Biotechnology is not just about developing drugs. It has a wide variety of career opportunities ranging from manufacturing to marketing, research and development

WHAT IS BIOTECHNOLOGY?

Biotechnology is all about using biological processes, organisms and systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of life. In simple terms it is the application of biological research techniques to creative new processes and products with the help of living organisms and its derivatives. Biotechnology is the use of biological processes, or systems to manufacture products intended to improve the quality of human life. So, all those students who possess great passion for subjects like biology, chemistry and physical sciences, should plan to take admission in biotechnology programmes. In fact, Biotechnology has emerged as a science with immense potential for human welfare ranging from food processing, human health to environment protection.

B.SC VS B.TECH

B.Tech (Biotechnology) is a four-year degree focusing on biological as well as engineering aspect of biology. It covers life science subjects like microbiology, genetics and molecular biology and engineering subjects like bioprocess engineering, biochemical engineering thermodynamics and enzyme technology, to name a few.

BSc in Biotechnology is a 3-year degree that looks more at biological sciences.

Choosing between B.Sc and B.Tech is not difficult. If you want to pursue a career in research, choose B.Sc. B.Tech students can shift from biotech to IT if need be. Such a transition can be tougher for B.Sc students. Another option is to go for 5-year integrated M.Sc/M.Tech programmes offered by institutions like IITs.

SECURING ADMISSION

Admission process starts immediately after 12^th. Various institutes and universities start their admission process in the month of May with the commencement of application forms and lasts till August. Fresh batches generally start from the second week of August. The application forms are uploaded by most of the institutions on their website and students can fill them up in either online or offline mode. Entrances are either in online or offline mode. For B.Tech programmes, the application process for entrances starts much earlier.

ELIGIBILITY

For B.Sc Biotechnology those who have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as compulsory subjects with a minimum 55 percent marks are eligible. For B.Tech 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Maths/Biology with minimum 55 percent marks in the norm.

WHAT AFTER UG?

Postgraduate degrees enhance job prospects and is extremely helpful if you are planning to go for research. It also gives an in depth knowledge of the subject. Students with B.Sc  Biotechnology can either go for M.Sc in Biotech or MBA in Biotech. In case of B.Tech Biotechnology one can pursue M.Tech in Biotechnology or an MBA in the same. Students also go for M.Tech after completing their M.Sc for better job prospects in this sector or if they are planning to shift from basic science to engineering. M.Tech and M.Sc give in depth knowledge of the domain whereas MBA Biotech focuses on enhancing management skills required in chemical, pharma and other related industries.

CAREER PROSPECTS

Biotechnologists are not confined to developing drugs. Biotechnology has a wide variety of career opportunities ranging from sales and marketing to research and development and manufacturing. Both laboratory and non-laboratory functions exist in this field. Some of them are listed below:

Research Scientist

Research scientist are involved in drawing up research proposals, planning and carrying out experiments, maintaining and analyzing data, developing new products or ways of new discoveries, studying diseases to discover treatments or invent new medical devices that can improve the accuracy of diagnostic test. They generally work in research and development lab of universities, government organizations or industries.

Quality Control Officers

Quality control officers are important part of industries as they are involved in performing different kinds of tests to ensure the purity, identity and activity of the product. QC officers may work in various food industries and pharma industries.

Clinical Research Scientist

They are involved in conducting research and clinical investigations of diseases and conditions to determine accurate diagnosis and effective treatments. They may work in hospitals, universities and pharmaceutical labs.

Biomedical Engineers

Their role is to design and create tools that can improve human lives. For instance, creating and artificial organ that can replace damaged one or medical instruments that can help in better diagnosis and screening of the disease.

Sales Representatives

They work with hospitals, doctors and a wide range of medical institutions and make them aware of the latest offerings in biotechnology like new drugs or new instruments.

WAY FORWARD

What was once tagged as the next big things has lost its popularity somewhat due to lack of job opportunities and research prospects in India. But with more public grants and funding being allocated for setting up national institutes for conducting research and development, biotechnology is again picking up momentum. The future of Biotechnology is alluring for technocrats to explore biological systems in their various facets to advance knowledge in sectors like healthcare, agriculture and pharmaceuticals.