CORE COURSE
CORE COURSE I – NON-CHORDATES I: PROTISTS TO PSEUDOCOELOMATES
Unit 1: Protista, Parazoa, and Metazoa
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Study of Euglena, Amoeba, and Paramecium. Life cycle and pathogenicity of Plasmodium vivax and Entamoeba histolytica. Locomotion and reproduction in Protista. Evolution of symmetry and segmentation in Metazoa.
Unit 2: Porifera
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Canal system and spicules in sponges.
Unit 3: Cnidaria
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Metagenesis in Obelia. Polymorphism in Cnidaria. Corals and coral reefs.
Unit 4: Ctenophora
General characteristics and evolutionary significance.
Unit 5: Platyhelminthes
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Life cycle and pathogenicity of Fasciola hepatica and Taenia solium.
Unit 6: Nemathelminthes
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Life cycle and pathogenicity of Ascaris lumbricoides and Wuchereria bancrofti. Parasitic adaptations in helminthes.
CORE COURSE II – PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY
Unit 1: Introduction to Ecology
History of ecology, autecology and synecology, levels of organization, laws of limiting factors, study of physical factors.
Unit 2: Population
Unitary and modular populations. Unique and group attributes of population: density, natality, mortality, life tables, fecundity tables, survivorship curves, age ratio, sex ratio, dispersal and dispersion. Exponential and logistic growth, equation and patterns, r and K strategies. Population regulation – density-dependent and independent factors. Population interactions, Gause’s Principle with laboratory and field examples, Lotka-Volterra equation for competition and predation, functional and numerical responses.
Unit 3: Community
Community characteristics: species richness, dominance, diversity, abundance, vertical stratification, ecotone and edge effect; ecological succession with one example. Theories pertaining to climax community.
Unit 4: Ecosystem
Types of ecosystems with one example in detail, food chain: detritus and grazing food chains, linear and Y-shaped food chains, food web, energy flow through the ecosystem, ecological pyramids and ecological efficiencies. Nutrient and biogeochemical cycle with one example of nitrogen cycle. Human modified ecosystem.
Unit 5: Applied Ecology
Ecology in wildlife conservation and management.
CORE COURSE III – NON-CHORDATES II: COELOMATES
Unit 1: Introduction to Coelomates
Evolution of coelom and metamerism.
Unit 2: Annelida
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Excretion in Annelida.
Unit 3: Arthropoda
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Vision and respiration in Arthropoda. Metamorphosis in insects. Social life in bees and termites.
Unit 4: Onychophora
General characteristics and evolutionary significance.
Unit 5: Mollusca
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Respiration in Mollusca. Torsion and detorsion in Gastropoda. Pearl formation in bivalves. Evolutionary significance of trochophore larva.
Unit 6: Echinodermata
General characteristics and classification up to classes. Water-vascular system in Asteroidea. Larval forms in Echinodermata. Affinities with Chordates.
CORE COURSE IV – CELL BIOLOGY
Unit 1: Overview of Cells
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, virus, viroids, mycoplasma, prions.
Unit 2: Plasma Membrane
Various models of plasma membrane structure. Transport across membranes: active and passive transport, facilitated transport. Cell junctions: tight junctions, desmosomes, gap junctions.
Unit 3: Endomembrane System
Structure and functions: endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes.
Unit 4: Mitochondria and Peroxisomes
Mitochondria: structure, semi-autonomous nature, endosymbiotic hypothesis. Mitochondrial respiratory chain, chemiosmotic hypothesis. Peroxisomes.
Unit 5: Cytoskeleton
Structure and functions: microtubules, microfilaments, and intermediate filaments.
Unit 6: Nucleus
Structure of nucleus: nuclear envelope, nuclear pore complex, nucleolus. Chromatin: euchromatin and heterochromatin and packaging (nucleosome).
Unit 7: Cell Division
Mitosis, meiosis, cell cycle and its regulation.
Unit 8: Cell Signaling
GPCR and role of second messenger (cAMP).
CORE COURSE V – DIVERSITY OF CHORDATA
Unit 1: Introduction to Chordates
General characteristics and outline classification.
Unit 2: Protochordata
General characteristics of Hemichordata, Urochordata, and Cephalochordata; study of larval forms in protochordates; retrogressive metamorphosis in Urochordata.
Unit 3: Origin of Chordata
Dipleurula concept and the Echinoderm theory of origin of chordates; advanced features of vertebrates over protochordata.
Unit 4: Agnatha
General characteristics and classification of cyclostomes up to class.
Unit 5: Pisces
General characteristics of Chondrichthyes and Osteichthyes, classification up to order; migration, osmoregulation, and parental care in fishes.
Unit 6: Amphibia
Origin of Tetrapoda (evolution of terrestrial ectotherms); general characteristics and classification up to order; parental care in amphibians.
Unit 7: Reptilia
General characteristics and classification up to order; affinities of Sphenodon; poison apparatus and biting mechanism in snakes.
Unit 8: Aves
General characteristics and classification up to order; Archaeopteryx—a connecting link; principles and aerodynamics of flight; flight adaptations and migration in birds.
Unit 9: Mammals
General characteristics and classification up to order; affinities of Prototheria; adaptive radiation with reference to locomotory appendages.
Unit 10: Zoogeography
Zoogeographical realms; theories pertaining to distribution of animals; plate tectonics and continental drift theory; distribution of vertebrates in different realms.
CORE COURSE VI – ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY: CONTROLLING AND COORDINATING SYSTEMS
Unit 1: Tissues
Structure, location, classification, and functions of epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular tissue, and nervous tissue.
Unit 2: Bone and Cartilage
Structure and types of bones and cartilages; ossification, bone growth, and resorption.
Unit 3: Nervous System
Structure of the neuron; resting membrane potential; origin of action potential and its propagation across myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers; types of synapse; synaptic transmission and neuromuscular junction; reflex action and its types – reflex arc; physiology of hearing and vision.
Unit 4: Muscle
Histology of different types of muscle; ultra-structure of skeletal muscle; molecular and chemical basis of muscle contraction; characteristics of muscle twitch; motor unit, summation, and tetanus.
Unit 5: Reproductive System
Histology of testis and ovary; physiology of male and female reproduction; puberty; methods of contraception in male and female.
Unit 6: Endocrine System
Histology of endocrine glands – pineal, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal; hormones secreted by them and their mechanism of action; classification of hormones; regulation of their secretion; mode of hormone action; signal transduction pathways for steroidal and non-steroidal hormones; hypothalamus (neuroendocrine gland) – principal nuclei involved in neuroendocrine control of anterior pituitary and endocrine system; placental hormones.
CORE COURSE VII – FUNDAMENTALS OF BIOCHEMISTRY
Unit 1: Carbohydrates
Structure and biological importance: monosaccharides, disaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoconjugates.
Unit 2: Lipids
Structure and significance: physiologically important saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, tri-acylglycerols, phospholipids, glycolipids, steroids.
Unit 3: Proteins
Amino acids: structure, classification, and general properties of α-amino acids; physiological importance of essential and non-essential α-amino acids. Proteins: bonds stabilizing protein structure; levels of organization in proteins; denaturation; introduction to simple and conjugate proteins. Immunoglobulins: basic structure, classes, and function; antigenic determinants.
Unit 4: Nucleic Acids
Structure: purines and pyrimidines, nucleosides, nucleotides, nucleic acids. Cot curves: base pairing, denaturation, and renaturation of DNA. Types of DNA and RNA; complementarity of DNA; hypo- and hyperchromaticity of DNA.
Unit 5: Enzymes
Nomenclature and classification; cofactors; specificity of enzyme action; isozymes; mechanism of enzyme action; enzyme kinetics; factors affecting the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; derivation of Michaelis-Menten equation; concept of Km and Vmax; Lineweaver-Burk plot; multi-substrate reactions; enzyme inhibition; allosteric enzymes and their kinetics; regulation of enzyme action.
CORE COURSE VIII – COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES
Unit 1: Integumentary System
Structure, functions, and derivatives of integument.
Unit 2: Skeletal System
Overview of axial and appendicular skeleton; jaw suspensorium; visceral arches.
Unit 3: Digestive System
Alimentary canal and associated glands; dentition.
Unit 4: Respiratory System
Skin, gills, lungs, and air sacs; accessory respiratory organs.
Unit 5: Circulatory System
General plan of circulation; evolution of heart and aortic arches.
Unit 6: Urinogenital System
Succession of kidney; evolution of urinogenital ducts; types of mammalian uteri.
Unit 7: Nervous System
Comparative account of brain; autonomic nervous system; spinal cord; cranial nerves in mammals.
Unit 8: Sense Organs
Classification of receptors; brief account of visual and auditory receptors in humans.
CORE COURSE IX – ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY: LIFE SUSTAINING SYSTEMS
Unit 1: Physiology of Digestion
Structural organization and functions of the gastrointestinal tract and associated glands; mechanical and chemical digestion of food; absorption of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, water, minerals, and vitamins; hormonal control of secretion of enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract.
Unit 2: Physiology of Respiration
Histology of trachea and lungs; mechanism of respiration; pulmonary ventilation; respiratory volumes and capacities; transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood; respiratory pigments; dissociation curves and the factors influencing them; carbon monoxide poisoning; control of respiration.
Unit 3: Renal Physiology
Structure of the kidney and its functional unit; mechanism of urine formation; regulation of water balance; regulation of acid-base balance.
Unit 4: Blood
Components of blood and their functions; structure and functions of hemoglobin; hemostasis: blood clotting system, kallikrein-kininogen system, complement system, and fibrinolytic system; hemopoiesis. Blood groups: Rh factor, ABO, and MN.
Unit 5: Physiology of Heart
Structure of the mammalian heart; coronary circulation; structure and working of conducting myocardial fibers; origin and conduction of cardiac impulses; cardiac cycle; cardiac output and its regulation; Frank-Starling Law of the heart; nervous and chemical regulation of heart rate; electrocardiogram; blood pressure and its regulation.
CORE COURSE X – BIOCHEMISTRY OF METABOLIC PROCESSES
Unit 1: Overview of Metabolism
Catabolism vs. anabolism; stages of catabolism; compartmentalization of metabolic pathways; shuttle systems and membrane transporters; ATP as the “energy currency of the cell”; coupled reactions; use of reducing equivalents and cofactors; intermediary metabolism and regulatory mechanisms.
Unit 2: Carbohydrate Metabolism
Sequence of reactions and regulation of glycolysis; citric acid cycle; phosphate pentose pathway; gluconeogenesis; glycogenolysis; and glycogenesis.
Unit 3: Lipid Metabolism
β-oxidation and omega-oxidation of saturated fatty acids with even and odd numbers of carbon atoms; biosynthesis of palmitic acid; ketogenesis.
Unit 4: Protein Metabolism
Catabolism of amino acids: transamination, deamination, urea cycle; fate of the carbon skeleton of glucogenic and ketogenic amino acids.
Unit 5: Oxidative Phosphorylation
Redox systems; review of the mitochondrial respiratory chain; inhibitors and uncouplers of the electron transport system.
CORE COURSE XI – MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Unit 1: Nucleic Acids
Salient features of DNA and RNA; Watson and Crick model of DNA.
Unit 2: DNA Replication
DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; mechanism of DNA replication; semi-conservative, bidirectional, and semi-discontinuous replication; RNA priming; replication of circular and linear double-stranded DNA; replication of telomeres.
Unit 3: Transcription
RNA polymerase and transcription unit; mechanism of transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes; synthesis of rRNA and mRNA; transcription factors.
Unit 4: Translation
Genetic code; degeneracy of the genetic code and Wobble Hypothesis; process of protein synthesis in prokaryotes; ribosome structure and assembly in prokaryotes; fidelity of protein synthesis; aminoacyl tRNA synthetases and charging of tRNA; proteins involved in initiation, elongation, and termination of the polypeptide chain; inhibitors of protein synthesis; differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation.
Unit 5: Post Transcriptional Modifications and Processing of Eukaryotic RNA
Structure of globin mRNA; split genes: concept of introns and exons; splicing mechanism; alternative splicing; exon shuffling; RNA editing; processing of tRNA.
Unit 6: Gene Regulation
Transcription regulation in prokaryotes: principles of transcriptional regulation with examples from lac operon and trp operon; transcription regulation in eukaryotes: activators, repressors, enhancers, silencer elements; gene silencing; genetic imprinting.
Unit 7: DNA Repair Mechanisms
Pyrimidine dimerization and mismatch repair.
Unit 8: Regulatory RNAs
Ribo-switches; RNA interference; miRNA; siRNA.
CORE COURSE XII – PRINCIPLES OF GENETICS
Unit 1: Mendelian Genetics and its Extension
Principles of inheritance; incomplete dominance and co-dominance; multiple alleles; lethal alleles; epistasis; pleiotropy; sex-linked, sex-influenced, and sex-limited characters inheritance.
Unit 2: Linkage, Crossing Over and Chromosomal Mapping
Linkage and crossing over; cytological basis of crossing over; molecular mechanisms of crossing over including models of recombination; recombination frequency as a measure of linkage intensity; two-factor and three-factor crosses; interference and coincidence; somatic cell hybridization.
Unit 3: Mutations
Types of gene mutations (classification); types of chromosomal aberrations (classification, figures, and one suitable example of each); molecular basis of mutations in relation to UV light and chemical mutagens; detection of mutations: CLB method, attached X method.
Unit 4: Sex Determination
Chromosomal mechanisms of sex determination in Drosophila and humans.
Unit 5: Extra-chromosomal Inheritance
Criteria for extra-chromosomal inheritance; antibiotic resistance in Chlamydomonas; mitochondrial mutations in Saccharomyces; infective heredity in Paramecium and maternal effects.
Unit 6: Polygenic Inheritance
Polygenic inheritance with suitable examples; simple numericals based on it.
Unit 7: Recombination in Bacteria and Viruses
Conjugation; transformation; transduction; complementation test in bacteriophage.
Unit 8: Transposable Genetic Elements
Transposons in bacteria; Ac-Ds elements in maize; P elements in Drosophila; transposons in humans.
CORE COURSE XIII – DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
Unit 1: Introduction
Historical perspective and basic concepts: phases of development, cell-cell interaction, pattern formation, differentiation and growth, differential gene expression, cytoplasmic determinants, and asymmetric cell division.
Unit 2: Early Embryonic Development
Gametogenesis: spermatogenesis and oogenesis; types of eggs and egg membranes; fertilization (external and internal): changes in gametes, blocks to polyspermy; planes and patterns of cleavage; types of blastula; fate maps (including techniques); early development of frog and chick up to gastrulation; embryonic induction and organizers.
Unit 3: Late Embryonic Development
Fate of germ layers; extra-embryonic membranes in birds; implantation of embryo in humans; placenta (structure, types, and functions of placenta).
Unit 4: Post Embryonic Development
Metamorphosis: changes and hormonal regulations in amphibians and insects; regeneration: modes of regeneration, epimorphosis, morphallaxis, and compensatory regeneration (with one example each); aging: concepts and theories.
Unit 5: Implications of Developmental Biology
Teratogenesis: teratogenic agents and their effects on embryonic development; in vitro fertilization; stem cells (ESC); amniocentesis.
CORE COURSE XIV – EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Unit 1: Life’s Beginnings
Chemogeny, RNA world, biogeny, origin of photosynthesis, evolution of eukaryotes.
Unit 2: Historical Review of Evolutionary Concepts
Lamarckism, Darwinism, Neo-Darwinism.
Unit 3: Evidences of Evolution
Fossil record: types of fossils, transitional forms, geological time scale, evolution of horse; molecular evidence: universality of genetic code and protein synthesizing machinery, three domains of life, neutral theory of molecular evolution, molecular clock, example of globin gene family, rRNA/cyt c.
Unit 4: Sources of Variations
Heritable variations and their role in evolution.
Unit 5: Population Genetics
Hardy-Weinberg Law: statement and derivation of equation, application of law to human population; evolutionary forces upsetting H-W equilibrium; natural selection: concept of fitness, selection coefficient, derivation of one unit of selection for a dominant allele, genetic load, mechanism of working, types of selection, density-dependent selection, heterozygous superiority, kin selection, adaptive resemblances, sexual selection; genetic drift: mechanism, founder’s effect, bottleneck phenomenon; role of migration and mutation in changing allele frequencies.
Unit 6: Product of Evolution
Microevolutionary changes: inter-population variations, clines, races; species concept, isolating mechanisms, modes of speciation: allopatric, sympatric; adaptive radiation/macro-evolution exemplified by Galapagos finches.
Unit 7: Extinctions
Background and mass extinctions: causes and effects; detailed example of K-T extinction.
Unit 8: Origin and Evolution of Man
Unique hominin characteristics contrasted with primate characteristics; primate phylogeny from Dryopithecus leading to Homo sapiens; molecular analysis of human origin.
Unit 9: Phylogenetic Trees
Multiple sequence alignment, construction of phylogenetic trees, interpretation of trees.
DISCIPLINE CENTRIC ELECTIVE COURSES
DSE 1 – ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR AND CHRONOBIOLOGY
Unit 1: Introduction to Animal Behaviour
Origin and history of ethology; brief profiles of Karl Von Frisch, Ivan Pavlov, Konrad Lorenz, Niko Tinbergen; proximate and ultimate causes of behaviour; methods and recording of behaviour.
Unit 2: Patterns of Behaviour
Stereotyped behaviours: orientation, reflexes; individual behavioural patterns; instinct vs. learned behaviour; associative learning, classical and operant conditioning; habituation; imprinting.
Unit 3: Social and Sexual Behaviour
Social Behaviour: Concept of society; communication and the senses; altruism; insect societies with honey bee as an example; foraging in honey bees and advantages of the waggle dance.
Sexual Behaviour: Asymmetry of sex; sexual dimorphism; mate choice; intra-sexual selection (male rivalry); inter-sexual selection (female choice); sexual conflict in parental care.
Unit 4: Introduction to Chronobiology
Historical developments in chronobiology; biological oscillation: the concept of average, amplitude, phase, and period; adaptive significance of biological clocks.
Unit 5: Biological Rhythm
Types and characteristics of biological rhythms: short- and long-term rhythms; circadian rhythms; tidal rhythms and lunar rhythms; concept of synchronization and masking; photic and non-photic zeitgebers; circannual rhythms; photoperiod and regulation of seasonal reproduction of vertebrates; role of melatonin.
Unit 6: Biological Clocks
Relevance of biological clocks; chronopharmacology, chronomedicine, chronotherapy.
DSE 2 – ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
Unit 1: Introduction
Concept and scope of biotechnology.
Unit 2: Molecular Techniques in Gene Manipulation
Cloning vectors: plasmids, cosmids, phagemids, lambda bacteriophage, M13, BAC, YAC, MAC, and expression vectors (characteristics).
Restriction enzymes: nomenclature and detailed study of Type II.
Transformation techniques: calcium chloride method and electroporation.
Construction of genomic and cDNA libraries and screening by colony and plaque hybridization.
Southern, Northern, and Western blotting.
DNA sequencing: Sanger method.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA fingerprinting, and DNA microarray.
Unit 3: Genetically Modified Organisms
Production of cloned and transgenic animals: nuclear transplantation, retroviral method, DNA microinjection.
Applications of transgenic animals: production of pharmaceuticals, production of donor organs, knockout mice.
Production of transgenic plants: Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
Applications of transgenic plants: insect- and herbicide-resistant plants.
Unit 4: Culture Techniques and Applications
Animal cell culture; expressing cloned genes in mammalian cells; molecular diagnosis of genetic diseases (cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia).
Recombinant DNA in medicines: recombinant insulin and human growth hormone; gene therapy.
DSE 3 – BASICS OF NEUROSCIENCE
Unit 1: Introduction to Neuroscience
Origins of Neuroscience; Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, and Systems Neurobiology.
Unit 2: The Nervous System – An Introduction
Introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system: Cellular components: Neurons; Neuroglia; Neuron doctrine; The prototypical neuron – axons and dendrites as unique structural components of neurons. The ionic bases of resting membrane potential; The action potential – its generation and properties; The action potential conduction.
Unit 3: Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology
Molecular and cellular approaches used to study the CNS at the level of single molecules, Synapse: Synaptic transmission, Types of synapses; synaptic function; Principles of chemical synaptic transmission; Principles of synaptic integration; EPSPs and IPSPs. Ion channels, Neural transmission.
Unit 4: Neurotransmitters
Different types of neurotransmitters – catecholamines, amino acidergic and peptidergic neurotransmitters; Transmitter-gated channels; G-protein coupled receptors and effectors, neurotransmitter receptors; Ionotropic and metabotropic receptors.
Unit 5: Neurobiology and Neuropharmacology of Behaviour
The principles of signal transduction and information processing in the vertebrate central nervous system, and the relationship of functional properties of neural systems with perception and behavior; sensory systems, molecular basis of behavior including learning and memory. Molecular pathogenesis of pain and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, psychological disorders, addiction, etc.
DSE 4 – BIOLOGY OF INSECTA
Unit I: Introduction
- General Features of Insects
- Distribution and Success of Insects on the Earth
Unit II: Insect Taxonomy
- Basis of insect classification; Classification of insects up to orders
Unit III: General Morphology of Insects
- External Features
- Head: Eyes, Types of antennae, Mouthparts with respect to feeding habits
- Thorax: Wings and wing articulation, Types of legs adapted to diverse habitats
- Abdominal appendages and genitalia
Unit IV: Physiology of Insects
- Structure and physiology of insect body systems: Integumentary, digestive, excretory, circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, reproductive, and nervous systems
- Sensory receptors
- Growth and metamorphosis
Unit V: Insect Society
- Groups of social insects and their social life
- Social organization and social behavior (with respect to any one example)
Unit VI: Insect-Plant Interaction
- Theory of co-evolution
- Role of allelochemicals in host plant mediation
- Host-plant selection by phytophagous insects
- Insects as plant pests
Unit VII: Insects as Vectors
- Insects as mechanical and biological vectors
- Brief discussion on houseflies and mosquitoes as important insect vectors
DSE 5 – COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
Unit 1: Introduction to Bioinformatics
- Importance, Goal, Scope
- Genomics, Transcriptomics, Systems Biology, Functional Genomics, Metabolomics, Molecular Phylogeny
- Applications and Limitations of Bioinformatics
Unit 2: Biological Databases
- Introduction to biological databases
- Primary, secondary, and composite databases
- Nucleic acid databases: GenBank, DDBJ, EMBL, and NDB
- Protein databases: PIR, SWISS-PROT, TrEMBL, PDB
- Metabolic pathway databases: KEGG, EcoCyc, and MetaCyc
- Small molecule databases: PubChem, Drug Bank, ZINC, CSD
Unit 3: Data Generation and Data Retrieval
- Generation of data: Gene sequencing, Protein sequencing, Mass spectrometry, Microarray
- Sequence submission tools: BankIt, Sequin, Webin
- Sequence file formats: Flat file, FASTA, GCG, EMBL, Clustal, Phylip, Swiss-Prot
- Sequence annotation
- Data retrieval systems: SRS, Entrez
Unit 4: Basic Concepts of Sequence Alignment
- Scoring Matrices: PAM, BLOSUM
- Methods of Alignment: Dot matrix, Dynamic Programming, BLAST, and FASTA
- Local and global alignment, pairwise and multiple sequence alignments
- Similarity, identity, and homology of sequences
Unit 5: Applications of Bioinformatics
- Structural Bioinformatics: 3-D protein, PDB
- Functional genomics: Genome-wide and high-throughput approaches to gene and protein function
- Drug discovery methods: Basic concepts
Unit 6: Biostatistics
- Introduction
- Calculation of standard deviation, standard error, Coefficient of Variance
- Chi-square test, Z test, t-Test
DSE 6– ENDOCRINOLOGY
Unit 1: Introduction to Endocrinology
- History of endocrinology
- Classification, Characteristics, and Transport of Hormones
- Neurosecretions and Neurohormones
Unit 2: Epiphysis, Hypothalamo-hypophysial Axis
- Structure of the pineal gland, secretions, and their functions in biological rhythms and reproduction
- Structure of the hypothalamus, hypothalamic nuclei, and their functions
- Regulation of neuroendocrine glands and feedback mechanisms
- Structure of the pituitary gland, hormones, and their functions
- Hypothalamo-hypophysial portal system
- Disorders of the pituitary gland
Unit 3: Peripheral Endocrine Glands
- Structure, hormones, functions, and regulation of:
- Thyroid gland
- Parathyroid gland
- Adrenal gland
- Pancreas
- Ovary
- Testis
- Hormones in homeostasis
- Disorders of endocrine glands
Unit 4: Regulation of Hormone Action
- Hormone action at the cellular level: Hormone receptors, transduction, and regulation
- Hormone action at the molecular level: Molecular mediators, genetic control of hormone action
DSE 7 – FISH AND FISHERIES
UNIT 1: Introduction and Classification
- General description of fish
- Account of systematic classification of fishes (up to classes)
- Classification based on feeding habit, habitat, and manner of reproduction
UNIT 2: Morphology and Physiology
- Types of fins and their modifications
- Locomotion in fishes; Hydrodynamics
- Types of scales; Use of scales in classification and determination of age of fish
- Gills and gas exchange
- Swim bladder: Types and role in respiration and buoyancy
- Osmoregulation in elasmobranchs
- Reproductive strategies (with special reference to Indian fishes)
- Electric organs
- Bioluminescence
- Mechanoreceptors
- Schooling
- Parental care
- Migration
UNIT 3: Fisheries
- Inland fisheries
- Marine fisheries
- Environmental factors influencing seasonal variations in fish catches in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal
- Fishing crafts and gears
- Depletion of fisheries resources
- Application of remote sensing and GIS in fisheries
- Fisheries law and regulations
UNIT 4: Aquaculture
- Sustainable aquaculture
- Extensive, semi-intensive, and intensive culture of fish
- Pen and cage culture
- Polyculture
- Composite fish culture
- Brood stock management
- Induced breeding of fish
- Management of finfish hatcheries
- Preparation and maintenance of fish aquariums
- Preparation of compound diets for fish
- Role of water quality in aquaculture
- Fish diseases: Bacterial, viral, and parasitic
- Preservation and processing of harvested fish; Fishery by-products
UNIT 5: Fish in Research
- Transgenic fish
- Zebrafish as a model organism in research
DSE 8 – IMMUNOLOGY
UNIT 1: Overview of Immune System
- Historical perspective of immunology
- Early theories of immunology
- Cells and organs of the immune system
UNIT 2: Innate and Adaptive Immunity
- Anatomical barriers
- Inflammation
- Cells and molecules involved in innate immunity
- Adaptive immunity (cell-mediated and humoral)
- Passive immunity: Artificial and natural
- Active immunity: Artificial and natural
- Immune dysfunctions (brief account of autoimmunity with reference to rheumatoid arthritis and tolerance, AIDS)
UNIT 3: Antigens
- Antigenicity and immunogenicity
- Immunogens, adjuvants, and haptens
- Factors influencing immunogenicity
- B and T-cell epitopes
UNIT 4: Immunoglobulins
- Structure and functions of different classes of immunoglobulins
- Antigen-antibody interactions
- Immunoassays (ELISA and RIA)
- Polyclonal sera
- Hybridoma technology: Monoclonal antibodies in therapeutics and diagnosis
UNIT 5: Major Histocompatibility Complex
- Structure and functions of MHC molecules
- Endogenous and exogenous pathways of antigen processing and presentation
UNIT 6: Cytokines
- Properties and functions of cytokines
- Therapeutic cytokines
UNIT 7: Complement System
- Components and pathways of complement activation
UNIT 8: Hypersensitivity
- Gell and Coombs’ classification and brief description of various types of hypersensitivities
UNIT 9: Vaccines
- Various types of vaccines
DSE 9 – PARASITOLOGY
UNIT I: Introduction to Parasitology
- Brief introduction of parasitism, parasite, parasitoid, and vectors (mechanical and biological)
- Host-parasite relationship
UNIT II: Parasitic Protists
- Study of morphology, life cycle, prevalence, epidemiology, pathogenicity, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of:
- Entamoeba histolytica
- Giardia intestinalis
- Trypanosoma gambiense
- Leishmania donovani
- Plasmodium vivax
UNIT III: Parasitic Platyhelminthes
- Study of morphology, life cycle, prevalence, epidemiology, pathogenicity, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of:
- Fasciolopsis buski
- Schistosoma haematobium
- Taenia solium
- Hymenolepis nana
UNIT IV: Parasitic Nematodes
- Study of morphology, life cycle, prevalence, epidemiology, pathogenicity, diagnosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of:
- Ascaris lumbricoides
- Ancylostoma duodenale
- Wuchereria bancrofti
- Trichinella spiralis
- Study of structure, life cycle, and importance of:
- Meloidogyne (root knot nematode)
- Pratylenchus (lesion nematode)
UNIT V: Parasitic Arthropoda
- Biology, importance, and control of:
- Ticks
- Mites
- Pediculus humanus (head and body louse)
- Xenopsylla cheopis
- Cimex lectularius
UNIT VI: Parasitic Vertebrates
- A brief account of parasitic vertebrates:
- Cookiecutter Shark
- Candiru
- Hood Mockingbird
- Vampire bat
DSE 10 – REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
Unit 1: Reproductive Endocrinology
- Gonadal hormones and mechanism of hormone action
- Steroids, glycoprotein hormones, and prostaglandins
- Hypothalamo–hypophyseal–gonadal axis
- Regulation of gonadotrophin secretion in male and female
- Reproductive System: Development and differentiation of gonads, genital ducts, and external genitalia
- Mechanism of sex differentiation
Unit 2: Functional Anatomy of Male Reproduction
- Outline and histology of male reproductive system in rat and human
- Testis: Cellular functions, germ cell system, and cell renewal
- Spermatogenesis: Kinetics and hormonal regulation
- Androgen synthesis and metabolism
- Epididymal function and sperm maturation
- Accessory gland functions
- Sperm transportation in the male tract
Unit 3: Functional Anatomy of Female Reproduction
- Outline and histology of female reproductive system in rat and human
- Ovary: Folliculogenesis, ovulation, corpus luteum formation, and regression
- Steroidogenesis and secretion of ovarian hormones
- Reproductive cycles (rat and human) and their regulation
- Changes in the female tract
- Ovum transport in the fallopian tubes
- Sperm transport in the female tract, fertilization
- Hormonal control of implantation
- Hormonal regulation of gestation, pregnancy diagnosis, and foeto–maternal relationship
- Mechanism of parturition and its hormonal regulation
- Lactation and its regulation
Unit 4: Reproductive Health
- Infertility in male and female: Causes, diagnosis, and management
- Assisted Reproductive Technology:
- Sex selection
- Sperm banks
- Frozen embryos
- In vitro fertilization (IVF)
- Embryo Transfer (ET)
- Gamete Transfer (GIFT)
- Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer (ZIFT)
- Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI)
- Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PROST)
- Modern contraceptive technologies
- Demographic terminology used in family planning
DSE 11 – WILD LIFE CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT
Unit 1: Introduction to Wildlife
- Values of wildlife: Positive and negative
- Conservation ethics
- Importance of conservation
- Causes of depletion
- World conservation strategies
Unit 2: Evaluation and Management of Wildlife
- Habitat analysis
- Physical parameters: Topography, geology, soil, and water
- Biological parameters: Food, cover, forage, browse, and cover estimation
- Standard evaluation procedures: Remote sensing and GIS
Unit 3: Management of Habitats
- Setting back succession
- Grazing logging
- Mechanical treatment
- Advancing the successional process
- Cover construction
- Preservation of genetic diversity
- Restoration of degraded habitats
Unit 4: Population Estimation
- Population density
- Natality
- Birth rate
- Mortality
- Fertility schedules and sex ratio computation
- Faecal analysis of ungulates and carnivores:
- Faecal samples
- Slide preparation
- Hair identification
- Pug marks and census method
Unit 5: Management Planning of Wildlife in Protected Areas
- Estimation of carrying capacity
- Ecotourism / wildlife tourism in forests
- Concept of climax persistence
- Ecology of perturbance
Unit 6: Management of Excess Population
- Bio-telemetry
- Care of injured and diseased animals
- Quarantine
- Common diseases of wild animals
Unit 7: Protected Areas
- National parks & sanctuaries
- Community reserves
- Important features of protected areas in India
- Tiger conservation: Tiger reserves in India
- Management challenges in Tiger reserves
GENERIC ELECTIVE COURSES
ANIMAL CELL BIOTECHNOLOGY
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introduction | Concept and Scope of Biotechnology |
| Unit 2: Techniques in Gene Manipulation | – Outline of the genetic engineering process and recombinant DNA technology – Isolation of genes – Concept of restriction and modification: – Restriction endonucleases – DNA modifying enzymes – Cloning Vectors: – Plasmids – Phage vectors – Cosmids – Phagemids – BAC (Bacterial Artificial Chromosome) – YAC (Yeast Artificial Chromosome) – HAC (Human Artificial Chromosome) – Shuttle and Expression Vectors – Construction of genomic libraries and cDNA libraries – Transformation techniques: – Microbial, plant, and animal systems – Cloning in mammalian cells – Integration of DNA into the mammalian genome: – Electroporation – Calcium phosphate precipitation method |
| Unit 3: Animal Cell Culture | – Basic techniques in animal cell culture and organ culture – Primary culture and cell lines – Culture media: – Natural – Synthetic – Stem cells – Cryopreservation of cultures – Techniques: – Agarose and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis – Southern blotting – Northern blotting – Western blotting – DNA sequencing: Sanger method – Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) – DNA fingerprinting – DNA microarrays |
| Unit 4: Fermentation | – Different types of fermentation: – Submerged – Solid state – Batch – Fed batch – Continuous – Stirred tank – Air lift – Fixed bed – Fluidized – Downstream processing: – Filtration – Centrifugation – Extraction – Chromatography – Spray drying – Lyophilization |
| Unit 5: Transgenic Animal Technology | – Production of transgenic animals: – Nuclear transplantation – Retroviral method – DNA microinjection method – Case studies: Dolly and Polly |
| Unit 6: Application in Health | – Development of recombinant vaccines – Hybridoma technology – Gene therapy – Production of recombinant proteins: – Insulin – Growth hormones |
| Unit 7: Biosafety | – Physical and biological containment |
ANIMAL DIVERSITY
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Protista | General characters of Protozoa; Life cycle of Plasmodium |
| Unit 2: Porifera | General characters and canal system in Porifera |
| Unit 3: Radiata | General characters of Cnidarians and polymorphism |
| Unit 4: Aceolomates | General characters of Helminthes; Life cycle of Taenia solium |
| Unit 5: Pseudocoelomates | General characters of Nemathelminthes; Parasitic adaptations |
| Unit 6: Coelomate Protostomes | General characters of Annelida; Metamerism |
| Unit 7: Arthropoda | General characters; Social life in insects |
| Unit 8: Mollusca | General characters of Mollusca; Pearl formation |
| Unit 9: Coelomate Deuterostomes | General characters of Echinodermata; Water vascular system in Starfish |
| Unit 10: Protochordata | Salient features |
| Unit 11: Pisces | Osmoregulation; Migration of fishes |
| Unit 12: Amphibia | General characters; Adaptations for terrestrial life; Parental care in Amphibia |
| Unit 13: Reptilia | Amniotes; Origin of reptiles; Terrestrial adaptations in reptiles |
| Unit 14: Aves | The origin of birds; Flight adaptations |
| Unit 15: Mammalia | Early evolution of mammals; Primates; Dentition in mammals |
AQUATIC BIOLOGY
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Aquatic Biomes | Brief introduction to aquatic biomes: Freshwater ecosystems (lakes, wetlands, streams, and rivers), estuaries, intertidal zones, oceanic pelagic zone, marine benthic zone, and coral reefs. |
| Unit 2: Freshwater Biology | Lakes: – Origin and classification – Lake as an ecosystem – Lake morphometry – Physico-chemical characteristics: – Light – Temperature – Thermal stratification – Dissolved solids – Carbonate, bicarbonates, phosphates, and nitrates – Turbidity – Dissolved gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) – Nutrient cycles in lakes: nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. Streams: – Different stages of stream development – Physico-chemical environment – Adaptation of hill-stream fishes. |
| Unit 3: Marine Biology | – Salinity and density of seawater – Continental shelf – Adaptations of deep-sea organisms – Coral reefs – Seaweeds. |
| Unit 4: Management of Aquatic Resources | – Causes of pollution: agricultural, industrial, sewage, thermal, and oil spills – Eutrophication – Management and conservation (legislations) – Sewage treatment – Water quality assessment: BOD and COD. |
ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit I: Introduction | – Sources of environmental hazards – Hazard identification and accounting – Fate of toxic and persistent substances in the environment – Dose-response evaluation – Exposure assessment. |
| Unit II: Climate Change | – Greenhouse gases and global warming – Acid rain – Ozone layer destruction – Effect of climate change on public health. |
| Unit III: Pollution | – Air, water, and noise pollution: sources and effects – Pollution control. |
| Unit IV: Waste Management Technologies | – Sources of waste – Types and characteristics of waste – Sewage disposal and its management – Solid waste disposal – Biomedical waste handling and disposal – Nuclear waste handling and disposal – Waste from thermal power plants – Case histories: – Bhopal gas tragedy – Chernobyl disaster – Seveso disaster – Three Mile Island accident and their aftermath. |
| Unit V: Diseases | – Causes, symptoms, and control of: – Tuberculosis – Asthma – Cholera – Minamata disease – Typhoid. |
EXPLORING THE BRAIN: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introduction | – Early and nineteenth-century views of the brain – Neuroscience today – Evolution of the brain in vertebrates |
| Unit 2: Neurons and Glia | – Neurons: Soma, axon, dendrite – Classification of neurons – Glia: Astrocytes, myelinating glia, non-neuronal cells |
| Unit 3: Evolution and Adaptation of Brain | – Brain evolution and behavioral adaptation – Theories of brain evolution: – Involving addition of structures or areas – Involving new formation and reorganization of circuits |
| Unit 4: Organization of the Brain | – Anatomical references – Cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, spinal cord – Cranial nerves – Meninges – Ventricular system – CT and MRI imaging of the brain |
| Unit 5: Understanding Brain Structure through Development | – Formation of neural tube – Primary brain vesicles – Differentiation of forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain – Cerebral cortex: Neocortical evolution and structure-function relationship |
| Unit 6: Chemical Control of Brain and Behaviour | – Structure and connection of the secretory hypothalamus – Diffuse modulatory systems of the brain: – Noradrenergic – Serotonergic – Dopaminergic – Cholinergic system – Drugs and diffuse modulatory systems |
| Unit 7: Rhythms of the Brain | – Electroencephalogram (EEG) – Sleep: – Why do we sleep? – Non-REM and REM sleep – Neural mechanisms of sleep – Circadian rhythms |
| Unit 8: Mental Illness and the Brain | – Psychosocial and biological approaches to mental illness – Anxiety disorders – Mood disorders – Schizophrenia |
FOOD, NUTRITION AND HEALTH
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Basic Concept of Food and Nutrition | – Food components and food nutrients – Concept of a balanced diet – Nutrient needs and dietary patterns for various groups: – Adults – Pregnant and nursing mothers – Infants – School children – Adolescents – Elderly |
| Unit 2: Nutritional Biochemistry | – Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins: – Definition, classification, dietary sources, and roles – Vitamins: – Fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins, their dietary sources and importance – Minerals: – Iron, calcium, phosphorus, iodine, selenium, and zinc; their biological functions |
| Unit 3: Health | – Introduction to health: Definition and concept – Major nutritional deficiency diseases: – Protein Energy Malnutrition (kwashiorkor and marasmus) – Vitamin A deficiency disorders – Iron deficiency disorders – Iodine deficiency disorders: Causes, symptoms, treatment, prevention, and government programs – Lifestyle-related diseases: – Hypertension – Diabetes mellitus – Obesity: Causes and prevention through dietary and lifestyle modifications – Social health problems: – Smoking – Alcoholism – Drug dependence – Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): Causes, treatment, and prevention – Common ailments: – Cold, cough, and fevers: Causes and treatment |
| Unit 4: Food Hygiene | – Potable water: Sources and methods of purification at the domestic level – Food and waterborne infections: – Bacterial infections: Cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery – Viral infections: Hepatitis, poliomyelitis – Protozoan infections: Amoebiasis, giardiasis – Parasitic infections: Taeniasis and ascariasis: Transmission, causative agents, sources of infection, symptoms, and prevention – Brief account of food spoilage: Causes of food spoilage and their preventive measures |
HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Digestion and Absorption of Food | – Structure and function of digestive glands – Digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins – Nervous and hormonal control of digestion (in brief) |
| Unit 2: Functioning of Excitable Tissue (Nerve and Muscle) | – Structure of neuron – Propagation of nerve impulse (myelinated and non-myelinated nerve fibers) – Structure of skeletal muscle – Mechanism of muscle contraction (sliding filament theory) – Neuromuscular junction |
| Unit 3: Respiratory Physiology | – Ventilation – External and internal respiration – Transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood – Factors affecting the transport of gases |
| Unit 4: Renal Physiology | – Functional anatomy of the kidney – Mechanism and regulation of urine formation |
| Unit 5: Cardiovascular Physiology | – Structure of the heart – Coordination of heartbeat – Cardiac cycle – ECG |
| Unit 6: Endocrine and Reproductive Physiology | – Structure and function of endocrine glands (pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, adrenal, ovaries, and testes) – Brief account of spermatogenesis and oogenesis – Menstrual cycle |
INSECT VECTORS AND DISEASES
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit I: Introduction to Insects | – General features of insects – Morphological features – Head: Eyes, types of antennae, mouthparts with respect to feeding habits |
| Unit II: Concept of Vectors | – Brief introduction to carriers and vectors (mechanical and biological vectors) – Reservoirs – Host-vector relationship – Vectorial capacity – Adaptations as vectors – Host specificity |
| Unit III: Insects as Vectors | – Classification of insects up to orders – Detailed features of orders with insects as vectors: – Diptera – Siphonaptera – Siphunculata – Hemiptera |
| Unit IV: Dipterans as Disease Vectors | – Dipterans as important insect vectors: – Mosquitoes – Sand flies – Houseflies – Study of mosquito-borne diseases: – Malaria – Dengue – Chikungunya – Viral encephalitis – Filariasis – Control of mosquitoes – Study of sand fly-borne diseases: – Visceral leishmaniasis – Cutaneous leishmaniasis – Phlebotomus fever – Control of sand flies – Study of house fly as an important mechanical vector – Myiasis – Control of house fly |
| Unit V: Siphonaptera as Disease Vectors | – Fleas as important insect vectors – Host specificity – Study of flea-borne diseases: – Plague – Typhus fever – Control of fleas |
| Unit VI: Siphunculata as Disease Vectors | – Human louse (head, body, and pubic louse) as important insect vectors – Study of louse-borne diseases: – Typhus fever – Relapsing fever – Trench fever – Vagabond’s disease – Phthiriasis – Control of human louse |
| Unit VII: Hemiptera as Disease Vectors | – Bugs as insect vectors – Blood-sucking bugs – Chagas disease – Bed bugs as mechanical vectors – Control and prevention measures |
SKILL ENHANCEMENT COURSES
APICULTURE
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Biology of Bees | – History, classification, and biology of honey bees – Social organization of the bee colony |
| Unit 2: Rearing of Bees | – Artificial bee rearing (Apiary) – Beehives: Newton and Langstroth – Bee pasturage – Selection of bee species for apiculture – Beekeeping equipment – Methods of extraction of honey (indigenous and modern) |
| Unit 3: Diseases and Enemies | – Bee diseases and enemies – Control and preventive measures |
| Unit 4: Bee Economy | – Products of the apiculture industry and their uses (honey, beeswax, propolis, pollen, etc.) |
| Unit 5: Entrepreneurship in Apiculture | – Beekeeping industry: Recent efforts – Modern methods in employing artificial beehives for cross-pollination in horticultural gardens |
AQUARIUM FISH KEEPING
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introduction to Aquarium Fish Keeping | – The potential scope of the aquarium fish industry as a cottage industry – Exotic and endemic species of aquarium fishes |
| Unit 2: Biology of Aquarium Fishes | – Common characters and sexual dimorphism of freshwater and marine aquarium fishes: – Guppy – Molly – Swordtail – Goldfish – Angel fish – Blue morph – Anemone fish – Butterfly fish |
| Unit 3: Food and Feeding of Aquarium Fishes | – Use of live fish feed organisms – Preparation and composition of formulated fish feeds |
| Unit 4: Fish Transportation | – Live fish transport: fish handling, packing, and forwarding techniques |
| Unit 5: Maintenance of Aquarium | – General aquarium maintenance – Budget for setting up an aquarium fish farm as a cottage industry |
MEDICAL DIAGNOSTICS
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introduction to Medical Diagnostics and its Importance | – Overview and significance of medical diagnostics |
| Unit 2: Diagnostic Methods Used for Analysis of Blood | – Blood composition – Preparation of blood smear and differential leucocyte count (D.L.C) using Leishman’s stain – Platelet count using haemocytometer – Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (E.S.R) – Packed cell volume (P.C.V.) |
| Unit 3: Diagnostic Methods Used for Urine Analysis | – Urine analysis: Physical characteristics and abnormal constituents |
| Unit 4: Non-infectious Diseases | – Causes, types, symptoms, complications, diagnosis, and prevention of: – Diabetes (Type I and Type II) – Hypertension (Primary and secondary) – Testing of blood glucose using glucometer/kit |
| Unit 5: Infectious Diseases | – Causes, types, symptoms, diagnosis, and prevention of: – Tuberculosis – Hepatitis |
| Unit 6: Tumours | – Types (benign/malignant) – Detection and metastasis – Medical imaging techniques: X-ray of bone fracture, PET, MRI, and CT scan (using photographs) |
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Foundations of Research | – Meaning and objectives of research – Motivation for research – Research methods vs. methodology – Types of research: – Analytical vs. descriptive – Quantitative vs. qualitative – Basic vs. applied |
| Unit 2: Research Design | – Need for research design – Features of a good design – Important concepts related to good design: – Observation and facts – Prediction and explanation – Development of models – Developing a research plan: – Problem identification – Experimentation – Determining experimental and sample designs |
| Unit 3: Data Collection, Analysis, and Report Writing | – Observation and collection of data – Methods of data collection – Sampling methods – Data processing and analysis strategies – Technical reports and thesis writing – Preparation of tables and bibliography – Data presentation using digital technology |
| Unit 4: Ethical Issues | – Intellectual property rights – Commercialization – Copyright and royalty – Patent law – Plagiarism – Citation and acknowledgment |
SERICULTURE
| Unit | Topics |
|---|---|
| Unit 1: Introduction | – Sericulture: Definition, history, and present status – Silk route – Types of silkworms – Distribution and races – Exotic and indigenous races – Mulberry and non-mulberry sericulture |
| Unit 2: Biology of Silkworm | – Life cycle of Bombyx mori – Structure of silk gland and secretion of silk |
| Unit 3: Rearing of Silkworms | – Selection of mulberry variety and establishment of mulberry garden – Rearing house and rearing appliances – Disinfectants: Formalin, bleaching powder, RKO – Silkworm rearing technology: Early age and late age rearing – Types of mountages – Spinning, harvesting, and storage of cocoons |
| Unit 4: Pests and Diseases | – Pests of silkworm: Uzi fly, dermestid beetles, and vertebrates – Pathogenesis of silkworm diseases: Protozoan, viral, fungal, and bacterial – Control and prevention of pests and diseases |
| Unit 5: Entrepreneurship in Sericulture | – Prospectus of sericulture in India: Sericulture industry in different states – Employment opportunities – Potential in mulberry and non-mulberry sericulture – Visit to various sericulture centers |
