What was incurable a century ago now has a remedy. Mankind learned to incorporate different fields of science to come up with solutions. Over the years, scientists have been engrossed in this interdisciplinary field of science called biotechnology. Today, there are numerous biotechnology certification courses offered by top online learning platforms and universities globally.
From incurable diseases to the expansion of food production, biotechnology has left its mark everywhere. If your passion lies in more than one stream of science, then a certificate course in biotechnology might be the answer. From certification courses to B.Sc. Biotechnology courses to research, the possibilities are endless.
You can also find free online certification courses for biotechnology offered by various online course providers. You can choose them if you intend to learn the basics of biotechnology and make a strong foundation for the higher courses in the sector.
What is Biotechnology?
In simple terms, biotechnology is the science of coming up with solutions and creating useful products with the help of biology. Its end purpose is to make life better. In technical terms, it is a platform where many fields such as biology, technology, mathematics, and chemistry are used together to solve problems.
Biotechnology is used in many industries, from food, agriculture, and animal husbandry to healthcare and textiles, among others. Online courses in biotechnology teach you theory as well as practical applications of the field (e.g., lab experiments and analysis using software).
Who Can Pursue Biotechnology Certification Courses?
- You are someone from a science background
- You love the very idea of ‘multidisciplinary’.
- You want to make a change in the world by doing what you love
- You have equal passion towards biology and technology
- So you wish to study a field where they converge
If this is you, then online certification courses for biotechnology are the answer.
Eligibility Criteria for Online Biotechnology Courses
Candidates who want to learn the biotech online courses need to meet the eligibility criteria demanded for the courses. The prerequisites may differ based on the level of the programmes and mode (online or offline) of the courses offered and the like.
Some of the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes may require entrance examinations to get enrolled. The eligibility criteria for the online certificate courses for Biotechnology are as follows:
For B.Sc in Biotechnology
For UG biotechnology courses, you need to have a 10 + 2 qualification in the science stream from a recognised board.
For B.Tech in Biotechnology
You need to have 10 + 2 qualifications in the science stream from a recognized board with subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
For Post Graduate Programmes
For PG Biotechnology courses, you must have an undergraduate degree in any of the following: biotechnology, biology, physics, or any other related discipline, with a minimum 50% aggregate.
For PhD in Biotechnology
You must have a PG in biology, biotechnology, or an M.Sc. in a relevant discipline, or an M.Tech. or any equivalent degree in biotechnology or other interdisciplinary areas. You can also opt for a certificate course in biotechnology (general or specialisation).
Entrance Examinations for Top Biotechnology Courses
Some institutions and universities conduct entrance examinations to provide admission into undergraduate and postgraduate courses for biotechnology students. The students are required to get the prescribed cut-off marks to be considered for admission. Some colleges hold personal interviews (PI) and group discussions (GD) along with entrance tests while giving admission into the biotechnology courses.
Skills Required for Biotechnology Certification Courses
Certain skills are required for the learners who pursue the biotechnology verification courses. They can help the candidates understand the aspects of biotechnology in depth. The professionals also need such skills to get placed in a better job opportunity. The skills needed for the biotechnology courses include knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics and the like.
Some of the required skills are listed below:
- Problem-Solving
- Research skills
- Organisational Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management
- Project Management
- Soft skills
What Will You Learn in Biotechnology Certification Courses?
What you will learn in the biotech certificate programmes may vary based on the levels of the programmes (undergraduate, postgraduate and diploma). There will be common aspects of biotechnology in the content of the Diploma, UG, PG and PhD programmes and there will be differences as some will talk about basics; others the advanced ones.
Some of the concepts covered in the biotechnology courses are listed below:
- Biotechnology
- Mathematics
- Physics (Fundamentals)
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Molecular Biology (Cell and Developmental Biology)
- Biomedical Biotechnology (Biochemistry, Immunology, Pharmacology, Microbiology)
- Agri-food Biotechnology
- Bioenergetics
- Chemical Engineering
- Enzyme technology
- Plant Tissue Culture
Biotechnology Certification Courses Offered By Top Providers
There are numerous online biotechnology courses with certificates that you can pursue from top online learning providers including Swayam, Udemy, EdX and the like. There are also free online biotechnology courses with certificates that can enlighten on the fundamentals veriticles of biotechnology. You can take these biotechnology certificate courses online at your own pace and convenience.
Mentioned below are some of the best online courses for biotechnology offered by top providers:
- Swayam Biotechnology Courses & Certifications
- Udemy Biotechnology Courses & Certifications
- Edx Biotechnology Courses & Certifications
- Futurelearn Biotechnology Courses & Certifications
Career Opportunities after Biotechnology Certification Courses
Biotechnology has become a crucial development in biology with implications for food, well-being and health industries opening many career options for professionals. They can work in various sectors including genetic engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, food, bioinformatics, industrial biotechnology, bioinformatics and whatnot. Here are some of the career options available after the biotechnology courses:
Microbiologist
You will research, document, and publish papers about microorganisms. You will also study them to understand their impact on human lives and how they can be used for the benefit of mankind.
Average Base Salary: Rs. 314,268/-
You synthesise biological organisms to develop better products and processes. You will study the various attributes of different organisms (physical, chemical, and genetic) and determine a practical use for the knowledge. For example, you might make food preservatives or develop seeds for high-yielding crops.
Average Base Salary: Rs. 490,109/-
You will do research on the various aspects of biotechnology (microorganisms, technologies) through lab-based experiments and trials. You document all your work and publish papers or even write books periodically. You will attend conferences and share your research with others in the field.
Average Base Salary: Rs. 716,211/-
You ensure the smooth functioning of the industrial production process. This would include supervising technical management, scheduling production timings, and ensuring quality standards, safety, and health requirements.
Average Base Salary: Rs. 1,000,000/-
You handle sensitive medical equipment, conduct tests, and analyse samples (tissue, blood, toxin). You often work alongside scientists, conducting experiments and making observations.
Average Base Salary: Rs. 268,885/-
Salary Trends in Biotechnology
The salary of biotechnology professionals may vary depending on experience, skills, company, and location. Gaining working and professional experience and acquiring new skills will help in getting a higher salary scale. Below is the average base salary of a biotechnologist in India based on experience is tabulated below.
Experience | Average Base Salary p.a. |
Less than 1 year | Rs. 488,605/- |
1-4 years | Rs. 493,611/- |
5-9 years | Rs. 813,000/- |
*Source of Salary Details: Payscale
Scope After Online Biotechnology Courses
The power of biotechnology to alter the genetic makeup of living organisms led to advanced machines that cured incurable diseases. Now scientists are working to eradicate specific inherited conditions as well. This is only the tip of the iceberg. What this signifies is the infinite potential of biotechnology, which can cure numerous diseases and create a much healthier existence.
If you arm yourself with some of the best certification courses for biotechnology, then you will be able to contribute to this field. From UG (e.g., the BSC Biotechnology course) to PhD, the discipline stretches on and waits for you.
Top Recruiters
After the successful completion of a biotechnology certification course, the biotechnologies can work in companies and organisations belonging to various industries such as cosmetics, disease diagnosis, healthcare, nutrition, pharmaceutical biotechnology and whatnot. Here are some of the recruiters in the biotechnology industry are tabulated below:
- Regeneron
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Daiichi Sankyo
- Schrodinger
- Aventis Pharmaceuticals
- Bharath Biotechnology
- AstraZeneca
- AbbVie
FAQs
Q: What is biotechnology?
A: It is a scientific field where biology and technology merge to produce the best possible solutions. Scientists can find solutions to incurable diseases and change the genetic makeup to eradicate hereditary diseases.
Q: What is the duration of biotechnology certification courses?
A: The duration of a certificate course in biotechnology will vary from course to course. It typically takes from a week to a few months.
Q: Is biotechnology a good career?
A: Biotechnology is a fast-growing sector and a lucrative career option. It is in high demand in sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, healthcare, animal husbandry, medicine, and genetic engineering. Furthermore, job roles like those of biotechnologists are well-paid by companies.
Q: Who can pursue biotechnology certification courses?
A: Anyone with a passion can! You would also need to have a science background (10 + 2), with which you can opt for various courses such as biotechnology online courses or diplomas, UG, and PG courses. You can try online biotechnology courses to get an idea or to specialize.
Q: Is a B.Sc. in Biotechnology a good choice?
A: Absolutely. As a three-year UG programme, it equips you with fundamental knowledge of biotechnology and prepares you for advanced studies (PG and PhD). Or you can go for B.Tech. biotechnology courses. And there is always an online course in biotechnology that you can take along with the above to augment your skills.