Are you a fresh graduate or a young professional with a background in biology? With the current job market favouring Biology-related professions, pursuing Biology courses after completing 12th grade can open doors for lucrative career opportunities.
In this article, we will guide you through various Biology courses available after 12th grade that will help you kickstart your journey towards a successful career.
What is Biology?
Biology is the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. It covers a wide range of topics, from the structure and function of cells to the ecology of ecosystems. The branches of biology include genetics, microbiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, and more.
To excel in a career in Biology, you must have a passion for science and an analytical mindset. Attention to detail, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities are also essential to succeeding in this field.
Bachelor's Courses in Biology
If you are interested in pursuing biology courses after 12th grade, you can appear for the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) to get admission to medical and dental colleges across India.
NEET is a highly competitive exam that tests your understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics. Some top institutes, like AIIMS and JIPMER, also accept NEET scores for admission.
After clearing NEET, students can pursue various Bachelor's degrees in Biology. There are several options available, including a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, and more. Students can major in various areas such as Botany, zoology, microbiology, etc.
- To pursue a Bachelor's degree, you must have passed your 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
- A typical Bachelor's degree programme lasts for three to four years in India.
- The fees range from ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh, depending on the college or university you choose.
Specialisations in Biology
As a bachelor's student, you can specialise in various fields such as Genetics, Immunology, Ecology, Marine biology, and Wildlife Conservation. Pursuing a specialisation can help you narrow down your career choices after graduation.
After completing your Bachelor’s degree in Biology courses, you can pursue several job roles such as medical/pharmaceutical representative, research assistant, or laboratory technician, with salaries ranging from ₹3-5 lakhs per annum. You could also work as an agricultural scientist or environmental consultant, with salaries ranging from ₹6–8 lakhs per annum.
Job roles usually entail working closely with scientists on experiments or projects that further our understanding of the life sciences.
Master's Courses in Biology
Master’s degrees provide an opportunity for specialisation within biology fields like Biotechnology, Marine biology, etc. Popular courses include MSc Biotechnology and MSc Microbiology, which offer advanced training on topics like Pharmacology and immunology, amongst others.
- The eligibility criteria for a Master's degree are having completed a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or equivalent from a recognised institution with an average score above 50%.
- The duration of these courses ranges from two years to four years, depending on the course chosen, with associated fees varying between ₹2 lakh-₹5 lakh.
Post-completion of a Master's degree, you can pursue several career options, such as those of a biostatistician, genetic counsellor, conservation scientist, biomedical scientist, or scientific writer, with salaries ranging from ₹4-6 lakhs per annum.
Another option is to become a medical scientist, with salaries ranging from ₹8-10 lakhs per annum.
Certification Courses in Biology
Certification courses are designed to provide specialised training that complements the foundational knowledge of Biology gained through a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree.
Several certification programmes relevant to Biology professionals are available, such as Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, and biotechnology, among others.
Top certification programmes for fresh graduates and young professionals looking to upskill themselves include:
- Certificate Course in Advanced Bioinformatics and Genomics
- Certificate Course in Clinical Research Management
- Bioinformatics Certification Programme
- Advanced Certificate Course in Clinical Research and Pharmacovigilance
Most courses have a duration of around six months, with fees ranging between ₹30,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Certification in Biology-related courses provides excellent opportunities to advance your career in specialised areas like drug discovery or vaccine development, with salaries ranging from ₹6-10 lakhs per annum after completion.
Upskilling Opportunities in Biology
With the advent of new technologies and innovations in the biological sciences, upskilling has become crucial for young professionals in this field. Upskilling not only provides an opportunity to acquire new skills but also boosts career prospects.
WIZR offers several financing options for young professionals like you who are seeking career-focused upskilling and certification programmes that enable you to pursue your interests and advance your career in Biology.
Career Path and Industry Growth
Biology-related careers are present in several sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and biotechnology.
- The healthcare sector has been growing at a steady pace, with an estimated 16% YoY growth rate.
- Biotechnology is another sector that offers immense potential for growth, with an estimated market size of 3 lakh crores by 2025.
- Environmental conservation has also been gaining importance over the years, with organisations like the WWF committing to conservation efforts. This means that there will be an increasing need for professionals with specialised skills in ecology, climate change, sustainable development, etc.
Kickstart Your Career in Biology
An educational background in Biology can lead to diverse career paths in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, research institutions, environmental management agencies, and many other industries. With several degree and certification courses available, there are abundant opportunities for you to explore.
Remember, WIZR facilitates financing for young professionals seeking career-focused upskilling and certification programmes, thereby enabling them to pursue their dreams without financial stress.
FAQs
1. How can I prepare for NEET?
To prepare for NEET, you can enrol in coaching classes or take online courses. You can also refer to NCERT textbooks and solve mock papers regularly. With consistent practise and dedication, you can crack NEET and secure admission to a good college.
2. How long does it take to become a microbiologist?
It takes around 4 years to complete a bachelor's degree in microbiology, followed by postgraduate studies or research work.
3. Who earns more: a medical scientist or a conservation scientist?
Medical scientists earn more on average compared to conservation scientists due to the high demand in the healthcare industry.
4. How much do geneticists earn on average in India?
On average, geneticists earn around 6–10 lakhs per annum in India.
5. What is the difference between BS and BSc?
The main difference between a BS degree and a BSc degree is that a BS degree focuses more on theory, while a BSc focuses more on practical application.
