Career Option in BioTechnology

Dr. Chandra Singaram, M.D., M.B.A(Health Care),

Field description:

Biotechnology is “any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms, to make or modify a product, to improve plants or animals, or to develop microorganisms for specific purposes”. Although the term sounds contemporary, biotechnology is not new. What is new, however, is the extent of applications and sophistication of biotechnology techniques currently employed. Researchers can manipulate living organisms and transfer genetic material between organisms. Genetic engineering, the specific modification or transfer of genetic material, underlies modern biotechnological innovation.

These current applications of biotechnology are predominantly practiced in the fields of agriculture and medicine. Modern techniques allow for the production of new and improved foods. Biotechnology is also being applied in the areas of pollution control, mining and energy production. Genetically engineered microorganisms and plants are used to clean up toxic wastes from industrial production and oil spills. Biotechnology applications have also been introduced into the forestry and aquaculture industries. Genetic methods can be used to identify particular populations of endangered species. Thanks to biotechnology, minute traces of animal or plant remains can be used to track and convict poachers.

Overall, biotechnology has significantly impacted and improved the quality of life for people on this planet. The expertise of intellectual property and patent lawyers are also a necessary component in the process. New career opportunities in the area of bioinformatics are on the increase. There are many exciting opportunities for scientists and non-scientists in the biotechnology sector. It is apparent that biotechnology does and will have a strong impact in our world.

Education Guide

Education Details & Eligibility:

If you want to join a course in biotechnology you must have a background in science that is Physics or agriculture, chemistry and biology at the intermediate level can join for B.Tech. In India, some universities offer the B.Sc biotechnology which one can join after class 12 or equivalent examination, with physics, chemistry and mathematics.Graduates in all sciences/engineering technology/medicine are eligible for the postgraduate (M.Sc.) course in biotechnology.

Course Duration:

Degrees in Bio technology are offered at universities worldwide.

Three years duration for B.Sc course.
Two years to complete the M.Sc. course.
B.Tech. course is of four years duration and
Five year for integrated M.Tech.

Approximate Education Expenses:

The Total expense for doing a Degree in Biotechnology is as follows:

B.Sc –Rs.50000/ per year- (4 Years)
M.Tech – Rs.50000/ per year- (2 Years)

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

Additional Courses:

As a Biotechnology student you should update yourself with the latest trends in the Biotechnology field. Students are advised to carry out the following activities for a great career.

Go through Biotechnology Publications
Listen to Popular lectures
See Biotechnology films etc.
Be aware of developments in the field. Research on the web, and read newspapers, trade journals, and technical magazines.

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 Master of Engineering or do M.B.A.

Institutions that Offers this Education:

Almost all the deemed and general universities offer degree in Biotechnology. Some of the private colleges are:

Ravenshaw University
Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar -751004, Orissa
Telephone:+91-671- 2610304

Sairam College, Bhubaneshwar
Satyanagar, Bhubaneswar -751007, Orissa
DAV College - Sector 10
Sector - 10, Chandigarh -160011, Chandigarh
Telephone:+91-172-2743980, 2742609,Fax:+91-172-2741708

Dolphin (PG) College of Life Sciences
VPO Chunni Kalan, 25 kms, CHD-Fatehgarh Sahib Road, Chandigarh -147301,Chandigarh

Alpha Arts and Science College
PB No.30, Porur, Chennai -600116, Tamil Nadu
Telephone:+91 - 44 - 24762368, 24767765,Fax:+91 - 44 - 24361204.

Alpha College of Engineering - Chennai
No. 34, Udayavar Koil St, Thirumazhisai, Poonamallee, Chennai -602107, Tamil Nadu
Telephone:+91-44 - 2649 5211, 2627 3588.,Fax:+91-44 - 2436 1204

Asan Memorial College of Arts & Science
Velachery - Tambaram Road, Jaladampet, Chennai -601302, Tamil Nadu
Telephone:+91-44 - 22461418, 22460216, 22460032,Fax:+91-44-22461335

Dr. MGR Educational & Research Institute
E.V.R. Periyar Salai (NH4 Highway), Maduravoyal, Chennai -600095, Tamil Nadu
Telephone:+91-44 23782176, 23782186, 23782085,Fax:+91-44 23783165

Dr. MGR-Janaki College of Arts and Science for Women
Sathyabama MGR Maligai,11&13, Durgabai Deshmuk Road, Chennai-600028, Tamil Nadu

Job Opportunities and Job Roles:

With the increasing popularity of Biotechnology courses in India and abroad, Job Opportunities and job roles are a plenty. After completing the course you can be

Research Scientist,
Teacher,
Marketing manager,
Science Writer,
Bioinformists,
Quality Control Officer or
Production in-charge in the Food,
Chemical and Pharmaceutical industry.Analyst (Venture-Capitalist)
Environmental / Safety Specialist.

Biotechnology companies require Corporate Executives with business/management Degrees. A graduate in Biotechnology can get job in government sectors such as Universities and Colleges, Research institutes or at Private Centers as Research scientists/assistants.

Approximate Salary Range:

The amount of remuneration depends upon academic qualification, institute or university from which the degree is attained and the level of work experience.

In the corporate sector, fresh IIT pass outs may get anything in the range of Rs. 70, 000 to Rs. 85,000 as annual income and fresh B.Sc/B. Tech. graduates from other universities may get anything in the range of Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 70,000 as annual income. Those working in the research institutes can expect something around Rs. 60,000 as annual income.