Hello There,

Interesting question

My question is which field are you more interested in???

Definitely both are research oriented fields.

As such biotechnology is a field whereby you technicians are into making of instruments that are used for medical benefits and diagnosis.

In correlation to this ideology is Nanotechnology. They are into making things smaller and compact ( Nano). Thus biotechnology and Nano-sciences can be correlated.

Similarly neurosciences are basically involved in terms of detecting neurological disorders
In comparison with biotechnology, you can be involved in terms of focusing on instruments required for this detection.

Thus both the fields are in sync with your field, but there is more correlation with nanosciences.

But still my advise will be to brainstorm about different forms of research done in this field, before you opt for a masters program.
Best would be to be in touch with these professionals and get a clear picture as to what kind of research is done in this field.

Hope this helps.

Wish you good luck....

Dear Sonali,
Thanks for writing to us! I am sharing the scope of biotechnology,neuroscience and nanoscience so that you can take informed decision about your post-graduate study.

Biotechnology is a interdisciplinary field that combines biological sciences with engineering technologies to manipulate living organisms and biological systems to produce products that advances health-care, medicine, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals and environment control.

Scope of post-graduation in biotechnology:
Career opportunities for students in biotechnology abound. Those specializing in different sub-disciplines of this field can easily find jobs in both private and government sector undertakings. Most students find jobs in research labs of universities and other research institutions. Apart from University and research institutions, there are good opportunities to work with industries engaged in processing and developing agricultural and biological products, bio-processing industries, pharmaceutical,chemical industries, industries producing healthcare products, textile industry, cosmetics and organisations engaged in different types of industrial research and development.

Scope of Neuroscience:
Neuroscience is also interdisciplinary field including medicine, neurology, psychoneurology, technology, education and public policy. A career in neuroscience is challenging and interesting. You may find employment in hospitals, companies associated with research, government organizations and pharmaceutical companies.

Scope of nanoscience and technology:
The Nanoscience and Technology specialist could serve as a link between specialists, e.g. in physics and biology, and communicate technical and conceptual issues across disciplines. A Nanoscience and Technology professionals have an eye for new and unconventional applications of scientific techniques and methods. After MSc in Nanoscience and Technology, you can work in various areas like chemical plants, biotechnology, energy, medicine, materials research, food industry and research institutions.

Which one is better biotechnology, neuroscience or nano-science for post-graduate study?
Common career path after BSc in biotechnology is PG course in either biotechnology, clinical research or Bioinformatics. You could go in for a PG diploma in Bioinformatics. Bioinformatics is a multi-disciplinary approach that combines computational and biological expertise to analyze biological data (both genomic and clinical) to advance biomedical research and development.

If you are really interested in studying brain, nervous system, then neuroscience is useful. Neuroscience is tough compared to other disciplines. There are good opportunities in research field. You can work with India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), National Brain Research Centre (NBRC) and Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow; Indian Clinical Research Institute, New Delhi;Reliance Life Science; Tata Consultancy Services; Dr. Reddy's, Hyderabad etc.

If you are interested in product design and technology development then nano science and technology can be a good choice. Nanotechnology can be used to address important problems and issues related to health, water, energy and environment. Low-cost sensors can be developed for the early detection, diagnosis of diseases. Nanosolar cell and fuel cells can be used for efficient and low cost energy conversion; purification of water can be carried out using nanocomposite filter materials.

As far as job opportunities are concerned, biotechnology and nanoscience has more scope compared to neuroscience.

Now its your choice. You may choose any of the above field for your future career.

Hope this has been helpful for you to take informed decision.

With Best Wishes,
Apurva Kumar Pandya, PhD

sir,‹
thank you for this great piece of advice.
sir, i am really interested in neuroscience and want to do my PhD from abroad and pursue to become a professor,means something related to research and education field not industries and all..

Dear Sonali,

Thanks for writing back!

As I mentioned earlier, neuroscience is nice field indeed. Its research based. There are good opportunities in research field in India as well abroad. You can get opportunities in medical institutes, laboratory, and college.

Neuroscience is tough and demand lot of concentration and consistent study. For higher studies in neuroscience, do it from a reputed institute having, good library, faculty members with good publication records, and laboratory equipped with latest technology. There are many academic institutes who provide job placement after masters study.

Skills you require to study neuroscience and become neuroscientist:
Co-operate effectively with other members of a multidisciplinary team
Excellent writing skills (Good publication record for research posts)
Communication skills
Analytic skills (Strong numeracy and knowledge of statistical methods and analysis)
Adaptability
Able to work independently
Computer skills
Technical skills (able to conduct cognitive or psychological scale interviews with patients and to provide clinical feedback; able to screen patients for disease indication and current symptoms; administration of written and computerised neuropsychological tests and psychometrics. Experience of administering both psychiatric and cognitive scales to patients)
Passion and drive
Good understanding of human cognitive function, psychopharmacology, trial design.

If you have adequate aptitude, interest and determination, then don't worry. You may go ahead with neuroscience field. Put sincere efforts, success will follow you.

Hope this is helpful.

Best Wishes for Bright Career,
Apurva Kumar Pandya, PhD