A Basic Understanding of Biotechnology and its Potential

Biotechnology has quickly become one of the more popular career choices in recent years and has drastically helped with technology innovation in India. There is no doubt that biotechnology is one of the most beneficial and progressive spectrums of science. Biotechnology is basically comprised of physics, mathematics, chemistry, engineering and obviously biology, & are interconnected with each other.

It has widespread application through many industries, for instance, the food, chemical, pharmaceutical, bio-product, medical sciences, textile, nutrition, animal science and even environment conservation. Such a varied list of career options has made biotechnology one of the fastest-growing fields, with hordes of job opportunities for qualified professionals.

In simpler terms, biotechnology combines the practical (information technology, robotics, chemical engineering) and the theoretical (molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics) aspects of science.

What Qualities Does One Require To Make It In This Industry?

Certain qualities can help a candidate be better at their job, especially in this field. For starters, any student looking to make a career in biotechnology needs to have a keen interest in problem-solving skills and biological sciences. In addition to that, you need an analytical mind to have a fruitful career in the Department Of Biotechnology.

In addition to that, it is better if you are patient and methodical by nature and have the ability to work in a tidy and neat manner. You must also have a flair for laboratory work, which mainly involves practical applications of the subject. Along with that, a basic knowledge of computers is crucial to flourishing in this industry.

If you are relatively new to this field, keep reading this article to know how you can start to prosper in this field.

Eligibility Criteria to Start In Biotechnology

There are many institutions nowadays like the School of International Biodesign that offer several biotechnology courses. If you have passed your 10+2 with science, you can choose to pursue B.Tech (Biotechnology) or even an integrated M.Tech (biotechnology)

Any candidate looking to join such a course has to have an undergraduate degree from any 10+2+3 system, with a minimum of 55% marks in subjects like

• Physical agricultural, biological and veterinary and fishery sciences.

• Engineering

• Pharmacy

• Technology

• Medicine (MBBS) or BDS

The Department of Biotechnology, better known as DBT, offers postgraduate courses as well from certain selected institutions. Two other institutes are backed by the DBT that offer a one year MD/MS training for medical biotech. This further covers fields like:

1. Vaccines
2. Immuno-diagnostics
3. Therapeutic Enzymes and hormones
4. Gene Therapy

What Are Some Career Opportunities In Biotechnology?

As is already mentioned, there is a vast list of applications of biotechnology. Mentioned here are some fields In which you can get a job with a biotechnology degree:

• Public Funded Laboratories

• Pharmaceutical Research

• Drug Research and Development

• Chemicals

• Waste Management

• Food Processing

• Energy

• Bio-processing Industries

• Environmental Control

There are numerous government organisations and institutes like the DBT that can offer jobs. However, you can only expect some of the best salaries in the private sector. Some of the major companies that hire biotechnologists include Thapar Group, Hindustan Lever, Indo-American Hybrid Seeds, Hindustan Antibiotics and Benson India LTD.

However, the most number of bio-technologists are still hired by the Indian government in their research laboratories. While working with private organisations can get you a better salary, there are several perks that government facilities offer. So before you make your final decision, you have to decide if the salary is more important for you or job satisfaction.

In Conclusion

To sum up, biotechnology has had a significant impact on science and technology in India. It has not only helped make new products that help the society for better but also ensured modification of existing products.

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in Biotechnology, there is no reason to look back. It is quite a fruitful industry if done right. Make sure you do ample research and understand the industry before indulging in any decision.