Biotechnology

Biotechnology is hailed as the next frontier in scientific exploration. An applied multi-disciplinary biological science; it studies the building blocks of biological existence-cells, molecules and other organisms in a logical manner to devise biological solutions. The field gained prominence in 1953 when the exact structure of the human DNA was cracked.

Biotechnology gives a chance to conduct breakthrough studies and to work in one of the most innovative and creative sciences. Usually students with an undergraduate degree in any biological science like microbiology, zoology, medicine pursue biotechnology at the master's level. With MNCs like Biocon, Ranbaxy and Wockhardt recruiting directly from reputed institutes there is no dearth of jobs. However like medicine it requires several years of study so that one finds a core specialization before taking up an industry assignment.

According to experts, students should take up non research application based assignments only after their PhD or post -doctoral thesis. They can choose from a wide variety of specializations: agricultural research, immunology, virology, protein engineering etc.There is a growing demand for people with a higher degree of specialization. It is also important to have right degree from right institute for best opportunities in the industry.

The biotech sector alone employs over 25,000 scientists. Coupled with pharma this number has quadrupled in the last three years with the growing importance of R&D.The goal is to generate one million scientific and engineering jobs in the pharma-biotech sector by 2010.

The students alternatively can take degree in law, management or journalism after a bachelor's or masters in biotechnology. There is a pressing need for intellectual property rights and trade mark specialists along with corporate communication and sales personnel. Private companies find it useful to employ someone with a background in biotechnology to comprehend and communicate complex technical issues.

Where should you study Biotechnology Degree in India?

  • IIT, Kharagpur (www.iitkgp.ac.in)
    Four-year B.Tech in biotechnology and biochemical engineering
    M.Tech (five years after Class XII)
  • Amity University (www.amity.edu)
    Three-year B.Sc degree in biotechnology
  • Indian Institute of Science (www.iisc.ernet.in)
    Integrated PhD after B.Sc in Biochemistry
    Integrated PhD after M.Sc in Biochemistry
  • IIT, Delhi (www.iitd.ac.in)
    Five-year M.Tech dual degree in biochemical engineering and biotechnology.
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (www.aiims.adu)
  • IIT, Kanpur (www.iitk.ac.in)
    Four-year B.Tech in biological sciences and bio-engineering
    Two-year M.Tech/Ph.D in biological sciences.

Detailed Statewise list of Biotechnology Colleges in India

Notes On Notes On Biotechnology