A profitable option for science students

 Dr. Amrinder

Covid-19 affected the academic delivery in 2020-21 due to which students stayed out of classrooms for most of the last session. In the present situation also, most of the classes will be conducted virtually in 2021. This unprecedented situation has made students all the more confused about their career and due to this very few are exploring new course and college options.  In this article we take up the largely lesser known field of biotechnology and the career options it offers:

The course

Biotechnology is the course pursued by science students basically after Class XII; it comprises subjects, including biology, chemistry, technology, and minor mathematics. The terminology of ‘Biotechnology’ explains Biology and Technology, covering the topic of cellular and biomolecular for the development of the latest technology required in our daily life. Biotechnology is used in different sectors of healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food production, animal husbandry, agriculture, textiles, and nutrition, etc.

 The different courses that are available after X, XII, and graduation are Diploma in Biotechnology, BSc, BTech or BE in Biotechnology, MSc, MTech in Biotechnology, or PG in Biotechnology. Many students get confused about topics that are covered in biotechnology but it is simple and vast. The different branches of this are microbiology, biochemistry, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, pharmacology, dairy technology, agri-tech, virology, biostatistics, and many others as well. 

Some of the topics covered in the vast area of the biotechnology courses are as follows;

Biochemistry: This topic deals with the study of Biology + Chemistry as a major; it is the study of the chemical process occurring inside the living cells. The subjects cover majorly the structure and behavior of complex molecules and the formation of cells, tissues, and DNA, etc.

Microbiology: This is the course mostly opted by science students for a future career in biotechnology as it opens up multiple job opportunities in the healthcare industry. It comprises the study of micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, etc and their impact on the human body. This course also covers the topic of diseases related to bacteria and viruses.

Agri-Tech: Agri-Tech is also known as Agricultural Engineering where we study to improvise the agricultural sector through innovation and different biological technology. The main role of agriculture engineers is to make agriculture production better and give more effective crops to the farmers. It also helps in machinery, bio-gas, new technology, and other agricultural products, allowing making a brighter career in agricultural technology.

Pharmacology: This course invoves the study of pharmacological science where we get to know about drugs and their effects. The study provides students a basic understanding of drugs or medicine required by a living organism. It also comprises the study of organ systems like cardiovascular, neurological, ortho, etc. Students opting for pharmacology make a better future in laboratories, forensic labs, pharmaceutical companies, etc.

Scope

 Biotechnology is a field that is growing faster everyday majorly after the period of COVID19. The global pandemic has changed so much and shows us the reality of our medical and healthcare systems. Currently, our country is in need of more techno biologists who can work on different experiments, design equipment, and also in the field of medication. These fields will also lead to a strong and upgraded healthcare system in the country. The pace of development will increase and everyone will get proper healthcare facilities and at a very affordable cost. This will break our dependency on other countries for medicines and equipments. 

The writer is Associate Professor and HOD School of Basic and Applied Sciences in Sanskriti University