Introduction to Biotechnology as a Career
Biotechnology is a developing field which offers high scope of career. It is now applies to many fields and changes the way it look things. Here we discuss the scope and opportunities of Biotechnology as a career.
What is Biotechnology?
Biotechnology is the combination of Biology and Technology to use in industrial purpose. The study of biotechnology is interrelated to many subjects like genetics, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, virology, chemistry, engineering, health and medicine, agriculture, animal husbandry, cropping system, crop management, ecology, cell biology, soil science, soil conservation, bio-statistics, plant physiology, seed technology etc. The person who specialized in biotechnology are called biotechnologist.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Biotechnologist
Applications of biotechnology are there in many fields like medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, increasing productivity, improving energy production, conservation, animal husbandry, quality seed production, etc.
The role and responsibility of a biotechnologist depends on the application level and position they are working.
Educational Qualification required for Biotechnology as a Career
One who want to become a biotechnologist must have to obtain a B. Tech (Bachelor of Technology) of B. Sc. (Bachelor of Science) in the field of Biotechnology. They can further go for post graduate degree courses in biotechnology and then to MPhil or PhD.
There are many other courses or specialization available in the field of biotechnology or related to biotechnology which can be obtained by students to get a career in the field of biotechnology.
Skills and Knowledge required for Biotechnology as a Career
A biotechnologist must have a good background in the field of science. Along with the knowledge and interest a biotechnologist should have accuracy and precision, ability to work in laboratories, knowledge in computers, skills like problem solving, analyzing, communication, interpretation, etc.
How to become a Biotechnologist?
For becoming a biotechnologist one has to get good background in the field of science in 10 + 2 level. They have to opt for science stream including biology, physics, chemistry in the 10 + 2 level. After 10 + 2 they have to get good score in aptitude tests and entrance tests to get admission for B. Tech or B. Sc. In biotechnology.
Further they can go for P. G courses like M. Tech or M. Sc. or M.V. Sc. etc. Graduate from science / engineering technology / medicine can opt for P. g courses in biotechnology. The specialization can be done in different fields of biotechnology. They can increase their qualification and scope in the field of biotechnology by obtaining a doctoral (Ph. D) in biotechnology. A good biotechnologist always be updated in the field and also improves their knowledge regularly.
Different Courses in Biotechnology
Some of the specializations or courses in biotechnology and related to biotechnology are as follows:
BSc. / MSc. Biotechnology
B. Tech / M. Tech. Biotechnology
M. Sc. (Agricultural) Biotechnology
M.V. Sc. (Animal) Biotechnology
M. Sc.(Marine) Biotechnology
Medical Biotechnology
B. Tech / M. tech in Biomedical Engineering
Where do I get the Job?
The scope of biotechnology is high both in India and abroad. Biotechnology is a field which is growing rapidly and offers good scope now and expected to be in future. Career options are available in the industries like pharmaceutical, agricultural, bio-processing, production, chemical, etc.
Jobs are available in government, semi-government, no-government, research institute, universities, private and public companies, food manufacturers, pharmaceutical firms, agricultural companies, quality controls, etc.
Some of the jobs a biotechnologist can get are teaching, research assistant or associate, research scientist, quality control officer, science writer, analyst, government officers, lab technician, biotechnology engineer, sales and marketing experts, etc.