M.Sc. Computational Biology

Introduction to Program

The integrated discipline of computational biology/bioinformatics represents the application of modern computer science, statistics, and mathematics to exploring biological and biomedical problems. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary competency, interdisciplinary collaboration, and transdisciplinary research. It offers an integrated and customizable curriculum consisting of four semesters of didactic coursework tailored to students’ backgrounds and interests, research rotations with faculty mentors spanning computational biology’s core disciplines, and dissertation research jointly supervised by computational and biological faculty mentors.

Objectives of the Program

• The main objective of the Computational Biology program is to train the next generation of scientists who are passionate about exploring the interface of computation and biology and committed to functioning at a high level in both computational and biological fields.
• To develop skills needed to collect, comprehend, analyze, and manage data generated through high-throughput technologies.
• To train graduates for the new age of biological research, which is highly driven by high-end computing and computational modeling.
• To develop breakthrough expertise and excel in the field of Computational Biology, with opportunities for training through placements at collaborating research institutes and industrial partners.

M.Sc. Computational Biology is a two-year (four-semester) postgraduate program that enables students to acquire the skill set needed at the interface of biological and computational sciences. Computational Biology, as a discipline and a set of skills, has become one of the most important tools for information gathering, big-data mining, and knowledge building in current research and applications, with vast scope for further innovation.

The M.Sc. in Computational Biology program offered by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University, Dharwad, enrolls students who wish to explore research in computational biology or seek immediate careers in industry. Taught by faculty from the SDM Research Institute of Biomedical Sciences (RIBS) and the SDM Centre for Cellular and Molecular Sciences (CCMS), the program offers two tracks based on students’ educational backgrounds:

1. Students with a general science or engineering background
2. Students with a focused background in biological sciences

The program ensures that students gain a broad understanding of bioinformatics, computational biology, and related subfields; apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems; and communicate and work effectively in collaborative environments.

The curriculum includes biological experimental concepts in biotechnology as well as computational courses such as Python, R Programming, Big Data Analysis, Artificial Intelligence, and Drug Discovery—critical skill sets in today’s digital and data-driven world. Graduates can pursue careers in biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research labs, hospitals, universities, and software companies.

Structure of the Program

• Duration of the Program

  The duration of the M.Sc. (Computational Biology) program is 2 academic years, following a semester pattern with a total of 4 semesters.

• Program Syllabus

  The syllabus has been prepared according to the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) pattern, taking into consideration UGC guidelines, SET/NET syllabi, syllabi of other universities, and inputs from Expert Committee Members.

• Examination Pattern

  Each semester will include:

  • Theory papers of 70 marks each for University Examination and 30 marks each for internal assessment.
  • Two practical courses of 70 marks each for University Examination and 30 marks each for internal practical assessment.

• Maximum Period for Completion

  The maximum duration for completing the M.Sc. (Computational Biology) program shall not exceed 4 years (8 semesters).

• Eligibility for Admission

  Eligible candidates include: B.E. or B.Tech (Biotechnology/Biomedical) graduates/ B.Sc. graduates in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Health Informatics, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, Zoology, Genetics, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Health Sciences, Nursing/Allied Health Sciences, Medical/Molecular Anthropology, and related courses.
  A minimum of 60% aggregate marks (or equivalent) is required. Maximum Intake Capacity: 20 students

• Mode of Selection

  Admission to the M.Sc. (Computational Biology) program is based on:

  • Marks secured in the qualifying entrance examination
  • Marks in the qualifying degree
  • Personal interview
  The entrance test will be conducted by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University. If the number of eligible applicants is less than or equal to the number of available seats, the admission committee may waive the test/interview based on recommendations from the HoD/HoI/Program Coordinator and Dean.
  A relaxation of grades will be provided to candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC (non-creamy layer)/differently abled categories as per Government of India guidelines.

• Entrance Examination Details

  • Duration: 120 minutes
  • Part A: 30 compulsory MCQs (General Aptitude) — 1 mark each
  • Part B: 70 MCQs (Bachelor-level Life Sciences) — 1 mark each
  Sample question papers are available on the SDMRIBS website.

  Additional rules:

  • There will be 100 questions, each with four response options (a, b, c, d), with only one correct answer.
  • Multiple answers are not allowed; doing so will result in rejection of the response.
  • Mobile phones and electronic devices are not allowed in the examination hall.
  • Only programmable calculators are allowed. (Usually institutions permit non-programmable calculators; please confirm if this is intentional.)
  • All other conditions follow the University Examination Guidelines.

• Exemption from Entrance Examination

  Students who have qualified TIFR, JNU, CEEB, IIT JAM, AIIMS, ICAR, AIEEA, or equivalent national-level exams in relevant areas are exempted from the entrance exam and will be directly called for a personal interview. 10% of total seats are reserved for such students and allotted on a merit-cum-means basis.

• Admission Procedure

  Students must submit the application form available on the University website, along with the application fee and required documents mentioned in the application guidelines.

• Start of the Program

  The program commences on the date prescribed by Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara University.