BSc Biology subjects : Semester Wise Subject List & Books

Parul Thapa

Parul ThapaAssistant Manager

BSc Biology full form is Bachelor of Science in Biology. BSc Biology is an UG degree that continues for a duration of 3 years and needs at least a Class 12 qualification. A BSc Biology degree includes the study of core subjects like Biophysics, Systems Physiology, Growth and Reproduction, Biodiversity, etc.

BSc Biology admissions are most of the times merit-based, but a few colleges also demand entrance exam scores. Some of the most common BSc Biology entrance exams are CUET UG, IISER, SAT India, BITSAT, NEST, etc.

BSc Biology subjects have 14 core courses, 13 elective courses, and 8 skill & ability enhancement courses. Students can read below for more detailed information on the BSc Biology semester-wise syllabus. BSc Biology graduates can also prepare for government examinations like UPSC CSE.

How many semesters are there in B.Sc. Biology?

The BSc Biology course includes a total of 6 semesters, which are studied over a course duration of 3 years. The number of semesters and duration vary from one college to another. Each semester is categorically divided into core courses, general elective courses, discipline-specific elective courses, and skill enhancement courses.

Students can choose either a BSc in Biology as an honors subject or take Biology as part of the Mathematical Science syllabus. Students need to choose from the pool of elective courses and skill enhancement courses based on requirements.

Types of BSc Biology Courses and Credits

Candidates can check the table below to get information on BSc Biology courses and the credits that are provided to students.

Types of BSc Biology Courses

No. of Courses and Credits

Core Courses

14 (84 credits)

Discipline-Specific Elective Courses

9 (24 credits) (choose any four)

General Elective Courses

4 (24 credits)

Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses

2 (4 credits)

Skill Enhancement Elective Courses

6 (8 credits) (choose any two)

BSc Biology Subjects: Semester-wise

The following table shows a semester-wise syllabus of BSc Biology Hons. with classification between core courses and elective courses.

BSc Hons. Biology Courses

Semesters

Course Syllabus

 

 

 

 

 

Core Courses

Semester - I

  • Chemistry
  • Light and Life

Semester - II

  • Biophysics
  • Biodiversity

Semester - III

  • Proteins and Enzymes
  • Concepts in Cell Biology
  • Functional Ecology

Semester - IV

  • Systems Physiology
  • Concepts of Molecular Biology
  • Metabolism and Integration

Semester - V

  • Growth and Reproduction
  • Fundamentals of Genetics

Semester - VI

  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Concepts of Evolutionary Biology

 

 

 

Discipline-Specific Elective Courses

 

 

 

Semester I to VI

  • Analytical Techniques in Plant Sciences
  • Stress Biology
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Wildlife Conservation
  • Animal Behavior and Chronobiology
  • Endocrinology
  • Biomaterials
  • Microbiology
  • Plant Biochemistry

General Elective Courses

Semester I to VI

  • Biodiversity
  • Animal Diversity
  • Plant Ecology and Taxonomy
  • Aquatic Biology

Disclaimer: The information provided above is taken from external sources and may vary.

BSc Biology Subjects: Skill Enhancement Courses

The following table shows a detailed syllabus of BSc Biology skill and ability enhancement courses followed in colleges of India.

BSc Biology Courses

Course Syllabus

 

 BSc Biology Skill Enhancement Courses

Medicinal Botany

Bio fertilizers

Medical Diagnostics

Public Health and Management

Biochemical Techniques

Recombinant DNA Technology

 BSc Biology Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses

English communication

Environmental science

Disclaimer: The information provided above is taken from external sources and may vary.

BSc Biology Subjects: Popular Books and Authors

The following list shows some of the most popular books preferred by students for BSc Biology courses.

BSc Biology Popular Books

Author Name

Microbiology

Pelczar, M. J.

Biochemistry

Campbell, M. K.

Introduction to Fungi

Webster, J., Weber, R.

Principles of Genetics

Gardner, E. J., Simmons, M. J., & Snustad, D. P.

Fundamentals of Ecology

Odum, E. P.

Cell Biology

Karp, G.

Concepts of Genetics

Klug, W. S., Cummings, M. R., Spencer, C. A.

Organic Evolution

Veer Bala Rastogi

Disclaimer: The information provided above is taken from external sources and may vary.

Distance BSc Biology Syllabus

The following table shows some of the popular distance colleges for a BSc Biology degree along with their tuition fees. 

Distance BSc Biology Colleges in India

Total Tuition Fees (annually)

Netaji Subhas Open University

INR 15,000

Madhya Pradesh Bhoj Open University

INR 8,890

Nalanda Open University

INR 7,200

Dr. C. V. Raman University

INR 55,500

Saraswati Distance Education

INR 37,500

Disclaimer: The information provided above is taken from external sources and may vary.

BSc Biology Syllabus in Best Colleges of India

The following table shows some of the best BSc Biology colleges in India along with their detailed BSc Biology syllabus PDF.

Best BSc Biology Colleges in India

BSc Biology Syllabus

Banaras Hindu University

Banaras Hindu University BSc Biology Syllabus

IISc Bangalore

IISc Bangalore BSc Biology Syllabus

Loyola College

Loyola College BSc Biology Syllabus

Madras Christian College

Madras Christian College BSc Biology Syllabus

Sri Venkateswara College

Sri Venkateswara College BSc Biology Syllabus

BITS Pilani

BITS Pilani BSc Biology Syllabus

JSS Academy Mysore

JSS Academy BSc Biology Syllabus

Disclaimer: The information provided above is taken from external sources and may vary.

Table of contents
  • Popular BSc Biology Colleges in India
  • Popular Private BSc Biology Colleges in India
  • Popular BSc Biology Specializations
  • Most Popular Courses

Popular BSc Biology Colleges in India

Following are the most popular BSc Biology Colleges in India. Learn more about these BSc Biology colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
₹600 - 2.4 L
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₹4.07 L - 9.27 L
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₹23.4 K - 6.21 L
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Popular Private BSc Biology Colleges in India

₹48 K - 4.4 L
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₹2.1 L - 13.2 L
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₹3 L - 4.4 L
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₹75 K - 58.7 L
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Popular BSc Biology Specializations

Following are the most popular BSc Biology Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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Students can take admission to GGSIPU UG and PG courses without a CUET score. They can take IPU CET exam conducted by GGSIPU. GGSIPU accepts the scores of JEE Main and CAT too for BTech and MBA courses.

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shilpa sachdav

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 6 days ago

 IIT Jodhpur MSc cutoff 2026 ranged between 801 (Maths) and 1086 (Physics) in the last round for OBC AI quota. More details about IIT Jodhpur OBC cutoff 2026, below.

Course202420252026
MSc in Chemistry893838909
MSc in Mathematics680679801
MSc in Physics8019211086

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

AIIMS Raipur offers BSc programme in various specialisations which are given below:

  • B.Sc. in Medical Technology in Radiography
  • B.Sc. in Audiology and Speech Language Pathology (BASLP)
  • B.Sc. in Nursing
  • B.Sc. in Operation Theatre Technology
  • B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Technology
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Shruti Manchanda

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Here is the table below showing some of the top private colleges for Microbiology in Kerala, along with heir tuition fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
SAFI Institute of Advanced Study INR 1.17 Lacs - INR 1.88 lakh
Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa VidyapeethamINR 3.28 Lacs - INR 6 lakh
Indira Gandhi Group of Institutions INR 1.17 Lacs - INR 1.68 lakh
Sir Syed Institute For Technical Studies INR 1.03 Lacs - INR 1.27 lakh
A.J. College of Science and Technology INR 1.68 lakh
Markaz Arts and Science College INR 1.17 lakh
Al Jamia Arts and Science College INR 1.17 lakh
Pazhassi Raja College INR 54,000

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

As per the popularity basis by shiksha.com, listed below are some of the top colleges for Microbiology in Kerala, along with their tuition fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Cochin University of Science and Technology, KochiINR 6,240
MGU Kerala - Mahatma Gandhi UniversityINR 7,690
University of CalicutINR 4,830
SAFI Institute of Advanced StudyINR 1.17 Lacs - INR 1.88 lakh
Amrita School of BiotechnologyINR 3.28 Lacs - INR 6 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Government colleges and university departments cost less. Aided colleges also charge low for merit seats. Self-financing seats cost more. Check the table below for the affordable colleges.

Affordable Kerala Microbiology CollegesTuition Fee
EMEA College of Arts and Science, Kondotti INR 3,150 - INR 1.88 lakh
St. Mary's College, Thrissur INR 3,150 - INR 1.88 lakh
Government Arts and Science College, Kozhinjampara INR 3,150
Sree Narayana College, Alathur INR 3,150
M.E.S Ponnani College INR 3,780

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

AIIMS Raebareli paramedical cutoff 2026 varied from 1139 for BSc in Operation Theatre Technology and 3433 for BSc in Anaesthesia Technology. Hence, the maximum ranks of SC AI category candidates are required to get for admission which should be 3433. See the table below for more information.

CourseAIIMS Paramedical cutoff 2026
B.Sc in Operation Theatre Technology1139
B.Sc in Radiology Technology1778
B.Sc in Lab Technology2974
B.Sc in Anaesthesia Technology3433

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

English Literature, History, Sociology, Communication Studies and some Liberal Arts programmes may have less advanced mathematics. However, Psychology programmes can include statistics and research methods.

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Raushan Kumar

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

You need very high marks. One site lists 2025 general cutoffs of about 86% to 94% in PCB at top Mumbai colleges. Reserved categories had lower cutoffs. Cutoffs change every year and with every merit list. Apply to many colleges, not just one. Keep a backup list of colleges with lower cutoffs.

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Contributor-Level 10

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Yes, it is worth studying BSc at Fergusson College. BSc at Fergusson College is available in 15 specialisations. Candidates can choose any BSc course as per their personal area of interest. Bsc is offered in specialisation in like Computer Science, Biotechnology, Data Science, Animation, Electronic

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Puhup Kumari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Private BTech Biotechnology colleges in Maharashtra are expensive than government colleges as they are managed by private entities. Check the table below for some of the top colleges.

Top 10 B Tech Biotechnology Colleges in MaharashtraBTech Tuition Fee
DY Patil University, Navi MumbaiINR 9.2 lakh
Amity University, Mumbai INR 10.96 lakh
SIES Graduate School of Technology INR 3.45 Lacs - INR 4.45 lakh
Sandip University, Nashik INR 4.8 lakh
MGM's College of Engineering and Technology INR 2.1 lakh
Ajeenkya DY Patil University, School of Engineering INR 10 lakh
Tulsiramji Gaikwad-Patil College of Engineering and TechnologyINR 4.1 lakh
Sinhgad College of Engineering INR 4.52 lakh
SSBT's College of Engineering and Technology INR 1.8 Lacs - INR 2.7 lakh
KIT College of Engineering, Kolhapur INR 3.4 lakh

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

IIT Dharwad MSc OBC cutoff 2026 ranged between 228 and 1413. Check the table below for different specialisation information:

 

Course20252026
M.Sc. in Molecular Medicine238228
M.Sc. in Chemistry9711099
M.Sc. in Mathematics782923
M.Sc. in Physics11941413

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Riya Gupta

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Practical training is an important part of LPU’s M.Sc. Forensic Sciences programme. Students get to explore areas such as fingerprint examination, forensic biology, toxicology and crime scene investigation through laboratory-based learning.

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shilpa sachdav

Contributor-Level 7

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MDH University of Applied Sciences is one of the best universities in creative fields. This is because MDH is widely recognised in Germany for its specialised creative programs, having established some of the country's first dedicated degrees in Game Design, Digital Film Design / Animation & VFX, Fa

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Anubha

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Gujarat University BSc application process begins with registration for GCAS counselling. After GCAS counselling is over, candidates are required to apply for Gujarat University, Ahmedabad BSc course admission with their allotment letter. Given below are the Documents Required at the Time of admissi

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Puhup Kumari

Contributor-Level 9

Answered a week ago

Karnataka has about 6 to Forestry colleges in Karnataka. Of which, 2 are government colleges and 1 owned by private entities. Admission happens through KCET scores. University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, and University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad, College of Forestry, Sirsi.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Jain offers a research-style option. It offers a four-year B.Sc (Research) in Biotechnology. It is a deemed-to-be university with NAAC Grade A, approved by UGC and AICTE. Admission is based on the Jain Entrance Test (JET). The four-year course suits students who want a research path. 

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Check the table below for some of the top private Biotechnology colleges in Bangalore, with their median salaries offered.

Top CollegesMedian Salary
Kristu Jayanti University INR 6.5 LPA - INR 8.1 LPA
Christ UniversityINR 5.16 LPA - INR 6.14 LPA
ABBSINR 6.12 LPA
Garden City University INR 3.6 LPA - INR 6 LPA
Administrative Management College INR 5.5 LPA

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Private Biotechnology colleges in Bangalore are expensive than government colleges as they are managed by private entities. They have more seats to offer to students. Check the table below for some of the top colleges.

Private Biotechnology Colleges in BangaloreTuition Fee
Christ University INR 3.6 Lacs - INR 6.04 lakh
M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied SciencesINR 3.28 Lacs - INR 7 lakh
St. Joseph's University Bangalore INR 2.95 Lacs - INR 3.51 lakh
Kristu Jayanti University INR 1.9 Lacs - INR 3.3 lakh
School of Sciences, Jain Deemed-to-be UniversityINR 3 Lacs - INR 3.75 lakh
M.S. Ramaiah College of Arts, Science and Commerce INR 53,910 - INR 67.140
The Oxford College of Science INR 75,000 - INR 1.8 lakh
Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women INR 1.58 lakh
Surana CollegeINR 1.35 lakh 
Jyoti Nivas CollegeINR 3.9 Lacs - INR 4.48 lakh

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Tasbiya Khan

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Answered a week ago

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Shruti Manchanda

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Answered a week ago

MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences accepts KCET and COMDEK UGET scores for admission to its BTech courses. KCET cut-off 2026 during last round of BTech admission at MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences ranged from 6730  (for Mathematics & Computing) to 23901 (for Electrical and Electroni

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Shruti Manchanda

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Answered a week ago

Government colleges are somewhat affordable than private colleges as they are managed by central and state government. Listed below are some of the top colleges for BTech CUET in India.

Top Government BTech Colleges in IndiaBTech Tuition FeeBTech Seat Intake
Jamia Millia IslamiaINR 78,100 - INR 6 lakh660
Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha UniversityINR 7.9 lakh12,983
Maulana Azad National Urdu UniversityINR 32,40060
Islamic University of Science and TechnologyINR 2.5 lakh390
Tezpur UniversityINR 1.2 lakh360

 

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

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Tasbiya Khan

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Answered a week ago

The branches depend on the college, because each university decides which B.Tech courses use CUET. Some examples are:
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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Yes, you can pursue a 5-year integrated B.Tech–M.Tech dual-degree programme in India through CUET UG scores. Seats are limited. Check if the programme is open in your admission year. Some of the colleges are Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Central University of Jharkhand, Indira Gandhi National Tribal

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) after Class 12 Science offers a strong transition into corporate management, analytical roles, and entrepreneurship, with Science students often excelling in quantitative or tech-heavy domains due to their problem-solving background.

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Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, it is adding new roles. One university blog says AI and ML technologies are widening the chances of landing a high-paying career in the field. Students who learn bioinformatics and basic coding can stand out. You do not need to be an expert. Start with free online courses.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, very. Rajagiri College is listed as AICTE approved. MGU is listed as UGC accredited. Approval affects whether your degree counts for jobs and higher studies. Check the college's affiliation, UGC or AICTE status and NAAC grade on its official site.

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Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

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