Career in Genetic Engineering

Genetic engineering is an advance branch in science stream and involves the study of DNA Code and techniques involved in genetic codes. Genes, mostly from other, often totally unrelated species are inserted in the genetic "master program". Genes from e.g. fish, scorpions, bacteria and viruses have been inserted into food plants in genetic engineering projects.

The simple addition, deletion, or manipulation of a single trait in an organism to create a desired change is also called Genetic engineering. The field Genetic Engineering comes under broad heading Biotechnology.  The main aim of genetic engineering is to re-arrange the sequence of DNA using artificial method. The research work on DNA is done on plants, animals and human beings. Presently, there is a huge scope in genetic engineering in India and abroad. Institutes in India offering genetic engineering courses train students to understand important segments of the field through both practically and theoretically.

There are different courses available to seek genetic engineering:

• Bachelor of Engineering in Genetic Engineering
• Bachelor of Technology in Genetic Engineering
• Master of Engineering in Genetic Engineering
• Master of Technology in Genetic Engineering
• Bachelor of Science in life sciences with genetics as optional subjects

Institute offering Genetic Engineering

There are few institutes in India offering courses in genetic engineering:

• Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
• Bharath University, Chennai
• Kuvempu University, Karnataka
• SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai
• Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna

Typical Eligibility Criteria:   

Students pursuing UG course in genetic engineering should be 10+2 pass out from science stream. Additionally, students have to appear for Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and other engineering test, depending on the institute student applying for.

For PG course, candidate should carry B.E or B. Tech degree. Also a valid GATE score is an added advantage.

Duration: 48 Months (4 years)

Genetic Engineering Syllabus

The syllabus for Genetic Engineering can vary depending upon the university and the program.

·         Semester 1: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Basic Engineering, Labs

·         Semester 2: Material Science, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Value Education

·         Semester 3: Enzyme Technology, Immunology, Microbiology, Computer Skills

·         Semester 4: Basic Molecular Techniques, Molecular Biology, Biostatistics

·         Semester 5: Momentum Transfer, Plant Tissue Culture, Biophysics, Bioprocess

·         Semester 6: Bioinformatics, Gene Therapy, Chemical Reaction Engineering

·         Semester 7: Stem Cell Biology, Bioseparation Technology, Nanobiotechnology

·         Semester 8: Practical Labs based on Genetic Engineering

Jobs

Genetic Engineering graduates find opportunities in medical and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, research and development departments of government and private organizations. Some of the well-known organizations are- Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology, Delhi; Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre, Chandigarh; The Centre for DNA Fingerprint and Diagnostics, Hyderabad; etc. The pay package offered for genetic engineers is comparatively higher than other engineering graduates. They are offered a monthly salary of Rs.20, 000 to 30,000 in public sector and even higher in private sector.