We all have certain qualities and traits of your close family members. It is because of Genetics that the DNA is passed on from one generation to another. Gauging the world of Genetics can help humans unravel some unique combinations and features of DNA which can prove to be the basis of some revolutionary researches on this field. Explore career opportunities and future of Genetics in this blog!
How Does Genetisc Work?
Genetics has always been concerned with the cause of how the hereditary information in DNA controls what an organism looks like and how it works. Classically, this involved the use of genetic variants (mutants) to upset the biological function of the cells or organisms and, from the effect of these mutations, to make deductions about the way cells and organisms worked. At the molecular end of the subject, the availability of sequence information and genomic analysis, together with sophisticated techniques for gene replacement, and analysis of gene expression patterns (microarray technology), gives us much more powerful tools for looking at the way genes work to make us what we are.
To put in simpler words, genetics is fundamental to an understanding of how organisms, populations and species evolve. One of the most exciting developments that led to a sparkling future of Genetics in the last few years is the way in which these two extremes have begun to approach each other, through the application of the new molecular systematics to the problems of development, evolution, and speciation.
Geneticists believe that the methods and techniques of genetics are applicable throughout the spectrum of biological activity, and are as relevant to molecular biology as to population studies. Some of the basic tools of modern biology (analysis of genomic sequences and bioinformatics) are most intelligently used in the knowledge of the genetic principles that underpin the design and application of the software. At the other end of the spectrum, knowledge of genetics is fundamental to an understanding of the evolution of populations and species.
What is the Future and Scope of Genetics?
Genes carry the information which largely determines what you are and how you function in the environment. As we learn more about how genes work in different organisms, we find that this knowledge and understanding is fundamental to each and every area of biological study. Our increasing knowledge of the organisation and function of the human genome is having profound effects on the understanding and treatment of disease. Thus, the graduates of this field are open to pursuing a full-time career in a bunch related industries of Biology.
As genetics helps us to understand evolution and speciation, and genetically engineered micro-organisms, this field passes the potential to be one of the greatest industrial units leading to a magnificent future of Genetics. Finally, genetics underpins most programmes in animal and plant breeding for agriculture, even the production of the much-maligned genetically-manipulated plants! Hence, candidates are open to choose their domain of research and work profile from a wide range of options ranging from flora to fauna.
What Can you Do with a Degree in Genetics?
In our discussion of the future of Genetics, it is now time to shed light on what all are the career opportunities in this field. As the field is more research-oriented candidates tend to opt for specialized degrees in Genetics. Here are some of the specialisations available in this field-
- Ecological Genetics
- Human genetics
- Quantitative Genetics
- Medical genetics
- Population Genetics
- Classical Genetics
Students with the degree find employment in the biotechnology, health, or food industries or in academic research laboratories. Recent graduates work as assistant research associates and once you have a higher-level degree, you are all set to conquer senior-level positions. Common job profiles in this field are-
- Research Scientist
- Genetic Counselor
- Clinical Molecular
- Genetics Laboratory Technician
- Pharmacologist
- Clinical Scientist, Genomics
Biotechnology companies such as Monsanto, DuPont Pioneer, Syngenta, Integrated DNA Technologies, NewLink Genetics, Calyxt, and Orion Genomics along with chemistry, biology, cytogenetics, and genotyping labs in hospitals and universities are the prominent employers of the graduates of this field.
Thus, we hope that through this article on the future of genetics, you are now fully familiar with the career options in this field. To secure hassle-free admission in the course of your choice in Genetics and Biology, get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu over a free e-meeting. Hurry up! Limited period offer!