Admission Buzz: Career in Science Beyond Traditional Engineering & Medical

Board Exams are over and class 10 student are in a dilemma which stream would help them reach their dream career . Meritnation is flooded with such queries , and our team thought to help you all students make effective career decision. As a part of career series Meritnation is starting first with the most popular career in Science other than Engineering & Medical.

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Science opens the doors to a number of fields and career options.

Taking up Science after class 10 is a decision that is quite rewarding for students mainly because
Science students have the option of easily switching career streams later. If you have taken up Physics, Chemistry, Maths and / or Biology, you are not only eligible to apply to engineering streams like computer science, software engineering, biotechnology, biochemistry, microbiology, agricultural sciences, mechanical, civil engineering, medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy,nutrition and dietics, veterinary sciences, audiology, architecture etc, but can also apply to courses like literature, sociology, psychology, economics, history, commerce, political science, geological sciences etc. Science students can also take up mass communication, photography, cinematography, Law, etc.

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Going for BSc in the current times

There is a lot of misconceptions and confusions among students when it comes to choosing BSc or Btech after 12th. In India, a common misconception is that a BTech (engineering) degree is better than BSc (pure science) degree because a Btech degree allows the student to gain expertise in the area of his interests faster than a student graduating in pure sciences.

There are some who feel that BTech is tougher and they won’t be able to perform up to the expected level, while others feel BSc is way too easy. However, it is to be noted that both the options have their merits and de merits.

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B.Sc. :

In India, a student can complete graduation in Science in 3-4 years. Some universities also offer specialised ( honour) courses like Bsc(Honours) Zoology/ Botany/Physics/ Chemistry/ Computer Application/ Applied Sciences/ Physical Sciences etc where the student gets to specialize in the subject he has chosen.

Other universities offer a general overview of all the science subjects in this degree, leaving the student to apply to a masters course to specialise in the subject that interests him the most.The curriculum is broad and mainly theoretical.

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If the student is more inclines towards the non technical aspects of the subject and wants to go for further research studies in science, then B Sc. is a good way to start. You can opt for a Master’s course and then enroll into a Doctoral programme. Alternately, you can also enroll in a M.Tech or a M.E. Programme after graduation.

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B Tech:

If you are interested in the technical side of science, designs, calculations etc., then a B. Tech degree will work in your favour. The course is designed on the field of engineering with an option to choose further specialisation / elective, in the final year, under your chosen field.This helps you focus on your specific area of interest.

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The curriculum is perceived to be tough and demands an excellent proficiency in technical subjects like Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Because of the boom in technology industry, career prospects after graduation in engineering are brighter comparatively as the choice of engineering discipline + further specialisation under it gives an edge to choose and follow your career goals in that segment.

How to add an extra punch to your degree.

Specialisations are are the key to financial success in careers today. Therefore, you must constantly
update your knowledge base by taking up a course that will add weight to your resume and to your knowledge. B Sc students can take up postgraduate degrees and gain some technical knowledge in the field to have a cut above the rest. B Tech students can also go for postgraduate chosen field and/or go for MBA courses to add value to their professional career.

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Courses in applied science or multi-disciplinary approach.

The Applied Sciences field provides a training of excellence in the engineering sciences based on the goals of industry, which are connected back to the relevant scientific disciplines. Such a deliberately multidisciplinary approach promotes exchanges between the various specializations.
Some of the fields that can be worked upon are:

•Nanosciences
•Biotechnologies
•The environment and risk
•Transport and space
•Aquaculture
•Marine Conservation
•Fisheries Management
•Aquatic Science
•Aquatic Biology
•Synthetic Biology

These courses are postgraduate courses and are research intensive.

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List of some interesting and new courses available for science students now

Nanotechnology:

Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular scale.This new sphere of scientific innovation has a broader scope. Several Indian institutes have introduced degree courses in Nanotechnology at both the UG and PG levels. The areas covered in the Nanotech are Food and Beverage, Bio- Technology, Forensic Sciences, Genetics, Space Research, Environment industry, Medicine, Agriculture and Teaching. Nanomedicine is the most important field of Nanotechnology. The nano level gadgets and materials are used for diagnosing and treatment of diseases. Nano-Pharmacology has generated a specific category of smart drugs that affect negligible side effects. The use of Nanotech has also helped in the detection of narcotics and fingerprints of the suspected criminals.

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The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, also known as CSIR has set up 38 laboratories in India dedicated to research in Nanotechnology. This technology will be used in diagnostic kits,improved water filters and sensors and drug delivery. The research is being conducted on using it to reduce pollution emitted by the vehicles.

Looking at the progressive prospects of Nanotechnology in India, Nanobiosym Inc., a US-based leading nanotechnology firm is planning to set up India’s first integrated nanotechnology and biomedicine technology park in Himachal Pradesh.

Biotechnology:

Biotechnology is the exploitation of biological processes for industrial and other purposes,especially the genetic manipulation of microorganisms for the production of antibiotics, hormones,etc. It is a blend of subjects related Biology and subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering. It is a research-oriented field. So, most of the work is carried out at research institutes and laboratories.

The eligibility criterion for getting into an undergraduate program varies from one institution to another. In some colleges the eligibility criteria includes a 10+2 with 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. In some other institutions, the 10+2 pass percentage required is 55%. Whereas some colleges consider physics, chemistry and biology combination of subjects as a basic entry level qualification and others take into account the physics, chemistry and mathematics combination. Once this eligibility criterion is met, you can get admission in to BSc programs.

Once you have earned a graduate degree in this field you can go for the master’s level (MSc, ME, MTech). For a Masters in Biotechnology, you should either have a graduate degree in biotechnology or in any subject that is related to biological sciences. A graduate degree in subjects such as biochemistry, biology, botany, chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy, veterinary sciences or zoology is acceptable for an entry into a post-graduate program in biotechnology.

Apart from undergraduate programs, many colleges and universities offer five and five-and-a-half year integrate programs (BTech/MTech) for students. It should be kept in mind that a post-graduate qualification in biotechnology is a must to enter the profitable and ever-expanding field of bio technical applications.

Marine Biology:

Marine biology is the scientific study of organisms in the ocean or other marine or brackish bodies of water. To get in to the role of a marine biologist one has to acquire education in the area of marine biology. In India Marine Biology, courses are mostly offered at postgraduate levels. In order to pursue such a course at the postgraduate level, one has to complete graduation, with Biology as the main subject of study. The course study includes topics on Physics, Zoology, Chemistry, Biometrics, Mathematics, and Statistics. The candidate has to pass the screening test carried out by the recruiter to get in to the post notified.

Students who have completed their HSC course with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects are eligible to apply for bachelor level courses in Biology. Those who have completed the bachelor courses in Biology are eligible to apply for master level programs in Marine Biology. PG degree holders in Marine biology are eligible to apply for the post of marine biologist.

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Scientific skills and an adventurer’s spirit are necessary traits required for the profession of Marine
Biologist. Strong academic record in both graduation and post graduation are preferred for the job
profile of marine biologist. Research skills and presentation skills are also desirable for those who are engaged in this type of business.

Dairy Sciences:
A professional degree programme like B.Tech. in dairy technology or dairy science and technology offers intensive training in milk processing and quality control, and engineering aspects of dairy processing equipment. The course duration is four years.Students who have completed Plus Two with physics, chemistry and mathematics as optional subjects are eligible to choose this programme. The selection will be based on the rank obtained in the common entrance examination.
Students who complete their B.Tech. degree in dairy technology can go for Master’s degree in dairying. The course offers intensive training in various aspects of production, processing and management.

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National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal, Haryana, is a leader in research and education in the field of dairy science and technology. It offers B.Tech. in dairy technology, and Master’s and Ph.D. programmes in dairying.Some State universities and a few institutions offer B.Tech. or B.Sc. Dairy Science and Technology courses. Among them, the National Dairy Research Institute (Karnal and Bangalore) and the Sheth MC College of Dairy Science (Anand) have been identified as centres of excellence.

In most States, admission is made on the basis of entrance examination. The eligibility requirement is a pass in Plus Two with minimum 50 per cent marks in physics, chemistry and mathematics taken together.

The following agricultural universities or institutes offer higher education facilities in dairy science and technology:

•Dairy Science College (University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore), Hebbal, Bangalore
•College of Veterinary Science (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University), Tirupati
•Andhra Pradesh Agricultural University, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad
•College of Dairy Science (Rajasthan Agricultural University), Udaipur
•Sanjay Gandhi Institute of Dairy Technology, Lohianagar, Patna
•West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences & Faculty of Dairy Technology, Mohanpur Campus, P.O. Krishi Vishwavidyalaya

•Allahabad Agricultural Institute, Allahabad
•Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Jabalpur
•Dairy Science Institute, Asrey Milk Colony, Government of Maharastra, Mumbai
•Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chattisgarh).

In Kerala, the College of Dairy Science and Technology, Idukki (presently functions at Mannuthy) offers B.Tech. in dairy science and technology course. This college comes under the Kerala Agricultural University (KAU), Mannuthy, Thrissur. Admission to the course is on the basis of ranks obtained in the common entrance examination.

Master’s degree courses in dairy science and dairy technology are offered at a few agricultural or veterinary science and animal husbandry colleges.Courses include M.Tech. in dairy science and technology, M.Sc. in dairy science, and M.V.Sc. in animal husbandry and dairying.

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Stem Cell Research:

Stem cell research is an advanced level of biological research carried out by people from diverse science backgrounds to find new therapies for various ailments. A large number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and prominent stem cell institutions carrying out pioneering research in stem cell therapy, the opportunities for students are immense. It is estimated that the investment in stem cell research in India is more than Rs 1000 crores. Most of the investment in stem cell research in India is in the government sector.
Some of the institutions that offer stem cell courses are:

*Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
*National Centre for Biological Science (NCBS), Bangalore
*National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune
*National institute for Research in Reproductive Health,Mumbai
*Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM), Bangalore
*Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hyderabad
*L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad 
*Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Chennai
*Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, Chennai
*Sree ChitraTirunal Institute for Medical Sciences in Technology,Trivandrum
*National Institute of Nutrition
*National Institute of Immunology
*MS University Baroda
*SGPI, Chadigarh

Candidates, who want to move ahead in their career, have the option of pursuing the following courses: M.Sc in Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Zoology, Biophysics, Microbiology and Life Sciences; M.Sc in,Regenerative Medicine is only at MIRM, Bangalore.
One can choose to start one’s career in quality, R&D, production, clinical research, supply chain, and human resources besides finance and other administrative functions.

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Meteorological Sciences:

Meteorology is a sub-discipline of Atmospheric science that mainly focuses on various aspects of the atmosphere, especially that of the weather and climate.
Those who specialise in the field of meteorology are called Meteorologists or Climatologists or Atmospheric scientists.
Meteorology as a career deals with study and research of the atmosphere, prediction of the weather, identification and interpretation of climatic trends etc. As such, the field of meteorology includes both weather and climate and is concerned with the physical, dynamical and chemical state of the Earths atmosphere and interactions between the atmosphere and the Earths surface. There are three aspects of meteorology- observation, understanding and prediction of weather.
Career aspirants in this field must be good at mathematics and science. To begin a career as a meteorologist one must have at least a bachelor degree in meteorology or atmospheric science. Bachelor degree is of four year duration.

A master degree in meteorology with relevant specialization is essential for positions such as operational meteorologists, physical meteorologists, synoptic meteorologists, environmental meteorologists and hydro- meteorologists.

Master level programmes are of two year duration. Candidates who are aspiring to become researchers and scientists must complete a PhD programme in Meteorology. Duration of a doctoral programme is normally over three years.
A course in meteorology will help in the development of various skills like data collection,data analysis, forecasting and computer modeling. Subjects covered by a course in meteorology include Fundamentals of Meteorology, Global Atmosphere, Weather Measurement & Analysis, Atmospheric Thermodynamics, Atmospheric Physics, Weather Analysis and Forecasting, Marine Meteorology etc.

A number of universities including IITs are offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in
Meteorology/Atmospheric Sciences.

Mohan Prasad
IIT-JEE Expert
Meritnation.com

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About Mohan:

Mohan is a graduate of IIT Delhi and IIM Lucknow with 3 years of experience in Education management. He currently heads the Test Preparation division at Meritnation.com, India’s largest Online Study Portal. Mohan fuses his deep knowledge of technology & keen passion for Mathematics & the Sciences to define path-breaking new content modules for Engineering & Medical Aspirants.

In his free time Mohan loves to write Historical Fiction & Interact with students preparing for Competitive Exams.