Nature of Work
Biotechnology combines disciplines like genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, embryology and cell biology, which are in turn linked to practical disciplines like chemical engineering, information technology, and robotics. It is a research oriented science, a combination of Biology and Technology. It covers a wide variety of subjects like Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Chemistry and Engineering and is also concerned with many other subjects like Health and Medicine, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Cropping system and Crop Management, Ecology, Cell Biology, Soil science and Soil Conservation, Biostatistics, Plant Physiology, Seed Technology etc. Bio-Technology is the use of living things, especially cells and bacteria in industrial process.
There are many applications of biotechnology such as developing various medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, increasing productivity, improving energy production and conservation. Biotechnology's intervention in the area of animal husbandry has improved animal breeding. It also helps to improve the quality of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers. Environmental biotechnology helps for pollution control and waste management.
Growth Opportunities
As there is increasing popularity and explosive growth, there are plenty of opportunities available in biotechnology field. One can become a Research Scientist, Science Writer, Bioinformatics, Quality Control Officer or Production in-charge in the food, chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Biotechnology companies require corporate executives with business / management degrees. A graduate in Biotechnology can get job in government sectors such as universities and colleges, Research institutes or in private centers as research scientists.
Market Scenario
There is a great scope in this field as the demand for biotechnologist is growing in India as well as abroad. In recent times, biotechnology as a subject has grown rapidly. It has become the second fastest growing sector after multi - media.
Within India:
India is recognized as one of the emerging biotech leaders, ranked third in the Asia - Pacific region based on the number of biotech companies in the country. Indian economy is very much dependent on agriculture and biotechnologists have made major advancements in this area. Over the years, the agricultural output has been improving, owing to the improvements in the quality of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers. Biotechnology's intervention in the area of animal husbandry has improved animal breeding and dairy technology. India now has become the largest milk producer in the world.
In India leading business houses and MNCs including pharmaceutical companies, chemical industries, bio-processing industries, agriculture related industries and pollution control activities of the major industries employ qualified biotechnologists.
Overseas:
The period 2006 - 2015 has been projected as the 'decade of Asia' in the field of biotechnology. The global biotechnology industry is pegged at $54 billion and is growing currently at 17 percent annually. This is a clear indicator of the huge potential which the industry promises.
In UK biotechnologists work in research and development in universities, industry, government laboratories and charity research institutions. The demand for biotechnologists is increasing and career prospects are good. The pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries employ biotechnologists to discover and develop new drugs, and to improve agricultural productivity. The food and drink industry employs biotechnologists in the development of new products and processes for the manufacture of food and food preservation. Government establishments and agencies also employ biotechnologists, mainly in research.
