG Courses in Agriculture Field
TIFR GS	Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai	MSc Integrated MSc-PhD PhD
Rajasthan JET Agriculture	Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur	MSc Agriculture MSc Horticulture
IGKV CET	Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya	MSc and PhD courses
AUCET	Andhra University, Visakhapatnam	MSc Courses
CUET PG	NTA	Various MSc courses
ANUPGCET	Acharya Nagarjuna University	Various MSc courses

Candidates can go through the Top MSc entrance exams which are conducted on a national, state level and university level.

Top Colleges in India for MSc Courses

The following table lists one of the reputed and top colleges in India for MSc Courses. Please note that these colleges are taken from the latest NIRF Ranking list.

Top College	Top College	Top College
DAV College Chandigarh	KJ Somaiya Medical College and Research Centre	Miranda House
Fergusson College	Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management (LBSIM)	Mount Carmel College
Hansraj College	Loyola College	S.P. Mandali's Ramnarain Ruia Autonomous College
The Hindu College	Madras Christian College	Sacred Heart College
Isabella Thoburn College	Maulana Azad College	St. Albert's College
University College, Trivandrum	Presidency College	Ramakrishna Mission Vidyamandir
St Ann's College for Women	St. Francis College for Women	St Xaviers College
PSGR Krishnammal College for women	Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences	Queen Mary's College

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