Are you a student who’s torn between choosing a career in science and humanities? Do you find yourself being passionate about both? Well, what if I tell you that you can pursue a degree combining both these streams? That’s a dream come true!
Psychology is a subject which fascinates many. However, colleges generally provide a degree in this subject under the humanities department which becomes a problem for students with a science background. They remain undecided about choosing between abandoning their science background and going for a humanities subject, or sticking with science which may not interest them as much on its own.
At Banaras Hindu University, you can pursue a B.Sc. in Zoology, Chemistry, and Psychology. This three-year course offers you great flexibility in terms of choosing your subject of specialisation by letting you explore the subjects in the first two years of your undergrad and the option of opting for an honours subject in the last year.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for pursuing this course is that the applicant should have completed 10+2 with PCB/PCMB from a recognised board with a minimum of 50%. Having Psychology as one of the subjects at school level is not a requirement.
Entrance Exams
Banaras Hindu University conducts an entrance exam (BHU-UET) for admission to this course each year. The application form for BHU-UET 2021 was released in August and the exam was held in October. Be sure to keep checking the following websites for updates: bhuonline.in and bhu.ac.in
Also, note that B.Sc. in Zoology, Chemistry, and Psychology is not a course mentioned on the application form. You will have to choose this option amongst others during the counselling process.
Required Skill Set
A few things to keep in mind before choosing this course is that a deep love for the subjects is absolutely essential in making a successful career. A logical mind, interest in the workings of human mind and body, and a curiosity about the world around you will go a long way in making these three years exciting.
Course Curriculum
Zoology
- Non-chordates I: Protista to Pseudocoelomates
- Non-chordates II: Coelomates
- Principles of Ecology
- Cell Biology
- Diversity of Chordates
- Comparative Anatomy of Vertebrates
- Physiology: Controlling and Coordinating Systems
- Physiology: Life-Sustaining Systems
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry
- Biochemistry of Metabolic Processes
- Principles of Genetics
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Chemistry
- Structure and Bonding
- Periodicity of Elements and Periodic Table
- General Principles of Metallurgy
- Inorganic Polymers
- Bioinorganic Chemistry
- Organometallic Compounds
- Molecular Spectroscopy
- States of matter
- Ionic and Phase Equilibria
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- Chemical Thermodynamics
- Solutions and Colligative Properties
- Electrical and Magnetic Properties of Atoms and Molecules
- Quantum Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Carbohydrates, Dyes, and Polymers
Psychology
- Basics of Developmental Psychology
- Research Methods
- Introduction to Neuroscience
- Computational Models
- Organisational Behaviour
- Human Development
- Understanding Human Behaviour
Career Prospects
No matter which subject you choose to specialise in, the possibilities are immense. Let’s take a closer look at them:
Job Profiles
Zoology
- Genetic Counselor
- Forensic Expert
- Veterinarian
- Nutritionist
- Teacher
- Scientist
- Professor
Chemistry
- Pharmaceuticals
- Teacher
- Professor
- Scientist
- Radiologist
- Medical Technician
Psychology
- Counsellor
- Psychologist
- Human Resources
- Advertising
- Professor
- Teacher
- Researcher
Top Recruiters and Salary
Zoology
The top recruiting areas are:
- universities
- biodiversity prospecting companies
- zoos
- environmental management companies
- bioinformatics companies
- schools
- Indian Forest Service (IFS)
- animal biodiversity prospecting companies
The average salary offered is 4-7 lakhs per annum depending on your level of experience.
Chemistry
The top recruiting areas are:
- universities
- schools
- pharmaceutical companies
- hospitals
- research labs
The average salary offered is 3-8 lakhs per annum depending on your level of experience.
Psychology
The top recruiting areas are:
- hospitals
- schools
- universities
- your own private clinic as a psychologist/counsellor
- NGOs
- advertising companies
- recruiting companies
The average salary offered is 3-10 lakhs per annum depending on your level of experience.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Choosing this course will let you experience the best of two worlds. You will have greater insights about our world and you’ll be able to apply that knowledge by making a career out of it.
- The fee is minimal. You’d complete your degree in less than ₹20000 rupees.
- BHU ranks at 3rd position in NIRF rankings. So you’d be surrounded by the best minds of the country.
- The entry-level salary, which is 4 lakhs, is a straight up bonus.
- Besides education, you’ll get a chance to explore a multitude of extracurricular activities.
Cons:
- Before going ahead, do make a note that this may not be a suitable course for you if you are expecting a job right after completing your undergraduation. A Master’s level education, at least, is a must.
- Most jobs offered will be related to academia and research. If that is a deal-breaker for you, consider rethinking your decision.
- All these subjects involve many practicals. Zoology, in particular though, also involves dissection of different sorts of animals. It may come to be of concern if you are not much into it.
All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can a person with science background study psychology in college?
Yes, it is possible. There are many universities that offer this opportunity which include BHU and CU, St. Xavier’s College.
2. Can I become a Psychiatrist after completing B.Sc. in Psychology?
No. For becoming a Psychiatrist one needs to complete an MBBS. With a B.Sc./B.A. in Psychology, one can become a Psychologist. However, PhD level education is necessary for becoming a Psychologist.
3. Which colleges offer a B.Sc. in Psychology?
Banaras Hindu University and Christ University are the top colleges where you can pursue this degree. For getting admissions here, you will have to give entrance exams.
4. Can I pursue Psychology if I didn’t have it as a subject in +2?
Yes, you can. You can either go for colleges that take admissions on a merit-basis or colleges that conduct entrances.
5. Can I only become a Researcher/Professor after a B.Sc. in Zoology?
No. There are many options you can choose from including, but not limited to, veterinarian, nutritionist, forensic expert. Another exciting option is of Genetic Counsellor.
6. What are the entrances that I can give after 12th to pursue B.Sc.?
A lot of colleges conduct their own entrances. Some of them are BHU-UET (Banaras Hindu University), DUET (Delhi University), CUET (Christ University). The schedule for release of application forms are not very clear due to the pandemic. Be sure to check the respective university’s site to remain updated.
7. What is the difference between B.Sc. and B.Sc. (Hons.)?
In a B.Sc. degree, you study all three subjects you have chosen during the three years. While in B.Sc. (Hons.), the first two years are spent studying all three subjects and in the final year, you only have to study one subject you choose the specialise in.
8. What is the minimum qualifying percentage to take entrance exams for B.Sc.?
Most universities/colleges require you to have at least 50% in your +2 with science subjects. The percentage is a bit lower (45%) if you are from any of the reserved categories.
