The Master of Science (MSc) in Biotechnology degree is a two-year post-graduate course in the life science subject Biotechnology. Biotechnology is the branch of science which deals with the application of biological processes in research and science that involves engineering, medicine, technology, manufacture, purification, and energy conservation. It is done through the use of living organisms and biological systems. The course is usually undertaken after a three-year BSc graduate degree program and prepares candidates for application and research-based careers in engineering and technology. The course provides in-depth knowledge about Biotechnology and emphasizes on the theoretical and practical concepts and the fundamentals of biological processes and their applications. It also involves the basic concepts of Biology, Chemistry, Genetics, and Mathematics. Important theories are taught that involve organ, cellular, and biomolecular processes to identify and develop products that help to improve and simplify our daily lives. Candidates are trained to apply and strategically use cellular and biomolecular processes to develop products that help to improve and simplify the quality of life, improve and enhance standard of living, protect and conserve the environment, and develop renewable resources to benefit and enhance daily life, profession, research, and the industry.
The course enhances personal skills like communication, leadership, strategic thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, logic, presentation, and analysis; and professional skills like planning and execution, problem-solving, critical thinking, research, analytical thinking, and reasoning.
SCOPE OF MSC BIOTECHNOLOGY
MSc Biotechnology graduates have multiple opportunities in the fields of Research and Science. Opportunities can be found in:
Students can contribute as scientists in national laboratories and organizations like:
Indian Analytical Testing Laboratory
National Institute Of Immunology
Indian Institute of Science
Indian Institute of Technology
Central Institute of Cotton Research
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
Food and Drug Toxicology Research Centre
All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health
Indian Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology
Central Avian Research Institute
Raja Ramanna Centre for advanced Technology (RRCAT)
Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering
Students can become Research Associates in research institutes like:
Institute for Plasma Research (IPR)
Bose Institute
National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology
Anand Diagnostic Laboratory
Central Agroforestry Research Institute
Bioline Pharma
National Academy of Agricultural Research & Management
Equinox Pharma
Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Consortium for Scientific Research (CSR)
Agharkar Research Institute (ARI)
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)
Students can assist in laboratories and institutes of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) like:
Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB)
Institute of Genomics & Integrative Biology (IGIB)
National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST)
National Institute of Science (NIS)
Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH)
National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (IICB)
Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI)
Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM)
Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS)
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP)
Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR)
National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)
Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI)
Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO)
National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
Students can contribute in agricultural research services
Teaching positions in secondary and higher secondary schools, degree colleges, engineering colleges, and universities
Tutoring in Biology and Chemistry for reputed coaching institutes
Professional certifications in specializations like:
Environmental Biotechnology
Molecular and Cell Biology
Advanced Biological Chemistry
Genomics and Proteomics
Nano Biotechnology
Nutrigenomics
Industrial Biotechnology
Bioprocess Engineering
Stem Cell Technology
Genetic Engineering
Fermentation Technology
Biochemical and Biophysical Techniques
Regenerative Medicine
ADMISSION AND ELIGIBILITY
Colleges and universities offer admission on the basis of two main modes of admission:
Merit - colleges invite for Application Forms. Interested candidates can apply once the applications are open through entrance examination, group discussions, and personal interview
Management - students can go for Direct Admission
Important considerations for admission:
Marks in Bachelor’s degree
Qualification in competitive entrance examinations
Important points to consider for eligibility to do MSc Biotechnology:
Minimum 55% aggregate marks in Bachelor’s degree from any University in India or abroad recognised by UGC/AIU
Compulsory subjects – Biology, Chemistry, and English
Candidates who are in the final year of their studies and writing their final year examination with 55% aggregate marks in all the semesters/years of Undergraduate Examinations
Ratio based on both entrance exam score (85%) and academic record (15%) is considered for admission
COURSE CURRICULUM
The entire program of MSc Biotechnology is divided into two years with each year split into two semesters. In the two-year duration, 16 Theory papers and 7 Practical papers are covered with additional skill-enhancing programs and workshops. The course consists of:
The fundamental concepts, principles, and applications of Biotechnology
Important subjects and topics included:
Agricultural Biotechnology
Analysis of Soil and Water
Animal Biotechnology
Bacteriology and Virology
Bioenergetics
Bio-entrepreneurship
Bioinstrumentation
Bioinformatics
Biological Chemistry
Bioprocess Engineering
Biostatistics
Cell Biology
Cell Culture Technology
Database Management
Data Mining
Environmental Biotechnology
Enzymology
Fermentation Technology
Gene Expression
Genetic Engineering
Gene Organization
Immunology
Microbial Genetics
Microbial Genomics
Molecular Biotechnology
Molecular Enzymology
Nutrigenomics
Plant Biotechnology
Physiology
Preservation
Processing of Products
Proteomics
Recombinant DNA Technology
Spoilage of Food
Wastewater Management
Practical classes consist of:
Dry Laboratory Techniques
Wet Laboratory Techniques
Electives are included for further specialization
Guided Dissertations and Projects for practical exposure
Certification and Foundation Courses for holistic development
Study Tours to reputed national laboratories, research institutions, and industries, under the supervision of the department
Seminars
Lectures by experienced faculty and scientists
Workshops
Tutorials and Brainstorming Sessions
QUALIFYING ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
In order to get admission through Merit into reputed colleges in India, qualification in entrance examinations is important. The examinations may be national, state, and institution-specific. These examinations:
Are NOT mandatory but may be required for certain colleges/universities to be considered for the Merit category
Consist of objective type questions with MCQs
Syllabus includes 4 main sections:
English Grammar and Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning
Analytical Thinking
Numerical/Graphical Analysis
A maximum of 4 options will be given to aspirants
Negative marking may be present
FUTURE PROSPECTS
After successful completion of MSc Biotechnology course, students have many opportunities:
Research Associate in national and international research laboratories
Teacher, Professor, or Lecturer in schools, colleges, or universities
Research Scientist
Public and Private companies and MNCs
M.Phil. in Biotechnology
Ph.D. in Biotechnology
Diploma in subjects like Genetic Engineering, Medical Biotechnology, or Agricultural Biotechnology
INTERNSHIPS AND PROJECTS
The course curriculum of MSc Biotechnology includes opportunities for students to obtain practical exposure. Summer internships, dissertations, and projects provide a strong foundation for a career in Research. Points to remember:
Students are trained to write a clear scientific report that includes a theoretical background, experiment description, presentation of methodology, analysis of results, careful interpretation and evaluation of data, and conclusion
The Research Project is an opportunity to get hands-on training and laboratory exposure In the final evaluation, class assignments, end-semester exam results, internships, and project reports are taken into account for a candidate to earn their MSc Biotechnology degree.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Multiple career opportunities are available in public and private academic institutions, medical start-ups, research laboratories, atomic and space organizations, meteorology departments, telecommunication organisations, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing companies, corporates, MNCs, and medical industries. Potential career roles:
Teacher
Research Scientist
Lecturer/Professor
Biotechnologist
Research Analyst
Consultant
Online Tutor
Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Biotechnology Project Mentor
Lab Assistant
Training Manager
Auditor
Research Associate
Junior Research Fellow
Research Scientist
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Control Manager
Research Biochemist
Clinical Research Associate (CRA)
Clinical Reviewer
Clinical Data Manager
Medical Coder
Biomedical Scientist
Medical Technologists
Food Technologist
Regulatory Affairs Associate
Scientific Laboratory Technician
Physician Associate
Lab Technician
Marketing Manager
Medical Representative
Capitalist Analyst
Business Development Manager
Chemical Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Safety Specialist
Medical Device Manufacturer
POPULAR RECRUITERS
Graduates can find employment in many public and private companies. Popular recruiters are:
Schools
Colleges
Research Centers
Abbott Laboratories
Baxter Research
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Johnson & Johnson
Infosys
Zydus Cadila
Accenture
Cipla Inc.
Biocon
Dr. Reddy Laboratory (DRL)
Ranbaxy Laboratories
Wockhardt Ltd.
Roche Diagnostics Corporation
Quintiles Inc.
Boston Scientific Corporation
Lupin Limited
Sciformix
Emcure
Cognizant
Merck
Bioceramics Limited
Invitrogen
GlaxoSmithKline’
Reliance Life Sciences
Torrent Pharma
Pfizer
Syngene
Wipro
Syneos Health
Capgemini
Novartis
Tata Consultancy Services Limited
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd.
Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd.
Jubilant Life Sciences
SALARY PACKAGE
Fresh graduates can easily get jobs in popular scientific research companies. Job positions start as Trainee and gradually proceed to Senior Associate/Scientist. With more career exposure, project experience, skills, and certifications, a salary hike of about 20% to 25% is guaranteed together with additional benefits and bonuses. The average salary after MSc Biotechnology ranges between 2.5 LPA to 12 LPA. The lowest salary expected (for a fresh graduate) is between 2 LPA to 4 LPA and with work experience increases to 15 LPA to 18 LPA.
CONCLUSION
MSc Biotechnology is one of the most popular life science courses in India. The two-year MSc Biotechnology post-graduate course is designed to prepare students for a career in research. The curriculum consists of strong theoretical concepts, practical experiments, and skill-building programs that create a balance between academics and practical exposure. This degree is available for students all over India and admission is subject to eligibility criteria. Multiple internships, project, and career opportunities are available in various departments, business sectors, and professional fields. Graduates are prepared for ANY type of job opportunity in the future.
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