BIOTECHNOLOGY AS AN OPTIONAL SUBJECT

IIn the words of an ex student (KULDEEP SHARMA)

I knew that I would opt for science in class 11. The problem, however, was to choose the fourth and fifth subjects. I was sure that I would not take biology since I love mathematics. I choose biotechnology as the fifth subject, oblivious to what it entails.

Biotechnology is a highly interdisciplinary subject. It includes biochemical engineering, life science, genetic engineering, material science, and bioinformatics: it goes beyond biology. Learning these basic concepts in class 11 and 12 provides a template to continue for higher studies in the same field. I enjoyed learning the subject, and never imagined that I would spend my next seven years in the same area.  

The 21st century belongs to biology since the field is relatively unexplored. Recent Nobel Prizes have been conferred to work mostly related to biology. Biotechnology is the most expensive laboratory in any academic institution. Researchers from disparate backgrounds are now incorporating some aspect of biology in their research work. In India, the Department of Biotechnology is a separate department under the Ministry of Science & Technology. 

Recent advancements in the field have led to several breakthroughs. A newly developed system - CRISPR-Cas9 - is a gene-editing tool that allows DNA to be added, removed, or modified at particular locations. DNA based data storage devices are a new reality. In June 2019, scientists encoded all 16 GB text from Wikipedia’s English-language version into the synthetic DNA. The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic has led everyone to realize the importance of this field. Detection kits, vaccines, and antibodies find their place in contemporary public discourse. 

The biotechnology sector is growing at a rate of 12% over the last five years, with a turnover of ₹28,185 crores in 2014-15. By the end of 2025, it will touch the $100 billion mark in India. The career prospects are bright, but it requires immense effort. You can become whatever you love to: researcher, data scientist, academician, pedagogue, intellectual property agent, science journalist, scientific advisor, forensics expert, and entrepreneur. 

About the author:

Kuldeep is pursuing M.Tech. in Biological Engineering at IIT Gandhinagar. He is yet to submit the Master’s Thesis. 

NOW WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT BIOTECHNOLOGY:

Biotechnology is the exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes, especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones, etc.

Or simply we can say,  In biotechnology, living organisms are used to make useful chemicals and products or to perform an industrial task.

Biotechnology is the field of science that involves the use of living things in various fields as engineering, technology, medicine etc.

People still think that biotechnology is only about biology. But that is not it seems to be. Knowledge of mathematics adds up to be an important to make your career in this field.

Thus, I can say biotechnology as 5th subject with SCIENCE even with MATHEMATICS is a good combination or we can say is a need of hour.

AFTER 12TH: 

• B.TECH(BIOTECHNOLOGY)
• B.TECH (FOOD TECHNOLOGY)
• B. TECH (DAIRY TECHNOLOGY)
• B.TECH (BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING)
• B.TECH (AGRICULTURAL ENGINEERING)
• B.TECH (ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING)
• B.TECH (BIOINFORMATICS)
• B.SC.(BIOTECHNOLOGY)
• B.SC. (BIOCHEMISTRY)
• B.SC. (MICROBIOLOGY)

ELIGIBLE TO APPEAR IN NEET: NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY CUM ENTRANCE TEST for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses

These are among lesser known fields of engineering which are in great demand in present scenario. These courses are offered by few government institutes and due to less awareness the students are not able to take the full benefit.

B.TECH (DAIRY TECHNOLOGY): NDRI, KARNAL, HARYANA

                                                           MPUAT, UDAIPUR RAJASTHAN

                UNI. OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, KANPUR,UP

B.TECH (FOOD TECHNOLOGY): IIT, KHARAGPUR

                                                           NIT, ROURKELA

                         OSMANIA UNIVERSITY, HYDERABAD

B.TECH (BIOTECHNOLOGY): MOST OF THE IITS

                 DELHI TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, DELHI

                                        NIT, WARANGAL

                                            BITS, PILANI

B.TECH (ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING): IIT KHARAGPUR

                                                                                  MNIT, JAIPUR

And, thus the list goes on ..........................

A DETAILED LIST IS ATTACHED BELOW

Now, we should discuss about the CAREER IN BIOTECHNOLOGY:

A number of factors determine the demand of professionals from this interdisciplinary field.The applications of this branch of science are vast and simply mind-boggling. On one hand, it caters to the industrial sector such as food and beverages industry, textiles industry, biological products, medicines and pharmaceuticals while on the other hand this branch of science caters to the requirements of agriculture, animal husbandry, nutrition and environmental conservation. The list is a long and an envious one.

Although, the name may suggest that this branch of science is steeped in biology but this is not the case. Apart from biology, this branch of science also assimilates diverse subjects like physics, chemistry and mathematics. Furthermore, engineering applications are also an integral constituent of biotechnology.

Step-by-Step

In opting for a specialised profession such as biotechnology, you must plan your career right from your school days. In this context, the combination of subjects of study at the 10+2 level must primarily include Biology, Chemistry, Physics and even Mathematics. Among all you are at edge that you can opt this subject at class 11. Once you have finished schooling you can opt for a suitable undergraduate program (BSc, BE, BTech) in Biotechnology from various academic institutions spread across the country. The duration of a BSc program in biotechnology is three years whereas it is four years for BE and BTech courses.

TOP INSTITUTE / COLLEGES OFFERED BIOTECHNOLOGY COURSES IN INDIA

• Indian Institute of Technology (Kharagpur,Madras,Guwahati and Roorkee((www.iitkgp.ernet.in,www.iitm.ac.in)
• Anna University,Chennai(www.annauniv.edu)
• Delhi University,Delhi(www.du.ac.in)
• Manipal University,Manipal(www.manipal.edu)
• VIT University ,Vellore(www.vit.ac.in)
• Padmashree Dr D Y Patil Institute for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics,Navi Mumbai,(www.dypatil.com)
• Dr D Y Patil University ,Pune (www.dyoatiluniversity.org)
• SRM university(www.srmuniv.ac.in)

Top Companies

Some companies to work with:

1. Biocon

2. Serum Institute of India

3. Panacea Biotech

4. Mahyco Monsanto Biotech

5. Rasi Seeds

6. Novo Nordisk

7. Aventis

8. Indian Immunologicals

9. Venkateshwara Hatcheries

10. Ranbaxy

11. Dr. Reddy’s Labs

12. Piramal Healthcare.

Overall, these are some of the major names in Indian biotechnological industry which extensively use biotechnological processes and techniques to develop and innovate products and processes.

IN THE NEAR FUTURE YOU WOULD BE:

Agricultural and Food Scientist

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) combines three related careers under the heading of agricultural and food scientist: animal scientist, food scientist and technologist, and soil and plant scientist. Although all have the ultimate task of improving farm productivity, they accomplish this in different ways.

Agricultural Engineer

Many people don’t think of farming as being sophisticated. Seeds are planted, crops are watered, and eventually food is harvested. But it is an extraordinarily advanced field, and the largest farms are essentially food factories. Engineers are involved in research and development as well as manufacturing. They might oversee water supply and usage, design comfortable areas for the animals, and create machines that can efficiently harvest crops with minimal food loss. Agricultural engineers spend their time both in offices designing systems and on farms testing and applying those systems.

Animal Scientist

Farm animals can be crossbred to produce better quality meat, eggs or milk. They can also be bred to live longer, healthier lives, saving farmers money. Animal scientists have the expertise in genetics and reproduction to crossbreed effectively so that farmers can increase production and lower costs.

Biochemist and Biophysicist

These scientists spend most of their days in large laboratories researching how living things function. They plan experiments; work directly with protein, enzymes and DNA; and study the effect of external substances on living things. Those who work for biotechnology companies or divisions work in applied research, meaning they are looking to use their findings to solve a specific problem. For instance, in the past, biochemists in agriculture have used applied research to genetically modify rice to have more beta-carotene and, by extension, vitamin A. This rice could be used in parts of the world where rice was a staple food but vitamin A deficiency was a major killer. Biophysicists working for energy companies, meanwhile, have made advances in developing fuel such as ethanol from plants.

Biomedical Engineer

These product-makers either create tools to analyze medical problems or design tools that improve patients’ lives. For instance, they can create better microscopes or newer imaging technologies. More pertinent to the field of biotechnology, however, is their work to create artificial limbs that respond to brain signals or the recent invention of a bionic pancreas that eliminates the need for insulin injections in people with diabetes.

Microbiologist

Microbiologists research bacteria, viruses, fungi, algae and parasites — basically anything too small to be seen with the naked eye. The field is highly specialized, meaning that most microbiologists focus on studying just one type of microorganism. In the context of biotechnology, microbiologists might work in the manufacturing side of the industry, making sure that products are not contaminated, but they are just as likely to be involved in research and development. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook provides the following example: “They may study the use of microbes to clean up areas contaminated by heavy metals or study how microbes could aid crop growth.”

REPUTED DEPARTMENTS OF INDIA THAT ACCOMMODATE BIOTECHNOLOGISTS :

• BUREAU OF POLICE (R&D)
• DRDO
• MINISTRY OF AYUSH RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
• BARC PRACTICAL TRAINING PROJECT WORK
• NATIONAL CENTRE FOR CELL SCIENCES

Biotechnology is an emerging field and the day is not so far that the world will be conquered by it, leaving behind the field of IT. So don’t confine yourself with the feeling of Biotechnology having no scopes. Biotechnology is beyond biology and is having a good scope in the field of R&D, Quality Control, and Administration. The field is growing at a good pace and still, there is a long way to go.

BIOTECHNOLOGY COLLEGES AND COURSES IN INDIA

Name Of Colleges/Institution	Course	Eligibility	Duration
All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi . Website: www.aiims.ac.in or www.aiims.edu	B.Tech Biotechnology	Class XII with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Entrance test	4 years
GGS Indraprastha University , Delhi . Website: www.ipu.ac.in.	B.Tech /M.Tech Biotechnology [Dual Degree]	10+2 with 55% marks in Physics Chemistry and Biology & Maths.	5½ years
Indian Institute Of Technology , New Delhi -110016. Website: iitd.ac .in	M.Tech- Integrated 5yrs Dual Degree, Biochemistry Engg.& Biotechnology	Physics, Chemistry & Maths in XII are eligible.	5 yrs
Indian Institute Of Technology , Madras . Website: www.iitm.ac.in	B.Tech /M.Tech Biotechnology Dual Degree.	Physics, Chemistry & Maths in XII are eligible	5 ½ years
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal . Website: iitkgp.ernet.in	M.Tech Biotechnology Integrated- 5½ years	Class XII with Physics, Maths Chemistry & Biology.	5½ years
University Of Rajasthan , Jaipur. Website:www.uniraj.org	1] B.Tech /M.Tech Biotechnology Integrated. 2] B.Sc[Hon] Biotechnology	1] 10+2. Entrance test of PET 2] Class XII [Sciences.]	3 years
Punjab University , Chandigarh . Website: www.puchd.ac.in or www.pec.ac.in	BE. Biotechnology	10+2 with 60% in Physics, Chemistry & Maths. Admission through AIEEE	4years
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. Website:www.smvdu.org	B.Tech [Industrial Biotechnology	Class XII [Sciences.] admission through AIEEE	4years
Satyabhama Institution of Science & Technology, Tamil Nadu. Website: wwwsatyabhama.edu	B.Tech Biotechnology	Class XII admission through AIEEE	4 years
Uttar Pradesh Technical University , Institute of Engineering , Lucknow -226021. Ph- 0522-732376	B.Tech Biotechnology& Bio. Engg.	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry Maths & Biology.
Osmania University , Hyderabad , Andhra Pradesh. Website: www.osmania.ac.in	B.Tech Biotechnology	Class XII, with 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Math.	4 years
Visverswaraih Technological University, Karnataka. Website: www.vtu.ac.in	B.Tech Biotechnology	Class XII, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
University of Kerela . Website: www.keralauniversity.edu	B.Tech Biotechnology	10+2 with 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Maths and 50% marks in Maths.	4years
Vellore Institute Of Technology, Tamil Nadu. Website: www.vit.ac.in	B.Tech / B.Sc Biotechnology	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry Maths & Biology. Entrance test.	4years
Guru Nanak Dev University , Amritsar-143005, Punjab . Website: www.gnduonline .org	1]B.Tech Biotechnology 2]B.Sc Biotechnology	10+2 with 55% marks in Physics Chemistry Maths & Biology. Entrance test. 2] 10+2 sciences with 50% marks	4 years
Jamia Millia Islamia University . Website: www.jmi.nic.in	B.Sc (vocational-course) Biotechnology	10+2 with 50% marks in physics, chemistry and maths.	3years
Gulbarga University, Jnana ganga, Gulbarga-585106, Andhra Pradesh. Website: www.gulbargauniversity.kar.nic.in	B.Sc Biotechnology	Class XII [Sciences.]	3 years
Amity Institute Of Biotechnology, New Delhi Website:www.amity.edu	B.Sc Biotechnology	10+2 with 50% marks and Biology as a subject. Entrance test.	3years
Bharti Vidyapeeth, Pune Website: www.bharatividyapeeth.com	B.Sc  Biotechnology	Class XII [Sciences.]	3years
Banasthali Vidyapeeth. P.O. Banasthali Vidyapeeth. -304022 Website: www.bansthali.org	B.Sc/B.Sc(Hon) Biotechnology	Class XII [Sciences.]	3years.

 Biotechnology Courses in India after 12th

• Bachelor of Engineering in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Advanced Zoology & Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Applied Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Medical Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Zoology and Animal Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science + Master of Science in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Techonology in Bioprocess Technology
• Bachelor of Techonology in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Techonology in Industrial Microbiology
• Bachelor of Techonology in Molecular & Cellular Engineering
• B.Tech. + M.Tech. (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor of Techonology in Biotechnology
• Advanced Diploma Course in Biotechnology
• Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering
• Certificate Course in Biotechnology
• Certificate Course in Advance Biotechnology
• Certificate in Biotechnology and Plant Tissue Culture
• Post M.D. Certificate Course in Biotechnology

Biotechnology Courses Abroad after 12th

• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Biology)
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Medical Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Applied Science (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor Degree in Resource Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Biotechnology and Innovation
• Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc) Majoring in Molecular Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science (BSc) Majoring in Plant Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering with Biotechnology Specialization
• Bachelor of Biomedicine (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering - Biotechnology Engineering Concentration
• Bachelor of Medical Science (Biotechnology)
• Bachelor of Biomolecular Science - Environmental Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology
• Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology and Biochemistry
• Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Biotechnology
• Bachelor in Applied Sciences with Islamic Studies (Biotechnology)
• Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Biotechnology)
• Graduate Diploma in Technology
• Diploma in Biotechnology
• Diploma in Molecular Biotechnology
• Certificate in Food Biotechnology
• Diploma of Health Science in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology

Admission to most of the courses will be based on marks obtained in 12th class examination. Admission details can be collected from the web portal of the University that offers the particular course.