Biotechnology

What is Biotechnology all about? Biotechnology is a highly interdisciplinary field that combines biological sciences with engineering technologies to manipulate living organisms and biological systems to produce products that advances healthcare, medicine, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and environment control. Biotechnology can be classified into two broad categories: R&D in Biological Sciences and Industrial Processes. The biological sciences aspect deals with research and development in areas such as Microbiology, Cell biology, Genetics, Molecular Biology etc. For understanding the occurrence and treatment of diseases, development of agriculture, food production, protection of the environment and many more. Most of the R&D work in biological sciences is carried out in the laboratory. The industrial processes aspect deals with the production of drugs, vaccines, biofuels and pharmaceuticals on an industrial scale using biochemical processes and techniques. Some of the best innovations and developments that have come out of Biotechnology and allied fields are: genomic sequencing technology, natural alternatives to pesticides, production of bio-fuels and developments in stem cells technology. Regards.

Hi Nandita Choudhury,
Abroad is a vast term, you have to first decide where to study. So, start by searching for the countries and universities, and shortlist them. Check the admission requirements, fee and narrow down your choice. Depending on where you want to apply you have to take tests like SAT TOEFL or IELTS, etc. If you want scholarship then its given on merit and determined by the universities themselves based on their norms and criteria. Excellent academic grades, extracurricular activities, SOP, LOR, etc. Are all required both for admission and scholarship. So, for now, use the internet and look for universities you might be interested to study in.

For admission to this course, eligible candidates are needed to qualify a relevant entrance examination, conducted by the institute. Two subsequent rounds of group discussion and personal interview subsequently follow for assessment of candidates general aptitude for the course. JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) Combined Biotechnology Entrance Examination is conducted each year for admission to UG Science courses at this institute. Best 5 colleges for biotechnology are mentioned below:
1) Christ University, Bangalore
2) Fergusson College, [FC] Pune
3) Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai
4) Kristu Jayanti College of Management and Technology, [KJC] Bangalore
5) Kishinchand Chellaram College of Arts, Commerce & Science, [KCCACS] Mumbai
Regards.

If you feel you will be able to perform well in this course, you should definitely opt for it. Also, it should complement your B.Sc. Course, so choose a subject which will help your career. You should pursue a course where your interests lie, and which you feel comfortable studying. There are a lot of job opportunities for M.Sc. (Life Science) graduates in government and private sector. In Government sector you will get a good job by passing various exam conducted by PSC, UPSC and SSC. Some of the common employment areas are as the following:
Medical/Testing laboratories
Biotechnology Firms
Seed and Nursery organizations
Government Colleges
Agricultural Research Organizations
Botanical Survey
Hospitals
Medical research institutes
Food Institutes
Wildlife and Fishery Departments
Public Schools
In Private sector you will apply in these fields:
1. Medical research
2. Lumber and Paper Companies
3. Private Schools/Colleges
4. Private Banks/Life Insurance Companies
5. Cosmetic Companies
6. Horticulture/Botanical Gardens
7. Medical Laboratories
8. Private Hospitals
You can also make your career abroad. Most of the foreign countries provide a lot of job opportunities for life Science professionals in various sectors. There are various certification courses available there which can be pursued to improve career scope. You can also get exposure to various areas of work there. Regards.