Genetics Courses in India

Genetics Courses in India are quite popular looking at the number of candidates opting for these. Genetics is a discipline of biology. It is the science of heredity and variation in living organisms. It studies heredity and ways in which traits are passed down from one generation to another. It is also known as the "Science of Heredity" as it deal with basic units of heredity called Genes. Genetics is essential for the study of cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology and biotechnology. The role of a Geneticist is crucial to many things such as cancer research, cystic fibrosis, Alzheimer's, unborn defects, and more for example. A Geneticist works in both scientific and medical fields in gaining a better understanding of mutation, cell growth, and reproduction. When fundamentals of genetics are applied in the field of engineering it is referred as ‘Genetic Engineering’. This is the reason genetics courses in India  are also referred as genetic engineering courses in India.

Some of Genetics specialized fields are -

• Classical Genetics.
• Conservation Genetics.
• Ecological Genetics.
• Immunogenetics.
• Molecular Genetics.
• Population Genetics.
• Quantitative Genetics.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Microscopy, Cell Biology & Model Organisms.
2. Mendelian Genetics & Biometry.
3. Cytogenetics.
4. Molecular Genetics.
5. Genetic Engineering & Cloning.

Objectives

• To make best use of the available resources in developing and improving existing technologies.
• To promote ethical practices and prevent Genetic misuse.
• To develop a simple and easy to understand literature which the common people can easily understand.

Genetics Courses in India: Basic Requirements 

Educational Qualifications - Genetics Courses in India are offered at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level. A candidate who has passed 10+2 in science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology is eligible for B.sc. in Genetics.

Genetics Colleges in India

• Mahatma Gandhi Mission Institute of Biosciences and Technology
• Andhra University
• Bharathiyar University, Coimbatore.
• Sri Ramachandra University
• University of Delhi
• West Bengal university of Technology - B.Sc (Hons) in Genetics

Personal Attributes - Career in the field of Genetics demands deep passion for the research, probing mind and ability to pay attention to details and work for long hours. To be successful at the job, one must have perseverance, patience and good communication skills.

Job Perspectives

The field of genetics is rapidly growing in influence and importance. There is a wide variety of careers that involve the use of genetics, ranging from traditional careers in academic research to non-traditional careers in law, journalism and many more. Genetic Testing is becoming a common practice and a part of many routine medical evaluations, more laboratory geneticists are needed and therefore there is a great demand for clinicians and counsellors needed to interpret and explain the results to individuals and families. The technology related to Genetics finds its application in health care, food processing, brewing, horticulture, beauty care, agriculture and animal science. Employment in research and development institutes, educational institutions and government departments is abundant. Gene Therapy is the new mantra in the modern world and there is lot of curiosity and financial players are willing to invest money in productive research.

Remuneration - The salaries and benefits vary, depending on the educational background (MS, PhD, or MD) and the position taken, but in general, people working in genetics are well-compensated professionals. Beginning salaries of Geneticists vary from 15,000 to 20,000 and goes up as the hierarchical ladder goes up.

Some Job Types

• Clinical Geneticist / Researcher.
• Genetic Counsellor.
• Genetics Laboratory Research Assistant.
• Genetics Laboratory Technician.
• Regulatory Process Manager.
• Biotech Sales Engineer.
• Drug Discovery Engineer.
• Assistant Professor.
• Associate Professor.

Some Employment Areas

• Pharmaceutical Industry and Suppliers.
• DNA Forensics Department.
• Hospitals.
• Universities.
• Agricultural Firms.
• Biotechnology Industries.
• Research Institutes.
• Consultancies.
• Military.
• Animal Breeding Industry.