Are you a high school student pursuing science in class 12th? Although there are several options you can explore for your bachelor’s degree, the most popular one is biotechnology. But what exactly is Biotechnology? Let’s quickly recap your NCERT textbooks for classes 11 and 12. You must have read ‘Biotechnology: Principles and Processes’ and ‘Biotechnology and its Applications’.
To understand it better, imagine yourself as a scientist who can manipulate objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye — cells, also known as microorganisms. These cells are like factories inside every living being, whether a plant, an animal, or even bacteria. How about we instruct these cells to produce useful things for humanity? This is what biotechnology is all about.
In scientific language, biotechnology is a field of science that deals with microorganisms like cells to produce products and technologies for various applications.
So, have we piqued your interest? There are many ways to learn and explore biotechnology — let’s find out what they are!
How to Learn Biotechnology: A Step-by-Step Guide
The first thing is to make a decision. If this field interests you, start looking for a college or university. Next, understand the eligibility criteria and start preparing accordingly.
For example, to study biotechnology, you should have PCB or PCM as subjects in class 12th. Most universities expect you to have a minimum of 50–60% aggregate marks in a science stream in class 12th. Certain universities also keep NEET/ JEE/ CUET marks as eligibility. Apart from this, many educational institutions have entrance tests. For instance, Shoolini University conducts a SAT Shoolini Aptitude Test for students planning to study biotechnology. Also, did you know that Shoolini, located in the foothills of the Himalayas, is the first biotechnology university in India?
So, these are the initial steps if you are wondering how to learn Biotechnology. Now, let’s move on and look at the courses you can choose for a bright future in biotechnology.
Biotechnology Course Details
BSc Biotechnology and BTech Biotechnology are the top courses you can opt for after class 12th. Let’s explore these courses in detail.
- BSc Biotechnology: BSc in Biotechnology is an undergraduate degree in Biotechnology that combines biology, chemistry, genetics, and engineering to study living organisms and biological systems. Students learn to use biology and technology to create new products and services.
- B Tech Biotechnology: B Tech in Biotech is a 4-year undergraduate program that combines Engineering, biology, and technology. It teaches students how to apply biological processes to invent products and technologies.
Some universities also offer a BSc Hons in Biotechnology and a B Tech Hons in Biotechnology after class 12th. In these courses, you can specialise in one of the subjects that interests you. Do you know Shoolini University, one of the best university for biotechnology in India, offers an SRP program to aspiring Biotech students? SRP, also known as the Summit Research program, is based on research and prepares students to be scientists right from their undergraduate years.
So, these are your options if you plan to pursue biotechnology courses after class 12th.
Another important question after how to learn biotechnology is Why learn biotechnology? What are the perks of studying biotechnology in the 21st century?
Biotechnology is one of the most dynamic fields of the 21st century, blending biology with cutting-edge technology to address global challenges. There are several reasons why studying biotechnology today is more critical than ever, especially with rapid advancements and growing demands in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
1. Groundbreaking Inventions in Biotechnology
In India, biotechnology has played a critical role in the rapid development of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. In doing so, companies like Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India strived to produce millions of doses of vaccines such as Covaxin and Covishield to save hundreds of lives. Such developments depict the importance biotechnologists have in their fight against pandemics and other health crises.
The global biotechnology market is expected to grow from $372.8 billion in 2023 to $727.1 billion by 2030, driven mainly by innovations like gene therapy and personalised medicine.
2. Addressing India’s Urgent Needs
India has a population of 1.4 billion and, therefore, faces challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. Biotechnology is the key to solving these issues.
- Healthcare: India has a huge market for affordable and accessible solutions to healthcare problems. New treatments, vaccines, and diagnostics call for input from biotechnologists. For example, biotech companies in India reduced the cost of producing insulin, which is now much cheaper and readily available to people with diabetes nationwide.
- Agriculture: Nearly 50% of the people in India depend on agriculture. Therefore, It is necessary to develop biotech solutions such as GM crops for higher yields, pest resistance, and climate change. India has already seen success with Bt cotton, which increased production by 150% since its introduction in 2002, benefitting millions of farmers.
- Environmental Sustainability: Biotechnology can expedite efforts to check pollution and deal with waste in India. Biotechnologists are involved in developing biofuels and bioplastics to decrease environmental damage. An example is the increase in bioethanol production in India, which aims to achieve 20 per cent ethanol-blended fuel by 2025.
3. High Demand for Biotechnologists in India
India has more than 5,000 biotech companies and 2,500 biotech start-ups. In fact, as per BIRAC (Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council), India plans to be a $150 billion biotech hub by 2025. This has naturally opened up an enormous pool of job opportunities for skilled professionals eager to work on drug discovery, agriculture-based biotechnology, and industrial biotechnology breakthroughs.
Government programs, such as the National Biotechnology Development Strategy and the Make in India campaign, demonstrate the significance of biotechnology in the country’s future growth. The sector would experience new and massive investments and collaborate with the global field, opening new avenues for exciting career opportunities in biotechnology.
4. Career Opportunities and Global Impact
Biotechnology graduates can look for jobs in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, environment conservation, and even forensic medicine. With tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as examples, you can now have a hand in life-saving breakthroughs that can make a difference worldwide. The career scope of biotechnologists is on the rise, too, so one can find careers in research and development, quality control, bioinformatics, and clinical research.
Why Study Biotechnology Now?
Studying biotechnology today is nothing short of being at the centre of some of the most exciting scientific developments happening in the world. There is a high demand for biotechnologists in India. Whether it’s curing diseases, ensuring food security, or developing sustainable energy solutions, biotechnology equips you with the skills to make a real difference in the world.
Conclusion
I’m sure all your questions about how to learn Biotechnology have been answered now. Learning biotech opens opportunities for those passionate about science and making a difference. As you explore this dynamic field, you’ll gain the skills to tackle pressing challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. With numerous career paths available and a growing demand for biotechnologists in India, pursuing a degree in biotechnology means a fulfilling and impactful career. So, if you’re excited about innovation and want to contribute to solving real-world problems, biotechnology might be the perfect choice for you!
