Genetic Engineering is concerned with deliberate manipulation of the genetic material (DNA) of a living organism by artificial techniques. The study of genetic engineering involves insertion of new genetic material at an unspecified location in the host genome by isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using molecular cloning methods to generate a DNA sequence containing the required genetic elements for expression, and then inserting this construct into the host organism.
Other methods consist of gene targeting and knocking out exact genes via engineered nucleases such as zinc finger nucleases or engineered homing endonucleases. The field of genetic engineering studies how traits and characteristics of an organism are transmitted through the generations, and how genetic disorders are caused.
Genetic Engineering is also concerned with developing hybrid varieties of plants, making plants disease resistant. Genetic engineering techniques are used in research, biotechnology, and medicine.
The career for genetic engineers is very bright nowadays. Many fields are now open before the genetic engineers. Job prospects is also very good for these engineers. They also can pursue master degree in this course.
Top Engineering Colleges - Genetic Engineering
1. Aryabhatta Knowledge University
2. Bharath University, Chennai
3. Indian Institute of Science, (IISc), Bangalore
4. Kuvempu University, Shimoga
5. S.R.M Institute of Science and Technology
6. Maharaj Vijayram Gajapathiraj College Of Engineering, Andhra Pradesh
Few Specializations of career under this field: -
Classical genetics
Behavioral genetics
Clinical genetics
Molecular genetics
Population, Quantitative and Ecological genetics
The salary offered for genetic engineers is comparatively higher than any other engineering graduates. They are offered a monthly salary of Rs.20, 000 to 30,000 in public sector and even higher in private sector.
The post graduate holders in this course get higher salary than fresh graduates.Senior engineers get a lucrative amount as they are much more experienced in this industry. And they have greater knowledge and skill of working in this industry than the fresh graduates.
Genetic Engineering graduates find opportunities in medical and pharmaceutical industries, agriculture, research and development departments of government and private organizationsthat are- The Institute of Genomic and Integrative Biology, Delhi; Biochemical Engineering Research and Process Development Centre, Chandigarh; The Centre for DNA Fingerprint and Diagnostics, Hyderabad; and The National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi .
The master degree holders in this course also has a wide variety of job.
Basic Eligibility
UG:
To pursue undergraduate course in genetic engineering,a candidate must have to pass higher secondary examnation(10+2) from any recognised board with science stream with biology as one of the compulsory subject . Most colleges offer admission on the basis of score obtained in Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) and All India Engineering/Pharmacy/Architecture Entrance Examination (AIEEE). The duration of this course is 4 years.
PG:
To pursue postgraduate course in genetic engineering, candidates have passed B.E / B.Tech( bachelor degree) in genetic engineering from any recognized University. Candidates should have valid GATE score to get admission in M.Tech. The duration of this course is 2 years.
