Career options & future prospects in Biotechnology

By Anuradha Sourirajan

Biotechnology courses encompass a broad umbrella of degree programs including Biotechnology, Microbiology, Bioengineering and Food Technology, all of which ignite experimental and research skills in young minds.

Shifting demographics and rising demand for food, agriculture, fuel and environmental sustainability are some of the key challenges we face today. Creating a vital link between technology and Science, Biotechnology, as a subject, focusses on understanding the way in which biological knowledge can be applied to solve real-world situations.

Course Overview

The UG/PG Biotechnology programs have research as its vital component, thus motivating students to build a strong grounding in the fundamental topics as well as prepares them for advanced study. You will learn how technology is applied to solve pressing real-world biological problems and gain the skills and expertise needed for future developments in biotechnology for sustainable benefits.

To gain entry into an undergraduate Biotechnology program, a student must be 10+2 (PCB/ PCM) with at least 50% marks. The students will be admitted by merit of qualifying examination. For masters’ course, a student must hold a BSc with Biotechnology/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry/ Life or Physical Sciences as one of the subject or Bachelor Degree in any branch of Science & technology. For MPhil program, the aspirant must have completed MSc Biotechnology/any related branch of Life Sciences with a minimum of 50% marks.

Teaching

Shoolini University has been recognised for its excellent research in Biotechnology Sciences by CCI and Gujarat Technological University and ranked 2^nd among the private biotechnology institutions of India by BioSpectrum survey. At Shoolini University, we have a team of expert and qualified teachers who have gained expertise over the subject and include some renowned professors, who are known for their groundbreaking research. The Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology aims at:

• Imparting subject-specific knowledge along with harnessing students’ analytical, critical, and practical approach to problem-solving in the respective field
• Providing students with enhanced practical and professional skills to prepare them for professional employment or postgraduate studies in the chosen field
• Empowering students to work individually and elucidate diverse problems
• Infusing critical awareness of developments at the forefront of biotechnology

Course Comparison

Before applying for a graduate degree in Biotechnology, it is important for a student to understand the difference between a BTech Biotechnology and BSc Technology. Whilst BTech Technology explicates the concepts of engineering and biosciences, BSc Biotechnology explicates the concepts of biological sciences and their applications for societal benefits. The latter one emphasizes on research & development in various fields like Biochemistry, Industrial, Agricultural, Pharmaceutical, Animal and Plant Biotechnology, Microbiology, Microbial Genetics, and Molecular Biology.

For students who are inclined towards technological career, it is best to opt for BTech Biotechnology as it allows for an easier transition to other fields. The programme opens up a wide variety of career opportunities, including sales & marketing, R&D, and quality control and assurance.

Careers – Scope & Opportunities

Biotechnology alumni have a plethora of excellent career opportunities after completion of undergraduate/ postgraduate programs. Students can pursue a career in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, food technology, biomedical science, agri-sciences, environmental management, and upcoming area of IPR (intellectual property rights). They can also work in medical research, public health, disease research, forensic investigation, and pollution management. Some of our graduates also go on to pursue medical careers, become teachers, and even opt for media as their preferred line of work.

Academic Pursuits– Scope & Opportunities

After completion of BSc or BTech in Biotechnology related programs, students can opt for MSc Biotech or MTech. Students can pursue their master’s degree in the following based on their area of interest. One can also opt for advance MPhil program and pursue research and development in the country and abroad.

• MSc Microbiology 
• MSc Biotechnology
• MSc Biochemistry
• MSc Botany
• MSc Zoology
• MSc Bioinformatics
• MSc Agriculture
• MSc Food Technology
• MSc Biostatistics
• MSc Genetics
• MSc NanoBiotechnology
• MSc Plant Biotechnology
• MSc Plant Molecular Biology
• MSc Forensic Science

Top Market Trends – The Future

Biotechnology and Applied Sciences is the future of the world. The Biotech sector in India is projected to grow by 30.46% CAGR by 2025, making India stand amongst the top 12 biotech destinations in the world. Since it is an interdisciplinary field, the subject combines engineering technologies with biological sciences to influence and control living organisms and biological systems. The course helps in designing products that have known to advance medicine, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food, and even environment management.

Having gained popularity in recent years, this research-oriented discipline is dedicated to improving the quality of people’s lives. After a graduate degree in Biotechnology, students can find jobs in pharmaceutical companies, enzyme based firms, food technology companies, IP-related firms, research labs, and medical institutions in India. For those who want to advance their scientific and research skills, they can opt for MSc or MPhil degree, and pursue research/ teaching jobs in prestigious research organizations in the country. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical sector, healthcare, biological sciences, food processing industry, and chemical industries are hiring biotechnology pass-outs to fill the position of production engineers, quality control analyst, R & D scientist etc.

About the Author:

Anuradha Sourirajan

Anuradha Sourirajan is Dean-cum-Professor, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Biotechnology at Shoolini University. Anuradha teaches biotechnology courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She received her PhD in Biochemistry from IISC, Bangalore and pursued postdoctoral research at Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, USA. She is a recipient of the fellow award for research excellence from the National Institutes of Health, USA.