In the 21st century, when everyone talks about advancement in technology and the digital world, one most important domains of science can’t be left behind, and that is – Biotechnology. It is a perfect blend of biology and technology. It deals with the changes that could be made in living and non-living organisms to improve the environment, nutrition, safety and health. The present research and development scenario in Biotechnology is similar to a revolution in multiple arenas of medical science. The worldwide presence of biotechnology has led to ample job opportunities and career prospects. Let’s get them all straight to head in this blog.
Scope of Biotechnology in India
Biotechnology has a wide scope as it includes multiple areas of science such as health, immunology, virology, agriculture, plant physiology, seed technology, cell biology and so on. In India, it is indeed a platform that gives a new drift to science and technology, opening up new arenas of growth and development. This creative branch of scientific study has raised many doubts and questions among youngsters, making them curious about this field.
The applications of biotechnology can be seen in our daily lives. Right from the manufacturing of medicines to seeds and plants, biotechnology plays a vital role in enhancing production and improving the quality of the products. Aspirants in India have vast scope in this field from a career perspective. They can find the best future growth in areas like Microbiology, Clinical Research, Genetic Engineering, Biomedical engineering, food technology, immunology, etc.
To quote some stats, by 2025, Biotechnology will become a 100 billion dollar industry as its scope in India is expected to rise by 30.46% CAGR. India has found its place in the list of the top 12 biotech places in the world and has the third position in the Asia-Pacific region.
Important domains of biotechnology
Listed below are major areas of Biotechnology that are segregated on the basis of their applications –
Plant and animal biotechnology
Plant biotechnology is linked to the growth of transgenic plants that can resist various environmental changes and diseases. This branch ensures the modification of plants and their genetic improvisations to yield the best products. Agriculture biotechnology is all about molecular farming.
On the other side, animal biotechnology is related to the development of transgenic animals to induce high meat and milk production. Such animals play a great role in molecular farming.
Industrial Biotechnology
This branch of Biotechnology enhances the commercial production of multiple medicinal substances like acetic acid, acetone, citric acid, and antibiotics such as streptomycin and penicillin through fermenters and microbial bioreactors.
Medical Biotechnology
The role of medical biotechnology is well defined by genetic engineering that supports the manufacturing of antibiotics, production of blood serum proteins, hormones and multiple medicines that are used for the treatment of many deadly diseases like cancer.
Environmental Biotechnology
The environment has been a major area of concern for all. Biotechnology has given a new ray of the scope by enhancing the probabilities to reduce pollution and work on waste management systems. For instance, bioremediation and enzymatic detoxification are introduced to manage industrial waste and other garbage.
Biotechnology Courses in India
If you are actually looking for a bright career in Biotechnology, pursue a wide range of long and short-term courses. BSc and MSc in Biotechnology are the most common and essential degree courses to put your feet in the best successful career choices. Post Graduation courses are for those wishing to advance in higher studies and see themselves in the research and development field.
Now, engineering also has the inclusion of Biotechnology as one of its streams, and many reputed universities are offering this course. Consider GLA University, which has started offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Biotechnology. The entire framework of the university is scientifically advanced, and the administration has introduced some modern equipment and resources that support research and technology. Students get to learn many modern methodologies and techniques to focus on the research work. One can also prefer pursuing a PhD to bloom their career in research.
Career Prospects of Biotechnology
Biotechnology offers ample career options for students who seek immense growth and success in the field. Biotechnology graduates find good career options in below-mentioned areas –
- Healthcare
- Medical Sciences
- Medicine
- Pharmaceuticals
- Animal husbandry
- Agriculture
- Genetic Engineering
- Ecotechnology
- Ecology & Environment
- Cosmetology
- Computational Biology
- Soil Biology
- Textile Industry
The job roles that are best suitable for Biotechnology graduates include –
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Microbiologists
- Medical Scientists
- Geneticist
- Environmental Biotechnologist
- Molecular Biotechnologist
- R&D Scientist
- Epidemiologist
- Biochemist
- Bio-manufacturing Specialist
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist
- Biophysicist
- Medical Technician and Clinical Lab Technologist
- Bio-production Specialists
This is how biotechnology has marked its presence in India, and this stream of science and technology is regularly witnessing innovative research and development in multiple projects.