Biotechnology Engineering: Courses, Eligibility, Colleges, Scope and Opportunities

27 April,2023  |  By Brainwonders

What is Biotechnology Engineering?

Biotechnology Engineering deals with researching and studying microorganisms, cell functions, and bio-organism. It is basically a mixture of Biological science and technology. Biotechnology engineering is the field of applied biology and chemical engineering that integrates with the use of living things in technology, engineering, medicine, and other essential applications. In short, biotechnology engineering is a field that blends engineering and biological science for research & development.

Biotechnology has emerged as an integral domain of science. Besides technological advancement, Biotech has increased the opportunities for engineers in biochemistry, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, nanotechnology, forensic science, microbiology, research, bioinformatics, food technology, etc. Biotech is a combination of life science and bioscience aspects of biology. The technological enhancement in the biological sector aims to focus on the cellular and molecular levels to develop products or tools to benefit the ecosystem. 

As a result, Biotech has a wide range of applications like bioremediation, genetically modified organisms, bioprocessing, nutraceuticals, and vaccines that collectively aim to focus on the quality of life.

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Particulars	Specification
Course type	Diploma, UG, PG, Doctoral
Admission process	Direct college exams, common entrance exams and academic qualifications
Duration of the programme	Diploma - 2 years UG- 4 years PG- 2 years PhD- 4-6 years
Types of specialisations	Undergraduate level (4-year courses) B.Tech or B.E. in Biotechnology Engineering (BT) B.Tech or B.E. in Biochemical Engineering B.Tech or B.E. in Biomedical Engineering B.Tech or B.E. in Agriculture Biotechnology Engineering Postgraduate level (2-year courses)  M.Tech or M.E. in BT M.Tech or M.E. in Clinical Engineering M.Tech or M.E. in Biochemical Engineering M.Sc or Master of Science in Life Science, Genetics, Microbiology, Biophysics
Average course fee	Range from Rs. 15,000-11, 00,000 based on the level and college
Average Salary (per month)	Around Rs. 3 - 10 lakhs
Career Option	Research Associate, Project Associate, Lab Technician, Scientist Process Engineer, Biotechnologist, Biotechnology Engineer, Lecturers, Professors, Advisor/Consultants

Why Biotechnology Engineering?

• The demand of biotechnology engineers is increasing at a rapid pace in different fields, such as food, fuels, agriculture, etc.
• Individuals who are interested in working for the environment may find this course more interesting.
• Candidates can contribute to different fields at a time, such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, industrial goods, environmental usage, cell biology, chemistry, etc.

Skills Required for Biotech Engineering:

• Teamwork
• An investigative mind
• Innovative thinking
• Analytical skills
• Complex problem-solving
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail

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Role of Biotechnology Engineer:

Biotechnology engineers have a comprehensive understanding of biological systems. They can analyse, acquaint themselves with, modify, and regulate the activity of biological systems to manufacture valuable goods. In order to devise remedies for impending problems, they can introduce new qualities, improve existing ones, or completely do away with such features altogether. Recent developments in research methods, procedures, gadgets, and equipment have resulted in increased productivity while simultaneously reducing the amount of manual labour required. 

Courses in Biotechnology Engineering

Diploma level (3 years)

• Diploma in Biotechnology Engineering

Undergraduate level (4-year courses)

• B.Tech in Biochemical Engineering
• B.E. in Biomedical Engineering
• B.Tech or B.E. in Agriculture Biotechnology Engineering

Postgraduate level (2-year courses) 

• M.Tech or M.E. in BT
• M.Tech or M.E. in Clinical Engineering
• M.Tech in Biochemical Engineering
• M.Sc or Master of Science in Life Science, Genetics, Microbiology, Biophysics

PhD level (2 to 5 years)

• PhD in Biotechnology Engineering

Dual degree (Undergraduate + postgraduate 5-year course):

B.Tech + M.Tech or B.S + M.S course provides dual degree with a specialisation in a sub-field of biotechnology

Specialisations offered in Biotechnology:

Different specialisation courses in biotechnology engineering include:

• Genetics
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology
• Molecular Biology
• Animal Husbandry
• Ecology
• Virology
• Immunology
• Fisheries
• Epidemiology
• Research Design

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Admission and Eligibility Criteria for Biotechnology Engineering:

To get into different levels of Biotechnology Engineering courses, you have to meet different requirements. 

• At the Diploma level, most students who have finished Class 10th can take the course. 
• At the undergraduate level, students must have taken courses in the science stream, which includes physics, chemistry, biology, and maths, in order to be accepted.
•  For Master's programmes, you must have a bachelor's degree in Biotechnology Engineering or a related field like chemistry, biology, or life sciences. You can get this degree in engineering or pure sciences.

In addition to this, candidates must also pass an entrance exam. For better understanding, refer to the mentioned below chart:

Courses	Duration	Eligibility	Courses Fees
Diploma	3 years	For the diploma degrees one has to clear class 10th with at least 55% aggregate marks	Between Rs 15,000 to Rs 1,30,000
Undergraduate	4 years	Cleared Class 12th Science from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects with at least 75% marks.	Between Rs 45,000 to Rs 11,00,000
Postgraduate	2 years	B.Tech/B.E degree in the same specialisation with minimum GPA of 6.5 or 60% of marks or First Class in the qualifying degree.	Between Rs 40,000 to Rs 3,00,000
Phd	3-5 years	Candidates must have completed UG & PG degree in the Biotechnology engineering	Between Rs 40,000 to Rs 3,00,000

Entrance Exams for Biotechnology Engineering:

UG Biotechnology engineering entrance examinations:

• Joint Entrance Examination (JEE Main) 
• JEE Advanced

PG Biotechnology engineering entrance examination:

• Jawaharlal Nehru University Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology (JNU CEEB), 
• Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) 
• IIT Joint Admission Test (JAM) 

List of Subjects for UG and PG Course:

• English
• Engineering Mathematics
• Engineering chemistry
• Engineering mechanics
• Engineering physics
• Computer programming and utilisation
• Elements of Engineering studies
• Enviornmental studies
• Engineering Drawing
• Workshop
• Communication and life skills

Biotechnology Course Curriculum:

• Basic engineering courses: thermodynamics, materials science
• Introduction to Process Engineering
• Computational biology 
• Genetic engineering 
• Basic science courses: Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry
• Energy balance
• Chemical biology 
• Environmental science and engineering
• Clinical engineering
• Drug design 
• Human physiology

Biotechnology Engineering Topics:

Following are the subjects or topics covered in the Biotechnology engineering undergraduate as well as postgraduate degree courses:

Human Biology Cell Biology and Biological Systems Chemistry Structural Biochemistry Biological Chemistry Plant Science Microbiology Protein Science Molecular Genetics Metabolism Immunology Physical Chemistry Organic Chemistry Environmental Microbiology Biochemistry Genetics

Chemical Engineering Virology Food Process Technology Bioremediation Technology Food Packaging Technology Biofertilizers and Biopesticides Clinical Microbiology Drug Delivery System Molecular Therapeutics Solid Waste Management Biometric Security Quality Management Ecology Genomics and Bioinformatics Food Microbiology

Bioengineering Top Colleges in India:

Listed below are the top biotechnology engineering colleges where one can complete his/her education:

Colleges	Location
Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi	New Delhi
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur	Uttar Pradesh
Birla Institute of Technology	Ranchi
Anna University	Chennai
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur	West Bengal
Delhi Technology University	New Delhi
Indian Institute of Technology, Bangalore	Karnataka
Chandigarh University	Punjab-Haryana
NIT Calicut Indian Institute of Technology	Calicut
Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai	Mumbai

Biotechnology Engineering Colleges Overseas:

College Name	Location
University of Oxford	England
California Institute of Technology	California
Columbia University	USA
University of Toronto	Canada
Imperial College	London
Stanford University	California
Cornell University	USA

Different Types of Biotechnology Courses:

• Medicine Red Biotechnology: It comprises medicines, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, antibodies, and other medications which are beneficial for human health and heart.
• Industrial White Biotechnology: Its impact is on textiles, food, and industries. The main motive of this biotechnology is to develop processes that consume fewer natural resources.
• Environmental and Agricultural Green Biotechnology: It focuses on new ways to grow stronger crops or developing new biopesticides to minimise the use of chemicals needed by the farmers.

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Scope & Career Opportunities in Biotechnology Engineering:

The Biotechnology field is increasing consistently. It is frequently referred to as the industry's next IT powerhouse. So, what is it about the BT field that is so appealing? Let's look at a few of the most range of applications in this industry. Despite its recent rise to prominence, India's pharmaceutical industry continues to expand at a rapid pace. This industry is always looking for talented individuals to join its workforce.

Public-funded organisations are responsible for much of the research in India, and there are many opportunities for employment in the many BT institutes. A rigorous learning atmosphere and appealing benefits make these desirable labs places to work for highly-talented people.

Not to mention the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, which has a lot of room for growth if you're dedicated and skilled. There are many new companies and labs in India's food technology and healthcare technology sectors. Desk occupations with intense analytical demands abound in the fields of bioinformatics and computational biology.

While in India, biotechnology is still in its infancy, several countries worldwide have already realised the value of biotechnology and are taking advantage of it. It has a lot of potential in wealthy countries where BT and related sectors might help you get a wonderful job.

Modern and trending technologies are generally respected, and a great deal of financing is available for those who want to pursue their interests. 

Employment Areas of Biotechnology Engineering:

After completing the biotechnology engineering course, one can find employment in various sectors and industries. If an individual has gained a lot of experience in the biotechnology field, he/she may even get scalable opportunities in India as well as abroad. Listed below are the areas where one can find the employment in the field of biotechnology engineering:

• Drug and Pharmaceutical Research
• Public-funded Laboratories
• Chemicals
• Environment Control
• Waste Management
• Energy
• Food Processing
• Bio-processing Industries
• Bioengineering or biomedical sector
• Waste management sector
• Bio-processing management
• Food and agriculture sustainability
• Regenerative medicine
• Advanced healthcare

Top Recruiters of Biotechnology Engineers:

• Siemens Healthcare
• Johnson and Johnson
• Drager
• Abbott
• Hamilton Medical
• Philips Healthcare
• Samsung Healthcare
• Smiths Medical 

Upcoming trends in Biotechnology Engineering:

• Genomic and proteomic studies are going to have several breakthroughs.
• Genetic method - CRISPR is revolutionising to synthesise new life forms.
• Analysis of humongous data is going to be relatively easier than today.

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