Biology

Department of Biology at the Indian Institute of Science offers a comprehensive and rigorous graduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of biological sciences. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, and neuroscience to address complex biological questions. Students have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research under the guidance of renowned faculty members, whose interests span various subfields including developmental biology, cellular biology, bioinformatics, and environmental biology. The curriculum combines foundational coursework with experimental training, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for scientific innovation. Students are encouraged to participate in collaborative projects, contemporary seminars, and journal clubs to stay abreast of recent advances in biology. The program also provides ample opportunities for fieldwork, wet-lab experimentation, and computational modeling, catering to diverse research preferences. Equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, the department supports high-quality research that contributes to understanding biological processes at multiple levels. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, and government research organizations, or to pursue further studies such as Ph.D. programs. Our commitment is to cultivate highly skilled scientists capable of making impactful contributions to the biological sciences and addressing critical global challenges such as health, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The program is tailored for students with a strong background in biological sciences and a passion for scientific discovery, providing a nurturing yet challenging environment that promotes intellectual growth, innovation, and professional development.

Program Name: Bachelor of Science in Biology (B.Sc. Biology)

The Bachelor of Science in Biology at the Indian Institute of Science offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the fundamental principles of life sciences. This program aims to cultivate analytical, experimental, and research skills necessary for tackling contemporary biological challenges. Throughout the course, students are exposed to a broad spectrum of topics, including cellular and molecular biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology, and biochemistry. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through laboratory work, field studies, and research projects that foster practical expertise and critical thinking.

In the initial years, students acquire core knowledge in basic sciences, including mathematics, chemistry, and physics, which serve as essential foundations for advanced biological studies. As they progress, coursework increasingly focuses on specialized areas such as microbiology, plant and animal biology, developmental biology, and bioinformatics. The program encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating principles from chemistry, physics, and mathematics to enhance understanding of complex biological systems.

Research is a central component of the Bachelor of Science in Biology at the Indian Institute of Science. Students have opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects within state-of-the-art laboratories, mentored by experienced faculty members. This engagement not only deepens scientific understanding but also prepares students for graduate studies or careers in research, healthcare, biotechnology, conservation, and related fields.

The program also emphasizes communication and presentation skills, enabling graduates to effectively convey scientific information to diverse audiences. Ethical considerations and awareness of societal impacts of biological research are woven throughout the coursework, fostering responsible scientific citizenship.

Graduates of the B.Sc. Biology program are well-equipped to pursue further education or enter fields such as research, environmental management, pharmaceuticals, quality control, education, and science communication. The Indian Institute of Science's vibrant academic environment, cutting-edge facilities, and collaborative culture ensure that students emerge as competent, innovative, and socially responsible scientists ready to contribute to advancements in biological sciences.

Eligibility

Candidates who have completed their II PUC / 12th Standard in 2016 and those who are expecting to complete their II PUC / 12th Standard in 2017 are eligible to apply. The candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects during their II PUC / 12th Standard. Candidates who have studied Biology, Statistics, Electronics, Computer Science, etc., in addition to Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are also eligible to apply. The candidates must have secured a first class or 60% or equivalent grade (relaxed to pass class for SC/ST candidates) in the II PUC / 12th Standard examination.

Selection

Based on the merit list of one of the following national examinations:

1. KVPY:
   • KVPY-SA [appeared in 2015 and selected for the Fellowship]
   • KVPY-SB [appeared in 2016 and selected for the Fellowship]
   • KVPY-SX [appeared in 2016 and selected for the Fellowship]
   • KVPY Fellows selected through the Empowerment Initiative for SC/ST candidates [appeared in 2015 for SA, 2016 for SB/SX and selected for the Fellowship]
2. (IIT)JEE-Main: Appearing in 2017 and securing a minimum of 60% (GN), 54% (OBC-NCL), 30% (SC/ST/PWD)
3. (IIT)JEE-Advanced: Appearing in 2017 and securing a minimum of 60% (GN), 54% (OBC-NCL), 30% (SC/ST/PWD)
4. NEET-UG: Appearing in 2017 and securing a minimum of 60% (GN), 54% (OBC-NCL), 30% (SC/ST/PWD).

Reservation for SC/ST/OBC/Person with disability (PWD) and Kashmiri-Migrant (KM) candidates: As per Government of India regulations.

Depending on their performance in national examinations such as KVPY, IITJEE (Main and Advanced), and AIPMT, students will be able to avail themselves of the standard fellowships offered by agencies such as KVPY and DST-INSPIRE.

The uniqueness of this programme lies in its interdisciplinary approach, strong flavour of engineering, exposure to disciplines in the social sciences, and a one-year research project. The graduates of this programme will obtain a Bachelor of Science (Research) degree in a specialization. Though this programme is designed to offer specialization in a science stream, the knowledge imparted carries a strong flavour of engineering and an exposure to social sciences. The students specializing in a particular discipline are encouraged to take courses from other disciplines, thus maintaining strong interdisciplinary links. One full year of participation in a research project identifies the programme as unique and innovative. This research based interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme is well suited to meet the present vocational and post graduate demands of a highly technological world.

The Bachelor of Science (Research) Programme is embedded in a mature and highly sophisticated research culture which has a strong base in both science and engineering. This research culture has evolved over the last hundred years, engendered primarily by a highly distinguished faculty and brilliant graduate students and post doctoral fellows. The academic environment is open, free, pedagogic and non-hierarchical.