M.Sc. Molecular Physiology and Traditional Health Sciences 

1 Year Program – Research Only

Program Code: HSHSS6.5MSCMTH

Duration: 1 Year (Full-Time)

Mode: On-Campus at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Haridwar

Intake: July 2025

Department of Scientific Spirituality

Faculty of Human Values

School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Human Values

Overview

This is a pioneering one-year, research-focused Master of Science (M.Sc.) program that isaligned with the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), and provides participants a unique opportunity to do research in specific areas related to herbal medicine and natural product chemistry. The program integrates indigenous wisdom with modern scientific approaches, that can prepare the students for careers in research, product development, and quality control, related to their specific area of research work.

Program Focus and Possible Research Areas/Topics

TThe research work in this program shall focus on one or more of the following areas (although a specific student will actually work on a single or a few of these areas):

• Molecular biology of physiological processes: Study of hormonal regulation, immune function, metabolic adaptations, aging processes, and other related areas in the context of traditional practices, including meditation, yoga, mantra chanting, Yagya, Ayurveda, etc.
• Integration of modern scientific methods: Exploring underlying molecular changes and their implications for health and wellness.
• Herbal therapeutics: Focused on phytochemical and microbiological analyses.
• Therapeutic plant studies: Investigating plants with potential therapeutic value and the molecular changes induced by traditional practices.
• Theoretical studies: Emphasis on philosophical and scriptural aspects related to the above-mentioned areas.

Research Framework

This program provides an opportunity of exploring one or more of the following techniques in one’s research (including, but not limited to):

• Molecular biology techniques: Gene expression analysis (qRT-PCR, RNA sequencing), proteomics, and metabolomics.
• Epigenetic profiling: Including DNA methylation and chromatin modification studies.
• Cell culture and functional assays: For understanding molecular pathways.
• Phytochemical analysis: Identification of bioactive compounds in traditional herbal remedies and evaluation through molecular in-vitro primary cell culture studies.
• Molecular and microbiological studies: On plant-based materials and their interactions with human physiology.
• Advanced bioinformatics: For data integration and interpretation.
• Theoretical exploration: Focused on philosophical foundations based on Indian Knowledge Systems.

Program Structure

Semester 1

Thesis phase 1 – 20 credits

Life management course-1 – 2 credits

Semester 2

Thesis phase 2 – 20 credits

Life management course-2 – 2 credits

Total credits = 44

Life management – a value-added course (vac) offered by the Department of Life Management of the university

Moocs (massive open online courses) will be allowed as per university policy.