About the Department

M.Sc. Microbiology course is designed to understand the power of microorganisms by gaining in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge. The curriculum and new approach of learning will empower students to understand microbial diversity and their potential to deliver the solutions for Industry, Agriculture and Environment. The students will gain fundamental knowledge of basic principles, concepts, approaches, analytical skills and applications of microbiology and microorganisms in Industry, Agriculture and the Environment. Eminent teachers, scientists and Industry persons will provide polyphasic approach for their study to develop quality research aptitude.

VISION

To develop critical thinking in students on Microbiological concepts and their applications for a better world.

MISSION

To develop among students an understanding of sustainability for all living beings for a better life.

Activities

2nd National Conference: “Microbial Maestros for Sustainable Development”

The Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad, organized the 2nd National Conference entitled “Microbial Maestros for Sustainable Development” on 10th February 2026.

Prof. Satya P. Singh, Department of Bioscience, Saurashtra University, was the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker of the event.

Among the eminent scientists working in the field of Microbiology and invited for expert talks were Dr. Nasreen Munshi, Institute of Science, Nirma University; Dr. Shweta Agrawal, Shri Vaishnav Vidyapeeth Vishwavidyalay, Indore; and Dr. Harsha Soni, HVHP Institute of Post Graduates & Research, KSV, Kadi. They delivered lectures on recent findings in microbiome research for the benefit of human beings.

A total of 106 delegates participated from various institutes and universities in and around Ahmedabad. Four research scholars presented their research work in the oral presentation session, while 40 undergraduate and 31 postgraduate students presented their work through poster presentations.

The best oral and poster presentations were awarded cash prizes during the valedictory function, which was graced by the presence of Fr. Pitchai, (Dr.) Fr. Johnson, Dr. Mallika Sanyal and other dignitaries. The conference provided valuable insights into emerging fields of microbiology and sustainable technologies.

International Microorganisms Day Celebration – Micro Marvels 2.0

Micro Marvels 2.0 Flyer

The Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad, in association with the MBSI Student’s Unit, celebrated International Microorganisms Day on 17th September 2026 through an engaging and creative event titled “Micro Marvels 2.0”.

The programme aimed to celebrate the fascinating world of microorganisms and highlight their immense significance in science, healthcare, industry, environment and entrepreneurship.

The theme of the event, “Celebrating the Invisible, Inspiring the Future,” encouraged students to explore microbiology beyond the conventional classroom and laboratory.

Guest Lecture

A special guest lecture was delivered by Dr. Hardik Shah, Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology, Mehsana Urban Institute of Science, Ganpat University, Kherva, Mehsana.

He spoke on “Microbes to Markets: Unlocking Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Microbiology.” The lecture provided students with insights into the entrepreneurial potential of microbiology and the opportunities available for translating scientific knowledge into innovative products and ventures.

Creative Competitions

The celebration featured a series of creative competitions designed to combine science with artistic expression. Students participated enthusiastically in Scientific Rangoli, Agar Art and Microcanvas, showcasing microorganisms and microbiological concepts through colourful and imaginative artwork.

Buttermilk Awareness Campaign

As part of Micro Marvels 2.0, the MBSI Students Unit organized a Buttermilk Awareness Campaign on the theme “Drink Buttermilk & Stay Healthy – Refresh, Rehydrate, Revitalize.”

The campaign highlighted the microbiological significance of buttermilk as a natural probiotic drink. The poster unveiled on the occasion showcased buttermilk as Nature’s Healthy Drink, enriched with the power of probiotics.

Faculty members and students of the Microbiology Department participated enthusiastically in the celebration, and buttermilk was distributed to promote healthy, natural hydration and appreciation of beneficial microbes in daily diets.

The department expressed gratitude to the college management for its support and to the M.Sc. Microbiology students for their enthusiastic participation, teamwork, creativity and dedication in organizing the event.

JOURNAL CLUB

The Journal Club of the Department of Microbiology, St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Ahmedabad, aims to cultivate a vibrant research culture by encouraging scientific curiosity, critical evaluation, collaborative learning and the application of contemporary microbiological knowledge to address real-world challenges.

The club works in association with Xavier Research Foundation. It is an academic platform designed to promote research aptitude, scientific discussion, critical thinking and the exchange of knowledge among faculty members and students.

Activities of the Journal Club

  • Presentation of recent research papers by M.Sc. Semester 3 students on every alternate Saturday.
  • Discussion of high-impact and relevant publications from reputed journals.
  • Critical evaluation of research articles, including strengths, limitations and future scope.

Objectives of the Journal Club

  1. Latest Research Updates: Discuss recent developments and emerging trends in microbiology and allied sciences.
  2. Critical Analysis of Research Papers: Evaluate objectives, methodology, results and conclusions of published research articles.
  3. Research Methodology: Develop an understanding of experimental design, controls, statistical analysis and data interpretation.
  4. Scientific Literature Review: Encourage students to identify, read and interpret articles from reputed peer-reviewed journals.
  5. Emerging Areas of Microbiology: Explore antimicrobial resistance, microbial biotechnology, nanotechnology, environmental microbiology, molecular diagnostics and microbiome research.
  6. Scientific Presentation Skills: Enhance students’ ability to present research findings effectively through oral presentations, graphs, tables and scientific discussions.
  7. Critical Thinking and Discussion: Encourage constructive questioning, scientific reasoning and evidence-based conclusions.
  8. Research Ethics and Publication Practices: Create awareness about plagiarism, research integrity, authorship and responsible conduct of research.
  9. Interdisciplinary Learning: Promote interaction between microbiology and related disciplines including biotechnology, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences and environmental sciences.
  10. Research Motivation: Inspire postgraduate students to identify research gaps and develop innovative ideas for dissertation projects and future research.

Journal Club Seminars

Journal Club - Arsh PMB Semester 3 Journal Club - Shaily PMB Semester 4 Journal Club - Komal PMB Semester 4 Journal Club - Kurin PMB Semester 4

Programmes

Students will plan and start their research project in Sem-III, and complete in Sem-IV. We will encourage students for independent scientific thinking to increase multi-dimension research potential to tackle local and global challenges with ethics and value-driven learning.

Overview of areas covered during Sem I – IV:

Microbial diversity, Enzyme technology, Microbial genetics, Physiology, Metabolism, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Agriculture, Environment, Food and Industrial Microbiology, Research Methodology, Bio-informatics and Project.

Faculty Members

Dr. Mohammed Faisal Ansari

Head of Department, Assistant Professor

Dr. Richa A Dubey

Assistant Professor

Staff Members

Ms. Hemangi Jatiya

Lab Assistant