Genetic Engineering | Everything you need to know about this field!

 

Genetic Engineering is booming now more than ever. This research-oriented field attracts students with a passion for learning about genomics and building a successful career. If you want to pursue a career in microbiology, nanotechnology, biotechnology, or a related field, then keep reading to learn everything there is to know about Genetic Engineering programs. 

What is Genetic Engineering? 

Next time you consume your favorite meal, take a closer look at it. Do you believe you could determine if the food is all-natural or tampered with just by looking at it? Well, you should be aware that genetic engineering is one technique by which it may be altered. The act of altering an organism’s genetic composition by adding, removing, or modifying particular parts of DNA is known as genetic engineering. 

Syllabus of Genetic Engineering courses 

If you enroll in a Genetic Engineering course, you will study both the theoretical and practical sides of biology and technology. It is critical to understand the central features of a course before enrolling in it. The following are the main topics addressed in Genetic Engineering courses-

1. Biochemistry 

Biochemistry is a discipline of biology that is concerned with the chemical aspects of all biological processes. As synthetic alternatives for organic materials have been available, biochemistry has become an essential branch of Science in modern research. This substitution impacts both the health and microbiology sectors, as well as the science of Biochemistry. 

2. Bioinformatics 

This interdisciplinary discipline blends Biology, Computer Application, and Mathematics to interpret and comprehend biological data. Genetic Engineers use this field to evaluate biological data and identify the valid and necessary components needed to undertake a study. This field is widely utilized to find candidate genes for use in experiments. 

3. Immunology 

The Genetic Engineering syllabus also includes Immunology, the study of an organism’s immune system and how it fights against parasites and other disease-causing organisms. 

Immunology helps in establishing the extent of the harm caused by these organisms, as well as attempting to find a cure for these disorders and prevent them from recurring. As bacteria, viruses, and other microbes are responsible for some of the most severe diseases affecting humans, immunology remains an integral part of microbiology. 

4. Nanotechnology 

It is an interdisciplinary topic dealing with the manipulation of matter at the molecular or atomic scale, and it is an essential aspect of this field. Nanotechnology and Genetic Engineering are two key technologies that have made significant contributions to health care.  

Eligibility criteria 

Here are the basic eligibility criteria that students need to fulfill for pursuing a Genetic Engineering course- 

• A candidate for bachelor’s level courses must have finished their 10+2 with a minimum aggregate as stated by the university they are applying for.
• For master’s level courses, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree in genetics, ideally BTech/BSc Genetics, with an aggregate percentage determined by the institute to which they are applying. 
• Students also need to submit their English proficiency test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE, etc.). 
• Other materials required for the application process include- 
  • Statement of purpose
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Transcripts/mark sheets, etc.

Top Genetic Engineering colleges in the world 

Here is a list of some top Genetic Engineering colleges, providing the best education in this field.  

Colleges	Location
Harvard University	USA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USA
University of Cambridge	UK
University of Pennsylvania	USA
Karolinska Institute	Sweden
University of CaliforniaSan Francisco	USA
University of Toronto	Canada
Catholic University of Leuven	Germany
Johns Hopkins University	USA

Scope of Genetic Engineering 

A career in Genetic Engineering is promising because it employs professionals in a variety of sectors, such as-

• Agricultural industry 
• Medical industry 
• Research and development departments in the public, semi-public, and commercial sectors.  
• Pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries 

These fields offer the highest job prospects for genetic engineers and professionals, as well as competitive compensation and other advantages. 

Job profiles & salary

This field offers competitive salaries, making it a popular industry among professionals. The following are the job profiles, along with the salary details. 

• Professor – $41,740 to $112,820 
• Geneticist – $57,750 – $107,450
• Genomics – $41,740 – $112,820
• Medical Writer – $37,431 – $116,567
• Information Security Engineer – $42,500 USD – $143,000

Key takeaways 

• Genetic Engineering can be applied to a wide range of plants, animals, and creatures and has uses in health, research, industry, and agriculture.
• Genetically modified organisms are used in research to learn more about the functions of specific genes.
• Insulin, human growth hormones, Follistim (a fertility medication), human albumin, monoclonal antibodies, antihemophilic factors, vaccinations, and various other drugs have been mass-produced via Genetic Engineering techniques.
• Many top universities are offering Genetic Engineering courses for people who want to make a career in this field. 

We hope this blog gave you enough insight into Genetic Engineering. If you are confused about the right university for you, we can help you decide. You just need to reach out to us or drop a comment below. 

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FAQs 

Q1. Who is the Father of Genetics? 

Answer- Gregor Mendel is known as the father of genetics. 

Q2. Which country is known for its expertise in genetic engineering? 

Answer- The USA and most countries from Europe, such as Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, the UK, etc., are well known for offering this course. 

Q3. What are the subjects taught in the Genetic Engineering course? 

Answer- Some of the subjects include- 

• Immunology 
• Biostatistics 
• Material Science 
• Cell Biology 
• Biochemistry
• Nano-biotechnology 
• Bioinformatics 
• Principles of Tissue Engineering 
• Bioethics and Safety 
• Stem Cell Therapy 

Q4. What is the course duration of becoming a Genetic Engineer? 

Answer- The course duration is four years.