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:

• BSc Bioinformatics
• MSc Bioinformatics
• MSc Biochemistry
• MSc Botany
• Master in Public Health*

*This is a policy-based course and organizations hiring public health experts may require significant years of experience in the health sector. 

Why Pursue a Career in Biotechnology?

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 a career in Biotechnology for an elaborative analysis of the popular job profiles offered across industries as well as other related information. 

As stated earlier as well, biotechnology is a rapidly growing field of study. As breakthroughs in science and technology open up new areas of inquiry and growth, new subfields continue to emerge. Biotechnology careers include jobs in R&D, regulatory affairs and quality assurance, manufacturing, and policymaking. Let’s take a look at the major areas where you can explore job opportunities as a Biotechnology graduate:

• Healthcare 
• Medicine
• Medical Sciences
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture
• Animal husbandry 
• Genetic Engineering
• Ecology & Environment
• Ecotechnology
• Cosmetology
• 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
• Epidemiologist
• 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 the 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 organizations, 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 specialized 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 the 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, masters, and PhD programs in this field. To help you further in your research, we have listed down some of the popular Biotechnology courses you must check out:

Diploma/Certificate Courses [6 Months to 1.5 Years]

• Diploma in Biotechnology
• PG Diploma in Bioengineering Management
• Certificate in Bioprocess Engineering
• Certificate in Bioprocessing Technologies

Bachelor’s Degree [3-5 Years]

• 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 [1-3 Years]

• MS/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 [Varies]

• PhD Biotechnology
• Doctorate in Molecular Biology & Biotechnology
• Doctorate in Molecular Biology & Cellular Biotechnology

Top 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:

Abroad 

India 

1. Indian Institute of Technology, IITs
2. Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University
3. Manipal Academy of Higher Education
4. Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology
5. Birla Institute of Technology and Science, BITS
6. University of Delhi, DU
7. Banaras Hindu University, BHU
8. Vellore Institute of Technology, VIT
9. National Institute of Technology, NIT
10. Delhi Technology University, DTU
11. Netaji Subhash University of Technology
12. Manav Rachna Institute of Research and Studies
13. Amity University
14. St. Xavier’s College
15. Jamia Millia Islamia

Scope of Biotechnology in Government Sector

In the same way that there are possibilities for research and development in the private sector, there are numerous government departments that undertake the same operations on a national scale. The Ministry of Science and Technology is in charge of these studies. The Department of Biotechnology oversees all biotech advances. The government posts vacancies as needed and the application procedure is mostly done online. Keep an eye on the official website for updates.

Salary Analysis 

According to the latest statistics from the Government of India, the biotech sector is currently growing at a 20% annual rate and is expected to reach USD 100 billion by 2025, thanks to various multinational corporations and research institutes that have consistently provided excellent career opportunities to qualified individuals. Biotechnologists’ salaries in India are primarily determined by their knowledge, abilities, and experience. There are now 12 major firms in India with the highest employment rate and compensation grade. Leading biotech firms pay an average yearly income ranging from INR 2.2 lakhs to INR 8.2 lakhs per year. As the need for biotech graduates grows, the numbers are expected to more than double.

Scope of Biotechnology in Canada (BONUS)

The Canadian biotechnology and life sciences sector is a key contributor to the country’s innovation economy and one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. As a result, the scope of biotechnology in a country like Canada shines bright as a North Pole star. Canada is a world leader in biotechnology (the bio-economy), with a vast network of research hospitals, universities, labs, and businesses operating in four key sectors:

• Bio-health
• Bio-health
• Industrial biotechnology
• Agri-biotechnology

The Canadian biotechnology sector includes jobs in research, development, and production. Small and medium-sized businesses, as well as multinational corporations (MNCs) with research, development, and manufacturing activities in Canada, serving both domestic and worldwide markets. Having said that, the country is also a hub of some of the best and world-class institutions that are offering biotechnology courses to international students. A glimpse of a few of these universities are provided below:

FAQs

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.