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GENETICS DECODE
Genetic engineering is essentially a research-oriented field, with applications in areas such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and environment
How would you like to do research that might one day produce a fruit which carries a safe, effective and inexpensive vaccine for hepatits B, or crops that need little or no pesticides, while fighting insects and diseases and replenishing the soil? Or even producing a special rice with added vitamins that helps infants in India fight disease? This is not science fiction, but the world of genetics, one of the most revolutionary and beneficial sciences today.
All in the genes
Every living thing, from the most simple to the most sophisticated, carries a genetic code, or ‘blueprint,’ that determines precisely what traits it will have. Genetics is a precise science that enables us to find the most beneficial traits, in terms of added nutrition, increased flavor, or greater ability to fight pests or diseases, and incorporate them into various organisms. Genetics is a specialised field of biotechnology, which helps scientists isolate a particular gene (or trait) in one organism, remove it, and then transfer it to another organism, where this same gene replicates itself, creating a stronger and more resilient strain of the same substance. Genetic engineering is the application of knowledge obtained from genetics to alter the reproductive and hereditary processes of organisms. It involves cloning, in-vitro fertilisation, species hybridisation or direct manipulation of the genetic material itself by the recombinant DNA technique. Genetics and genetic engineering are essentially research-oriented fields, with applications in various areas such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and environment. Biotechnology and genetics play a major role in the area of medicine and health care. The remarkable development work carried out by biotechnologists in this field has led to improvement in the methods of diagnosis, medicines and vaccinations. Knox discovered penicillin, a life saving drug by using microorganisms produced naturally. Scientists had to wait for these natural processes to occur. But today, thanks to the help of genetic engineering, the fermentation process can be expedited and large quantities can be produced for commercial uses. Genetic engineering has also helped in inventing vaccines for Hepatitis B, which is otherwise a fatal disease. Currently, trials are on for vaccines developed against the dreaded HIV-AIDS disease. Varieties of pharmaceutical products are being structured using genetic engineering. Inherited disorders which till now were thought incurable are now being treated with products of biotechnology. In the field of agriculture, genetics has helped to improve the nutritional content of plants and produce disease and pesticide resistant crops. Research is being carried out to produce plants that can withstand natural deficiencies which would help utilise the useless land for agriculture. Technologies like micro propagation and tissue culture have further helped agriculturists to overcome problems like soil imbalances, genetic breeding and crop diseases. Biotechnology's intervention in the area of animal husbandry has also improved animal breeding. Genetically engineered animal growth hormone results in production of high yield and quality of animal products. Moreover, some diseases that affect the animals can be treated using genetic engineering. Numerous kinds of genetically engineered, high yielding animal breeds have come up, which has increased the output of dairy products as well as meat products. As a result of this, India has, in fact, become the largest milk producer in the world.
Work vistas
The work in this field is generally in academic or industrial research, as a research scientist or teacher. Academic research is technical, conducted more for expanding the horizons of knowledge than for application in specific areas of work. Academic research is conducted not only in medical and academic institutions, but also in some major pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Dabble in DNA
Research organisations in the government and private sector also employ genetists for conducting appropriate research and development studies for application in the areas of concern such as disease prevention, pollution control, waste management, and various chemical processes for increased productivity. If you enjoy science, the basic groundwork preparation for entry into the fields of genetics and genetic engineering is the science stream at the plus-two level which would ideally be physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. This could be followed through with a graduate degree in: agriculture, veterinary science and animal husbandry, medical science, one or more of the life sciences, genetics, pharmacy, microbiology, botany, zoology, chemistry, biotechnology, chemical engineering or technology, agricultural engineering, food technology, human biology and allied subjects. The study of genetics, focusing largely on the life sciences, or genetic engineering covering the technology area is mostly at a Master’s level through an M. Sc or M. Tech, and followed by doctoral level research. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, holds a Combined Entrance Examination every year for admission to the M.Sc. course in biotechnology offered at almost 19 universities. Universities offering the M.Sc programme through the Combined Entrance Exam include: Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi; Pondicherry University; M.S. University, Baroda; Poona University; Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyala, Indore; Goa University; Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar; Central University, Hyderabad; Madurai Kamraj University, Madurai; Punjab University, Chandigarh; G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar; and Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, and several others. Most of these universities offer specialisation in genetics and genetic engineering, as well as related specialisation such as molecular biology, enzyme technology, tissue culture, cell and development biology, DNA technology and so on. The JNU also holds the entrance test for admission to M. Tech. programme in biotechnology, at Anna University, Chennai and Jadavpur University, Kolkata, with specialisation in genetic engineering.
Placement prospects
Not everyone can think of a career in genetics. As the work is largely related to scientific research, it becomes quite essential to have a good academic background in science. Hard work and a high level of intelligence with a scientific bent of mind, determination, perseverance, imagination, innovative attitude, ability to work for long hours, originality, team spirit are some important essentials for becoming a successful biotechnologist. However, with growing opportunities many more with the necessary abilities and interest can find immense challenges in the many inter-related fields of biotechnology and genetics. Various research organisations such as the CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research), ICAR (Indian Council for Agricultural Research), Center for Cellular & Molecular Biology, Institute of Microbial Technology, Central for Plant Biotechnology, Central Drug Research Institute, National Institute of Nutrition, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, National central for Biology Sciences, Potato Research Institute, Tobacco Research Institute, recruit those with master’s qualifications. You can also get ample research opportunities in pharmaceutical companies, food processing companies, and other companies involved in bioprocess technology, such as Ranbaxy, Cadila, Wockhardt, Pfizer, Dr. Reddy's Laboratory, Sun Pharmaceutical, Monsanto, Shanta Biotechniques, Proagro, Mahyco, National Fertiliser Corporation, Cynamid, Hindustan Lever, and others. Several large Indian conglomerates, including Reliance, are investing huge amounts of money in biotechnology projects. Already, at least two pharma firms have set up research laboratories. There are also
more than 100 Biotech companies, including Biocon, Proagro, Shanat Biotechniques and others developing business opportunities in the domains of medical biotechnology, plant biotechnology, industrial biotechnology, contract research and clinical trials, which will provide ample job opportunities for new entrants into this field. Other areas of work for biotechnologists either as a faculty member or as a research fellow, is with universities, many of which are involved in path-breaking research — Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indian Institute of Science, Jadavpur University, Delhi University, University of Hyderabad, GP Pant University, Anna University, Banaras Hindu University and others. If you are not too keen on research and development, you can also find marketing opportunities in any one of the companies involved in the fields of pharmaceuticals, bioprocess technology, agriculture, food processing and other related fields. So if you have thought about a career in genetics, are interested in biology and working on plants or medicines, you could be at the forefront of the new biotechnology revolution, developing medicines to help millions of suffering patients, or new plant seeds for growing larger quantities of food, specially at a time when there is the looming danger of a food
crisis. The writer is a noted career expert
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CAREER COCKTAIL
Looking for long-term career success? Mixing work life with higher studies is the answer, say experts, as it leads to professional betterment for the employee as well as strategic business development for the employer. According to a survey by UK-based Chartered Management Institute, employers accept that their staff would move on to other jobs, but see immediate business need as a key factor to encourage learning. The survey stated that the major reasons given by firms for supporting employee development include strategic business requirements, improving individual prospects for progress and enabling staff to do their job. The findings also indicate towards a wider research which had revealed that a combination of studying for qualifications and on-the-job experience has overtaken 'natural ability' as the key ingredient for successful management and leadership. "Almost all companies encourage their employees to enhance their knowledge which includes undertaking new courses for learning and development," HR consultancy PeopleStrong CEO Pankaj Bansal said in New Delhi recently. However, it is easier for bigger companies to encourage this as they can offer sabbaticals to their employees but such perks are attached to caveats like a three-year bond with the company accompanied with a one-year study leave, he said. Besides, interest in the career growth path of their employees leads to a reduction in attrition and increases their bonding with the employers, he added. In the survey by the Chartered Management Institute, 24 per cent of the managers interviewed said achieving a qualification had led to a promotion and 23 per cent received a salary increase. About 23 per cent transferred their skills to a new career and 22 per cent got a new job in the same industry, the survey stated. Besides, 53 per cent claimed that they also gained more respect from colleagues and 70 per cent focused on the opportunity it gave them to 'refocus' their career, it revealed. “It is a question of upgrading skill levels of employees and development of their professional growth. Our company has an education assistance policy which funds employees for part-time professional courses along with the job. Flexi-working hours also helps them to manage their learning with work,” science products and services firm DuPont India General Manager Human Resource Pallavi Tyagi said. Looking ahead five years, one in three employers also believe that their managers would become “more concerned about professional development.” More than half argue that managers would also need evidence of transferable skills to move across industry sectors, with a similar proportion (51 per cent) suggesting success would be based on broad business knowledge. “It is becoming increasingly clear that, if individuals want to succeed, they must invest time in continually updating their skills. But studying on its own is not the answer, how managers apply what they learn in their relationships with customers and colleagues is critical to ongoing success,” Chartered Management Institute director of marketing and corporate affairs Jo Causon said. Interestingly, most respondents agree that "taking time out" to learn new skills improves their self-awareness and interpersonal capabilities.
— PTI
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CAREER CHAT
This is that time of the year when students are at a crossroads, having to choose their career path. More often than not, they follow the herd mentality, opting for a career that their kith and kin or peer group are going in for. Even the parents force their children to opt for a stream that the neighbour’s son or daughter is pursuing. Anxious parents even queue up outside swanky offices of astrologers to know which career would prove fruitful for their child. They start visiting career counsellors to get their kids’aptitude tested to decide the best possible subjects. “Aptitude tests are in vogue. It has become a fad. These days, even for tuitions, you need to get your aptitude tested,” says Gatha, a teacher. But a mere aptitude test is not enough. The priorities of the students, financial backgrounds, interests and even family backgrounds play an important role. So, for those in need of counselling and guidance from experts, that too free of cost, there is an opportunity in the city itself. This facility is available at the University Employment Information and Guidance Bureaux, Student Centre, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Says Anil Sharma, sub-regional employment officer at the Bureaux, “Students from Class XII to Ph.D pay us a visit to seek guidance.” Surprisingly, he gets many cases to counsel from all over Punjab, but very few cases from the city itself. This is just because people are not aware of the facility being available in the city. The very first step is to convince the subject\student about why he wants a good career, why he needs to work hard. And once this is clear in the mind of the student, he is willing to work hard for a career. He adds, “We go for the background of the subject\student, by enquiring about his academic scores and priorities. We even give emphasis to the financial background of the subject. For instance, if a child is brilliant and is interested to join the defence sector, but cannot afford the fees, then we advice him with a career which will not only make use of his capability, but is also affordable.” In such a case, he counsels the student to join the Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, CDS (Combine Defence Service) or NDS, where the fee is paid by the Army. “But, if the student is average with a score of 50 per cent, we suggest he try his hand at MBA. There are so many institutes in India that are just like luxurious shops and manage to provide with employment at the end of the day ,” says Sharma. And employment is not the only fruit of good counselling. “We provide good guidance, we do not mislead. We provide with options or courses that promise a good job and not just the courses that are mere degrees, framed in your room,” he says. But for this guidance we have to study the subject/student’s priorities, academic background, interests, feasibility, financial background and even the area of proximity, as some students cannot leave their native town to study elsewhere in the country or even abroad. Only after an in-depth analysis of all these factors we reach at a job-promising career, suitable for the ward, he adds. So, if you are anxious about which career to take up, instead of following the herd, go consult the counsellor, that too free of cost.
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BITS & BYTES
The Centre for Career Development, headed by Jitin Chalwa, a career counsellor, recently organised Confluence, a career meet at Blue Bell's School in New Delhi. The career fair was organised along with a workshop for Class X students and their parents. Chawla discussed the change in the career landscape that has happened over the years and how it is impacting career choices, according to a press release. A number of educational institutions like JIMS, SIEC, Wisdom Mart, Vertex Institute of Aviation & Hospitality, UEI Global, Indian Air force, and Institute of Company Secretaries of India had set up their stalls to disseminate career information to the more than 100 students-parents assembled for the event. It started with a lecture on how to choose a stream after Class X and covered different careers in five groups — people-based careers, business/organisation-based careers, creative careers, physical/outdoor careers and science-based careers. The parameters which the students should follow to select a coaching institute were outlined.
SMS for study loans
As per the new scheme, students requiring education loan would simply have to send an SMS to the bank. "Our bank employee will immediately contact the concerned student and the loan application will be cleared in three days," N Kumaraswamy, general manager of the bank told newsmen in Chennai recently. For loans up to Rs 4 lakh, there would be no need for collateral security, he said. The Centre would bear the interest burden of the loan till the students finished their course, he said. The bank had nominated three officers to deal with the applications sent by SMS, he said. For the first time, the bank had decided to sanction loans even for school education from this year, he said. It has also introduced a new loan scheme for rehabilitation of manual scavengers, he said.
— PTI
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CAREER HOTLINE
Academic interest
Q. I am a B.Sc chemistry graduate and interested in pursuing a career in academics. My parents, on the other hand, are completely opposed to the idea because they believe that doing an IT or an MBA degree will fetch me a better job with a fat salary. Is there any scope for pursuing higher studies in physical sciences? — Omkar Moudgil A. As lucrative career options such as IT and management continue to entice India’s brightest, the pure sciences, unfortunately, are taking a backseat. This has become a great concern for academicians and scientists. However, without science there can be no technology as all technological growth is based on science. The paucity of scientists can affect the quality of our R & D as most industries are knowledge-based and need highly qualified people. Many industries are on the look out for professionals with a background in pure sciences. Even B.Sc students are being absorbed in the industry along with BE students simply because there aren’t enough MSc graduates. The number of ME/M.Techs and Ph.Ds in China is 10 times that in India which explains why there are so many products coming out of these countries and why they are accepted in the international market. If earning money at an early stage is the main reason for not pursuing higher studies, the situation is not as grim as it appears to be. The new Pay Commission is mooting an increase in salaries in all academic institutions of higher learning. The industry is also investing in research labs as can be seen in the pharmaceutical industry. So, I would suggest that if you are very keen on pursuing your higher studies in chemistry, just go for it without thinking
twice.
Scientific query
Q. What are the minimum requirements required to join as scientist or Group IV staff? What is the approximate salary at the entry level scientist ‘s post? — Girish Mankotia A. The minimum requirement is a first class
M.Sc./B. Tech. And you must not be over 35 years. All reservations that are in force for all entitled categories as per the Government of India rules apply. The basic salary for Scientist B or Group IV (1) is Rs 8000-275-13500. And a Senior Scientist i.e. Scientist G or Group IV (6) would be in the basic pay scale of Rs
18400-500-2240
Now, docs jump on to BPO bandwagon
With more and more outsourcing firms moving into healthcare sector and medical transcription, the job opportunities for doctors and nurses in the country are getting widened, an industry expert said. In a BPO firm, the job of a doctor can include medical billing, transcription and coding for the US hospitals. Medical transcription, also known as MT, is an allied health profession, which deals in the process of transcription, or converting voice-recorded reports as dictated by physicians and/or other healthcare professionals into text format. However, some companies like the Patni also provides high-end knowkledge process outsourcing where a doctor is required to study the reports of elderly patients and do risk assessment and prepare reports for health Insurance companies in the US. At present, the IT services and business outsourcing company has 10 doctors in its team who does insurance claim processing, claim and long-term care
management. Nishikant Kadam, Head of HR of medical BPO CBay said: "We generally hire doctors for training our workforce. The doctors in our firm also works as quality analyst for our medical transcription work." CBay currently has 11 doctors on its roll. The doctors are also enjoying this corporate job which comes with fat pay-packet. "It takes at least three to four years for a fresh medical graduate to establish a successful medical practice. In this period, a person can work in a medical BPO and earn good cash," a doctor working with a
Noida-based BPO said. "Salaries are lucrative compared to a regular medical job. A senior doctor with three-five years’ experience can earn about Rs 8-20 lakh per annum in a
KPO," Patni Senior Vice-President Sanjiv Kapur says. As more medico-related work comes to India, the opportunity for more doctors in the business is rising. The concept of the
"greying of America" is widely accepted today. By 2020, the US population over the age of 65 is projected to grow to 55 million and 42 per cent of them would enter a nursing home in their lifetime. This has opened alternative career options for Doctors in
KPO," Kapur adds. "By outsourcing these jobs, the hospitals and clinics in the US aim to reduce your administrative burden," Kadam adds.
— PTI
Corporates focus on engaging employees
In today's competitive corporate environment with companies trying to attract talent with lucrative offers, 'workforce engagement' or rather making an employee feel at home in the office, is the new mantra to stem attrition. With companies looking to provide the right balance between professional demands and personal lives for its employees, HR experts believe the concept is one of the main drivers to stem attrition and enhance productivity. According to HCL Technologies' senior vice-president Anand Pillai, engagement of employees has been found to be very fruitful and creates a conducive ambience at workplace. "Engaged workers are more productive and they add to the bottomline of the company without the employer having to force them for the required work," Pillai, who also heads company's global talent transformation and intrapreneurship development, adds. Though a precise definition of 'engagement of workforce' is elusive, a recent PricewaterhouseCoopers quoting a research puts the concept as "a heightened emotional and intellectual connection with a job, organisation, manager or co-workers" and the influences that such a connection brings "to apply additional discretionary effort to his or her work." Global science products and services firm Dupont Vice President Human Resources Maritza Poza-Grise told PTI that for managers it is critical to engage their workforce.
— PTI
Govt woos India Inc for skill development
To address the lack of skilled manpower in the country, the Director General of Employment and Training Sharda Prasad recently sought greater cooperation between the government agencies and the private sector. "Skills development and unemployment are core concerns not just in India, but worldwide and Public-Private-Partnerships is the key to realise India's vast potential in this area. It will also help achieve social equity and inclusive growth," Prasad said at the CII Talent Summit in New Delhi. The Cabinet had approved the 'Skills Development Mission', which aimed to set up 1,500 more ITIs and 50,000 skills development centres, and would take the initiative to smaller cities and rural areas, he said. "As part of the government's skills development policy, the Labour and Employment Ministry has embarked on setting up Sectoral Councils," he added. Speaking on the occasion, Fortis Healthcare's CEO and MD Shivinder Mohan Singh said: "Our young population is our demographic dividend and we should not allow it to become a demographic divide. Private sector has to play a big role in it and must go beyond the metros." Skills development is a concern not just of the industry and GDP, but of the society as a whole, he
added. — PTI The writer is a noted career consultant
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1. Name the cyclone that recently devastated many parts of Myanmar. 2. Which province of China suffered the maximum damage in the recent quake to hit that country? 3. Name the President of Russia. 4. Name the first Indian woman set to head the country’s key missile project (2000-km long-range nuclear-capable Agni II programme). 5. Which country recently became the fifth nation in the world to develop nuclear-capable K-15 submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM)? 6. Which Indian metropolis will soon have Asia’s first museum of modern art? 7. Which Indian tycoon was recently named among the biggest brains in business by a premier US publication? 8. In which year did the Kamagata Maru incident take place? 9. What is the capital of Somalia? 10. What is the full form of BEML? 11. Which leading power company was recently ranked “Best workplace for large organisations in the country”? 12. Which country won the Azlan Shah hockey tournament this year? 13. Which country recently clinched its fourth successive women’s Asia Cup cricket title? 14. Who recently became the fourth bowler in the history of women’s cricket to take 100 one-day international wickets? 15. Name the three bowlers to get hat-trick in the IPL Twenty-20 cricket championship. Winners of quiz 309: The first prize by draw of lots goes to Sagar Bilandi, VI-A, Amrit Model Sr Sec School, Abohar-152116 Second: Ashutosh Sehgal, X, Hans Raj Memorial Sen Sec School, Rehan, VPO Rehan, tehsil Nurpur, district Kangra-176022 Third: Megha Singnania, VII-B, Sat Paul Mittal School, Urban Estate, phase 2, Dugri, Ludhiana - 141002 Answers to quiz 309: India; Jammu & Kashmir; Nirmala Deshpande; 2,775 km; SAIL, Tata Steel; China; Lakshmi Mittal; Mukesh Ambani; Baikal; Guntur; David Blaine; Puducherry; Snuppy, Dalip Singh Rana; Fuwa Cash awards of Rs 400, 300 and 200 are given to the first, second and third prize winners, respectively. These are sent at the school address. Note: Kindly mention the pincode of your place to facilitate the delivery of the prize money. Name ……….……………….....…… Answers can also be sent at quiz@tribunemail.com— Tarun Sharma
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If you look at a freckle on your face, there are about 3,000 cells in it. And each one of those cells is a 5-feet-long molecule of DNA if you unfurl it. Incredible, isnt it ? This is the story of genetics. An ever widening and stimulating science opening doors to our knowledge of living things. It is taking us to the ultimate frontier, “where no man has gone before”. Like the Star Trek heroes, seeking new worlds in the celestial world, genetics and biotechnology are exploring new horizons in the biological world. 
The Uco Bank has said it has introduced a SMS-based loan application system for students.
After engineers and lawyers, now doctors are also gearing up to join the BPO brigade, with the outsourcing firms opening up alternative career options for medicos.