The University Department of Life Sciences (UDLSc), University of Mumbai, was established in 1981 with a view to promote an integrated approach to teaching and research in all areas of biology. One of the visible contributions of UDLSc researchers is a garden located next to its building, featuring a large collection of rare species of palms (about 20 in number). These have been collected by faculty members from all over India.

Over the years, the department has acquired top-class research infrastructure, including facilities for plant tissue culture, animal cell culture, microbial culture, an X-ray generator for biophysics, sonicator, chemostat, BOD incubators, plant growth chambers, high-speed centrifuges, spectrophotometers, ultra low freezer, lypiliser, spectroflurimeter and gel documentation unit. The department also has a green house to grow plants in controlled conditions. In addition, individual faculty members have built self-sufficient laboratories that could cater to research in areas such as biochemistry, molecular biology, microbiology, environmental biotechnology and plant and animal sciences.

The MSc course is conducted at UDLSc and in three affiliated colleges, Ramnarain Ruia College (Matunga), Sophia College (Bhulabhai Desai Marg) and St Xavier’s College (Fort). The degree offers four electives — biotechnology, biological macromolecules, applied medical sciences and neurobiology. The department also offers a PhD in life sciences.

The notification is advertised after the BSc results of the University of Mumbai are announced. Application forms (both for admission by merit and by entrance examination) can be obtained from the accounts section, M.G. Phule Bhavan, Mumbai University Campus, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (E), Mumbai-400098. Candidates can also seek admission at the three affiliated colleges. For further details, log on to the website (www.mu.ac.in).

Eligibility

About 50 per cent of the total seats offered for MSc in life sciences are directly allocated on the basis of merit to students who have done their graduation in the subject from the University of Mumbai. The remaining seats are allocated on the basis of a selection procedure that includes an entrance examination followed by a personal interview of successful candidates. Candidates who want to take the entrance test should have a BSc in any biological science (such as biochemistry, botany, microbiology, zoology, applied and allied biological sciences). Only two per cent of the total seats (the university offers 57 seats for the MSc course in life sciences) are offered to students who obtain their BSc degree from a university other than the University of Mumbai. Such candidates have to submit an eligibility certificate from their respective universities.

Entrance exam

The entrance test, held in June or July, includes objective-type questions based on the chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and environmental sciences syllabus taught at undergraduate levels. All candidates are charged Rs 50 as examination fees.

How to prepare

For the microbiology section, you can prepare from Instant Notes on Microbiology by Nicklin, Industrial Microbiology by L.E. Casida and Food Microbiology by William C. Frazier. Check out biochemistry books by J.L. Jan, Coll Stumps and Keshav Trehan. Also go through Objective Chemistry by H.Kaur and Questions and Answers in Environmental Science by S.K. Basu and A.K. De as well as Essentials of Ecology and Environmental Science by Rana.

sample test paper

Environmental science

Of the following, which has the greatest permeability?

a) clay

b) loam

c) sand

d) silt

Chemistry

A sealed vessel contains 0.200 mol of oxygen, 0.100 mol of nitrogen, and 0.200 mol of argon. The total pressure of the gas mixture is 5.00 atm. The partial pressure of argon is:

a) 0.200 atm

b) 0.500 atm

c) 1.00 atm

d) 2.00 atm

Biochemistry

The fundamental cause of sickle cell disease is a change in the structure of:

a) red cells

b) haemoglobin

c) capillaries

d) blood

Microbiology

Which statement about respiratory infections is true?

a) Pneumonia is characterised by the formation of granulomas.

b) Release of host defense factors in response to respiratory tract infection is responsible for some symptoms of influenza.

c) Diphtheria is caused by a virus infection characterised by formation of a pseudo-membrane in the lungs.

d) None of the above.