IGNOU MScBCH Credit System Explained for New Students
By Academicvox
If you’ve recently enrolled in the M.Sc. Biochemistry (MScBCH) program at IGNOU, one of the first things you’ll come across is the concept of the credit system. For many students, especially those transitioning from traditional classroom-based degrees, this can be confusing.
But relax. Here in this detailed guide, we simplify the IGNOU MScBCH credit system so you can easily grasp it, even if you’re discovering it now for the very first time. We tell you all about what credits are, how the credits are allocated into semesters and courses, how your workload and exam preparation are impacted, and why credits are important for completing your degree.
What is a Credit in IGNOU?
In IGNOU (and the majority of open universities), a credit is a unit of academic workload. It is used to gauge the number of hours of study a student must invest in a course.
Credit = 30 Hours of Study
Thus, if a course is graded as 4 credits, that implies you must spend around 120 hours on that course, including:
- Reading study material
- Listening to audio-video lectures
- Working on assignments
- Preparing for term-end exams
- Online/offline practicals
This structure permits IGNOU to homogenize effort from one subject to another, so every student knows the effort one has to put in.
Total Credits for MScBCH Degree
The IGNOU Master of Science in Biochemistry (MScBCH) is a two-year postgraduate course, spread over four semesters. To complete your MScBCH degree successfully, you need to complete a total of 72 credits.
Summary:
- Total Credits: 72
- Duration: 2 years (minimum)
- Structure: 4 semesters
- Average per semester: 18 credits
Semester-Wise Credit Distribution in MScBCH
Let’s divide the 72 credits across the four semesters.
Semester 1 – Foundation & Core Subjects
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
| MBC-001 | Structure and Functions of Biomolecules | 4 |
| MBC-002 | Enzymology | 4 |
| MBC-003 | Intermediary Metabolism | 4 |
| MBCL-004 | Practical Lab I | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
Focus: The first semester involves learning basic biochemistry principles, hence serving as the basis of your MScBCH studies.
Semester 2 – Molecular & Cell Biology
| Course Cod | Title | Credits |
| MBC-005 | Molecular Biology | 4 |
| MBC-006 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| MBC-007 | Techniques in Biochemistry | 4 |
| MBCL-008 | Practical Lab | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
Focus: Here you learn genes, cells, and laboratory methods — perfect for research-oriented careers.
Semester 3 – Specialized Concepts
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
| MBC-009 | Immunology | 4 |
| MBC-010 | Genetic Engineering | 4 |
| MBC-011 | Clinical Biochemistry | 4 |
| MBCL-012 | Practical Lab III | 6 |
| Total | 18 |
Subject matter: Application-based subjects like disease, genetic manipulation, and diagnostics.
Semester 4 – Research and Application
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
| MBC-013 | Dissertation (Project Work) | 12 |
| Total | 18 |
Focus: The last semester is purely project work and writing a dissertation — a vital step towards your MSc degree
How Credits Affect Assignments & Exams
1. Assignment Weightage
Every course (of 4 credits) has a Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA). You will have to submit the assignment to qualify for the Term-End Examination (TEE).
For a theory course of 4 credits:
You have to attempt approximately 12–15 questions in the assignment.
Assignments are worth 30%, TEE is worth 70%.
2. Study Material and Time Management
Since 1 credit = 30 hours, a course of 4 credits means:
- Approximately 120 hours of study
- Approximately 20 hours a month (if you plan for more than 6 months)
Use it to map out your study schedule. Allocate your time on a weekly basis according to credit weightage.
Credit Weightage in Practical Labs
Every practical subject carries 6 credits, i.e.:
- 180 hours of lab practice/study
- Includes experimentation, record keeping, and report submission
You are required to attend contact programs at IGNOU study centers for these labs. Attendance and performance here are mandatory for credit completion.
IGNOU Grading System Based on Credits
Each course (credit-wise) contributes to your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).
| Grade | Letter | Percentage Range |
| A | Outstanding | 80% and above |
| B | Very Good | 60–79% |
| C | Good | 50–59% |
| D | Satisfactory | 40–49% |
| E | Unsatisfactory | Below 40% (Fail) |
Not earning credits in a course (for non-submission or poor grades) lengthens your graduation time.
Academic Planning with the Credit System
Here’s the way intelligent students plan their semester using the credit system:
1. Plot Weekly Study Time
If you have 18 credits in a semester:
- Total workload = 540 hours (18 × 30)
- Weekly workload (spanning 6 months) ≈ 20–22 hours/week
Split it further into: - 10–12 hrs theory
- 8–10 hrs practical/revision
2. Prioritize High Credit Courses
Use more 6-credit practicals and 4-credit theory courses in exams and assignments. They are given higher weightage in CGPA.
3. Use Credits to Track Completion
Maintain a credit checklist for every semester. Check-mark completed assignments, practicals, and exams.
Why Understanding the Credit System Matters
Academic Clarity
Understand how much time to spend per subject, keeping you organized without ambiguity.
Time Management
Whether you are a working individual or a regular student, credits dictate your week-on-week study pattern.
Degree Award Tracking
Your degree is conferred only after the achievement of 72 credits. Skipping even a 4-credit course can slow down your result.
Strategic Grading
If you’re aiming for a distinction, prioritize higher-credit subjects that influence your grade weightage heavily.
Common FAQs Regarding IGNOU MScBCH Credit System
Must I complete all credits in order to receive the degree?
Yes. All 72 credits (theory + practice + project) need to be finished for your MSc degree to be granted.
Can I defer a semester and come back later?
Yes, IGNOU is a flexible learning option. But bear in mind: you have a maximum of 4 years to finish the MScBCH.
Are all credits of equal significance?
No. Although all the credits are required, 6-credit practicals and 12-credit project work carry more weight in CGPA computation.
Is attendance in terms of credits?
Yes, in case of practicals and workshops. One has to physically attend in order to get that credit.
Quick Summary Table
| Semester | Theory Credits | Practical Credits | Total Credits |
| 1 | 12 | 6 | 18 |
| 2 | 12 | 6 | 18 |
| 3 | 12 | 6 | 18 |
| 4 | 0 | 12(Projects) | 18 |
| Total | 36 | 30 + 6 (project) | 72 |
Final Thoughts: Make Credits Work for You
There is no obstacle in the IGNOU MScBCH credit system — it is a flexible roadmap. If you comprehend how credits represent effort, weightage of exams, and time spent, you will be more confident in charting your way through your coursework.
Plan carefully, utilize the credit system to direct your daily routine, and recall — it is not simply to pass, but to master biochemistry with structure and strategy.