Career opportunities in field of genetics
Are you used to your friends and relatives being shocked at the stark similarity you share with your mother, or have you always wondered about how your best friend’s eyes are naturally green?
The secret runs in their genes. Genes are the basic unit of heredity, and their study is called genetics. Genetics is a branch of science that studies how living things inherit features such as hair colour, eye colour and risk for disease from their ancestors.
Genetics as a career is stepping up the stairs, gaining gradual popularity among students. The career has a booming scope and is the perfect option for science and biology buffs.
WHAT’S THE FIELD ABOUT?
The career majorly focuses on hereditary conditions, inherited diseases, as well as the application of genetics research to the development of pharmaceutical and agricultural products. The study of genetics has created a major breakthrough in branches of cancer research, unborn defects, DNA samples, etc.A Geneticist works in both medical and scientific fields to gain a better understanding of mutation, reproduction and cell growth.
If you are interested in pursuing a career in genetics, your work would mainly consist of detecting genotypes, keeping records of ailments, employing mutation techniques, analysing test results, etc.
ELIGIBILITY
If you are an aspiring student looking forward to make a career in Genetics, you would have to opt for Physics, Chemistry and Biology as your primary subjects in class 12th.
COLLEGES AND INSTITUTIONS
There are a lot of colleges which provide a three year long B.sc (Hons.) or 4-year B.tech in Genetic Engineering. Alternatively, students can also opt for life sciences and biology courses at the undergraduate level, and go on for a M.Sc. or M.Tech in the Genetics field.
You will also have the option to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) further on.
Here is a list of a few colleges that offer a BSc in genetics.
• Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
• Bangalore City College, Bengaluru
• Avanthi Degree College, Osmania University, Hyderabad
• University of Calicut, Calicut
• Garden City College, Bengaluru
WHERE DO GENETICISTS WORK?
Geneticists can work in various capacities for many different types of employers. Some employment areasyou will come across after studying a Genetics course are:
• Hospitals
• Military
• DNA Forensics Department
• Diagnostic laboratories
• Pharmaceutical Industry
• Agricultural Firms
• Research Institutes
• Universities
A growing scope of this career offers you a wide variety of opportunities.
1. Cytogeneticist: A cytogenetist prepares biological specimens such as blood, amniotic fluids, bone marrow and tumour for chromosome analysis.
2. Crime Investigation: Geneticists also work in the crime investigation branches of government and non-government organizations analyzing biological samples submitted to them for the presence or absence of certain DNA strains.
3. Medical Laboratory Technologist: Also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists, Medical Technologists perform chemical, biological, hematological, immunological, microscopic and bacteriological tests, as well as develop new test methods, etc.
4. Clinical Geneticist: They are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases. Their job may also include laboratory-based tasks related to such diseases.
5. Genetic Counsellor: The counsellors’ main job is to provide support and information on a variety of genetic diseases. Their duties include coordinating treatment for those with birth disorders, as well as counseling the patients who have any hereditary problems.
6. Research Geneticist: Jobs are available at government agencies, private laboratories and other research organizations. The research is mainly focused on the inherited characteristics of humans, animals, and plants. Their experiments and analyses add to the existing knowledge pool and the development of new products.
7. Education: Genetics teachers in schools and universities are in high demand. They work at various levels, depending on their qualifications.
So if your interests lie in themes like heredity, DNA and genes, do give Genetics a serious thought!