Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR-UGC National Eligibility Test (NET) for

Junior Research Fellowship and Lectureship -
LIFE SCIENCES

SYLLABUS BREAKDOWN
UNITS

1. Molecules and their Interaction Relevant to Biology

2. Cellular Organization
3. Fundamental Processes
4. Cell Communication and Cell Signaling
5. Developmental Biology
6. System Physiology – Plant
7. System Physiology – Animal
8. Inheritance Biology
9. Diversity of Life Forms
10. Ecological Principles
11. Evolution and Behavior
12. Applied Biology
13. Methods in Biology

Colour Coding For Important Topics

Topic Code

Most important Green color

Medium important Yellow color

Least important Blue color

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 1: MOLECULES AND THEIR INTERACTION

RELEVANT TO BIOLOGY

WEIGHTAGE OF QUESTIONS ASKED FROM UNIT 1

(17.41% in Part B, 8% in Part C)

SYLLABUS

A. Structure of atoms, molecules and chemical bonds.

B. Composition, structure and function of biomolecules (carbohydrates, lipids,

AMINO ACIDS ,proteins, nucleic acids and vitamins).

C. Stabilizing interactions (Van der Waals, electrostatic, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic

interaction, etc.).

D Principles of biophysical chemistry (pH, buffer, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics,

colligative properties).

E. Bioenergetics, glycolysis, oxidative phosphorylation, coupled reaction, group

transfer, biological energy transducers.

F. Principles of catalysis, enzymes and enzyme kinetics, enzyme regulation, mechanism of

enzyme catalysis, isozymes

G. Conformation of proteins (Ramachandran plot, secondary structure, domains, motif

and folds).

H. Conformation of nucleic acids (helix (A, B, Z), t-RNA, micro-RNA).

I. Stability of proteins and nucleic acids.

J. Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides and vitamins.

UNIT 1 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Basically Biochemistry, with a tinge of chemistry knowledge as well. The biggest requirement to
prepare this unit in detail is for its connection with other units. For e.g – proteins, you find them
in almost all other units. So, if you skip this unit, you will face serious troubles with a lot of
concepts and terms elsewhere. On the other hand, taking the time to prepare this unit well will
actually help you connect the missing dots. You will get to know the exact reason behind the
process of Molecular Biology or a technique under Unit 13. No doubt, it is the 1st unit of the
syllabus!

Apart from this, from the exam point of view, emphasis should be on
the below important topics from UNIT 1 of CSIR NET:
● The stabilizing bonds between macromolecules, e.g – proteins and DNA (Van der Waals
forces, Hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions.
● Amino acids structures and behavior according to the different R groups, properties such
as chirality and terms such as isoelectric point, pka values.
● Protein conformations, dihedral bonds and Ramachandran plot, techniques to determine
different conformations, and their sequencing.
● Protein folding thermodynamics, denaturation and biological function
Enzyme kinetics (Vmax, MM equation km) is a must to study, along with inhibition
processes, graphical representations, and formulas.
● Metabolic pathways of carbohydrates including glycolytic and TCA cycle steps,
regulation (specially allosteric and feedback inhibition), enzymes cofactors involved and
stoichiometry, ETC and ATP synthesis (along with inhibitors) (very important)
● Numerical questions on molarity, pH buffer and thermodynamic (delta G calculation in
various cellular processes).
● Carbohydrate structure (concentrate on epimers, anomers, glycosidic bond formation
and type of bond between di and polysaccharides, Glycosaminoglycan examples and
function)
● Lipid structure with special emphasis on membrane lipids and adaptation to temperature
Nucleic acid topology (Twist, Writhe, Linking number) and structure and nucleotide
biosynthesis

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 1

● Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox
● Biochemistry by Donald Voet, Judith G. Voet
● Biochemistry Hardcover by Lubert Stryer
● ENZYMES: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Clinical Chemistry by Trevor Palmer

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 2. CELLULAR ORGANIZATION

WEIGHTAGE of Questions asked from UNIT 2

Cellular organization (11.43% in Part B, 6.67% in Part C)

SYLLABUS

A) Membrane structure and function (Structure of model membrane, lipid bilayer and
membrane protein diffusion, osmosis,ion channels, active transport, membrane pumps,
mechanism of sorting and regulation of intracellular transport,electrical properties of
membranes).

B) Structural organization and function of intracellular organelles (Cell wall, nucleus,

mitochondria, Golgi bodies, lysosomes, endoplasmic reticulum, peroxisomes, plastids,
vacuoles, chloroplast, structure & function of cytoskeleton and its role in motility).

C) Organization of genes and chromosomes (Operon, unique and repetitive DNA,

interrupted genes, gene families, structure of chromatin and chromosomes,
heterochromatin, euchromatin, transposons).

D) Cell division and cell cycle (Mitosis and meiosis, their regulation, steps in cell cycle,
regulation and control of cell cycle).

E) Microbial Physiology (Growth yield and characteristics, strategies of cell division,

stress response)

UNIT 2 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Cell Biology carries an overall 25-30 marks in the exam. Most of the topics are easily
understandable as there are many colorful diagrams and process explanations in reference
books. All the subunits in this unit are not interrelated with each other, so you may skip 1 or 2 if
you find them hard to prepare without worrying about any combined concept questions.

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Important topics from CSIR NET Unit 2 which should be focused

upon:
● Membrane structure and function - The composition and nature in detail, all types of
phospholipids and proteins, their distribution in the membrane, RBC membrane
components such as Band 3.
● Lipid rafts, FRAP, freeze etching.
● Various types of ion channels, pumps, and transporters, their inhibitors (it’s very
important to memorize their names and exact mode of inhibition, membrane destabilizing
agents, detergent treatments (mostly experimental based questions are expected),
membrane potential and what causes a change in the potential.
● Protein transport pathways to various organelles, cytoskeletal components like actin,
dynein, kinesin and their function in different cellular processes, enzymatic contents of
cellular organelles like Golgi, lysosomes, peroxisomes, diseases associated with their
impaired functions, protein modifications in ER.
● Cellular fractionation based questions will also be asked.

Important Topics From Subunit C of CSIR NET UNIT 2

Subunit C of Unit 2 is mostly a part of molecular biology, so to understand Unit 3 better, you
have to study this. Operon (Lac operon, Trp operon, Ara operon ) concepts are mostly asked,
their detailed components and regulation in the presence or absence of their substrate.
Chromosome structure based questions about transposons (detailed mechanisms), repetitive
DNA sequences, centromeric regions, DNA acetylation, methylation, the packaging is also
asked about.

Important Topics From Subunit D of CSIR NET UNIT 2

Subunit D of Unit 2 is totally unavoidable, as it has a connection with Cancer and apoptosis
topic of Unit 4, some topics of developmental biology. Moreover, questions are inevitably asked
from this subunit. Cell cycle steps and checkpoints regulation in detail, all the cyclins, CDK
functions, ATM, ATR, inhibition drugs and most importantly the control of the cycle. DNA vs
chromosome count for each stage of mitosis and meiosis. Microbial physiology - numerical
questions based on microbial growth kinetics, microbial diseases and growth conditions, stress
response.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 2

● Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis
● Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser
● Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments by Gerald Karp
● Brock Biology of Microorganisms
● Prescott's Microbiology by Joanne Willey, Linda Sherwood, Chris Woolverton

[Link]
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET Raftaar Revision Batch - Online Batch For

December 2023 Exam
[Link]/products/raftaar-csir-net-batch

Launching CSIR NET Raftaar Batch 2023: Speed Revision Batch for CSIR
NET December 2023 Exam

As the CSIR exam approaches, Biotecnika launches "Raftaar CSIR NET Batch" to help
all the CSIR aspirants with a quick and effective learning program to strengthen their
preparation and make them exam-ready. This will be a speed revision batch where our
CSIR NET Exam experts will train you on tackling and revising for the upcoming exam.
Do not miss out on the excellent pre-exam preparative Raftaar CSIR NET Course.
Limited Seats are available.

START DATE: 11th September 2023

Why Raftaar Batch for CSIR NET?

Let’s face the fact that we are all out of touch with the CSIR NET Exam( Thanks to the
long gap). To help the students prepare for the Upcoming Exam, we designed a
perfect Raftaar CSIR NET course. Here you will get to interact with experts,
revise important topics and get plenty of additional facilities to aid you in the last 100 days
of exam preparation.

Topics which will be covered:

[Link]
1/4
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Unit Molecules and Stabilizing interactions, biomolecules (amino acids,

1 their Interaction carbohydrates, nucleic acids), protein structure, enzymes,
Relevant to thermodynamics, important metabolism concepts
Biology
Peptide Bond & Ramachandran Plot; Protein

folding & Denaturation

Unit Cellular Membrane Structure; Solute transport, Protein targeting,

2 Organisation Chromosome organization, Transposon, Operons, Cell cycle

Unit Fundamental Protein synthesis and processing, Regulation of gene

3 Processes expression

Unit Cell Signaling pathways & Immunology

4 Communication
and Cell
Signaling

Unit Developmental Basics of development, cleavage division, gastrulation,

5 Biology [Link], amphibian, Drosophila development

Unit System CO2 fixation pathways, Respiration pathways, Nitrogen

6 Physiology- metabolism, Phytohormones, Stomatal opening and closure
Plant (triggers), Solute Transport ( Water potential) , Abiotic stress (
Adaptive mechanisms)

Unit System Endocrinology and reproduction, Excretory System,

7 Physiology- Cardiovascular system
Animal

Unit Inheritance Mendelian Genetics, Probability in genetics, Mutations and

8 Biology Chromosomal aberrations

Microbial genetics, Pedigree Analysis, Linkage mapping

Unit Diversity of Life The phylogenetic study, Evolutionary relationships among the
9 forms taxa, different protozoan and bacterial diseases, common
parasites and pathogens for different hosts,

Unit Ecological Niche, Population ecology, Community Ecology

10 Principles

[Link]
2/4
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Unit Evolution and Paleontology and evolutionary history, Molecular tools in

11 Behavior phylogeny, orthologous and paralogous genes, H-W law,
Speciation, Altruism, and kin selection

Unit Applied Biology Transgenic animals and plants, Agrobacterium-mediated gene

12 transfer

Unit Methods in DNA Manipulating & Modifying

13 Biology
enzymes, Vectors, Flow cytometry,

Spectroscopic Techniques (Absorption &

Emission Spectroscopy, Beer Lambert's Law)

Microscopic techniques, Forms of radiation &

Half-life

Course details :

Mode: Online Via [Link]

Subject: CSIR NET-Life science
Class Schedule: Monday to Friday

Salient features you must now:

Classes Conducted by CSIR NET Experts of Biotecnika

Online Study Portal Access: Get access to recorded lectures. Revise any number of
times. Also, watch the class recordings of other batches to understand the topics in-
depth.
Powerpoint presentation- Highly recommended while revising
Daily Practice sheets- get practice questions after each class
24*7 Faculty support- Our experts are here to guide you and resolve your queries
Animatika Zone- 100+ Animations on essential topics of the CSIR NET Exam
AIMNET Test series to practice well before the exam.
Online notes- The state of art study portal has extensive notes on all units. Study
anytime and anywhere.
Biotecnika’s Revision Tools- Get access to
Koncept Cloud
Koncept table
Konceptika Lite
Koncept wheel
Validity: Till December 2023 Exam

[Link]
3/4
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Enroll now for the Raftaar batch and give the December 2023 exam. If you wish to
continue your CSIR NET journey with us, upgrade to the CSIR NET RAID batch in the
future by paying the balance fee. T & C apply.

We are taking only a limited number of students for this batch. So hurry up and block your
seat.

By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.

Join The Formidable Plan, which BioTecNika has built just for you

Got Questions?

CHAT with us or Reach us on 1800-1200-1818 or 080-5099-7000

[Link]
4/4
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET 3. FUNDAMENTAL PROCESSES

Weightage of questions asked from UNIT 3

Fundamental processes (11.43% in Part B, 8% in Part C)

SYLLABUS

A) DNA replication, repair and recombination (Unit of replication, enzymes involved,

replication origin and replication fork, fidelity of replication, extrachromosomal replicons,
DNA damage and repair mechanisms, homologous and site-specific recombination).

B) RNA synthesis and processing (transcription factors and machinery, formation of

initiation complex, transcription activator and repressor, RNA polymerases, capping,
elongation, and termination, RNA processing, RNA editing, splicing, and
polyadenylation, structure and function of different types of RNA, RNA transport).

C) Protein synthesis and processing (Ribosome, formation of initiation complex, initiation

factors and their regulation, elongation and elongation factors, termination, genetic code,
aminoacylation of tRNA, tRNA-identity, aminoacyl tRNA synthetase, and translational
proof-reading, translational inhibitors, Post- translational modification of proteins).

D) Control of gene expression at transcription and translation level (regulating the

expression of phages, viruses, prokaryotic and eukaryotic genes, role of chromatin in
gene expression and gene silencing).

UNIT 3 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 3 - The most common choice of almost all students: Molecular Biology. A very apt unit to
start your preparation with, as gene expression basics are required almost in every unit.
Questions from this unit have no deviations from the syllabus, are to the point and very subject
specific. So ensure you should prepare each topic mentioned in the syllabus well, in as much
detail possible, with emphasis on the below-mentioned topics.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 3

● Individual stages of the processes (initiation, elongation, termination) and the
components involved (like enzymes, activators, inhibitors, repressors)
● DNA Replication: Meselson Stahl Experiment, prokaryotic and eukaryotic replication,
different types of DNA polymerases and their specific functions.

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

● Telomere Replication
● DNA damage, mutations, and all types of repair pathways ( common with Unit 8),
Homologous and site-specific recombination.
● RNA Transcription: Transcription factors in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, RNA
polymerase, machinery, initiation complex formation, capping, polyadenylation, types of
RNA splicing – spliceosome components, RNA editing.
● Types of RNA –structure, and function.
● Protein Synthesis – Ribosomes and initiation and elongation factors involved, Aminoacyl
tRNA synthetases, codons, anticodons, various post-translational modifications detailed
processes.
● Operon Model - Lac and Trp operon
● Gene regulation in eukaryotes, Phage gene regulation – Lytic and lysogenic phases and
genes expressed.
● Gene silencing methods, RNAi

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 3

● Molecular Biology of the Gene by James D. Watson
● Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry by David L. Nelson and Michael M. Cox
● Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser
● Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments by Gerald Karp

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 4. Cell communication and cell

signaling
Weightage of questions asked from UNIT 4

Unit 4: Cell communication and cell signaling (14.29% in Part B, 14%

in Part C) - Do not skip at any cost!

SYLLABUS

A) Host parasite interaction Recognition and entry processes of different

pathogens like bacteria, viruses into animal and plant host cells, alteration of host
cell behavior by pathogens, virus-induced cell transformation, pathogen-induced
diseases in animals and plants, cell-cell fusion in both normal and abnormal
cells.

B) Cell signaling Hormones and their receptors, cell surface receptor, signaling
through G-protein coupled receptors, signal transduction pathways, second
messengers, regulation of signaling pathways, bacterial and plant twocomponent systems, light
signaling in plants, bacterial chemotaxis and quorum sensing.

C) Cellular communication Regulation of hematopoiesis, general principles of cell

communication, cell adhesion and roles of different adhesion molecules, gap
junctions, extracellular matrix, integrins, neurotransmission and its regulation.

D) Cancer
Genetic rearrangements in progenitor cells, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes,
cancer and the cell cycle, virus-induced cancer, metastasis, interaction of cancer
cells with normal cells, apoptosis, therapeutic interventions of uncontrolled cell
growth.

E) Innate and adaptive immune system Cells and molecules involved in innate
and adaptive immunity, antigens, antigenicity and immunogenicity. B and T cell
epitopes, structure and function of antibody molecules. generation of antibody
diversity, monoclonal antibodies, antibody engineering, antigen-antibody
interactions, MHC molecules, antigen processing and presentation, activation
and differentiation of B and T cells, B and T cell receptors, humoral and cell mediated immune
responses, primary and secondary immune modulation, the complement system, Toll-like
receptors, cell-mediated effector functions, inflammation, hypersensitivity and autoimmunity,

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

immune response during bacterial (tuberculosis), parasitic (malaria) and viral (HIV) infections,
congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies, vaccines.

UNIT 4 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 4: A very important topic of the syllabus, highly scoring from Section C perspective and
hence is not a very good idea to skip.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 4

● The 1st subunit mainly will ask about the various bacterial and viral diseases(airborne,
waterborne diseases) and their causative agents, pathogens and their host.
● The 2nd subunit deals with cell signaling – G-Protein Coupled Receptors, Receptor
Tyrosine Kinases, MAP kinase pathway, JAK-STAT pathway, Wnt pathway, Hedgehog
pathway, TGF beta pathway, NFKB pathway, notch delta, and ephrin signaling pathways.
● All these pathways’ detailed mechanism along with the molecules involved (2nd
messengers) and structural changes involved in signaling (phosphorylation), with
examples in biological processes where these signaling pathways are involved in. Effect
of toxins and inhibitors on these processes.
● The 3rd subunit is about cell communication - components of Extra Cellular Matrix,
their structure, and function in detail, cell-cell interactions (various junctions and
composition), cell-matrix interactions, the adherens junctions, tight junctions, gap
junctions, the different type of Cell Adhesion Molecules and their functions. This is the
most scoring topic in the entire CSIR syllabus!
● 4th subunit - talks about the complete process of apoptosis with a detailed mechanism
of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, with examples of where they occur. Regulation is very
important, proapoptotic and antiapoptotic agents. Cancer: All the types of Tumor
Suppressor genes (p53,rB) and oncogenes with specific function and characteristics,
mutational effects of these genes, relation with the cell cycle. Anticancer drugs source
and mode of action like methotrexate, tamoxifen etc.

The last subunit is immunology. Quite vast, but focus on topics like antibody structure and
function, generation of their diversity, the role of different cytokines (very important) involved in
antigen processing, presentation, B and T cell maturation and activation. Other topics like
complement system, hypersensitivity, MHC molecules and role in histocompatibility, antigens,
haptens, adjuvants, Toll-like receptors, are also asked about.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 4

● Molecular Biology of the Cell by Bruce Alberts, Alexander Johnson, Julian Lewis
● Molecular Cell Biology by Harvey Lodish, Arnold Berk, Chris A. Kaiser
● Cell and Molecular Biology: Concepts and Experiments by Gerald Karp

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

● Kuby Immunology by Thomas J. Kindt

● Roitt's Essential Immunology

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET 5. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY

Weightage of questions asked from CSIR NET UNIT 5

Unit 5: Developmental biology (17.41% in Part B, 10.67% in Part C) -

Mother of all units in CSIR NET. Do not skip and concentrate heavily. -
Most Important Unit!

SYLLABUS

A) Basic concepts of development : Potency, commitment, specification, induction,

competence, determination and differentiation; morphogenetic gradients; cell fate and cell
lineages; stem cells; genomic equivalence and the cytoplasmic determinants; imprinting;
mutants and transgenics in analysis of development

B) Gametogenesis, fertilization and early development: Production of gametes, cell surface

molecules in sperm-egg recognition in animals; embryo sac development and double
fertilization in plants; zygote formation, cleavage, blastula formation, embryonic fields,
gastrulation and formation of germ layers in animals; embryogenesis, establishment of
symmetry in plants; seed formation and germination.

C) Morphogenesis and organogenesis in animals : Cell aggregation and differentiation in

Dictyostelium; axes and pattern formation in Drosophila, amphibia and chick; organogenesis –
vulva formation in Caenorhabditis elegans, eye lens induction, limb development and
regeneration in vertebrates; differentiation of neurons, post embryonic development- larval
formation, metamorphosis; environmental regulation of normal development; sex determination.

D) Morphogenesis and organogenesis in plants: Organization of shoot and root apical

meristem; shoot and root development; leaf development and phyllotaxy; transition to flowering,
floral meristems and floral development in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum

E) Programmed cell death, aging and senescence

UNIT 5 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 5 – Just like a storybook! So, of course, you need to read the initial chapters first in order to
understand later plots! This unit is all about the development processes of animals mostly and a

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

little bit about plants. Has a good weightage of nearly 30 marks or more. So to ensure you are
able to attend about 90% of the questions, you should definitely prepare.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 5

● The important terms and terminologies such as potency, commitment, induction,
competence, cytoplasmic determinants and morphogenetic gradients – in-depth
concepts with reference to the different developmental processes.
● Differentiating between terms such as specification, differentiation, and determination.
Types of specification such as autonomous, conditional and regulative with examples.
● Gametogenesis with special emphasis on stages and chromosome number, fertilization
process, slow block and fast block to polyspermy.
● Fusion of egg and sperm in model organisms like sea urchin, amphibian and mammals,
capacitation.
● Types of eggs and various cleavage patterns and examples of organisms in which it
takes place, fate maps
● Gastrulation and axis formation in sea urchin (role of micromeres), C. elegans,
amphibians (Spemann organizer, the role of B-catenin, BMP, Nodal), zebrafish, chick
(primitive streak, Hensen's node) and mammals.
● Drosophila developmental stages - all types of maternal and zygotic genes involved with
the detailed process of function. Very scoring topic overall!
● Organogenesis - Limb formation and roles of hox genes, AER, FGF etc, regeneration in
amphibians, Neurulation and neural development. Sex determination in Drosophila and
mammals. Vulva development in c. elegans, eye lens induction in vertebrates, cAMP
signaling in Dictyostelium
● Apart from this, all signaling pathways involved in development have to be prepared very
well from topics under Unit 4
● From plant development focus on topics such as double fertilization, leaf development,
meristems and their transition to flowering, and complete floral development (along with
ABC model) with emphasis on the genes involved in Arabidopsis and Antirrhinum.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 5

● Developmental Biology by Scott F. Gilbert
● Principles of Development by Lewis Wolpert, Cheryll Tickle

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 6 SYSTEM PHYSIOLOGY -

PLANT
Weightage of questions asked from CSIR NET UNIT 6

Unit 6: System physiology (plant) (14.29% in Part B, 6.67% in Part C) -

strategically tricky and important - Do not skip - Get an extra 10%
advantage over other aspirants

SYLLABUS

A. Photosynthesis - Light harvesting complexes; mechanisms of electron

transport; photoprotective mechanisms; CO2 fixation-C3, C4 and CAM pathways.

B. Respiration and photorespiration – Citric acid cycle; plant mitochondrial

electron transport and ATP synthesis; alternate oxidase; photorespiratory
pathway.

C. Nitrogen metabolism - Nitrate and ammonium assimilation; amino acid

biosynthesis.

D. Plant hormones – Biosynthesis, storage, breakdown and transport;

physiological effects and mechanisms of action.

E. Sensory photobiology - Structure, function and mechanisms of action of

phytochromes, cryptochromes and phototropins; stomatal movement;
photoperiodism and biological clocks.

F. Solute transport and photoassimilate translocation – uptake, transport and

translocation of water, ions, solutes and macromolecules from soil, through cells,
across membranes, through xylem and phloem; transpiration; mechanisms of
loading and unloading of photoassimilates.

G. Secondary metabolites - Biosynthesis of terpenes, phenols and nitrogenous

compounds and their roles.

H. Stress physiology – Responses of plants to biotic (pathogen and insects) and

abiotic (water, temperature and salt) stresses.

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

UNIT 6 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 6 - A scoring unit in disguise! Having a weight age of almost 30 marks or more, most
non-botany background students may feel this unit is not their cup of tea. But these are not so
difficult concepts to grasp. In fact, the first 3 subunits actually have some repeated topics from
Unit 1 like Electron Transport Chain, nitrogen metabolism etc. The topics listed below are
definitely not to be missed.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 6

● Phytohormones- All the plant hormones' precursors, biosynthesis and function, special
attention to signaling pathways should be given.
● Stomatal opening and closure by various triggers.
● Solute transport throughout the plant body is relatively an easy topic. Water potential
concept.
● Photosynthesis - C2, C3, C4, CAM pathway, TCA, photorespiration, oxidative
phosphorylation, cyclic and noncyclic photophosphorylation,
● Biotic and abiotic stress – Plant’s detailed mechanisms for adapting to different stress
conditions.
● ABC model of the flowering plant, flowering genes in plants, repeated topic of Unit 5
Nitrogen cycle and nodule formation: nod genes, bacteria in nitrogen fixation
Secondary metabolites and their synthesis pathway, terpenes, isoprene derived
molecules
● Sensory photobiology - phytochrome, cryptochrome, phototropin, photoperiodism, short
day plants, long day plants, behavior and response of a plant to different colored lights.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 6

● Plant Physiology, by Lincoln Taiz and Eduardo Zeiger

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 7. SYSTEM PHYSIOLOGY -

ANIMAL
Weightage of questions asked from UNIT 7

Unit 7: System physiology (animal) (5% in Part B, 5% in Part C) - Can

Skip and Easy

SYLLABUS

A. Blood and circulation - Blood corpuscles, haemopoiesis and formed elements,

plasma function, blood volume, blood volume regulation, blood groups,
hemoglobin, immunity, hemostasis.

B. Cardiovascular System: Comparative anatomy of heart structure, myogenic

heart, specialized tissue, ECG – its principle and significance, cardiac cycle,
heart as a pump, blood pressure, neural and chemical regulation of all above.

C. Respiratory system - Comparison of respiration in different species, anatomical

considerations, transport of gases, exchange of gases, waste elimination, neural
and chemical regulation of respiration.

D. Nervous system - Neurons, action potential, gross neuroanatomy of the brain

and spinal cord, central and peripheral nervous system, neural control of muscle
tone and posture.

E. Sense organs - Vision, hearing and tactile response.

F. Excretory system - Comparative physiology of excretion, kidney, urine

formation, urine concentration, waste elimination, micturition, regulation of water
balance, blood volume, blood pressure, electrolyte balance, acid-base balance.

G. Thermoregulation - Comfort zone, body temperature – physical, chemical,

neural regulation, acclimatization.

H. Stress and adaptation

I. Digestive system - Digestion, absorption, energy balance, BMR.

J. Endocrinology and reproduction - Endocrine glands, basic mechanism of

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

hormone action, hormones and diseases; reproductive processes, gametogenesis, ovulation,

neuroendocrine regulation.

UNIT 7 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 7 - While this unit may seem to be quite tough and lengthy for applied biology candidates,
but students with zoology, physiology or medical background can make this unit as a scoring
advantage. You can also prepare some selective topics for the exam which are almost always
asked about.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 7

● Different neurotransmitters and action potential, you may expect a combined question
with Unit 2 with respect to membrane or Unit 4 with respect to cell signaling.
● ECG graph definitely is asked in alternate papers.
● Cardiac cycle, heartbeats, blood pressure, blood volume regulation, different serum
contents.
● The endocrine system, various hormones, their secretion site and functions.
● Kidney filtration system, structure, and function of different parts of a nephron, regulation
of water balance.
● Gaseous exchange hemoglobin, myoglobin, their behavior with oxygen like left and right
shift.
● Reproduction-hormones in processes such as gametogenesis and ovulation
● Sense organs - structure and function of different parts of the ear.
● Muscle movements events

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 7

● Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology (Guyton Physiology) by John E. Hall
● Schaum's Outline of Human Anatomy and Physiology

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 8. INHERITANCE BIOLOGY

Weightage of questions asked from CSIR NET UNIT 8

Unit 8: Inheritance biology (9.33% in Part C, 5.71% in Part B) - Do not

skip

SYLLABUS

A) Mendelian principles : Dominance, segregation, independent assortment.

B) Concept of gene : Allele, multiple alleles, pseudoallele, complementation tests

C) Extensions of Mendelian principles : Codominance, incomplete dominance, gene

interactions, pleiotropy, genomic imprinting, penetrance and expressivity, phenocopy,
linkage and crossing over, sex linkage, sex limited and sex influenced characters.

D) Gene mapping methods : Linkage maps, tetrad analysis, mapping with molecular markers,
mapping by using somatic cell hybrids, development of mapping population in plants.

E) Extra chromosomal inheritance : Inheritance of Mitochondrial and chloroplast genes,

maternal inheritance.

F) Microbial genetics : Methods of genetic transfers – transformation, conjugation, transduction

and sex-duction, mapping genes by interrupted mating, fine structure analysis of genes.

G) Human genetics : Pedigree analysis, lod score for linkage testing, karyotypes, genetic
disorders.

H) Quantitative genetics : Polygenic inheritance, heritability and its measurements, QTL

mapping.

I) Mutation : Types, causes and detection, mutant types – lethal, conditional, biochemical, loss
of function, gain of function, germinal verses somatic mutants, insertional mutagenesis.

J) Structural and numerical alterations of chromosomes : Deletion, duplication, inversion,

translocation, ploidy and their genetic implications.

K) Recombination : Homologous and non-homologous recombination including transposition.

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

UNIT 8 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 8 - Genetics! Carrying a significant weight age of minimum 25 marks, it is a big risk to skip
this unit. In fact, you don’t need to, as we all have more or less some idea about basic genetics
from our +2 level, so being quite a conceptual and useful unit, you will find several connections
and extensions with other units as well. Expect both theoretical and numerical based questions,
and sometimes both combined. The best way is to write and practice. This unit syllabus
contains short topics, which does not require much of your time to prepare individually, but can
be really confusing as you have a myriad of such short topics.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 8

● Mendelian ratios, their statistics, terms like codominance, incomplete dominance,
pleiotropy, genomic imprinting, penetrance, expressivity, phenocopy, linkage, crossing
over, sex linkage, sex limited and sex influenced characters, maternal inheritance and
various gene interactions
● Different genetic crosses, pedigree, ABO blood grouping, multiple genes,
complementation, mitotic and meiotic non-disjunction, tetrad analysis
Mutations (mutational studies based questions expected) which can be also covered
under Unit 3.
● Also, questions are asked from the structural and numerical alterations of chromosomes,
like deletion, duplication, inversion, translocation, various ploidy, and their genetic
implications.
● Microbial genetics and interrupted mating experiments, (Hfr mapping, methods of
genetic transfers - transformation, conjugation, transduction and sex-duction, mapping
genes by interrupted mating).
● Chromosome mapping of humans and drosophila, homologous and non-homologous
recombination (which can also be prepared under Unit 2)

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 8

● iGenetics: A Molecular Approach by Peter Russell
● Principles of Genetics by D. Peter Snustad, Michael J. Simmons
● Genes – By Benjamin Lewin

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 9. DIVERSITY OF LIFE FORMS

Weightage of questions asked from UNIT 9

Diversity of life forms (2.6% in Part B and C) - Can Skip

SYLLABUS

A. Principles & methods of taxonomy:

Concepts of species and hierarchical taxa, biological nomenclature, classical &
quantititative methods of taxonomy of plants, animals and microorganisms.

B. Levels of structural organization:

Unicellular, colonial and multicellular forms. Levels of organization of tissues, organs
& systems. Comparative anatomy, adaptive radiation, adaptive modifications.

C. Outline classification of plants, animals & microorganisms:

Important criteria used for classification in each taxon. Classification of plants,
animals and microorganisms. Evolutionary relationships among taxa.

D. Natural history of Indian subcontinent:

Major habitat types of the subcontinent, geographic origins and migrations of
species. Common Indian mammals, birds. Seasonality and phenology of the
subcontinent.

E. Organisms of health & agricultural importance:

Common parasites and pathogens of humans, domestic animals and crops.

F. Organisms of conservation concern:

Rare, endangered species. Conservation strategies.

UNIT 9 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 9: Carrying an average weight age of 20 marks in the exam, this unit focuses on taxonomic
units and the classification of plants, animals and microorganisms, the different diverse forms of
life. The challenge is that there are a lot of scientific names, taxa, and terminologies to
memorize, so preparation may be time-consuming and tedious.

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Skipping this unit poses a problem too, as you may expect questions requiring knowledge of
mixed facts from this unit and ecology or evolution as well.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 9

● alpha-beta-gamma taxonomy
● Hierarchical taxa
● binomial nomenclature
● different protozoan and bacterial diseases
● common parasite and pathogens for different hosts
● questions are asked about the causative organisms with respective diseases
● the evolutionary relationships among taxa (graphical or phylogenetic tree, common
ancestor based questions expected)
● rare and endangered species and their conversation strategies. This last topic is
common with Ecology as well.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 9

● Taxonomy: a Text and Reference Book by Richard E. Blackwelder

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 10. ECOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES

Weightage of questions asked from unit 10

Unit 10: Ecological principles (5.77% in Part B, 5.33% in Part C) - Do

not skip - Get 11% advantage over other aspirants

SYLLABUS

A. The Environment: Physical environment; biotic environment; biotic and abiotic

interactions.

[Link] and Niche: Concept of habitat and niche; niche width and overlap; fundamental
and realized niche; resource partitioning; character displacement.

C. Population Ecology: Characteristics of a population; population growth curves;

population regulation; life history strategies (r and K selection); concept of
metapopulation – demes and dispersal, interdemic extinctions, age structured
populations.

[Link] Interactions: Types of interactions, interspecific competition, herbivory,

carnivory, pollination, symbiosis.

E. Community Ecology: Nature of communities; community structure and attributes;

levels of species diversity and its measurement; edges and ecotones.
Ecological Succession: Types; mechanisms; changes involved in succession; concept
of climax.

F. Ecosystem Ecology: Ecosystem structure; ecosystem function; energy flow and

mineral cycling (C,N,P); primary production and decomposition; structure and function
of some Indian ecosystems: terrestrial (forest, grassland) and aquatic (fresh water,
marine, eustarine).

G. Biogeography: Major terrestrial biomes; theory of island biogeography;

biogeographical zones of India.

[Link] Ecology: Environmental pollution; global environmental change; biodiversity:

status, monitoring and documentation; major drivers of biodiversity change; biodiversity
management approaches.

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

I. Conservation Biology: Principles of conservation, major approaches to management,

Indian case studies on conservation/management strategy (Project Tiger, Biosphere
reserves).

UNIT 10 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 10: This unit has to be prepared together for both the environmental concerns and applied
ecological concepts. A very interesting and scoring unit, so avoid skipping. Listed are some of
the frequently asked about topics, although almost everything mentioned under the syllabus is
equally important.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 10

● The structure of an ecological organization, like organisms, population, community,
ecosystem, biomes, and biosphere. It is required to have a good knowledge of the major
biomes of the world.
● Structure and components of different types of ecosystems like terrestrial, forest,
grassland and aquatic.
● Rules in Ecology like Bergmann's rule, Allen's rule, Gloger's rule, Yoda's law
● Ecosystem ecology - types and mechanisms of succession, changes involved, energy
cycling and minerals flow, primary production, Gross Primary productivity, Net Primary
productivity, decomposition, food web, the food chain.
● Pyramids of energy and population, thermal stratification in lentic ecosystem
Population Ecology - r and k selection, Hardy Weinberg Law, gene pool, Concepts and
rate of change in gene frequency through natural selection, survivorship curves,
population characteristics and regulation, population growth curves, metapopulation,
terms like demes, dispersal, interdemic extinction, age-structured population are
important.
● Biosphere reserves and sanctuaries in different states of India, the difference between
adaptation and acclimatization, recent concerns like anthropological activities, global
warming, environmental pollution, monitoring, its effects on biodiversity, Project Tiger.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 10

● Basic Ecology: Fundamentals of Ecology by Eugene P. Odum
● Ecology Environmental Science and Conservation by Sp Singh Js Singh

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 11. EVOLUTION AND

BEHAVIOUR
Weightage of questions asked from unit 11

Unit 11: Evolution and behavior (14.29% in Part B, 6.67% in Part C) -

Do not skip - 2nd Most Imp Unit

SYLLABUS

A. Emergence of evolutionary thoughts

Lamarck; Darwin–concepts of variation, adaptation, struggle, fitness and natural
selection; Mendelism; Spontaneity of mutations; The evolutionary synthesis.

B. Origin of cells and unicellular evolution:

Origin of basic biological molecules; Abiotic synthesis of organic monomers and
polymers; Concept of Oparin and Haldane; Experiement of Miller (1953); The first cell;
Evolution of prokaryotes; Origin of eukaryotic cells; Evolution of unicellular
eukaryotes; Anaerobic metabolism, photosynthesis and aerobic metabolism.

C. Paleontology and Evolutionary History:

The evolutionary time scale; Eras, periods and epoch; Major events in the evolutionary
time scale; Origins of unicellular and multi cellular organisms; Major groups of plants
and animals; Stages in primate evolution including Homo.

D. Molecular Evolution:
Concepts of neutral evolution, molecular divergence and molecular clocks;
Molecular tools in phylogeny, classification and identification; Protein and
nucleotide sequence analysis; origin of new genes and proteins; Gene duplication
and divergence.

E. The Mechanisms:
Population genetics – Populations, Gene pool, Gene frequency; Hardy-Weinberg Law;
concepts and rate of change in gene frequency through natural selection, migration and
random genetic drift; Adaptive radiation; Isolating mechanisms; Speciation; Allopatricity
and Sympatricity; Convergent evolution; Sexual selection; Co-evolution.

F. Brain, Behavior and Evolution:

Approaches and methods in study of behavior; Proximate and ultimate causation;
Altruism and evolution-Group selection, Kin selection, Reciprocal altruism; Neural basis

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

of learning, memory, cognition, sleep and arousal; Biological clocks; Development

of behavior; Social communication; Social dominance; Use of space and territoriality;
Mating systems, Parental investment and Reproductive success; Parental care;
Aggressive behavior; Habitat selection and optimality in foraging; Migration, orientation
and navigation; Domestication and behavioral changes.

UNIT 11 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 11: All about evolution. Highly interesting topics, and the scoring unit as well. You will have
to understand some concepts thoroughly and memorize the rest. It has quite some important
topics from where questions are asked in the exam.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 11

● Ensure you know all the types of selection like directional, stabilizing and disruptive
Concept clarity should be there about the founder's effect and bottleneck effect
Natural selection – Lamarck concept, Darwinism, adaptation, variation, struggle, fitness,
the spontaneity of mutation.
● Also, it’s related theories such as the origin of a cell, how prokaryotic, unicellular
eukaryotic multicellular eukaryotic cells, anaerobic metabolism, photosynthesis, aerobic
metabolism, evolved one after the other.
● Concept of Oparin and Haldane; Experiment of Miller
● Then some important terms like adaptive radiation, endosymbiotic theory
● Types of evolution like convergent, divergent and parallel and the basic difference
between them.
● The concept of speciation types such as allopatric, parapatric and sympatric
Genetic drift changes through natural selection
● Phylogenetic tree and cladogram, molecular evolution, molecular divergence, clocks,
tools, protein, and nucleotide gene analysis, new protein or gene origin, duplication,
divergence
● Geological time scale - Ontology, evolutionary history, Major events in different eras,
periods, epochs. You can use some mnemonic code to memorize them.
● Primate evolution stages
● Brain-behavior evolution- altruism, behavior concepts, biological clock.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 11

● Strickberger's Evolution by Monroe W. Strickberger
● Evolution Paperback by Mark Ridley
● Evolution by Douglas Futuyma
● Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach by John Alcock

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

CSIR NET UNIT 12. APPLIED BIOLOGY

Weightage of questions from unit Unit 12: Applied biology

(8.5% in Part B, 6.67% in Part C) - 4th Most Imp Unit

SYLLABUS

A. Microbial fermentation and production of small and macro molecules.

B. Application of immunological principles, vaccines, diagnostics. Tissue

and cell culture methods for plants and animals.

C. Transgenic animals and plants, molecular approaches to diagnosis and

strain identification.

D. Genomics and its application to health and agriculture, including gene

therapy.

E. Bioresource and uses of biodiversity.

F. Breeding in plants and animals, including marker – assisted selection

G. Bioremediation and phytoremediation

H. Biosensors

UNIT 12 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 12: Applied Biology is a mixture of many topics, out of which you may focus on
some important topics listed below:

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 12

● Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer process
● Types of vaccines

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

● Different tissue culture requirements for both plants and animals

● Gene therapy
● Various bioresources, and uses in biodiversity, bioremediation and phytoremediation,
purpose and the different organisms involved.
● Biosensors are also sometimes asked.
● You may expect some experimental questions on marker-assisted selection breeding of
qualitative and quantitative traits or for disease resistance in plant breeding.

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 12

● Plant Breeding principles & Methods Paperback by Bd Singh
● Plant Tissue Culture by Sathyanarayana B.N.

CSIR NET UNIT 13. METHODS IN BIOLOGY

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Unit 13: Methods in biology (14.29% in Part B, 12% in Part C) - 3rd

Most Imp Unit - Get 26% advantage over other aspirants.

SYLLABUS

A. Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA methods:

Isolation and purification of RNA , DNA (genomic and plasmid) and proteins,
different separation methods.
Analysis of RNA, DNA and proteins by one and two dimensional gel
electrophoresis, Isoelectric focusing gels.
Molecular cloning of DNA or RNA fragments in bacterial and eukaryotic systems
(DNA manipulating & Modifying enzymes; Restriction Digestion)
Expression of recombinant proteins using bacterial, animal and plant vectors.
Isolation of specific nucleic acid sequences,
Generation of genomic and cDNA libraries in plasmid, phage, cosmid, BAC and YAC
vectors.
In vitro mutagenesis and deletion techniques, gene knock out in bacterial and
eukaryotic organisms.
Protein sequencing methods, detection of post translation modification of proteins.
DNA sequencing methods, strategies for genome sequencing.
Methods for analysis of gene expression at RNA and protein level, large scale
expression, such as micro array based techniques
Isolation, separation and analysis of carbohydrate and lipid molecules
RFLP, RAPD and AFLP techniques

B. Histochemical and Immunotechniques

Antibody generation, Detection of molecules using ELISA, RIA, western blot,

immunoprecipitation, fluocytometry (FACS) and immunofluorescence microscopy,
detection of molecules in living cells, in situ localization by techniques such as FISH
and GISH.

C Biophysical Method:

Molecular analysis using UV/visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism, NMR and ESR
spectroscopy, Molecular structure determination using X-ray diffraction and NMR,
Molecular analysis using light scattering, different types of mass spectrometry and
surface plasma resonance methods.

D Statisitcal Methods:

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Measures of central tendency and dispersal; probability distributions (Binomial,

Poisson and normal); Sampling distribution; Difference between parametric and
non-parametric statistics; Confidence Interval; Errors; Levels of significance;
Regression and Correlation; t-test; Analysis of variance; X2 test;; Basic introduction
to Muetrovariate statistics, etc.

E. Radiolabeling techniques:
Detection and measurement of different types of radioisotopes normally used in
Biology (Forms of radiation, Radioactive decay, half-life) incorporation of radioisotopes in
biological tissues and cells, molecular imaging of radioactive material, safety guidelines.

F. Microscopic techniques:
Visulization of cells and subcellular components by light microscopy (Fluorescence, Confocal,
Phase contrast, Brightfield), resolving powers of different microscopes, microscopy of living
cells, scanning and transmission microscopes, different fixation and staining techniques for EM,
freeze-etch and freezefracture methods for EM, image processing methods in microscopy.

G. Electrophysiological methods:
Single neuron recording, patch-clamp recording, ECG, Brain activity recording (EEG), lesion
and stimulation of brain, pharmacological testing, PET, MRI, fMRI, CAT .

H. Methods in field biology:

Methods of estimating population density of animals and plants, ranging patterns
through direct, indirect and remote observations, sampling methods in the study of
behavior, habitat characterization: ground and remote sensing methods.

UNIT 13 Break up of Important Topics & REFERENCE BOOKS

Unit 13: Last but not least! Dealing with all different techniques and their applications, extremely
experimental questions are expected from this unit, which will test your true research abilities.
Scoring cannot be guaranteed from 1st 3 subunits, but you do have some direct questions being
asked from the next four subunits. Being very vast, you might face some serious preparation
issues, but preparing the following may give you an edge.

Important Topics to be studied From CSIR NET Unit 13

● Recombinant DNA technology: RNA, DNA and proteins isolation, separation and
analytical techniques (1D and 2D gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing gels), cloning,
Recombinant protein expression using various bacterial, animal and plant vectors
(cosmid, BAC and YAC vectors), genomic and cDNA libraries,

[Link]
Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

● In vitro mutagenesis and deletion techniques, gene knock out, DNA and protein
sequencing, gene expression analysis at RNA and protein level, microarrays, RFLP,
RAPD, and AFLP techniques
● Immunological techniques such as ELISA, RIA, western blot, immunoprecipitation, flow
cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, FISH and GISH.
● Biophysical methods such as UV/visible, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism,
NMR, ESR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, NMR, different types of mass spectrometry.
● Statistical Methods - Mainly questions will be asked from probability distributions such as
Binomial, Poisson and normal.
● T-test, X2 test
● Radiolabeling techniques - Various types of radioisotopes used in biology and their
properties focus on their detection, measurement, and incorporation
● Microscopic techniques - numerical on resolving powers of different microscopes, SEM,
TEM, fixation, and staining techniques, freeze-etch and freeze-fracture methods for EM
● Electrophysiological methods - Single neuron recording, patch-clamp recording, ECG,
Brain activity recording, PET, MRI, fMRI, CAT

REFERENCE BOOKS For CSIR NET UNIT 13

● Principles of Gene Manipulation and Genomics by Sandy B. Primrose, Richard Twyman
● Gene Cloning and DNA Analysis: An Introduction by T. A. Brown
● Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual by Joseph Sambrook, David Russell
● Fundamentals of Biostatistics by V.B. Rastogi
● Principles and Techniques of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology by Wilson/Walker

[Link]
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Bioinformatics Global Research Online Hands-On

Internship
[Link]/products/bioinformatics-global-research-online-hands-on-internship

Bioinformatics Global Research Online Hands-On Internship -

Learn 30+ Computational Tools & Software
Rs. 6,995.00

Dive into the future of biology with our Bioinformatics Global

Research Online Hands-On Internship!

Master Over 30 Computational Tools & Cutting-Edge Software with

our Accomplished Global Bioinformatics Expert

Starts 15th September 2023

Bioinformatics is the present and future - Are You Ready To Take

Your Career To the Next Level?

Early Bird Registrations Open

[Link]
1/5
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Embark on a comprehensive journey into the world of Bioinformatics through our Global
Research Online Hands-On Internship. This intensive program is designed for students
and professionals across various life science disciplines who seek to harness the power
of computational tools and software in biological research. Led by the esteemed
instructor, Ms. Nilofer K Shaikh, PhD in Bioinformatics, you will explore over 30
computational tools and software, equipping you with the skills to delve into genomics,
proteomics, molecular evolution, and more. Join us and uncover the limitless possibilities
at the intersection of biology and technology.

Internship Details:

Duration: 14 Days of Instruction + 2 Days of LIVE Project Discussion + 5 Days for

Project Submission
Start Date: 15th September 2023
Time: 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (GMT)
Target Audience: [Link]., [Link]., [Link]., [Link]., [Link], [Link], Life
Sciences, Ph.D. and Post Doc Students

Why Attend the Bioinformatics Global Research Online Hands-On Internship:

Unlock the Future of Bioinformatics: Dive into the intersection of biology and technology
with our intensive Global Research Online Hands-On Internship in Bioinformatics. This
program offers a unique opportunity for students and professionals in life sciences to gain
hands-on experience with over 30 computational tools and software applications. Led by
accomplished instructor Ms. Nilofer K Shaikh, PhD, this internship promises a
transformative journey through the world of bioinformatics.

How You'll Benefit:

1. Skill Amplification: Gain proficiency in utilizing computational tools for various

bioinformatics tasks, from sequence analysis to protein structure prediction.

2. Practical Experience: Engage in real-world applications through hands-on

sessions, enabling you to apply theoretical knowledge to actual research scenarios.

3. Instructor Expertise: Learn from Ms. Nilofer K Shaikh, a seasoned expert with a
solid background in cancer omics data analysis and a wide range of computational
methodologies.

4. Multi-Omics Understanding: Grasp the complexities of genomics, proteomics,

transcriptomics, and more, expanding your understanding of cutting-edge life
science technologies.

5. Project Exposure: Participate in LIVE project discussions, enhancing your

problem-solving skills and fostering collaboration with peers.

[Link]
2/5
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

Bioinformatics is at the forefront of modern scientific advancements, enabling researchers

to extract meaningful insights from vast biological data. From drug discovery to
personalized medicine, bioinformatics plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of
healthcare and life sciences.

How This Internship Will Help:

By attending this internship, you will acquire the skills needed to harness the power of
bioinformatics tools and software, equipping you for a dynamic career in various sectors
such as genomics, drug development, and data-driven research.

Eligibility:

[Link]., [Link]., [Link]., [Link]., [Link], [Link], Life Sciences, Ph.D. and Post
Doc Students are welcome.
Individuals with a strong interest in bioinformatics and a basic understanding of
biology are encouraged to apply.

Instructor: Ms. Nilofer K Shaikh, PhD With a strong background in big data analysis

using computational approaches in cancer omics data, Ms. Nilofer K Shaikh brings a
wealth of experience from MIT ADT University. Her expertise spans cancer research,
drug design, molecular dynamics simulation, data mining, and various omics
technologies. Proficient in Python, R, and computational methodologies, she has a deep
understanding of genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics,
pharmacogenomics, and AI for cancer treatment. Her skillset also includes machine
learning, MySQL database management, and natural language processing (NLP).

Course Outline:

UNIT-1: Introduction to Bioinformatics

DAY-1: Introduction to Bioinformatics – History, scope, and applications

DAY-2: Basic concepts in molecular biology and genetics, Goals of bioinformatics
and Fields of bioinformatics

UNIT-2: Biological Databases and Tools

DAY-3: Introduction to major biological databases (NCBI, UniProt etc.)

DAY-4: Using online tools for data retrieval and analysis with BLAST and UCSC
Genome Browser
[Link]
3/5
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

DAY-5: Updated Comprehensive Guide to Bioinformatics Databases (Primary,

Secondary, Literature databases)

UNIT-3: Sequence Analysis

DAY-6: Sequence alignment techniques – global alignments and local alignments

(pairwise and multiple sequence alignment)
DAY-7: Introduction to sequence similarity searching; Hands-on with tools like
ClustalW, MUSCLE, and BLAST

UNIT-4: Molecular Phylogenetic

DAY-8: Molecular Evolution, Understanding Evolution, Reading Phylogenetics Tree;

Building Guide Tree
DAY-9: Constructing a phylogenetic tree

UNIT-5: Protein Structure Analysis

DAY-10: Introduction to protein structure databases (PDB)

DAY-11: Basic concepts in protein structure prediction and modeling, Homology
Modeling
DAY-12: Hands-on experience with SWISS-MODEL SERVER, Phyre2, and
visualization tools (e.g., PyMOL)

UNIT-6: Functional Analysis

DAY-13: Introduction to Functional Enrichment Analysis, Gene ontology (GO), and

pathway analysis
DAY-14: Pathway analysis using tools like KEGG or Reactome; Protein Functional
Analysis (PFA) tools for biological or biochemical roles

Day 15 & 16: LIVE Project Discussion

Day 17-21: Project Submission Period

Certification: A hard copy certificate will be given to all participants after successfully
submitting all assignments. This certificate can be shared with your potential employers
and with your network.

Laptop Requirements for Attending the Bioinformatics Internship:

To fully engage in the Bioinformatics Global Research Online Hands-On Internship,

participants are required to have access to a laptop that meets the following
specifications:

1. Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux.

2. Processor: Dual-core processor or higher.
3. RAM: Minimum of 4GB RAM.

[Link]
4/5
 Admissions Open: Call - 1800-1200-1818 CSIR NET RAFTAAR BATCH 2023

4. Internet Connectivity: Stable internet connection for seamless participation in live

sessions and online activities.
5. Web Browser: Latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge for optimal
compatibility with online tools and platforms.
6. Software: Ability to install software as instructed during the internship for hands-on
practical sessions.
7. Webcam and Microphone: Built-in or external webcam and microphone for
interactive discussions and presentations.

Join us to embark on a transformative journey into the world of bioinformatics and

secure your spot in the future of life sciences!

Frequently asked questions on Bioinformatics Global Tools & Techniques Hands-

on Internship.

Are these going to be live sessions?

The Bioinformatics Hands-on Internship will combine live interactive sessions, recorded
self-learning classes, and assignments. However, our expert will be available to guide you
throughout the course.

What If I miss a session?

The recording of the sessions will be available for five days post-completion of the
internship. So you can go back and refer to the recordings, but make sure you do not
miss the live sessions and take maximum benefit from it.

Will I need to install any software?

The course does not require any additional software. However, any requirement arises,
the instructor will inform it before the sessions.

How to get the hard copy certificate?

To avail of the hard copy certificate, the candidate should complete the assignments.
Upon submission of the same, a hard copy certificate will be sent to your address.

Whom do I contact for any further queries or technical difficulties?

Having any trouble? Get in touch with our team. Click on that Chat thingy or write to us
cst@[Link] or info@[Link].

[Link]
5/5