Integrated BS-MS at S K Somaiya College

Integrated Bachelor of Science-Master of Science

Programme Overview

The integrated Bachelor of Science-Master of Science (Integrated BS-MS) programme is a 5-year (10 semesters) dual degree course offering flexible curricular structures to enable creative combinations of Major and Minor disciplines of science (Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, life sciences) along with option of getting multidisciplinary research experience in wide range fields allied to science such as in Data Science/Computer Science; Technology Management; Sustainability & Circular-Economy; Science Education; Journalism, and many more.

The vision of the programme is to prepare professionals/researchers with unique skill sets in interdisciplinary science and technology with research-based learning. This is a unique student-centric programme designed in accordance with NEP 2020 and the UGC curriculum framework (2022). The programme incorporates a fully flexible, choice-based credit system and multiple exit options, allowing learners to select their learning trajectories and choose their own paths in life according to their talents and interests.

On completion of the 4-years, a bachelor's with Honours degree in integrated science, with or without research work [Integrated BS(H) or Integrated BS(H-res)] may be obtained, or maybe continued for further one year of research based learning, leading to the postgraduate master’s degree Integrated BS-MS degree in any of the major disciplines or in general science, with specialisation in a research field.

Students would be provided with opportunities for experience through internships, research projects and startup endeavours, so that they may actively engage with the practical aspects of their learning and improve their employability across the globe.

Key Information

Duration

5 Year

Programme Code

ST4423

Mode of study

Full time

Campus

Vidyavihar - Mumbai

Institute

Somaiya School of Basic and Applied Sciences

Apply Now Enquire Admission Details

About the Course

Programme Objectives

Career Opportunities

Pedagogy

Scope

Curriculum

Graduate Attributes

Student’s Activities

Science Programmes

The Foundational Sciences stage, which comprises the first three semesters, provides broad-based training across the core science courses - Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Life Sciences, with an emphasis on conceptual clarity, with the help of computational tools. A bridge course in mathematics will be provided to those who have not studied the subject at the high school level. This stage will also include courses for skill development, ability enhancement, and value-added courses.

The Core Learning stage, which is conducted over four semesters, enables students to pursue in-depth study in a chosen major while retaining interdisciplinary exposure through shared minor courses. An Integrated BS & MS in any of the Major disciplines:

Life Sciences
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics

with the option of choosing any of the other disciplines as a ‘Minor’ subject, is offered.

The final Integrated Master’s stage of the programme is to be conducted in another two semesters, which will be fully based on research work, which may be conducted in any of the specialisation areas offered at the Centre or in collaboration with other departments or institutes of the University. The research work may also be performed in collaboration with an external research organisation or industrial centres, provided the work is relevant to the Major disciplines. At all stages, appropriate guidance & counselling will be provided to the students choosing their paths.

Examples of additional Areas for Research in topics allied to science are: *

Computational Science
Data Science with AI/ML
Innovation Management
Sustainability & Circular Economics
Education/ Instructional Design
Science communication/ Journalism

*Depending on the availability of seats

Programme Objectives

The objective of the programme is to imbibe an integrated, holistic understanding of science, creating young liberal minds with problem-solving skills, zeal for learning and dedication to the growth of society. On completion of the programme, the graduates are expected to have the following capabilities:

Demonstrate holistic knowledge and understanding of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics, along with an appreciation of their interconnected nature.
Learn to access, evaluate and identify authentic, relevant information from digital sources, apply scientific reasoning and critical thinking to extend the horizon of their knowledge.
Recognise cause-and-effect relationships; identify and define problems; formulate and test hypotheses; analyse, interpret in mathematical terms, and draw conclusions from data using scientific and analytical reasoning.
Develop the ability for self-directed, lifelong learning, including personal growth by upskilling and reskilling in new equipment and computational tools, and contribute to the ever-evolving world and cyberspace.
Learn to handle and assemble scientific equipment to generate reliable data and apply analytical skills to investigate unfamiliar systems and solve real-life problems.
Work effectively and respectfully in diverse and multicultural environments, both as an independent contributor and as a team member or team leader.
Uphold ethical values in academic, professional, and social contexts, while demonstrating awareness of environmental sustainability and societal responsibilities.
Acquire subject-specific and transferable skills relevant to higher studies and apply them in diverse research or entrepreneurial fields, to create new career opportunities.
Communicate scientific ideas and information effectively through oral, written, and visual forms using appropriate media and technologies.
Developing an entrepreneurial zeal for the creation of knowledge with a passion for its application to provide solutions for society.

Career Opportunities

Researchers/Young Scientists in Government/Public/Private sectors.
Company Start-ups/Entrepreneurs.
Technology professionals in the basic, applied, and industry-related professions.

Depending on the choice of programmes, students can master some unique combinations of professions that are in high demand along with Management Skills.

Computational Modelling and Simulations
Non-linear optics, Quantum Computers/ Computations
Genomics
Developmental Biology
Computational Biology, Drug Design
Bioinformatics, Health Science
Biomaterials, Advanced Materials
Biopolymers, Biodegradable & Sustainable Polymers
Cheminformatics
Industrial Chemistry and Catalysis
Green Chemistry
Analytical Sciences
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Biotechnology
Neuroscience
Biophysics
Nanotechnology, Semiconductors
Innovation Management, Circular Economy
Data Scientist and AI
Ecology, Environment & Sustainability

Pedagogy

The curriculum adopts a learner-centric and multidisciplinary pedagogy that combines innovative teaching methods, project-based learning, active and collaborative learning approaches, MOOCs, hands-on exposure to emerging technologies, and interactions with subject experts and guest speakers. It extensively promotes research exposure to the national institutes, laboratories and eminent research centres. This enriching academic environment nurtures subject-specific competencies, creativity, and critical thinking. It also promotes teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and experiential learning, while providing students with valuable exposure to real-world applications and flexible approaches to execution.

Scope

After successful completion of the programme, students can opt for their career as a professional, a researcher or an entrepreneur across the globe. With the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Indian government, there is a huge need for science & technology professionals in the country.

Depending on the choice of major and minor disciplines, BS-MS graduates may have many job opportunities in various industrial sectors and academia, in both government and private organisations. A BS-MS graduate may work as a research professional in any of the fields listed above. With the research-based learning incorporated in the programme, the students can continue their education as researchers or PhD students anywhere in the world. The new UGC guidelines also allow talented students to embark on a PhD course after completion of the 4th year with a BS (H-Res) degree. A four-year BS(H) degree in a Major discipline may also qualify students for direct admission to an MS or MS-PhD programme abroad.

The country's industrial sectors are growing rapidly, and there will always be opportunities for young talent to take up positions in research divisions of such organisations. Apart from the private sectors, various government departments such as the Naval Academy, BARC, DRDO, NAL, ISRO, ONGC, etc., recruit science graduates for various posts needed for nation-building. The research orientation of the Integrated BS-MS programme also makes the students qualified for opportunities across the globe for higher studies or for positions in technology-driven companies. Students may also lead their final-year projects to a start-up company and become successful entrepreneurs.

Specializations Offered

Physics
Mathematics
Chemistry
Life Sciences

Curriculum

Semester I	Semester II
Core Course (CC)	Core Course (CC)
Introductory Calculus - I	Statistics and Probability
Foundations of Classical Physics	Foundations of Modern Physics
Foundation Course in Chemistry-I	Foundation Course in Chemistry-II
Introductory Biology	Chemistry of Life
Basic Science Laboratory - I (PCB)	Basic Science Laboratory - II (PCB)
Professional Communication Skill - I	Professional Communication Skill - II
Environmental Studies	Indian Knowledge System
Introduction to Programming using Python	Python for Science
Science and Scientific Research and Development

Semester III	Semester IV
Core Course (CC)	Major Electives (Life Sciences)
Biological Structure and Function	Physiology of the human body
Chemical Equilibrium and Kinetics	Fundamentals of Genetics
Quantum Mechanics, Atomic Physics and semiconductor devices	Fundamentals of Molecular Biology(with mini project)
Introduction to Linear Algebra	Experimental Model Organisms in Biology
Basic Science Laboratory III (PCB)	Animal Physiology and Model Organisms Laboratory
Computational molecular modelling	Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory
Environmental Science	Major Electives (Chemistry)
Basket Courses (Ability enhancement courses)	Physical Chemistry I
	Inorganic Chemistry I
	Organic Chemistry I
	Analytical Chemistry Techniques with Mini Project
	Chemistry Practical I
	Major Electives (Physics)
	Waves and oscillations
	Mathematical Physics I
	Introduction to Statistical Mechanics
	Fundamentals of Thermal Physics
	Physics Laboratory IV
	Project-based Learning-I
	Major Electives (Mathematics)
	Calculus-II
	Combinatorics
	Ordinary Differential Equations
	Sampling Techniques and Statistical Inference
	Applied Mathematics for Natural Sciences -I
	Environmental Science Project
	Basket Courses (Ability enhancement courses)

Semester V	Semester VI
Major Electives (Life Sciences)	Major Electives (Life Sciences)
Microbial Biology Fundamental of Immunology Advanced Molecular Biology and (mini project II) Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics Microbiology and Genetic engineering and Bioinformatics laboratory Molecular Biology and Immunology Laboratory	Developmental Biology Cell Biology II Neurobiology and mini project Bioanalytical techniques Developmental and Cell Biology lab Neurobiology and Bioanalytical technology
Major Electives (Chemistry)	Major Electives (Chemistry)
Coordination and supramolecular chemistry Organic Chemistry II Electrochemistry Polymer Chemistry with Mini Project Chemistry Practicals-III Chemistry Practicals-IV	Quantum Chemistry Nuclear Chemistry Green Chemistry Photo and Thermal reactions and mini project Chemistry practical V Chemistry practical VI
Major Electives (Physics)	Major Electives (Physics)
Fundamental Electronic and Devices Electricity and Magnetism Fundamentals of Optics Solid State Physics Physics Laboratory V Project-based Learning-I	Mathematical Physics-2 Essentials of Quantum Mechanics Modern Computational Techniques Nuclear and Particle Physics Physics lab VI-A Project based Learning III
Major Electives (Mathematics)	Major Electives (Mathematics)
Advanced Linear Algebra Multivariate Calculus Partial Differential Equations Discrete Structures	Complex Analysis Group and Ring Theory Number Theory Integral Transform
Applied Statistics for Natural Science	Internal or Internship Project
Basket Courses (Ability enhancement courses)	Basket Courses (Ability enhancement courses)

Student’s Activities and Institution Visits

SciSER promotes interaction with various premier institutions and SciSER faculty members also deliver many invited talks and seminars in the premier institutions in the nation and abroad and keep warm relation with the scientific community. Many of the first year BS-MS students of SciSER have taken up summer internship at IIT Bombay, TIFR, University of Hyderabad and some of the faculty members have offered internships in the Vidyavihar campus as well. 20% of the students will get scholarships and internships abroad. Partnership with Industries for augmented student learning & opportunities for placement.