The current boom in the arena of research and development led by Biotechnology is nothing short of a revolution across different fields of Medical Science. Be it the growth in Biochemical Engineering, making bioprinting more accessible or generation of energy through bio-sources, biotechnologists are at the forefront of constant evolution and innovation. While the past decade has observed some staggering and monumental rates of growth when it comes to the scope of biotechnology and its allied sectors, in the future, it may become one of the prominent industries to watch out for in the next one.
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Scope of Biotechnology: Brief Overview of Pathways
An individual looking to make a successful career in Biotechnology can explore a variety of short-term and long-term Biotechnology courses. This includes the traditional bachelor’s degree like BSc Biotechnology and the master’s degree, i.e. MSc Biotechnology. For an advanced and professionally-oriented career, pursuing a postgraduate program is recommended. Further, under the vast scope of biotechnology, one can also choose to pursue doctoral courses like PhD to build a vibrant career in research. Some more programs you must surely keep in mind have been stated below:
*This is a policy-based course and organisations hiring public health experts may require a significant years of experience in the health sector.
Career Scope of Biotechnology
As discussed, owing to the immense scope of biotechnology and the growth of opportunities in this sector touches a wide variety of aspects. Refer to our blog on career in Biotechnology for an elaborative analysis on the popular job profiles offered across industries as well as other related information. Let’s first take a look at the major areas where you can explore job opportunities as a Biotechnology graduate:
- Medical Sciences
- Pharmaceuticals
- Agriculture
- Genetic Engineering
- Ecology & Environment and Ecotechnology
- Cosmetology
- Healthcare
- Soil Biology
- Computational Biology
- Textile Industry
Here is a list of the most prominent job opportunities offering immense career scope in Biotechnology:
- Forensic Science Technicians
- Medical Scientists
- Microbiologists
- Environmental Biotechnologist
- Geneticist
- Molecular Biotechnologist
- Epidermiologist
- R&D Scientist
- Biochemist
- Biophysicist
- Biomanufacturing Specialist
- Bioproduction Specialists
- Medical Technician and Clinical Lab Technologist
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist
Forensic Science Technicians
Aiding in criminal investigations through evidence collection, analysis and preservation, forensic scientists work across many fields like Toxicology, Digital Forensics, Forensic Chemistry, amongst others. As it is one of the major profiles in the varied scope of Biotechnology, typical work responsibilities of forensic science technicians may include performing biological and chemical experiments, analysis of DNA and other genetic material as well as consulting with other field experts.
Environmental Biotechnologist
With the focus on environment, sustainability and climate change growing each day, the need to solve these issues through tools of Biotechnology has parallelly developed. An environmental biotechnologist may now work across areas including but not limited to detection of pollutants and contamination, treatment or use of industrial waste and chemicals, energy creation through several biological methods and constructing easily biodegradable materials. The scope of biotechnology with relevance to the environment is only going to increase and an advanced degree especially provides a fast-track to venture into the same.
Geneticist
Genetic Engineering draws heavily from biotechnology and with interested students can work across a range of industries such as pharmaceutical companies, food enterprises, research organisations and institutions, amongst others. As a geneticist, you can expect to work on different subfields, e.g agricultural genetics and animal genetics along with dealing with issues like ecological effects of genetic modification, genetically altered products, pest control and so forth.
Molecular Biotechnologist
A specialised field within biotechnology, molecular biotechnology relates to many diverse disciplines like microbiology, cell biology, cancer research, etc. Further, with the overall scope of biotechnology gaining momentum, career avenues are only going to increase. A Molecular Biotechnologist works on analysis of nucleic properties of humans and animals, development of better drugs and tests as well as vaccine studies, amongst others. This field has applications in areas of aquaculture, textile manufacturing and food processing as well.
Our Top Read: Microbiology Courses
Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist
A relatively nascent area, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology specifically concerns itself with the application of biotechnology principles in the development of drugs. Availing the scope of Biotechnology in the field of pharmaceuticals, it involves understanding molecular structures, synthesis and purification, stability and toxicity, etc. Primary work responsibilities may include conducting clinical trials, formulating drug delivery systems and clinical trials. Typical companies hiring for pharmaceutical biotechnologists are pharma and drug companies although regulatory authorities also require their services.
Must Read: Masters in Pharmacy (MPharm)
List of Courses in Biotechnology
Owing to the vast scope of Biotechnology, numerous universities and colleges across the globe have started offering diplomas, certificates, bachelor’s, master’s and PhD programmes in this field. To help you further in your research, we have listed down some of the popular Biotechnology courses you must check out:
| Course Level | Biotechnology Courses |
| Diploma/Certificate | Diploma in Biotechnology PG Diploma in Bioengineering Management Certificate in Bioprocess Engineering Certificate in Bioprocessing Technologies |
| Bachelor’s Degree | BSc Biotechnology BTech Biotechnology Bachelor’s in Chemistry & Biotechnology Bachelor’s in Molecular Biotechnology Bachelor’s in Chemical Biotechnology Bachelor’s in Pharmaceutical Bioprocess Engineering Bachelor of Biotechnology, Bachelor of Business Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons.) |
| Master’s Degree | MSc Biotechnology Master in Biotechnology of Environment and Health Master in Biotechnology Master in Applied Biotechnology Master’s Degree in Research in Fundamental Biology & Medicine Master’s Medical Biotechnology Master’s in Microbiology & Microbial Biotechnology MSc in Molecular Biology |
| Doctorate Level | PhD Biotechnology Doctorate in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Doctorate in Molecular Biology & Cellular Biotechnology |
Top Colleges & Universities for Biotechnology Courses
In order to avail the immense career scope of Biotechnology, acquiring a degree from a globally acclaimed academic institution will help you learn from an international-level faculty, explore colossal research opportunities and much more. Here are the best Biotechnology universities and colleges in India and abroad:
| Top Biotechnology Colleges & Universities in India | Top Biotechnology Colleges & Universities Abroad |
| IIT Madras Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru IIT Delhi IIT Kharagpur Jawaharlal Nehru University IIT Kanpur IIT Roorkee IIT Guwahati Benaras Hindu University | Harvard University University of Tokyo University College London University of California San Francisco University of Pennsylvania Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) University of Toronto University of Copenhagen Cornell University University of Washington |
FAQs
There is an immense career scope in Biotechnology and some of the major job opportunities in Biotechnology include, Forensic Science Technicians, Medical Scientists, Microbiologists, Environmental Biotechnologist, Geneticist, Molecular Biotechnologist, Epidemiologist, R&D Scientist, Biochemist, Biophysicist, Biomanufacturing Specialist, Bioproduction Specialists, Medical Technician and Clinical Lab Technologist and Pharmaceutical Biotechnologist, etc.
Biotechnology is emerging as a sought-after career field owing to the vast scope it has on offer especially in the field of research. Biotechnology as a career offers a wide range of opportunities across the medical, healthcare and pharmaceutical research and you will also get to work in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Genetics, Environmental Science, etc. which are some of the in-demand industries for Biotechnology graduates.
The scope and importance of Biotechnology is ever-increasing in the contemporary times as it is applied across varied sectors like Molecular Biology, Biophysics, Genetic Engineering, Environment and Ecology as well as Life Science to invent better technologies and products to enhance our lives as well as facilitate environmental conservation and sustainable development.
There are varied branches of Biotechnology filled with immense career scope and amongst these, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology are the most sought-after fields of Biotechnology.
Hence, we hope that this blog proved beneficial in understanding the specifics as well as the scope of biotechnology. If you wish to work as a research assistant or at multinational enterprises and intend to pursue a course in biotechnology or allied fields, consult the experts at Leverage Edu by signing up for a free 30-minute career counselling session and take a step towards building a rewarding career.
