Wednesday, December 8, 2004

CAREER HOTLINE
 Biomedical engineering beckons

Q I am in the pre-final year B.Tech (Bio-med). Could you please tell me the scope of biomedical engineering?

Manju Goyal

A As a bioengineer or a biomedical engineer, as you may sometimes be called, you will apply mathematical and scientific principles to design, develop and evaluate biological and health systems and products such as instrumentation, diagnostic aids, life-support systems, medical info systems, implants, artificial organs, prosthetics and orthotic devices, health management and healthcare delivery systems and medical information systems.

For instance, lakhs of knees and hips are replaced in India alone each year. Bio-medical engineers are needed to develop longer-lasting and better functioning artificial joints. To take another example, Heisenberg used a metal used by ISRO to develop the stent which has proved to be a boon for heart patients, apart from reducing the cost of surgery from Rs 80,000 to Rs 10,000.

Presently, opportunities for bio-medical engineers lie essentially in the field of research and development. The R&D departments of pharmaceutical industries keen to upgrade the quality of their products would be another option.

You can also opt for pure research besides several other agricultural, horticultural institutions. You can also work in the R&D departments of pharmaceutical industries keen to upgrade the quality of their products.

Go for green option

Q I am very passionate about nature and wildlife. However, as science is not one of my favourite subjects, can I still opt for a career in environment?

Meenakshi Sondhi

A Why not? However, to work in this field, you need not only a passionate concern for the environment, but also a clear idea about what needs to be done for conserving and improving it. If you have a logical mind, and a working knowledge of subjects like geography, geology, botany, chemistry and zoology, along with good communication skills, there are quite a few routes to working as an environmentalist without studying environmental sciences per se.

Here are some you could consider:

Environmental education & communication: This typically involves conducting awareness programmes in colleges/schools, coordinating community awareness programmes – on rural and specific urban issues etc., communicating through the media — television, radio, Internet etc.

Environmental journalism: Growing public awareness has generated enthusiasm and concern for environmental protection. Reporting environmental issues such as nuclear tests, construction of dams etc., making documentaries on various aspects of the environment, and producing films on various issues concerning the environment are areas that environmental journalists/photojournalists can actively pursue.

Environmental law: This would involve working as a lawyer for an environmental consulting firm, environmental organization, conservation group, or the government.

Evironmental activism & social work: This would involve working with an NGO, fundraising/lobbying for an environmental organization, conservation group or actively espousing environmental concerns. Don’t expect a fancy salary, but the work can be very satisfying and purposeful.

Engine driver’s exam

Q I have done B.Com through correspondence and have an ITI Certificate in Diesel Mechanic trade. I wish to take the Asst Engine Driver’s Exam. Could you please tell me about the pattern of the exam?

Mukesh Kumar

A The basic academic requirement to become an engine driver or diesel electrical assistant (as they are called) is High School and a  certificate from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) recognised by the National Council for Vocational Training.

Now even diploma holders in electrical, electronics and mechanical engineering can apply for this post. There are however, a few pre-requisites like good eye vision without glasses, colour or night blindness. You should not have binocular vision or be physically impaired.

Recruitment to the post of Diesel/Elect. Assistant Engine Driver (Group C) is done each year by the Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs). The 19 RRBs spread all over the country have clearly defined railway zones, divisions, production units, etc. for whom they select candidates. The employment notices are issued in the leading newspapers of the area, including the Employment News. Eligibility is matriculation with ITI in any trade.

Selection is through a written test and interview. For the safety categories like assistant drivers etc, a psychological test is mandatory before the interview.

Pattern of written test: In 2 hours’ time, about 160-175 multiple-choice objective-type questions are asked in the written test. The questions are divided into five groups: General Knowledge, General Arithmetic, General Intelligence, General English and General Technical Aptitude.

Psychological test: You have to clear a psychological test conducted by the specialists of Research, Designs & Standardisation Organisation (RDSO), Lucknow, which judges the level of mental stability and safety consciousness of the candidates.

Interview: The interview generally carries 25 marks, of which 5 marks are reserved for higher academic/technical qualifications of the candidate, proficiency in sports, scouting, NCC, etc. Besides assessing personality and your manner of expression, specific questions may be asked to assess your technical knowledge, experience, etc. for technical categories such as engine drivers.

Upon being successful in the examination and interview, you have to pass a medical test followed by police verification of your character.

All those who are directly involved in the running of trains are required to have not only good health but also good eyesight.

Selected candidates are given initial training ranging from 6 months to 2 yrs.

— Pervin Malhotra

Please send in your query, preferably on a postcard, along with your full name, complete address and academic qualifications to: Editor, Jobs and Careers, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh-160030, or at careers@tribunemail.com