Career options in Genetic Engineering

Ranjan K Baruah *

Whenever we hear about courses related to engineering, different branches comes to our mind like civil, mechanical, electrical, etc. Most of the time student asks me about courses related to genetics or genetic engineering. Let us know little bit about genetics or genetic engineering.

Genetics is the study of genes — what they are, what they do, and how they work. Genes are made up of molecules inside the nucleus of a cell that are strung together in such a way that the sequence carries information: that information determines how living organisms inherit phenotypic traits, (features) determined by the genes they received from their parents and thereby going back through the generations.

It is the study of genes, heredity, and genetic variation in living organisms. It is generally considered a field of biology, but it intersects frequently with many of the life sciences and is strongly linked with the study of information systems.

On the other hand 'Genetic Engineering', also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. It is therefore a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. Now we may understand the meaning of the term.

Though there are courses related to same but most institutes do not offer courses in Genetic Engineering as a special discipline but as a subsidiary in biotechnology, microbiology, biochemistry streams. Undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Biotechnology offer specialisation in genetic engineering. Aspirants may take admission in these courses after passing senior secondary examination and they must have science subject in Class XII level.

There is an increasing demand for genetic engineers in India as well as abroad. Genetic engineers are mainly absorbed in medical and pharmaceutical industries, the agricultural sector, and the research and development departments of the government and private sectors. They can also take up teaching as an option.

There are more demands in the field of research. Students must have patience as just after passing gradation level or post graduation they may not get job immediately. Many students call me who studies courses related to genetics and say that there is less opportunity but the fact is there is opportunity for which we need to have patience.

Students should not listen to people who spread negative news but instead of that they need to do planning and get update from right people.

Exam Updates:

NET: On behalf of UGC, the Central Board of Secondary Education announces holding of the National Eligibility Test (NET) on 27th December, 2015 for determining the eligibility of Indian nationals for the Eligibility for Assistant Professor only or Junior Research Fellowship & Eligibility for Assistant Professor both in Indian universities and colleges. CBSE will conduct NET in 83 subjects at 88 selected NET Examination Cities spread across the country.

The candidates who qualify for the award of Junior Research Fellowship are eligible to pursue research in the subject of their post-graduation or in a related subject and are also eligible for Assistant Professor.

The universities, institutions, IITs and other national organizations may select the JRF awardees for whole time research work in accordance with the procedure prescribed by them.

The award of JRF and Eligibility for Assistant Professor both OR Eligibility for Assistant Professor only will depend on the performance of the candidate in all three papers of NET. However, the candidates qualifying exclusively for Assistant Professor will not be considered for award of JRF. Last date is 1st November.