The future scope of MSc Genetics

INTRODUCTION

Master of Science (MSc) Genetics is a postgraduate degree in life sciences. It has a duration of two years. Genetics is the branch of life science that involves the study of humans, plants, animals, and microbiological life and their interaction, relationship, function, and applications with other living things and the environment. The course is usually taken after a three-year BSc graduate degree in science or life science subjects. The MSc Genetics course prepares candidates for application and research-based careers. The course emphasizes on the theoretical and practical fundamentals, theories, functions, and applications of Genetics. It is an interdisciplinary subject and involves basic concepts of Biology, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. Important and useful biochemical concepts are taught and their applications in developing and designing new biological techniques, methods for analysis and identification, experimentation, diagnosis, extraction, purification, and measurement. Students are prepared for roles in genetic engineering, recombinant DNA technology, molecular analysis, extraction and purification, medical research, and clinical diagnosis.

Subjects involved in MSc Genetics are related to quantification of genetic material, ecology, population, immunity, medicine, environment conservation, molecular analysis, water purification, soil fertility, nanotechnology, recombinant DNA technology, agriculture, industrial production, evolution, food, population control, veterinary science, clinical microbiology, antibiotics, and diagnostics.

The course builds personal skills like communication, attention to detail, teamwork, awareness, research, logic, presentation, and analysis; and professional and social skills like planning and execution, problem-solving, critical thinking, analytical thinking, and reasoning.

SCOPE OF MSC GENETICS

MSc Genetics graduates have many opportunities in the fields of Science, Research, and Technology. Students have many opportunities in different scientific research areas and sectors:

• Research Scientist – in national laboratories and organizations like:
  • Indian Analytical Testing Laboratory
  • Indian Institute of Science
  • Indian Institute of Technology 
  • Central Research Institute
  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology
  • Space Application Centres (SAC)
  • Bose Research Institute
  • Central Drug Research Institute
  • Indian Cancer Research Centre
  • National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG)
  • National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL)
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences
  • All India Institute of Hygiene & Public Health
  • Raja Ramanna Centre for advanced Technology (RRCAT)
  • Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI)
  • Sanjay Gandhi PostGraduate Institute of Medical Sciences
• Research Associate/Analyst – in R&D institutes like:
  • Institute for Plasma Research (IPR)
  • Anand Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Bioline Pharma
  • Equinox Pharma
  • Consortium for Scientific Research (CSR)
  • Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER)
  • Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research
• Research Assistant/Consultant – in laboratories and institutes associated with Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) like:
  • Regional Research Laboratories
  • National Institute of Science (NIS)
  • Technology and Development Studies (NISTADS)
  • Centre for Cellular Molecular Biology (CCMB)
  • Institute of Materials and Mineral Technology (IMMT)
  • National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (NISCAIR)
  • Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI)
  • Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR)
  • National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI)
  • Unit for Research and Development of Information Products (URDIP)
• Research Officer – in agricultural and industrial research services
• Teacher/Lecturer – in secondary and higher secondary schools, degree colleges, engineering colleges, and universities
• Life Science Tutor – in reputed academic coaching institutes
• Counsellor/Specialist – in assisting and guiding national research centers and organisations
• Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) – professional certifications in individual specializations are essential to have Senior Consultants and SMEs:
  • Cell Biology
  • Biostatistics
  • Microbial Genetics
  • Microbial Technology
  • Population Genetics
  • Gene Development
  • Genome Organization
  • Biochemistry
  • Recombinant DNA Technology
  • Medicine
  • Ecology and Environment
• Further Studies – higher education in individual specializations ensures increased exposure and work experience. This can be achieved through:
  • MPhil in Genetics
  • PhD in Genetics
  • Post Graduate Diploma
  • MBA in Healthcare Management and Pharmaceutical Research Management
• Increased work experience ensures high-paying salary and job satisfaction. With work experience, an individual’s salary increases to 10 LPA to 12 LPA with added benefits.

COLLEGE PLACEMENT AND RECRUITMENT

Different colleges offer placement opportunities to candidates to ensure that every deserving candidate receives recognition. This ensures that qualified graduates transform into important resources for the development and success of the country’s economy. Excellent placement opportunities are provided:

• Keeping in mind the dynamic future needs of India
• Careful selection processes to ensure that the IDEAL candidate is provided an opportunity
• Continuous Education, Research & Development areas to identify talent and apply them in the perfect career opening
• Skills and certifications in addition to academic record to ensure a balance between education and practical research
• Diverse real-world internships and projects to guarantee practical exposure
• Inter-disciplinary exposure – to provide a variety of experience and practical knowledge
• Counsellors that effectively strike a match between recruiter expectations and student potential
• Student employability enhancement through workshops, alumni talks, guest lectures, and certification courses
• Pre-Placement Talks to ensure prior preparation and methodical Placement procedure
• Resume Verification – to ensure that a student’s CVs and resumes are of high standard
• Group Discussion/Personal Interview workshops – to ensure thorough preparation before campus interviews
• Mock Interviews – to ensure students are prepared to face important CEOs and Managers

CAREER AREAS

Multiple career opportunities are available in public and private academic institutions, research laboratories, atomic and space organizations, meteorology departments, telecommunication organisations, healthcare companies, manufacturing companies, corporates, MNCs, diagnostic centers, breeding industries, agricultural organisations, and medical industries. Potential career roles:

• Research Scientist
• Lecturer/Professor
• Geneticist
• Medical Writer
• Statistician
• Scientific Officer
• Research Analyst
• Consultant
• Online Tutor
• Subject Matter Expert (SME)
• Regulatory Process Manager
• Biology Mentor
• Lab Assistant
• Training Manager
• Technical Assistant
• Genetics Laboratory Technician
• Clinical Geneticist
• Biotech Sales Engineer
• Marketing Executive
• Forensic Expert
• Auditor
• Epidemiologist
• Research Associate
• Biophysicist
• Junior Research Fellow
• Sales Manager
• Research Scientist
• Plant Breeder
• Sales Specialist
• Purchase Executive
• Data Specialist
• Quality Analyst

RECRUITMENT OPPORTUNITIES

MSc Genetics post graduates can find employment opportunities in many public and private companies, hospitals, academic institutions, pharmaceutical MNCs, manufacturing companies, product packaging centres, nursing homes, diagnostic centres, and clinical testing centres. Popular recruiters are:

• Schools
• Colleges
• Research Centers
• Tech Mahindra
• Infosys
• Accenture
• Wipro
• Cognizant Technology Services
• Capgemini
• Biocon
• Dr Reddy's Laboratories Limited
• Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
• Bayer CropScience Limited
• Vimta Labs Limited
• Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
• National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER)
• Tata Memorial Centre
• BCS In-silico Biology
• Indian Society of Cell Biology
• Reliance Pharmaceuticals
• Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology (OUAT)
• Zydus Cadila
• Cipla Inc.
• Biocon
• Roche Diagnostics Corporation
• Quintiles Inc.
• Monsanto Diagnostic Laboratory
• Sciformix
• Emcure
• Syngene
• Mascot International
• Siron Technology Pvt. Ltd.
• Lakshmi Life Sciences Ltd.
• Jubilant Lifesciences
• Anand Diagnostics
• Alpha Pharma Healthcare India Private Limited
• Krauter Healthcare Limited
• The Indian Hotels Company Limited

CONCLUSION

An MSc Genetics degree is a popular and renowned life science post graduate course recognized throughout the world. The two-year course is structured to prepare students for a career in research and development. The course curriculum consists of theoretical concepts, practical experiments, skill-building programs, and certification courses that create a balance between academics and practical exposure. This degree is available for students all over India and admission depends on Bachelor’s degree performance, previous academic record, qualifying entrance examinations, and additional certifications. Multiple research assistants, internship, project, and career opportunities are available in different public and private sector departments, businesses, and companies after successful completion of the course.