Introduction to Applied Genetics
Applied Genetics is directed at changing the genomes of organisms to increase their utility to humans. The Applied Genetics techniques are basically derived from cytogenetics, molecular biology and Mendelian and quantitative genetics. The Applied Genetics professionals have expertise in one or more related fields of study such as agronomy, biochemistry, botany, entomology, food processing, forestry, microbiology, pathology, physiology and statistics.
The main goals of applied genetics are:
- Improving the quality of food and fibre products
- Improving the cost efficiency of any given product
- Minimise adverse environmental effects of food or fibre production
Few lines about M.Sc Applied Genetics
The M.Sc Applied Genetics is a master’s programme of 2-years divided into 4-semesters. It is the practical science course that applies the molecular approaches of genetics and chemistry to the vast variety of biological systems. The course deals with the study of genes which reveals information preserved in DNA and which has been accumulated through evolution.
The course broadly sketches out the structure, function relationship in micro molecules, gene therapy, career, transgenic organisation, disease resistance in plants fermentation, etc. The course trains the students on various practical application of gene technology on living organisms. The students basically study about the practical aspects and techniques that are necessary for gene manipulation and gene technology application in different living organisms.
Eligibility for M.Sc Applied Genetics
The B.Sc students who have scored 50% aggregate and have studied any of the following optional subjects such as chemistry, botany, applied botany, zoology, applied zoology, environmental science, microbiology, biotechnology, genetics, applied genetics and sericulture from recognised university are eligible to apply for M.Sc Applied Genetics.
Admission Procedures
The students can take admission to M.Sc Applied Genetics via two modes. The first one is merit admission and the second one is direct admission.
Let’s discuss in detail
1. Merit Admission
There are many reputed colleges and universities that conduct institution-based entrance exams for admission to M.Sc Applied Genetics, such mode is called as Merit admissions. Every educational institution will have a few numbers of merit seats and institution-based entrance exams are conducted to these seats. The students who qualify the entrance exams with high marks are allotted these seats and given admission under merit quota. The reason for conducting entrance exam is to filter out the serious and hardworking students from non- serious students. The fees will be usually nominal for merit seats.
2. Direct admission
The students can also take admission to M.Sc Applied Genetics via direct admission. The students can directly take admission to the desired colleges through direct admission under management quota. The students under direct admissions are given special privileges where the students are not required to apply for any institution-based entrance exams for getting admissions. They can also have an option to choose their desired colleges even before the starting of the academic year. The students can contact Galaxy Educational Services for more details related to direct admissions.
Syllabus for M.Sc Applied Genetics
The students of M.Sc Applied Genetics will be studying the following subjects in their course:
| Sl. No. | Subjects of Study |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cell Biology |
| 2 | Basic Genetics |
| 3 | Essential Cytogenetics |
| 4 | Biological Chemistry |
| 5 | Cellular Physiology |
| 6 | Molecular Biology |
| 7 | Genetics of Development |
| 8 | Mutation and Cancer Biology |
| 9 | Evolutionary Genetics |
| 10 | Bioinformatics & Statistics |
| 11 | Genetic Engineering |
| 12 | Microbial and Plant Genetics |
| 13 | Human Genetics |
| 14 | Cell Physiology |
| 15 | Classical Genetics |
| 16 | Genomics & Proteomics |
| 17 | Immunology & Haematology |
| 18 | Biomedical Genetics |
| 19 | Plant and Animal Biotechnology |
Career and Scope for M.Sc Applied Genetics
There is a lot of demand for students from M.Sc Applied Genetics students. They can join as research associates in various biotechnology and microbiology companies. They can join as junior scientists at various pharmaceutical companies. If they are interested in research they can join a PhD course and take up research, if they are interested in detailed study of applied genetics then they can join M.Phil programmes. They can take up CSIR-NET and UGC-NET exams to become professors in various colleges and universities. They can even join as lecturers in different colleges and take up teaching of relevant subjects.
Job Roles
Some of the job roles available are:
- Genetic Counsellor
- Clinical Geneticist & Researcher
- Research Associate
- Genetics Laboratory Research Assistant
- Research Scientist
- Quality Controller
Salary and Emoluments
The average fresh M.Sc Applied Genetics students will be earning around 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs per annum. The experienced professionals will be earning around 6 lakhs to 8 lakhs per annum.
Top Recruiters for M.Sc Applied Genetics
Some of the top recruiters are:
- Biocon
- Wipro Life Sciences
- Bharat Biotech
- Glaxco Smith
- Glenmark
- Cipla
- Cavin Care
- Natural Remedies
- Serum India Pvt Ltd
- Cadila
Final Lines
The demand for M.Sc Applied Genetics has been increasing day by day. The industry is developing new medicines and medical treatments for various life-threatening diseases. The M.Sc Applied Genetics students play a crucial role in development of these drugs. There is a lack of skilled professionals and the industry is looking forward to a large number of skilled professionals.
The students with M.Sc Applied Genetics background can easily get excellent job roles that pays them handsome salaries and also provides excellent career growth. The students who are interested in practical genetics can join the M.Sc Applied Genetics course.
