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Biotechnology is the application of technology on the living mass (bio) in order to derive a commercial product which is beneficial to the humans and the environment. Biotechnology is becoming a good business area for it is having a striking effect on the country’s economy and as a result there are many well progressed and upcoming biotech firms functioning across the globe with a competence to establish and survive. The common age old practices like use of microorganisms in the preparation of baked products, preparation of beer and other fermentation processes is nothing but the principles of biotechnology. From there Biotechnology has grown itself to greater heights for what it is now. Have we ever dreamt of organ generation or developing genetically modified organisms? Biotechnology has made everything possible and the new age biotechnology is all about genetic engineering and its applications.

Applied Areas of Biotechnology

Genetic Engineering
Industrial Biotechnology
Environmental Biotechnology
Forensic Biotechnology
Bio Informatics
Pharmaceutical applications
Health care
Animal Husbandry
Agriculture
Nano Biotechnology

The career options in Biotechnology

Scientist (Medical, R&D, Process Development)
Clinical Lab technologist/technician
Biochemist
Biophysicist
Microbiologist
Biomedical Engineer
Epidemiologist
Regulatory Quality Analyst/ Quality Control Specialist (Bio manufacturing)
Operators (Bio production)
Molecular biologist
Gene Therapist
Research Fellow (Academic institutions, private or government organization)
Regulatory Official
Public relations officer
Sales representative
Patent lawyer

To make a career in any of the fields of Biotechnology one should have a sound knowledge in biological sciences, a under graduate degree in B.Sc biotechnology, BE Biotechnology or B.Tech Biotechnology followed by a masters degree in the same field with required area of specialization. Pursuing PhD followed by post doctoral research will definitely add value to the career. Clearing competitive exams in the same field will be an added advantage. Also students pursuing any other life sciences degree in under graduation can also make a career in Biotechnology by doing a masters degree in the required area of specialization. Other aspects like logical thinking, application oriented thinking, university/college you are graduated from will influence your chances of being absorbed by a biotech firm and the salary package.

Recently the journal Nature Biotechnology has published an article stating the increase in the demand for people to fill in different positions in various Pharma and biotechnology companies in the first quarter of the year 2013.

Everyday advances and developments in the field of biotechnology shows a promising future and once chosen a career in biotechnology one should keep updating about all the biotech related news and information. Biotechnology is the field where learning never ends, the more you learn and the more experience you gain will definitely take you to heights!!