Biology research is a specialized degree programme under the science stream which is one of the prominent career options for those who want to become Biologist. A biologist is a qualified scientist who deals with the aspects of natural science. An in-depth, biologist is an expert who focuses on the studies of living organisms in the term of growth, origin, overall structure and its function.
Apart from this, you can also choose a particular specialization in the area of Biologist. This means you can explore the specific group of plants or living organisms in depth. Be an expert is a challenging task, but it quite satisfactory when you follow your passion.Pursuing a career in Biology research will be offering you an amazing opportunity to explore various seas and oceans across the world.
The best part about the biologist is that it can easily identify the numerous species which come into existence; also it can categorize them easily while in the research period. So, it is a career-oriented option for those who keen to have the interest to know about modern science.
If you are interested in being a biologist, going through all the essential factors like eligibility, course, college, career option, future growth will come in handy. All these factors we have to explain briefly below.
Eligibility Criteria to become Biologist
Those who are interested to pursue a career in Biology research should have fulfilled the following eligibility criteria:
For Undergraduate Course:
- Candidates must have passed their Class 10+2 or equivalent with science stream and must opt. Biology is a mandatory subject.
- Higher Secondary Education should be completed by a recognized board.
- Candidates should have scored at least 50% of marks in their Higher Secondary Education.
- There is no specific entrance test for the research programme except for Biomedical Engineering Course (BE).
For Postgraduate Course:
- To pursue higher studies in a relevant field, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with the same subject from an authorized university or institute.
- Candidates should have passed bachelor with an aggregate 55% of marks.
For Doctorate Programme:
- To get admission for a doctorate / PhD. / M.Phil course, candidates should have obtained a Master’s degree in Biology or equivalent from a recognized university.
- An aspirant must have scored at least 60 % to 65% above to take admission in Doctorate level.
Entrance Exams
In India, for every course admissions are done through a relevant entrance exam. An aspirant who is from a science background and pursues higher studies in a relevant field will qualify for the entrance exam. There are numerous entrance national and state level exams that will be organized every year. Certain universities offered direct admission for the biologist research programme. The most popular entrance exams are-
- AIIMS – All India Institute of Medical Science ( M.Sc Biotechnology Entrance Test)
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School Admission Exam
- IIT JAM – All Indian Institute of Technology Joint Admissions Test for M.Sc
- ICAR AIEEA PG Entrance Exam
- JNU CEEB Combined Biotechnology Entrance Exam
- Delhi University Entrance Test
- Banaras Hindu University Post Graduate Entrance Test
These entrance exams are held on a state and national level basis. While applying for the course, applicants would have to pass the entrance exam test to get enrolled in a top college.
Syllabus and Course Structure of Biological Research Programme:
To become a biologist you need to choose a specific specialization in the area of Biology. Firstly candidates need to clear basic concepts of B.Sc Biology. Here are some subjects mention below-
- Chemistry ( Theory and Practical Both)
- Light and Life ( Theory and Practical Both)
- General Elective ( Theory and Practical Both)
- Biophysics ( Theory and Practical Both)
- Biodiversity ( Theory and Practical Both)
- General Elective II ( Theory and Practical Both)
- Protein and Enzymes (Theory and Practical Both)
- Cell Biology (Theory and Practical Both
- Ecology (Theory and Practical Both)
- Medical Botany
- Bio-fertilizers
- Medical Diagnostics
- Systems Physiology (Theory and Practical Both)
- Molecular Biology (Theory and Practical Both)
- Metabolism and Integration (Theory and Practical Both)
- Public Health and Management Biochemical Techniques
- Recombinant DNA Technology
- Growth and Reproduction (Theory and Practical Both)
- Genetics (Theory and Practical Both)
- Natural Resource Management (Theory and Practical Both)
- Analytical Techniques in Plant Sciences (Theory and Practical Both)
- Stress Biology (Theory and Practical both)
- Animal Behaviour and Chrono-Biology (Theory and Practical Both)
- Endocrinology (Theory and Practical Both)
- Biomaterials ( Theory and Practical Both)
- Plant Biochemistry ( Theory and Practical Both)
M.Sc Botany Course Curriculum:
A biologist is a scientist that deals with the study of plants and animals as well. So, In the Botany course candidates will get to know about the plant’s life, structure, growth, various parts of plants, cells, and tissues, etc. The major topics of this course are-
- Algae and Bryophytes
- Fungi and plant viruses
- Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms, and Palacobotany
- Microbiology
- Angiosperms-I (Taxonomy and Biosystematics)
- Angiosperms-II (Morphology, Embryology, and Anatomy)
- Genetics and Cytogenetics
- Soil Science and Phytogeography
- Plant Biochemistry
- Plant Physiology
- Plant Ecology
- Molecular Genetics, Genetic Engineering, and Biotechnology
- Plant resource Utilization and Conservation
- Biostatistics, Cytology and Plant Breeding
M.Sc Zoology Course Curriculum:
In this programme, candidates will get knowledge of animal’s life whether they are alive or dead. Some important topics are below mentioned-
- Enzymes and Metabolism
- Basic concepts of Biomolecules and Structural Biology
- Cellular Organization
- Functional Biology of Nucleic Acids
- Enzymes and Metabolism
- Basic concepts of Ecology
- Biogeography of India, Habitats, and Resources
- Community Organization and Structure
- Biogeography of India, Habitats, and Resources
- Introduction to Immune System
- Natural Resource Management
- Antigen-Antibody Nature and Complement System
- Transplantation and Tumour Immunology
- Hypersensitivity Reactions and Autoimmune Diseases
- Biosystematics and Taxonomy
- Annelida to Echinodermata
- Protozoa to Platyhelminthes
- Separation and Diagnostic Techniques
- Hypothesis testing and Inferential Statistics
- Biostatistics Introduction, Measures and Theories of Probability
- Digestion-Respiration- Circulation
- Muscle Physiology, Neurophysiology & Receptors
- Endocrinology, Bioluminescence & Stress Physiology
- Osmoregulation, Excretion, and thermoregulation
Job Roles of Biologist
There are numerous jobs roles available that you can choose as per your choice. Biologist needs an essential skill to find jobs in the research field. Such candidates aren’t restricted to research programmes they can seek jobs in academic institutes as well. The following job roles are offering to a biologist-
- Food Scientist – Candidates would choose to become food scientists. He/ She is responsible for the safe production of food products.
- Biomedical Engineer – Such Specialist is specially trained to figure out the exact issues to design healthcare equipment.
- Environment Scientist – Most Probably Environment study is based on the research part related to mankind, animals, and plants. They are trained to figure out the solution to stop pollution and spread awareness among human beings.
- Forensic Scientist – Biological research field covers a wide range of specialization and Forensic Science is one of them. These specialists are prepared to provide both physical and chemical tests during the investigation of crimes.
- Researcher – An aspirant can also become a researcher in the relevant field. He/ She can be a part of manufacturing companies that can analyze the quality of the product in a good manner.
- Microbiologists – These specialists are getting trained to deals with the aspects of microbes. They can create useful vaccines by using numerous medicines.
- Professor – A Biologist can also seek jobs in academic institutes/universities/colleges with better qualifications and develop a career in the respective job area.
Top 15 Colleges and Universities offered Biological Research Programme:
Certain private and public institutes offered this course. Most medical and agriculture colleges are enrolled in the offered biological programme. Here, we have mentioned some top colleges that you can choose as per your preference.
- University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
- Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
- Aligarh Muslim Univesity, Aligarh
- Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal
- Jain University, Banglore
- Central University of Haryana, Mahendergarh
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai
- University of Mysore, Mysore
- Banglore University, Banglore
- Galgotias University, Noida
- RIMT University, Gobindgarh
- Mahatma Jyoti Rao Phoole University, Jaipur
- JSS University, Karnataka
Salary Packages of Biologist:
At Present, the Biologist researcher programme is the most popular course among candidates. On doing this course they will receive a wide range of job opportunities across the world with lucrative salary packages. On the behalf of job roles and the basis of skills and experience companies can be hired, such as scientists and biologists. Here are mention average salary data of biologists but remember this data may vary from company to company and post to post.
- Environmental Scientist – 3,60,000 Per Annum and extend up to 8,00,000 Per Annum (Based on Position)
- Biomedical Engineer – 3,30,00 Per Annum and extend up to 8,00,000 Per Annum (Based on Position)
- Microbiologist – 2,90,000 Per Annum and extend up to 7,00,000 per Annum (Based on Job Position and experience
- Biotechnologist – 4,00,000 Per Annum and extend up to 9,00, 000 Per Annum (Based on skills)
- Food Scientist – 3,40,000 Per Annum and extend up to 8,00,000 Per Annum (Based on experience
- Lecturer/ Professor – 2,50,000 Per Annum and extend up to 10,00,000 Per Annum (Based on skills)
Service Opportunities for Biologists:
As a Biologist, you can work in various fields. A biologist will seek job employment in the private and government sector as well. There is an excellent scope for candidates; they are getting hired under the following sectors-
- Environmental Conservation and Management
- Healthcare
- Research department
- Education Institute ( professor/ teacher)
- Pharmacy Companies
- Chemical Manufacturing Companies
- Zoo, Aquariums, Nature Centre, and Nature
- Pharmacy Companies
- Science Field
- Museums
Popular Recruiting Companies for Biologists:
Many companies offered jobs for biologists. With great exposure of experience and skills, you will be hired at the reputed position. Some of the top companies and agencies are listed below-
- Jubilant Life Science Limited
- Serum Institute of India Limited
- Biocon
- Biological E.
- Jubilant Life Science Limited
- Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company
- GlaxoSmith Kline Pharmaceuticals Limited
- Bharat Biotech
- Maharashtra Hybrid Seeds Company
- AstraZeneca Pharma India Limited
- Nuziveedu Seeds etc
Apart from the above-mentioned private companies, you can also explore the government sector to find jobs in your respective specialization under the science stream.
Rahul Kumar is a passionate educator, writer, and subject matter expert in the field of education and professional development. As an author on CoursesXpert, Rahul Kumar’s articles cover a wide range of topics, from various courses, educational and career guidance.
