Career Option in Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, genetic modification / manipulation (GM) and gene splicing are terms that apply to the direct manipulation of an organism's genes.

Genetic engineering is different from traditional breeding, where the organism's genes are manipulated indirectly. Genetic engineering uses the techniques of molecular cloning and transformation to alter the structure and characteristics of genes directly. Genetic engineering techniques have found some successes in numerous applications. Some examples are in improving crop technology, the manufacture of synthetic human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, the manufacture of erythropoietin in hamster ovary cells, and the production of new types of experimental mice such as the oncomouse (cancer mouse) for research.

Education Details & Eligibility:

To become a Professional in the Genetic industry one should have a graduate degree or at least a Diploma in related fields. The degree and postgraduate degree courses are offered by the private and government colleges in India and around the globe.

Basic eligibility criteria:

10th, +2 (Higher Secondary students) with Bio group as the majors can choose Bachelor degree in Bio technology/Genetic engineering (B.E).

Course Duration

Training in this field is available at a number of schools and institutes all over India. These courses are offered at the levels of

• Diploma
• U.G and
• P.G

The course duration for the various programs is as follows:

• Diploma in Genetics is around three years.
• B.Tech/B.E, Bio technology/Genetics is around four years.
• B.Sc Bio technology is around three years.
• M.Sc, M.Tech (Genetics), is offered as a two year program in various universities.

Approximate Education Expenses:

The Total expense for doing Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology/Genetics is as follows

B.E - Rs.20, 000/ per year - (4 Years)
B.E - Rs.30, 000/ per year - (2 Years)

Bank loans and private loans can be easily arranged by directly contacting the banks through the college administrative.

Most institutes do not offer courses in Genetic Engineering as a special discipline but as a subsidiary in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry streams. Some of these institutes are:

• University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi - 21
• Osmania University, Hyderabad - 500 007.
• Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana - 141004
• The Indian Institute of Technology(IIT)
• IIT-Kharagpur
• IIT- Guwahati
• IIT-Delhi.
• IIT-Roorkee

Higher Education Options:

After successful completion of the Bachelor degree, the options for higher education are plenty. A person with the above degree can opt for postgraduation or do M.B.A.

Being a Genetic Engineering involves a very good Creativity and hard work which are the two main criteria determining the career success for a professional. A Genetic Engineering pro can work in various fields like

• laboratory technician
• research assistant
• postdoctoral research associate
• lecture
• R&D

The salary can be from Rs.10, 500 to Rs.28, 000 for starters and increases with the persons experience and knowledge.

The web sites provide data on various aspects of genetic engineering and cloning and the ethical issues involved and the Issues arisen. Web site link:http://www.srtp.org.uk/geneng0.shtml