Fusing science and technology

News about ‘Dolly’ the world’s first cloned or genetically engineered lamb made big headlines across the globe. The reasons were obvious. For the first time it had become possible for human being to crate life identical to another. These are the real wonders of biotechnology of which generic engineering is a specialized part and it is being utilized today, in almost every segment of industrial and individual lives. Biotechnologies is often defined as willful manipulation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) molecules in living organisms to create unique products, like genetically, modified plants, animals to microbes, never before seen on planet earth! The sphere is one which involves expensive research work and combines subjects like research work and combines subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and engineering.

Qualities

Necessary attributes required enter this sphere are scientist and mathematical aptitude, logical and deductive thinking, patience, meticulousness, analytical ability, determination, ability to work in a team and strong ethics. These apart, the passion to invent, recreate, experiment, innovate and constantly come up with something new resilience to not get discouraged by failure, curiosity and will something new, resilience to not get discouraged by failure, curiosity and will power to realize a difficult goal, are other essential requisite, here.

Qualifications and training

Those aiming to become biotechnologies must pay extra attention to subjects like biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics during their school days. Being a member of the school or college nature or science club and reading up articles on new technologies advancement are other ways to learn more about the sphere qualifying oneself in the subject is mandatory and students passing class XII with a science background may take up a four year B. Tech course in biotechnology. Since higher qualifications bring, better job options in the sphere, they may also opt for the 5 year integrated M. Tech course in the subject just after class XII. Graduates in other sciences/engineering technology/ medicines streams are also eligible to pursue post-graduate courses in biotechnology, while those keen on qualifying further may follow this up, with M. Phil and PhD programs

Job profile and career prospects

Biotechnologists are the front runners of the industry. They use their knowledge and skills in science and technology to first disentangle genetic codes ruling biological processes, of different life norms and then modify them to the advantage of mankind. Currently work option in the biotechnology industry, exist in areas like manufacturing and production, sales and marketing, research and development, and quality control and assurance. Such opportunities exist in public and private sector industries, dealing in drugs and pharmaceuticals, chemicals, environment, waste management, energy development, agriculture, food processing and bio-processes. Some more areas of specialization for biotechnologists are agricultural biotechnology, medical marine Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering and Bioprocess Technology, besides others.

Pros and cons

Phenomenal expansions of this industry even in India have created greater job opportunities for greater job opportunities for professionals in the sphere. Higher pay packages and better opportunities to work abroad, besides the fact that it is an unsaturated sphere, work to its advantages. Yet, strenuous work hours and a pressurizing and extremely competitive environment can tell on one’s patience in this field.