byDinesh
Updated on - 2 Jul, 2024
Genetics Engineering Ph.D. is an academic program that takes three to four years for a candidate to complete, and it is designed to offer students with knowledge on the advanced principles in genetics as well as train them in the application of genetic engineering in different fields. Students carry out independent studies in areas such as gene treatment of diseases, enhancement of agriculture, industrial uses of biotechnology etc. In the course work, specific genetics subjects taught include molecular genetics, developmental genetics, genetics of complex traits and genomics besides research methodology and biostatistics. Faculty of genetics engineering is offered with the additional compulsory assignment that students have to complete an original research work under a faculty supervisor and write a dissertation by the end of the program.
The UGC NET, CSIR NET, GATE and national level test conducted by IIT and IISc are considered to be the normal entrance exams for admission to Genetics Engineering Ph.D. program in India. Universities also accept students who made it through GRE, GMAT or other state level examination including Odisha CPET. Interview and/or test: All candidates shortlisted for the post have to sit for an interview and/or test in the institute. Passing of these entrance tests along with previous academic performance is also considered before admitting suitable students for doing Ph.D. The scientific experience in the context of the research areas and publication yields a value to the application.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy (Genetic Engineering) |
| Duration | 3-5 years (full-time), may vary depending on the university |
| Course Level | Doctoral Level |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in Genetics, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field with a strong foundation in molecular biology and genetics |
| Top Universities (World) | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of Cambridge, University of California Berkeley, ETH Zurich |
| Top Institutes (India) | Indian Institute of Science (IISc), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) with Biotechnology programs, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) |
| Entrance Exam | University-specific entrance exams, GRE (for some international programs), research proposal evaluation, and interview rounds |
1. For the position of a scientist, the candidate must possess a master’s degree in genetics, biotechnology, bioinformatics or any other relevant field with minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA.
2. CSIR-NET, GATE or any other national level entrance exams as per norms set by the individual central universities.
3. Students with BTech/BSc must have a valid GATE score and besides, it is preferred that the candidate should have qualifications like CSIR NET.
4. Some prior knowledge concerning fields like molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, bioinformatics, biostatistics, and genetic engineering methods.
5. A good academic record with prior exposure to research level methods, ability to analyze data, solve problems, good verbal and written communication skills.
6. It would be helpful for the candidate to have prior work/research experience in the field of genetic engineering however it is not mandatory.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Molecular Biology and Genomics | Advanced topics in DNA replication, transcription, translation, and gene regulation, Genome organization and analysis techniques, Next-generation sequencing technologies and applications |
| Recombinant DNA Technology | Restriction enzymes, cloning vectors, and gene expression systems, DNA manipulation techniques (PCR, mutagenesis, gel electrophoresis), Construction of recombinant DNA molecules |
| Genome Editing and Engineering | CRISPR-Cas systems and other genome editing tools, Applications of genome editing in research and therapy, Ethical considerations of genome editing |
| Gene Regulation and Expression | Transcriptional regulatory elements and mechanisms, Epigenetics and its role in gene expression, Functional genomics approaches to study gene function |
| Genetic Engineering Applications | Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for agriculture and medicine, Gene therapy and its applications, Biotechnology and biomanufacturing |
| Elective Courses (Depending on the University) | Plant Genetic Engineering, Animal Genetic Engineering, Synthetic Biology, Genetic Engineering and Bioethics, Computational Genomics |
| Specialization | Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Recombinant DNA Technology & Gene Cloning | Research Scientist (Gene Expression), Plasmid Development Scientist, Biomanufacturing Specialist | $65,000 - $110,000+ |
| Genome Editing & Engineering | CRISPR Scientist, Gene Therapy Researcher, Genome Engineering Project Manager | $70,000 - $120,000+ |
| Gene Regulation & Expression | Gene Regulation Specialist, Epigenetics Researcher, Transcriptomics Analyst | $68,000 - $115,000+ |
| Genetic Engineering Applications (Agriculture) | Plant Biotechnologist, GMO Development Scientist, Agricultural Research Scientist | $60,000 - $100,000+ |
| Genetic Engineering Applications (Medicine) | Gene Therapy Specialist, Gene Delivery Researcher, Pharmaceutical Scientist (Gene Therapy) | $75,000 - $130,000+ |
1. GATE – Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering Proctored exam to check basic understanding of genetics, biotechnology, life sciences and other related fields.
2. IIT JAM is the Joint Admission Test for M.Sc., the entrance test for admission into the Master of Science program offered in various Indian Institutes of Technology. assesses genetics, biotechnology, and life science for IITs in terms of aptitude.
3. CSIR UGC NET – This is the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research National Eligibility Test to test research aptitude in genetics, biotechnology.
4. TIFR GS – Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Graduate School Admission Test is used to test genetics, biotechnology ability for admission.