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Genetics

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Genetics

Summary

It is the study of genes, heredity and genetic variations in living organisms. The field aims to understand the process and function of trait inheritance, including topics such as gene distribution, gene behavior, and molecular structure of genes. Professionals in the field are involved with the investigation of the genetic causes behind various genetic anomalies, hereditary conditions and genetic variations of living organisms.

Career Opportunities in Genetics

  • Cytogeneticist
    Cytogeneticists or Cytogenetic Technologists prepare and maintain biological samples such as blood, amniotic fluids, bone marrow and tumors for chromosome analysis.
  • Forensic DNA Analyst
    Geneticists get employed by the crime-investigation branches of various government and private organizations. Their work involves the analysis of biological samples to detect the presence or absence of certain DNA.
  • Medical Technologist
    Also referred to as Clinical Laboratory scientists, Medical technologists conduct a number of biological, hematological, chemical, immunologic, bacteriological, and microscopic tests. Additionally, they also work on developing method and tests in their research.
  • Clinical Geneticist
    Clinical Geneticists are physicians who specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of different genetic diseases. They may also engage in various laboratory-based tasks related to these diseases.
  • Genetic Counselor
    A genetic counselors' work involves providing support and information, to create awareness about a variety of genetic diseases. Their duties include managing treatment of people with hereditary disorders, as well as, counseling patients with such inherited problems.
  • Research Geneticist
    Research Geneticists are mainly employed in the research and development departments of various government agencies, private laboratories, and other health-care institutions. Their research is mainly focused towards advancing knowledge and treatment of various inherited characteristics of humans, animals, and plants.
  • Education
    Geneticists can work as full-time or guest lecturers at universities and colleges.

How to Pursue a Career in Genetics

Stream Graduation After Graduation After Post Graduation
Path 1
Clear Class XII with Science Stream with BiologyPursue B.Sc. (Hons) in Genetics or B.Sc. (Hons) Biological Sciences or B.Sc. (Hons) Life Sciences for 3 yearsPursue M.Sc. Genetics or M.Sc. Bio-sciences for 2 yearsPursue Ph.D for 3-5 years.
Path 2
Clear Class XII with Science StreamPursue B.Tech. Genetic Engineering for 4 yearsPursue M.Tech. Genetic Engineering for 2 yearsPursue Ph.D for 3-5 years.

Important Facts

  • Some colleges/Universities have admissions in B.Sc.(Hons)/B.Tech in Genetics Engineering following their own entrance test or considers the marks in the qualifying exam.

Leading Institutes

Top Genetics Institutes in India
College Location Website
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Multiple Locations www.iiseradmission.in
The Oxford College of Science Bangalore www.theoxford.edu
Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar www.gndu.ac.in
Bangalore City College Bangalore www.bangalorecitycollege.org
Institute of Genetic Engineering Kolkata www.ige-india.com
Kurukshetra University Kurukshetra www.kuk.ac.in
University of Calicut Calicut www.universityofcalicut.info
Garden City College Bangalore www.gardencitycollege.edu
MS Ramaiah College of Arts Science and Commerce Bangalore www.msrcasc.edu.in
Indian Academy Degree College Bangalore www.indianacademy.edu.in
SRM University Ramapuram www.srmuniv.ac.in/ramapuram
Karnatak University Dharwad www.kud.ac.in
University of Madras Chennai www.unom.ac.in
University of Delhi, South campus Delhi www.du.ac.in
Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore www.vit.ac.in
Andhra University Visakhapatnam www.andhrauniversity.edu.in
Banaras Hindu University Varanasi www.bhu.ac.in
Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana www.web.pau.edu
Top Genetics Institutes in the World
Institution Location Website
University of Oxford United Kingdom www.ox.ac.uk
University of California, Berkeley United States www.berkeley.edu
Columbia University United States www.columbia.edu
University of California, Los Angeles United States www.ucla.edu
University of Pennsylvania United States www.upenn.edu
University College London United Kingdom www.ucl.ac.uk
University of California, San Diego United States www.ucsd.edu
Duke University United States www.duke.edu
Imperial College London United Kingdom www.imperial.ac.uk
Australian National University Australia www.anu.edu.au
University of York United Kingdom www.york.ac.uk
University of Toronto Canada www.utoronto.ca
Massey University New Zealand www.massey.ac.nz
The University of Queensland Australia www.uq.edu.au
John Hopkins University United States www.jhu.edu

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Undergraduate
College Tentative Date Important Elements Website
SRMJEE April Physics, Chemistry, Biology www.srmuniv.ac.in
KVPY November Aptitude test- Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Interview www.iisc.ernet.in/ug/faq.html
JEE Main (Paper 1) May Physics, Chemistry, Maths www.jeeadv.ac.in
JEE Advanced May Physics, Chemistry, Maths www.jeeadv.ac.in
NEET- National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test May -June Physics, Chemistry, Biology www.aipmt.nic.in/aipmt/Welcome.aspx

Work Description

  • Detecting genotypes and employing diagnostic procedures to detect genetic disorders
  • Explaining the results of tests performed by genetic technologists
  • Keeping records of genetic ailments and the clinical relevance of both, inherited or acquired genetic disorders
  • Handling enquiries of clinical staff /healthcare professionals
  • Supervising and training interns, colleagues and healthcare professionals
  • Assuring the quality and authenticity of the data developed
  • Employing laboratory techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Mutation Detection Techniques
  • Employing linkage analysis to detect the faulty/misfired genes which cause specific disorders
  • Preparing reports for clinicians and clients (patients)
  • Keeping up to date with the new developments and research work

Pros & Cons of a Career in Genetics

Pros
  • Professionals get the opportunities to work on, and lead advanced research projects.
  • The field is rapidly growing, and there are a number of research opportunities, both in India and overseas.
  • Jobs are available in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, health-care, etc.
Cons
  • The educational path for the career is long, as a Ph.D is generally preferred.
  • It involves spending most of the time indoors, in the laboratory.
  • It can be hard to get into the career, as it requires extensive knowledge, skill and traning.
  • The work may expose individuals to harmful and toxic substances.
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