Bio-Technology is the use of living things, especially cells and bacteria in industrial process. It covers a wide variety of subjects like Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Virology, Chemistry and Engineering and is also concerned with many other subjects like Health and Medicine, Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Cropping system and Crop Management, Ecology, Cell Biology, Soil science and Soil Conservation, Bio-statistics, Plant Physiology, Seed Technology etc.
The applications include developing various medicines, vaccines and diagnostics, increasing productivity, improving energy production and conservation. Biotechnology's intervention in the area of animal husbandry has improved animal breeding. It also helps to improve the quality of seeds, insecticides and fertilizers. Environmental biotechnology helps for pollution control and waste management.
The setting up of a separate Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in 1986 under the Ministry of Science and Technology gave a new boost to the development of the of modern biology and biotechnology in India.
More than 6000 biotechnologists of higher skill are required, the department of Biotechnology (DBT) has highlighted the need to set up a regulatory body for the maintenance of standard education under the name of 'All- India Board of Biotechnology Education and Training' under the AICTE.
Eligibility: background in science.
Job Prospectus and Career: Biotechnology as a subject has grown rapidly since 1986 and has great demand presently.