About the Course

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At The University of Trans-disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), we are redefining life science education by bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. Our flagship program, the M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology), equips you with the knowledge and skills to become a pioneer in integrative health. Our one-of-its-kind curriculum ensures you are job-ready whether it is a clinical practice, research, product development or public health career that you want to pursue. 

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This PG course is designed for enterprising and curious minds who wish to break traditional academic silos. Whether you dream of delving deeper into clinical specializations, tackling public health challenges, or venturing into research and entrepreneurship, M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) will provide both theory and practical experience to become a leader in the evolving world of healthcare. Today, there is growing acceptance for traditional and conventional medical practices to work synergistically for patient welfare. Join this exciting new phase of clinical science and be a changemaker through any route - academic, clinical or industry – of your choice. 

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Now Qualify for UGC-NET with M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology)

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Watch this video to learn more about the course.

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Course Eligibility

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Age or experience no bar. The minimum qualification required to apply for M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology).
- B.Sc., any combination of natural sciences
- Medical graduates (MBBS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BSRMS)
- B.Pharm, B.V.Sc., B.Tech / B.E. (Biotechnology)

Those who are still completing their internship or degree course are welcome to apply. 

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Admission Process

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1. Register to receive the application form. Submitting this form will also alert our academic counsellor, Ms Anitha. A call back will be arranged on your mobile number in case you wish to clarify details about the course.
2. Upon registration, you will receive a link to complete the application form. Ensure you have your documents such as marks card and other information in order to complete the application.
3. Short-listed candidates will be invited for an interview and aptitude test. 
4. Selected students will be informed by email.

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What can you do after M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology)?

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Choosing TDU's M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) is a strategic move offering numerous advantages and opening doors to diverse career paths. Here's how this unique program can offer you more career options:

• Go abroad for a PhD. Our M.Sc. degree is a valid and recognised higher education qualification to apply for foreign PhD programs.
• Engage in public health at community and policy level. Work with NGOs that are active with rural and tribal communities seeking to use traditional knowledge for health and livelihood security.
• Join R & D labs in industry and start-ups. Use your training to design and test new products for human, animal and plant health care. Products can be in the cosmetic, nutraceutical or formulation space.
• Join Ayurveda clinical research setups in institutes or hospitals. Use your training and experience with us to uniquely qualified for research fellow positions in various clinical trials across the country.
• Enhance your clinical practice. Use your knowledge and skills to practice medicine that combines Ayurveda and modern medicine. Use TDU’s network to grow your practice. Place your ayurvedic knowledge in the context of modern biology or vice versa.

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Why pursue TDU’s M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology)?

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This is the only course in India where you can join at the PG level to learn how to blend the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda with cutting-edge modern science research. Highlights include:

• Deepens your expertise in specific areas like molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and immunology, enriching your clinical research with insights from modern science.
• TDU's focus on research prepares you for a career in academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or research laboratories, contributing to the advancement of Ayurveda through evidence-based practices.
• Integrates your newfound knowledge of modern biology into your clinical approach, offering patients a more holistic and personalized treatment experience.
• Stands out from the crowd by equipping you with a distinctive skillset, making you a sought-after specialist in the growing field of integrative medicine.
• TDU's strong industry partnerships provide valuable internship and career opportunities, giving you a head start in your chosen field.

Who has designed the curriculum of TDU’s M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology)?

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In addition to our Board of Studies, the course curriculum has been reviewed and received the support of eminent industrialists, physicians and scientists who are on our Steering Committee. 

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What after BAMS?

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Are you an Ayurveda graduate with this question in your mind? Fear not! This is a normal question that many of your peers have. Although it may feel that your choice of doing a medical degree means that you should only pursue a clinical career, this is not so. Medicine is just one qualification and at TDU’s M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program we will help you sharpen your clinical practice by empowering you with biomedical knowledge. It might also be that research is your calling and you don’t know how to get into it. This is the right course to expose you to several opportunities in research as well. If you are not ready for a 2 year commitment, why not try our PG Diploma in Ayurveda Biology which is only a year long. This diploma is also perfect for those who are on a gap year, preparing for AIAPGET and looking to enrich their knowledge before starting an MD. 

Can I get a PG Diploma in Ayurveda Biology?

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This PG course is like a finishing school to your BAMS degree as it will help you tackle tricky questions from your patients or your own doubts about the human body with biomedical knowledge that will help you understand clinical research better. This program can elevate your BAMS or MBBS degree. Within just a year you will gain exposure to Ayurveda drug design fundamentals, clinical research methodology, pre-clinical research and much more. The curriculum for the PG Diploma is year 1 of the M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program. See above for the full curriculum. This diploma can only be granted to those who have completed a professional degree. 

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Career Path

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Placement and Internship opportunities for M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology)

M.Sc. Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) graduates are prepared for roles in basic and applied biology, drug design, clinical research, public health, community health, higher education, health start-ups, and science policy. The program's comprehensive training opens doors for exciting internship opportunities and placements in both academia and industry. Join us, and pave your way to a fulfilling and impactful career.

• Clinic: Junior Doctor, Research Fellow, Clinical Trial Coordinator, Field Medical Coordinator
• Research: Research Scientist, Research Associate, Clinical Research Coordinator, Project Manager in pharmaceutical companies, Ayurvedic research institutes, universities.
• Industry: Product Development Scientist, Quality Control Analyst, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Ayurveda Consultant in pharmaceutical companies, nutraceutical companies, and Ayurvedic product manufacturers.

Other avenues: Academic Researcher, Healthcare Entrepreneur, Science Writer, Policy Advisor.

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Course Fee Details

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• Semester 1 - Rs. 1,05,000
• Semester 2 - Rs. 65,000
• Semester 3 - Rs. 60,000
• Semester 4 - Rs. 62,000

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Total - Rs. 2,92,000*

Excludes registration and application charges.

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Contact Us

Academic Counsellor :

Ms Anitha

‍anitha.n@tdu.edu.in‍

+91 - 9151515564

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Program Coordinators :

Dr C N Vishnuprasad - drcnvp@tdu.edu.in

Dr Megha - megha@tdu.edu.in

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FAQ

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What is "Ayurveda Biology" and why is it being introduced as a subject?

Ayurveda Biology represents a transdisciplinary approach that seeks to integrate the principles and knowledge systems of Ayurveda with modern biology. Its introduction as a new domain, specifically highlighted by its inclusion in the UGC NET exam, signifies a growing recognition of its potential. This integration is seen as valuable because it combines the holistic and systemic perspective of Ayurveda, on understanding health and disease, with the reductionist, molecular, and cellular understanding offered by modern biology. This new field aims to explore traditional knowledge through modern scientific methods and vice versa, opening up new avenues for research, education, and potentially, therapeutic applications.

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How does the inclusion of "Ayurveda Biology" in the UGC NET exam benefit students?

The inclusion of Ayurveda Biology as a subject in the UGC NET exam significantly benefits students with professional degrees like BAMS, BME (Biomedical Engineering) and those with degrees in the basic sciences. It provides them with an additional option to take the exam, which currently has a smaller pool of candidates compared to other biology streams. This increases the chances of Ayurveda Biology students achieving a better ranking and score. Successfully clearing this exam, especially in the top percentile, can lead to opportunities for pursuing a PhD with a fellowship (stipend) at universities and institutes that accept UGC fellowships. Additionally, it grants eligibility for employment as an assistant professor in government institutions, thereby enhancing career advancement prospects in the academic domain in India.

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Is the University of Transdisciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU) the only institution offering an Ayurveda Biology course?

While TDU offers a unique MSc Life Sciences program with a specialization in Ayurveda Biology, it is not the only institution engaged in related areas. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has a five-year integrated program in "Ayurveda Biology," which is offered in collaboration with their life science and Sanskrit departments. Furthermore, the National Council for Indian Systems of Medicine (NCISM) has formally introduced a new stream of MD in "Ayurveda Biology" as part of their curriculum. TDU's MSc program is particularly noted for its strong alignment with the CSIR Life Sciences syllabus and its transdisciplinary approach. As of 2025, it is the only Post-Graduate degree in Ayurveda Biology being offered to both BAMS and BSc students. 

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What makes the MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program at TDU "transdisciplinary"?

The transdisciplinary nature of the MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program at TDU lies in its explicit effort to bridge the gap between traditional Indian knowledge systems, particularly Ayurveda, and modern biological sciences. The program aims to cultivate a perspective that respects and integrates insights from both fields. This is reflected in the curriculum design, which incorporates foundational knowledge from both life sciences and Ayurveda, and in the teaching methodologies that encourage open discussion and the exploration of different viewpoints. The goal is to train students who can understand biological functions from both a reductionist, molecular perspective and a holistic, systemic Ayurvedic perspective.

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How does the transdisciplinary approach inform research at TDU?

The transdisciplinary approach significantly influences research at TDU by providing new frameworks for understanding complex health issues. In diabetes research, for instance, while modern biology focuses on hypoglycemia and insulin function, Ayurveda offers a functional perspective emphasizing digestion and tissue health. Integrating these viewpoints can lead to a more holistic understanding of the disease. In malnutrition research, the transdisciplinary approach challenges the conventional focus solely on macronutrient and micronutrient composition. It incorporates Ayurvedic principles about preparing the system for absorption using herbs and regimens, leading to research on the impact of small adjuvants like Indian gooseberry (amla) on gut health and overall physiology in malnourished models. It also informs clinical trials exploring the use of traditional foods like moong dal as supplements for cancer patients experiencing malnutrition, considering both nutritional content and ease of digestion from an Ayurvedic perspective.

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What kind of students are eligible for the MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program at TDU?

The eligibility for the MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program at TDU is intentionally broad to foster a diverse learning environment. Students with degrees in various biology-related fields, such as biotechnology and life sciences, are eligible. Crucially, students with professional degrees in Indian systems of medicine (like BAMS - Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and even modern medicine (like MBBS - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and dentistry (BDS - Bachelor of Dental Surgery) are also eligible. This diverse mix of students from different backgrounds allows for rich discussions and the sharing of varied perspectives on biological and health-related topics. 

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How is the curriculum structured to accommodate students from different backgrounds and ensure they gain relevant skills?

The curriculum of the MSc Life Sciences (Ayurveda Biology) program is designed to provide a strong foundation in both modern life sciences and Ayurveda, while also allowing for individual specialization. Core courses cover essential life science subjects, ensuring students are on par with graduates from other MSc life sciences programs and are prepared for competitive exams like the CSIR-NET and UGC NET (Ayurveda Biology). Approximately 30-40% of the curriculum is dedicated to incorporating the Ayurvedic perspective and transdisciplinary thinking. Electives and research projects provide flexibility for students to pursue their specific interests, whether in basic science, clinical research, in industry, or even in entrepreneurial ventures. The university also facilitates learning through resources like Coursera and encourages students to engage with external organizations for project work. The emphasis is on developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills through diverse assessment methods.

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How does the TDU campus and its ecosystem support the learning and research in Ayurveda Biology?

The TDU campus and its ecosystem play a vital role in supporting the learning and research in Ayurveda Biology. The campus houses a curated collection of medicinal plants, which provides students with direct exposure to raw materials used in traditional medicine and allows for hands-on learning in courses related to pharmacology and drug processing. The presence of an associated hospital offers students, particularly those from modern biology backgrounds, valuable clinical exposure and the opportunity to observe patient interactions and understand the practical realities of healthcare. The data generated from clinical practices within the hospital also provides valuable opportunities for research, correlating traditional practices with modern scientific analysis. Additionally, the university's network and emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration allow students to connect with faculty and researchers across different fields and external organizations, enriching their learning and research experiences.

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How is this course structured?

Please watch this youtube video to learn more about the course philosophy and semester structure. 

See interviews with our previous students here . Watch this interview with our faculty here

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Is this course online?

No. This is a full time PG (post graduate) program. Several course topics have lab practical and field visit components, hence an online only experience is not possible or desirable. In exceptional cases, to accommodate outstation faculty, classes may be held online. 

What is the future scope?

See Career Path

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I am from a medical background. How will this help my clinical practice? Will I lose my clinical skills?

This course will build your skills in laboratory based science and bring in perspectives from botany, pharmacology and molecular sciences that are not part of typical medical courses. This course cannot be seen as a substitute for an MD, but is a lateral move to learning and doing science with a trans-disciplinary approach. Physicians who wish to continue to practice can do so outside of class hours, at their own discretion. Further, we would encourage physicians to design dissertation projects that involve clinical research, to build their skills in specialised medical areas like diabetes, neuroscience, kidney disease etc that are important to them.

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I am from a B.Sc background. Can I join this program?

Yes. Applicants must have a B.Sc. degree with any natural sciences (such as botany, zoology microbiology, biotechnology, agriculture etc.) specialisation as a core subject. If you are confused please write to drcnvp@tdu.edu.in

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I am a working professional and would like to join an online course. What are my options?

In the past, we have offered short 15-hr sessions to Ayurveda physicians to learn more about microbiology, cell and molecular biology from a modern biomedicine background. However, with an increased investment in our Master’s program these short courses have been put on hold for the time being. Please check our events page for other short-term courses on offer. For the time being, the M.Sc. course is expected to be offline and in person.

Will I be able to go abroad with this degree?

Yes. This is a MSc in Life Sciences, which is a recognised degree for admissions to foreign universities.

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Is this course recognised by UGC?

TDU is a UGC approved Karnataka State Private University. This approval provides the authority to offer degree courses. The syllabus of this course is primarily tailored according to UGC recommendation for an MSc degree in Life Sciences. Papers on Ayurveda have been included to provide a specialisation in Ayurveda biology that will integrate modern biology and Ayurveda. Students can also take the Ayurveda Biology in UGC-NET exam with this course. 

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How will I be unique in the job market after this degree?

This course is one of the few in India to offer a mix of modern science and Ayurveda biology at the PG level. Hence, a graduate in this degree would be uniquely qualified for industry positions that require training in both sciences which spans from drug discovery to food science. Further, as India moves towards an integrated healthcare model a greater need for human resources that are trained in modern biology and traditional medicine can be foreseen.

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Can I compete for PhD positions in India?

The course syllabus has been designed such that graduates would have received sufficient training to tackle national-level competitive exams from CSIR, ICMR and DBT for JRF positions. The majority of the syllabus is what would be covered in a MSc Life Sciences program and our graduates can be competitive anywhere that other Indian MSc Life Sciences degree holders are. Also, now UGC-NET has introduced Ayurveda Biology as a subject where it would easier for students to qualify since few universities in India offer such a course. 

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What is the admission process?

See Admission Process