Genetic Engineering
Introduction:
Genetic Engineering, in simple words, is a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA (Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid) of living organisms.This wonderful branch of engineering or science enables the human minds to interfere in and modify the processes of life, birth death and even offers to escape from certain congenital diseases. There is great scope in this field as the demand for genetic engineers is growing both in India and abroad.
Genetic engineers/scientists re-arrange the sequence of DNA in the gene using artificial methods. The work involves extracting the DNA out of one organism, changing it using chemicals or radiation and subsequently putting it back into the same or a different organism.
For e.g. genes and segments of DNA from one species are taken and put into another species. They also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused. Their research involves researching the causes and discovering potential cures if any.
The specializations in genetic engineering are related to plants, animals, and human beings. The plant genetic engineering involves improving certain natural characteristics of value, viz. increase resistance to disease or damage and to develop new characteristics etc.
It is used to change the color, size, texture etc of plants otherwise known as GM (Genetically Modified) foods. GE in humans can be to correct severe hereditary defects by introducing normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones.
Genetic engineering is a complicated and most sophisticated branch of science which is still in a process of development in our country.
Nature of work:
They are specialists in the field of genetics and conduct research in a broad range of biological sciences including biochemistry, botany, embryology, and microbiology. They have developed techniques with numerous important applications in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry.By isolating and modifying the genetic material, genetic engineering research scientists have developed strains of bacteria that improve the effects of antibiotics and other useful pharmaceutical products. Clinical tests to help diagnose hereditary diseases and to circumvent infertility in humans have also been developed.
Courses and Duration:
Genetics courses are quite popular in India. You can pursue the bachelor, master & a doctoral degree in this field. It is important for the study of microbiology, cell biology, Bio-Technology & biochemistry. The role of a geneticist is very crucial for various things such as cancer research, unborn defects, DNA samples & etc. A geneticist works in both medical & scientific fields in gaining a better understanding of mutation, reproduction & cell growth.The various courses in genetics are mentioned below:
1. Undergraduate Courses:
- Bachelor of Science in Genetics (B.Sc. (Genetics))
- Bachelor of Science Honors in Genetics (B.Sc (Hons.) Genetics)
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Genetics, Microbiology & Chemistry
2. Postgraduate Courses:
- Master of Philosophy in Genetics (M.Phill.(Genetics))
- Master of Science in Genetics (M.Sc.(Genetics))
- Master of Science Honors in Genetics (M.Sc (Hons.) Genetics)
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Applied Genetics
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Biomedical Genetics
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Human Genetics
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Molecular Biology and Human Genetics
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Microbial Genetics and Bioinformatics
- Master of Science (M.Sc) in Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering
3. Doctoral Courses:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics (Ph.D. (Genetics))
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Human Genetics
Eligibility Criteria:
- An individual aspiring for a career in genetic engineering can start the BTech course after his/her 10+2 Science with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology.
- Admission to B.Tech in Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology/ Biochemical Engineering is made generally through entrance tests.
- One can also pursue three-year B.Sc. degree course in Genetics / Biological Science / Life Science / Biotechnology subjects and then go for post-graduation (MSc) in genetics.
- One who desires for further study and research can pursue M.Tech and PhD in genetic engineering offered by few institutes in India including the IITs.
Career Prospects:
In India, there are several sectors that give employment to genetic engineers and professionals so a career in genetic engineering is promising.- Medical Industry
- Agricultural sector
- Research and Development Departments of Government, Semi-Government and Private Sectors.
- Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industries
These industries offer the best career opportunities to genetic engineers and professionals with handsome salaries apart from other perks and benefits.
Remuneration:
The salary of genetic engineers is generally high as compared to other frontier branches of engineering and science. A fresh graduate in genetic engineering can get a monthly salary between Rs 20, 000 – Rs 25, 000. The pay package in foreign countries is very high as compared to India.There are many Indian and multinational companies in the biotech sector located in India and abroad offering quite good employment opportunities to genetic engineering professionals and scientists.
Salaries earned by professionals in these firms generally range from Rs.20, 000 to 30,000 per month. However, in the USA and European countries pay package is much higher due to the complexity of job and shortage of trained professionals.
Genetic engineering professionals working in government laboratories and research centers get good salary apart from other perks and benefits.
One can also work in research labs located in foreign countries which provide huge remuneration as compared to India.
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