What is BSc Biotechnology?
Biotechnology combines engineering technologies with biological
sciences to regulate systems and living organisms. This undergraduate degree
program aims to teach advanced lessons in the biological processes meant for
industrial and other purposes. Usually, the course spans over 3 to 4-year,
however, at some universities the program duration may stretch to 5 years.
Students with a scientific aptitude and keen interest in Biology are ideally suited for a career in Biotechnology.
The BSc Biotechnology
syllabus generally covers several aspects of Applied Biochemistry and
biotechnology industries including entrepreneurship, commercializing technology,
and intellectual property. Students are exposed to lectures and case studies
from business academics and leaders. In the later part of the degree, students
can choose to conduct research in an industrial, medical, or biotechnological
setting within the campus or a partnered institution.
Why Study BSc Biotechnology?
BSc Biotechnology has lots of
prospective career opportunities to offer to the students. Some of the benefits
of pursuing the graduation in Biotechnology program are as follows:
- After completion of this course candidates
will be equipped with the skills to excel in the Bioinformatics and
Computer-Assisted Research and Analysis.
- As this course covers a variety of practices
and technical knowledge required in the medical field, it opens several
career prospects for the candidate.
- Due to the constant innovation found in all
industries nowadays, students can be assured of longevity in employment
due to their knowledge in the field of Computer Science. This allows
students to adapt their skills and knowledge to any changes in the
industry.
- Candidates who keep their knowledge updated
according to the current trends and data will also have the option to
diversify into the field of education. This is quite a popular career for
graduates of BSc Biotechnology.
- Another unique feature of this course is the
inclusion of a Management & Entrepreneurship paper in the final
semester. This equips graduates with the skills to perform well in
positions of management and administration.
- The average annual salary earned by a BSc
Biotechnology Graduate ranges between INR 3,00,000 - 8,00,000
BSc Biotechnology Syllabus:
With an aim to create products and technologies that reduce the
environmental footprint; combat rare diseases; feed the hungry; use cleaner
energy and efficient industrial manufacturing processes, Biotechnology courses
impart knowledge in core subjects that helps students prepare for and meet
pressing challenges. Here is a semester wise division of the BSc Biotechnology
syllabus and Biotechnology subjects:
Semester 1
- Cell Biology and Genetics
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Fundamentals of Microbiology
- Introduction to Biotechnology and
Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physical and Chemical aspects
Semester 2
- Microbial Chemistry and
Physiology
- Fundamentals of Biochemistry,
Biocomputing, and Biostatistics
- Biomolecules-Organic Mechanisms
in Biology
- Biomathematics
- Cytogenetic Techniques
Semester 3
- Microbial
Diversity
- Basic Aspect of Cellular
Metabolism
- Fundamentals of Molecular
Biochemistry
- Plant Biotechnology
- Principles of Immunology
- Microbial Genetics
Semester 4
- Analytical Techniques and
Bioinformatics
- Environmental Biotechnology
- Genes and Genomics-Integrative
Cell Biology
- Protein Science
- Biodiversity & taxonomy
- Animal Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology Techniques
Semester 5
- Bioprocess and Biochemical
Engineering
- Genetics & Molecular
Biotechnology
- Immunology
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- DNA Typing, Proteomics &
Beyond-Environmental Biotechnology
Semester 6
- Medical Biotechnology
- Biotechnology
- Social, Legal & Ethical
issues
- Principal of Biotechnology
Applied to Plants and Animals
- Analytical Techniques in
Biotechnology
- Advanced Molecular Techniques
& Bioinformatics
Scope of
Biotechnology:
BSc Biotechnology is one
of the most prominent courses in Biology after 12th except MBBS. After completing your
graduation, you can go for an MSc in Biotechnology. The program is best
for students who have a strong inclination to learn through practical education
and explore new possibilities in the field of Biotechnology. From being
employed as research agents and qualified professors to genetic engineers in
clinical research and diagnostics; there are ample opportunities for students
to consider after completing BSc Biotechnology.
Top Areas of Recruitment
Research and development
positions are among the most rewarding for BSc Biotechnology graduates. They
must cope with a variety of new challenges and innovate on a regular basis.
Jobs after a BSc Biotechnology can be found in a variety of sectors. Some of
the top areas of recruiting includes:
- Research
firms
- Hospitals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food production firms
- Clinical research firms
- Laboratories
- Consultation agencies
- Chemical manufacturers
- Educational institutes
- Fertilizer manufacturers
- Soil biology
- Animal husbandry
- Cosmetics
- Ecology
Eligibility
The
minimum eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue an BSc
Biotechnology program from Indian universities are given below:
- Aspirants seeking admission to B.Sc.
Biotechnology are required to have passed TX and Xenith with Physics,
Biology, and Chemistry as core subjects, with minimum 50% overall (45% for
SC/ST candidates), and 60% in each core subject. Both PCM & PCB
candidates are eligible to apply.
- In some cases, candidates need to pass
entrance exams such as DUET, KIITEE, SAAT, etc.
- The Entrance is usually on a university or
College level.