Genetic Engineering

In simple terms, we can define genetic engineering as a laboratory technique used by scientists to change the DNA (Deoxy ribo Nucleic Acid) of living organisms. This exciting branch of engineering or science allows the human minds to interfere in and modify the processes of life, birth death and even offers escape from some congenital diseases. There is huge potential in this field as the demand for genetic engineers is increasing both in India and abroad.

Genetic engineers/scientists re-arrange the sequence of DNA in gene using various artificial techniques. The procedure involves extracting the DNA out of one organism, changing it using chemicals or radiation and then putting it back into the same or a different organism. For e.g.: genes and segments of DNA from one species is taken and put into another species. This branch of science also involves the study of how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused. Their research includes researching the causes and discovering potential cures if any.

The specialized studies in genetic engineering are related to plants, animals and human beings. The plant genetic engineering involves enhancing certain natural characteristics of value, viz. increase resistance to disease or damage and to develop new characteristics etc. It is used to change the color, size, texture etc of plants generally known as GM (Genetically Modified) foods. Genetic engineering in humans can be used to correct severe hereditary problems by introducing normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones.

Genetic engineering is a complex and most sophisticated branch of science that is still in a process of development.

Courses & Eligibility

Individuals aspiring for a career in genetic engineering can pursue the B.Tech. course after his/her intermediate in Science subjects (i.e. with Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology). Admission to B.Tech in Genetic Engineering/Biotechnology/ Biochemical Engineering is made generally through entrance tests conducted by several national institutes, universities and state bodies.

One can also pursue three-year B.Sc degree course in Genetics / Biological Science / Life Science / Biotechnology subjects and then go for post graduation (MSc) in genetic engineering programme.

Individuals with interest in further studies and research can pursue M.Tech and PhD in genetic engineering offered by few institutes in India including the IITs.

Career Prospects

In India, there are various sectors, which give employment to genetic engineers and professionals. They can find jobs in medical and pharmaceutical industries, agricultural sectors and the research and development departments of government, semi-government and private sectors. The pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector offers the best opportunities to genetic engineers and professionals with lucrative salaries apart from other perks and benefits.

Pay-Package

The pay package of genetic engineers is usually high as compared to other branches of engineering and science. A fresh graduate in genetic engineering can get starting monthly salary between Rs 15, 000 – Rs 25, 000. The pay-package in western countries is very high as compared to India.

There are many Indian and multinational companies in biotechnology sector in India and abroad offering quite good employment opportunities to genetic engineering professionals and scientists. Salaries earned by professionals in these firms usually range from Rs.20, 000 to 30,000 per month. However, in the USA and western countries pay package is much higher due to complexity of job and shortage of trained professionals.

Genetic engineering professionals working in government laboratories and research centers get good salary apart from other perks and benefits. One can also work in research laboratories in foreign countries which offer huge remuneration as compared to India.

Institutes/Universities offering professional courses in Genetic Engineering:

SRM University

SRM Nagar, Kattankulatthur - 603 203

Kancheepuram Dt, Tamil Nadu, India

Phone : +91 - 44 - 2745 5715 / 2745 3433

Fax : + 91 - 44 - 2745 3622

E-mail : dean@admissions.srmuniv.ac.in

Course (s) offered : B.Tech - (Genetic Engineering), Ph.D.

Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai

Course (s) offered : Post M.Sc. Certificate course in Plant Genetic Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras

Course (s) Offered : four-year B.Tech. Biotechnology, M.Tech. five-year dual degree in biotechnology.

IIT, Kharagpur

Course (s) Offered : four-year B.Tech. and five-year M.Tech. courses in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering.

IIT, Guwahati

Course (s) Offered : B.Tech Biotechnology.

IIT, Delhi

Course (s) Offered : M.Tech five-year dual degree in Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology

Note : Admission to all the above programmes is through the national-level IIT Joint Entrance Examination. Meritorious final year Plus Two students with physics, chemistry and mathematics can appear for this entrance examination.

AWH Special College (unaided - affiliated to University of Calicut)

Kallai, Calicut - 673 003

Course (s) Offered : B.Sc. Genetics course of three-year duration.

The institutes given below offer M.Sc. courses in Genetic Engineering

University of Delhi, South Campus, New Delhi

Osmania University, Hyderabad

Bharkathulla Vishwa Vidyalaya, Bhopal

Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana

Chowdhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hissar

Rajendra Agricultural University, Samastipur

University of Kerala (Department of Botany)Thiruvananthapuram

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Genetics and Plant Breeding

School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Madras, Chennai

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Biomedical genetics

Vellore Institute of Technology (Deemed University) Vellore

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Biomedical Genetics

Andhra University, Visakhapatanam

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Human Genetics

Gurunanak Dev University, Amritsar

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Human Genetics

Sri Rama Chandran Medical College and Research Institute

(Deemed University), Chennai

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Human Genetics

Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

Course (s) Offered : M.Sc. Molecular and Human Genetics