Genetic Engineering Courses in India

Genetic Engineering Courses in India are the most appropriate for those who have the interest and intellect to pursue it. India has made lots of achievements in this field by producing various animals through Genes alone. Genetic Engineering is a type of Engineering which deals with the direct and deliberate manipulation of an organism's genes. Genetic Engineering is a highly complicated and advanced branch of science which uses the techniques of molecular cloning and transformation to alter the structure and characteristics of genes directly. Professionals in this field are known as Genetic Engineers. The work of a Genetic Engineer involves extracting the DNA out of one organism, changing it using chemicals or radiation and subsequently putting it back into the same or a different organism. For eg: genes and segments of DNA from one species is taken and put into another species. It is generally classified under Biotechnology. It is a relatively new field and has already revolutionized the health care and agricultural industries.

Genetic Engineers also study how traits and characteristics are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused. Genetic engineering has specialisations related to plants, animals and human beings. Genetic engineering in plants and animals is used to improve certain natural characteristics of value, to increase resistance to disease or damage and to develop new characteristics etc. It is also used to change the colour, size, texture etc. of plants otherwise known as GM (Genetically Modified) foods. Genetic Engineering on humans can be used to correct severe hereditary defects by introducing normal genes into cells in place of missing or defective ones. Their research also involves researching the causes and discovering potential cures if any. Genetic engineering techniques have found some successes in numerous applications. Some examples - it is being used in improving crop technology, the manufacture of synthetic human insulin through the use of modified bacteria, the manufacture of erythropoietin in hamster ovary cells, and the production of new types of experimental mice such as the oncomouse (cancer mouse) for research.

Some of its specialized fields are -

1. Cytogenetics
2. Molecular Farming
3. Animal Energetics And Genetics
4. Fish Genetics And Breeding
5. Developmental Genetics
6. Genetic Toxicology
7. Immunogenetics

Content

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

• Enzyme Technology
• Immunology Laboratory
• Basic Molecular Techniques
• Bioprocess Engineering
• Genome Analysis Laboratory
• Stoichiometry and Engineering Thermodynamics

Objectives

1. To develop a sharp analytical mind and an aptitude for research
2. To develop a high level of concentration and eye for detail
3. To have abundant physical stamina to put in long hours of work
4. To inculcate sound moral sense for utilising the technology in productive way

Basic Requirements

The basic eligibility criteria for a graduate degree (BE / B.Tech) is 10+2 or equivalent examination, with Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics as well as genetics as part of the biology OR a bachelors degree in science or molecular biology. One also needs to clear the entrance exam for the respective courses.

Genetic Engineering Colleges and Universities in India

• Institute of Genetic Engineering
• IIT – Kharagpur
• IIT – Delhi
• Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Delhi University
• University of Calcutta
• Birla Institute of Technology, Pilani
• Jadavpur University

Job Perspectives

The demand for Genetic Engineers is growing in India as well as abroad. Genetic Engineers are absorbed in both private and public sector firms. A large number of industrial companies and many research laboratories use genetic engineering in their work. Job opportunities are numerous and growing in number. Students with training in genetic engineering may be employed in diverse laboratory settings including plant breeding, insecticide development and the production of pharmaceuticals. Most of them are mainly absorbed in medical and pharmaceutical industries, the agricultural sector, and the research and development departments. They can also take up teaching as an option. Certain NGO's like Greenpeace also hire Genetic Engineers to ascertain the outcome of GM products.

Some Job Types

• Scientists
• Researcher
• Professor
• Junior Policy Adviser
• Fish Culture Technician
• Engineering Technician
• Engineering Manager
• Marine Biologist
• Genetic Engineering Campaigner

Some Employment Areas

1. Chemical Companies
2. Pharmaceutical Companies
3. Agricultural Sector
4. Research And Development
5. Biotech Laboratories
6. Environment- Related Industries
7. Animal Husbandry
8. Dairy Farming
9. Energy Sector
10. Medical Schools
11. Hospitals