Genetic Engineering

Genetic Engineering is a branch of a contemporary process that uses laboratory-based technologies to alter the DNA makeup of an organism. It is an assortment of various technologies and scientific notions utilizing which scientists can modify the genomic data like the DNA of a naturally occurring cell to make it commercially beneficial. Candidates will be able to pursue genetic engineering after the completion of class 10. Candidates can pursue Genetic Engineering at diploma, graduation, and postgraduate levels. Genetic Engineering is a relatively new and less explored field of science that blends Biotechnology with Genetics. But with its expanding progress in science and technology, the Genetic Engineering course has made a place for itself in every significant science university.

Admission into Genetic Engineering is done based on the entrance exams and the merit of the candidates. Candidates willing to pursue Genetic Engineering must secure at least 50% marks in their last qualifying exam with PCMB subjects. Candidates have to appear for entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, MHT CET, etc exams to get admitted into Genetic Engineering courses. Genetic Engineering can be pursued online, offline, and distance learning. Some top institutions offering Genetic Engineering courses include SRM University, Chennai, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Bharath University, Chennai, Aryabhatta Knowledge University, etc.

Quick Facts About Genetic Engineering

• The term genetic engineering refers to the process of changing the genetic makeup of an organism. 
• This process involves manipulating the DNA of living things to create new traits or characteristics. 
• Genetic engineering includes many biomedical techniques, such as artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, cloning, and gene manipulation. 
• The idea of genetic engineering was first introduced in a science fiction novel called Dragon's Island, published in 1951. It wasn't until later that American biochemist Paul Berg created the first recombinant DNA molecules, which helped advance this field of study.

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Refer to the Genetic Engineering course highlights to learn what to expect while studying this course:

Genetic engineering is one of the most widely chased courses in India, with multiple career options in private as well as government sectors at different entry levels. Candidates with an undergraduate or postgraduate degree can easily find work as a research assistant or as a lab manager, whereas Ph.D. scholars can join the university as lecturers while continuing their postdoctoral training side by side.

To become a Genetic Engineer or Scientist, candidates are required to have a doctoral degree in biological sciences. On the fulfillment of the programme, candidates can get employment in the R & D departments of diverse Government Institutions. Major sectors like medicine, pharmaceuticals, education, and even the military offer recruitment to qualified candidates.

India being an epicenter of generic medicines provides abundant job possibilities in the medical, pharmaceutical industries, genetic engineering firms, and chemical industries with salaries varying between 8-12 LPA approx. If a candidate chooses to work in research labs of various esteemed universities, there are possible chances of them getting complete aid for their research by the state.

If you're interested in studying online genetic engineering, you should know that this field falls under the broader category of biotechnology or biological sciences. When you study genetic engineering online, you'll learn about a range of topics related to genetics, molecular biology, biotechnology, and genetic engineering techniques. You'll study subjects like gene editing, bioinformatics, and ethical considerations in genetic research. When you study genetic engineering online, you can do it from anywhere with an internet connection. You'll watch online lectures, participate in virtual classrooms, and use interactive learning materials. 

Here are some important things you should know about studying genetic engineering online:

• Types of Degrees - You can study genetic engineering online at different levels, including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Which degree you choose will depend on your educational background and career goals.
• Hands-On Learning - While you can learn the theoretical aspects of genetic engineering online, some programs may require you to attend on-campus sessions or complete laboratory work at affiliated institutions to gain hands-on experience in genetic engineering techniques.
• Research Opportunities - If you're studying genetic engineering at the graduate level (master's or doctoral), you may have the chance to work on projects or collaborate with faculty on ongoing research initiatives. You'll need to coordinate with faculty mentors for research opportunities.
• Admission Requirements - To study genetic engineering online, you'll need to have a background in biology, genetics, or a related field. Bachelor's programs may require a high school diploma or equivalent, while master's and doctoral programs usually require a relevant bachelor's or master's degree, respectively.
• Career Opportunities - When you graduate with a genetic engineering degree, you can pursue roles in research and development, biotechnology companies, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and academia. You could become a genetic engineer, research scientist, bioinformatician, or biotechnologist.
• Accreditation - It's important to choose an accredited institution when studying genetic engineering online. Accreditation ensures that the education you receive is of high quality and recognized by employers.

Here are some of the popular online Genetics Engineering Courses.

Candidates often get confused between Genetic and Biotechnology Engineering courses. Both these courses share many similarities and are closer to each other. Also, based on fact genetics is a part of biotechnology. Given below is a comprehensive concept and a visible difference between Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Engineering courses:

Explained below are the eligibility criteria for joining the Genetic Engineering courses on different levels:

Diploma Eligibility

• Candidates are required to have a class 10 school passing certificate from a recognised board of education for admission to a diploma course.
• For applicants with a 10+2 passing certificate, it is mandatory to have a Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) with a score of at least 40% aggregate.

Bachelor Eligibility

• Candidates should pass their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics as core subjects with a minimum of 60% aggregate from a recognised board of education.
• Applicants are required to clear the national-level entrance exams or entrances offered by the specific institute to secure a place in the respective college. 

Master Eligibility

• Aspirants must have an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry or Biotechnology or Biomedical Sciences or Genetics.
• Candidates with a minimum CPI of 6.5 or 60% aggregate or first-class in the qualifying degree are eligible. 
• The minimum qualifying marks in GATE or other similar national-level entrance exams are required for admission to bachelor's courses.

Doctoral Eligibility

• To pursue a doctorate in Genetic Engineering, it is compulsory to have a postgraduate degree in the same
• Candidates must also have the minimum required GATE or NET score as desired by the university
• Applicants are required to score at least 50% marks in the last qualifying examination

Required Skill Set for Genetic Engineering

The basic skill set required to become a successful genetic engineer is listed below:

• Strong knowledge of scientific methodologies and conventions
• PERL
• Python
• Ability to utilize computer-aided design (CAD)
• Complicated problem-solving, critical, and analytical skills 
• Graphics or photo imaging
• Word processing software programs
• Excellent mathematical, deductive, and inductive reasoning, reading, writing, and oral comprehensive dexterities
• Proficiency in using laser spectrometers, light distribution equipment, binocular light compound microscopes, etc.

Some of the popular entrance exams required for admission into the Genetic Engineering course have been explained below. 

JEE Main

The Joint Entrance Examination Main or commonly known as the JEE Main is a national-level entrance examination that is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for candidates every year. 

JEE Advanced

The Joint Entrance Examination Advanced more commonly known as JEE Advanced is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the top IITs. The top 2,50,000 candidates who have qualified for JEE Main are eligible for JEE Advanced exam.

BITSAT

The Birla Institute of Science and Technology Admission Test (BITSAT) is an entrance exam exclusively for admissions to graduate-level courses. BITSAT is one of the competitive entrance exams to secure a place at the Birla Institute of Technology and Science. 

WBJEE 

WBJEE is conducted by the West Bengal joint entrance examination board. It is conducted for admissions in undergraduate B Tech courses.  

MHT CET

The state common entrance test cell of Maharashtra conducts the MHT CET exam every year. The exam is conducted on the basis of class 11 and class 12 syllabi.  

GATE

The Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering or GATE is a post-graduation national-level entrance exam that is conducted for candidates who are willing to be admitted into the MTech course across the institutes of India.

Listed below are popular Genetic Engineering specialisations from which aspirants can choose to specialise in:

• Biophysics
• Plant Tissue Culture
• Gene Therapy
• Stem Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Mathematics
• Biostatistics

Admission to the Genetic Engineering course is done based on both merit and entrance as per the institution or college. The first step before finalizing the college should be checking the course structure, ranking, fees, and facilities. Also, the admission form and other processes can be done either in online or offline mode. Students have to qualify for their previous qualification or class to be eligible to get into any level of Genetic Engineering courses. 

Applicants must qualify for the entrance exam as suggested by the college or university to which they are applying. It is vital to note that the admission process differs with different colleges and universities. However, the general pattern of minimum academic requirements and documents remains the same. To get the exact admission details, check the official website of your target colleges.

Different universities and countries have different ways of accepting students for genetic engineering programs. Some universities may require students to take an entrance exam, while others may look at their academic performance in biology, genetics, chemistry, and math. Work experience in the field of genetics or biotechnology, a relevant bachelor's degree, a well-written statement of purpose, interviews, assessments, published research or projects, and special admission categories are some other things that may help students get direct admission to a genetic engineering program.

The genetic engineering course fee of the top colleges in India is given below:

The Genetic Engineering course familiarises the analysis of genes at a broader level. Candidates are trained regarding living organisms from plants to human beings at a genetic tier. Considering several advanced lab equipments to modern gene-editing procedures, the curriculum covers all the facets to prepare candidates for the real work field of genetics. The course not only accepts the concepts from science but other subjects also have a significant part in this field such as chemistry and mathematics. The course curriculum also furnishes candidates with theoretical as well as practical learning through lab experiments, including all the essential technology of the present time. GE is a four-year programme divided into eight semesters.

The field of Genetic Engineering is rapidly evolving and becoming more important in modern times. To help students who are interested in learning about this field, a comprehensive curriculum has been created for some of the most popular genetic engineering subjects. The Genetic Engineering syllabus covers a range of topics including Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Enzyme Technology, Genetics & Cytogenetics, Immunology, Microbiology, Basic Molecular Techniques & Molecular Biology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Bioprocess Engineering, Bio-separation Technology, Animal Cell Culture and Transgenic Technology. By thoroughly studying these subjects, students can gain a deeper understanding of genetic engineering and be better equipped to pursue a career in this exciting field.

Some of the top government colleges offering genetic engineering courses in India have been listed below.

Some of the top private colleges offering genetic engineering courses in India have been listed below.

Candidates can check the list of top private as well as public genetic engineering colleges that offer direct admission is presented below.

Studying Genetic Engineering abroad can be beneficial in terms of practical exposure and enhancing knowledge of global trends. Refer to the abroad top colleges offering these courses in the top study destinations like the USA, the UK, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Singapore, etc.

The career options and job prospects after genetic engineering are vast. Listed below are the details of options available after pursuing this course with job profiles and descriptions:

What is Genetic Engineering Salary?

The salary slabs of genetic engineers based on experience and fresher level are listed in the following table:

Top Recruiters of Genetic Engineering 

Candidates can find the top recruiters who hire them after the conclusion of the genetic engineering.