Career scope & job opportunities after BSc Biology course

Are you confused about BSc Biology course and its scope in career opportunities? Then, you are at the right place. This Shiksha article will clear all your doubts regarding the career scope & job opportunities after BSc Biology course.

By Dr Uma Sinha

BSc Biology is a 3-year bachelor degree course. It is a diverse subject that covers many biological aspects of living organisms including the subject areas of Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, Ecology, Genetics and Molecular Biology.

The basic eligibility criterion for pursuing BSc Biology degree is qualifying 10+2 or equivalent examination in Science stream with a minimum 50% marks secured in Biology subject and/or in aggregate from a recognised board of the country. Some institutes may conduct entrance test as well.

BSc Biology Scope

BSc Biology degree serves as a basis for higher studies in this field such as MSc, PhD, and MPhil degree in subjects such as Botany, Zoology, Bio-Chemistry, Biotechnology, Food Science, Biomedical Sciences, Genetics, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, Virology, Toxicology etc. The subject also has plenty of opportunities in the field of Research and Development (R&D), Pharmaceuticals and Chemical industries, Public Health and Environmental Protection Sectors, Clinical Research, Waste Management, etc.

Subjects covered under BSc Biology

Subjects that are covered in BSc Biology are listed below:

•    Advanced Biogeography
•    Advanced Cell Biology
•    Advanced Immunology
•    Advanced Molecular Genetics
•    Advanced Topics
•    Basic Pathology
•    Biostatistics
•    Cancer Cell Biology
•    Conservation Ecology
•    Developmental Biology
•    Ecology and Environment
•    Estuarine Ecology
•    Evolution and Systematics
•    Molecular Neurobiology
•    Mycology
•    Pharmacology
•    Tissue Culture
•    Toxicology
•    Virology

Top  Entrance Exams for Biotechnology/ Biological Sciences  

• Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B)
• IIT JAM (Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admissions Test for MSc)
• ICAR AIEEA (Indian Council of Agricultural Research All India Entrance Examination)
• AIIMS MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam (All India Institute of Medical Sciences MSc Biotechnology Entrance Exam)
• TIFR GS (Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School Admissions)
• CUET-PG
• NEST (National Entrance Screening Test)
• IISER Entrance Exam
• OUAT Entrance Exam
• GSAT

Scope for Higher Studies after BSc Biology

Some of the academic PG/ Master degrees you can pursue after BSc Biology for bright future are listed below:

•    Master of Science in Biological Sciences
•    Master of Science in Applied Biology
•    Master of Science in Conservation Biology
•    Master of Science in Computational Biology
•    Master of Science in Environmental Biology
•    Master of Science in Environmental Microbiology
•    Master of Philosophy in Plant Molecular Biology
•    Master of Philosophy in Plant Biology and Plant Biotechnology
•    Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Sciences
•    Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Molecular Biology
•    Post Graduate Diploma in Computational Biology
•    Master of Business Administration
•    Master of Science in Biology

Students can also go for Research (PhD) or MPhil in any of subjects cited above.

Students can also study the following certificate courses after completing BSc Biology to improve career scope:

1. Certificate in Dialysis technology
2. Certificate in Medical records management
3. Certificate in Clinical pastoral education
4. Certificate in Pulmonary function testing & Polysomonography
5. Certificate course in Radiography
6. Certificate course for OT Technicians
7. CSSD technician course
8. Certificate course in ECG
9. EEG-ENMG technician course certificate
10. Hospital aides certificate course
11. Ophthalmic technician course
12. Plaster technician certificate course in Orthopaedics
13. Postgraduate certificate course in health care administration

Career Opportunities after BSc Biology

Some of the employment areas where you can utilize your talent with a higher degree in Biology are as follows:

•    Agricultural Research Services
•    Biotechnology Firms
•    Botanical Gardens
•    Botanical Survey
•    Broadcast Companies
•    Clinical Research Organizations
•    Colleges/Universities
•    Conservatories
•    Environmental Management and Conservation
•    Farm Management Organizations
•    Fermentation Industries (including Breweries)
•    Fertilizer & Chemicals Plants
•    Food Institutes
•    Plant Genetics
•    Herbal Products Companies
•    Hospitals
•    Plant Genetics Research Centres
•    Research and Development Firms
•    Scientific and Medical Equipment Suppliers
•    Medical Research
•    Medical Laboratories
•    National Parks
•    Pharmaceutical Companies
•    Seed And Nursery Companies
•    Wildlife and Fishery Departments

A Master or Doctorate degree holder in Biology gets a good position/ job according to his/ her knowledge and experience. It offers ample job opportunities which include the following:

•    Biology Content Developer
•    Biology Researcher
•    Biological Technician
•    Botanist
•    Conservationist
•    Ecologist
•    Environment Consultant
•    Farming Consultant
•    Forester
•    Geneticist
•    Horticulturist
•    Laboratory Technician
•    Molecular Biologist
•    Museum Educator
•    Mycologist
•    Natural Resources Manager
•    Nursery Manager
•    Plant Biochemist
•    Plant Explorer
•    Plant Researcher
•    Science Adviser
•    Taxonomist
•    Weed Scientist

Career Opportunities in Government Sector after BSc Biology

BSc Biology graduates have a wide scope in Government sectors also in the following areas:

•    Testing Laboratories
•    Biotechnology Research Institutes
•    Seed and Nursery organizations
•    Biotechnology Firms
•    Banks
•    Life Insurance Companies
•    Government Colleges (Teaching and Research)
•    Agricultural Research Organizations
•    Botanical Survey of India
•    Hospitals and Medical Research Centers
•    Food Institutes
•    Wildlife and Fishery Departments
•    Public Schools (Teaching)

Thus, the subject of Biology can offer a wide range of employment opportunities to candidates in both private as well as government sectors. BSc Biology candidates can also pursue their career in the field of teaching. They can work as assistant professors or lecturers in any of the reputed college/ university offering this course.

There has been a lot of development in the subject of Biology over the years, so there is a great scope for the aspirants in the future. So, choose a career path according to your interest, satisfaction and abilities as every student has different goals, talents, interests, and values.

About the Author:

Dr Uma Sinha is Assistant Professor at Varun Dhaka Institute of Technology (VDIT), Krishan Vihar, New Delhi. She is also an online educator and has total 19 years of teaching experience.

Uma has completed her PhD in Human Physiology and MPhil in Biochemistry. Apart from this, Uma has also pursued MEd. Uma has received  Excellence Certificate from HRD Minister, (Smt Smriti Zubin Irani), Government of India.