Malaysia University Portal

Listing of Universities and Colleges in Malaysia

Academic Guide : Biotechnology

Posted on | January 12, 2011 | Comments Off

Biotechnology is a relatively new and fast-developing field that integrates interdisciplinary sciences which include biochemistry, genetics, chemistry, microbiology, and engineering. It can be defined as the technological application of biological organisms, systems, or processes by various industries to learning about the science of life and the improvement of the value of materials and organisms in aspects of pharmaceuticals, crops, livestock and environmental. 

Contribution of Biotechnology

There are many groundbreaking discoveries in the field of biotechnology such as improving the treatment of diseases, developing safer drugs, friendly herbicides and pesticides, insect resistant crops, environmentally friendly wastes treatment and even treating genetic disorders.

There are many sub-branches involved in the biotech industry such as:

  • molecular biology
  • genetic engineering
  • cell biology
  • medical biotechnology
  • industrial biotechnology
  • agriculture biotechnology
  • marine biotechnology

Bachelor Degree in Biotechnology

Fueled by a strong demand for a talented workforce and increased government and private funding, academic programs in biotechnology are developing rapidly. A degree in biotechnology usually spans three years. A typical biotechnology degree is aimed at educating students on the fundamental scientific principles, concepts and its applications in various sectors.It equips the undergraduate students with the understanding of concepts in biological sciences, biochemistry and even genetics.

Biotechnology field encompasses a wide range of disciplines. Some of these disciplines covered by most degree courses include:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology
  • Bioinorganic Chemistry
  • Biotechnology ethics
  • Bioprocessing
  • Biosafety
  • Business and Regulatory Practices
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical engineering
  • Calculus
  • Cell biology
  • Genetics
  • Embryology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular biology
  • Protein biotechnology
  • Statistics

For graduates who earn a degree in biotechnology, there is a vast array of career opportunities awaiting them and hence they can easily land in any job that is related to biotechnology field without facing much difficulty.

Career in Biotechnology

Graduates with biotechnology degree can find employment in government and private sectors. Many graduates work for pharmaceutical farms, research laboratories, food processing industries, aquaculture and agro based industries. In general, experts in biotechnology work in the following capacity:

  • Research & Development
  • Quality Control
  • Clinical Research
  • Manufacturing & Production
  • Government Regulatory Affairs

Successful Traits of a Biotechnologist

  • Open to ideas
  • Creative problem solving skills
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Meticulous
Category: Academics

Comments

Comments are closed.