Biotechnology is the past, future and present of humanity. Her competence includes not only the identification of new forms of medicinal plants and the discovery of new abilities of living organisms, but also genetic engineering - one of the most complex and controversial areas of science. If you want to become a biotechnologist, then perhaps you will be the one to clone a person one day. Because there are no scientific barriers to this, and ethical issues will certainly be resolved in the near future. Next, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the profession, we will tell you how to get it, how to build a career and achieve success.

Biotechnologist - who is he?

Biotechnologist is a specialist who studies biotechnology in general or in one of its varieties. Biotechnology is a science that studies the possibility of using biomaterials to solve certain technological problems, as well as to implement projects in the field of hybridization and genetic engineering. The basis of the specialization is genetics, as well as key areas of biology and embryology. Biotechnology is also based on some applied disciplines, in particular robotics.

The profession is respectable, well paid and quite ancient. One of the first biotechnologies, by the way, was brewing. Today, the work of scientists and practitioners is concentrated on solving problems in medicine, genetics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, industry and other industries that use their developments. Many discoveries are global in nature and change not only the specifics and effectiveness of a particular direction, but also the life of humanity as a whole. A striking example is selection and genetic modification of plants and cloning.

Types of biotechnology and specialist’s responsibilities

The work instructions of a biotechnological engineer depend not only on specialization, but also on the specific place of work. A university teacher focuses on pedagogy, a breeder on improving the qualities of plants, a genetic engineer on the study of, say, mutations or, for example, cloning. The scope of responsibilities also depends on the type of biotechnology the specialist is engaged in. Key areas:

• Bioengineering– aimed, in particular, at solving medical problems and improving human health.
• Biomedicine is one of the theoretical branches of medicine that studies the human body, pathologies and methods of their treatment.
• Biopharmacology– works in the interests of pharmacology, studying the characteristics and properties of substances of biological origin.
• Bioinformatics– de facto, this is the use of mathematical technologies and computer analysis in biology.
• Bionics– applied science based on the application of the features of living organisms and the principles of living nature in technology.
• Cloning– implementation of asexual reproduction, obtaining organisms identical in genome (remember the female sheep Dolly).
• Hybridization– creation of hybrids by combining genes from different cells into one.
• Genetic Engineering– is aimed at studying, copying and changing the genome, in particular at DNA transformation.

The tasks of a biotechnologist include studying an object, conducting research and implementing projects. The object usually depends on the field of biotechnology in which the specialist works. Accordingly, the range of tasks changes depending on the place of work and the project on which the engineer or scientist is working.

Where to study to become a biotechnologist

Required at a university and preferably at a state university. The authority of the educational institution does not play a special role; the level of the department and the opportunities that the educational institution provides to students in the learning process are important.

You must have the opportunity to practice, contact the scientific community, you must have the necessary resources (laboratories, internship sites, etc.).

Try to find out as much as possible about the department of your chosen university. Separately evaluate the level of the teaching staff, in particular the practical achievements of the professorship.

The TOP 5 best universities in Russia where biotechnologists study include:

1. Moscow State University named after Lomonosov.
2. Research University named after Pirogov.
3. RUDN University
4. St. Petersburg State University.
5. Agrarian University named after. Timiryazev.

You can also obtain a profession through an accelerated program as part of your first or second higher education. To do this, you must have a graduate diploma from a secondary specialized educational institution in a specialized specialty, or a higher education in any specialty. Several distance learning programs are also being implemented, but their effectiveness raises reasonable doubts among experts.

What personal qualities should you have?

First of all, it is perseverance. Behind the most important discoveries are years of hard, complex and not the most dynamic work in the laboratory or in the office. A scientist can spend a lot of time and effort on a project that ultimately turns out to be a failure. You must have nerves of steel and determination; it is important to believe in your strength even when everything turns against you.

At the same time, you need to have developed intelligence and logical thinking, and be open to constant learning and advanced training. Another important personal quality of a potential biotechnologist is communication skills. It is important to maintain contact with the scientific community and be able to work in a team, find a common language with project managers and sponsors, and competently build communication with subordinates.

Where do biotechnologists work?

Research centers. Here the work of a biotechnologist is aimed at implementing projects of global importance. These are serious research and practical developments that are carried out at the request of companies or in the name of science. Here, new abilities and properties of living organisms are identified, the genome is studied, DNA transformation is carried out, and so on.

Medicine. Biotechnology is inseparable from medicine. As part of the research of specialists, methods of treating many diseases were found, features of genetics and human anatomy were studied, and rehabilitation methods were created. Developments of biotechnologists are used in almost all areas of medicine – from plastic surgery to bone marrow transplantation.

Production. Pharmaceuticals, agricultural production, food industry - biotechnology is inseparable from the activities of companies that work with living organisms. Hybridization, genetic engineering, bionics and biopharmacology play special roles here.

Educational institutions. Often specialists remain to work in the same universities where they received their education. They receive additional pedagogical education and become teachers, or develop their scientific potential. According to statistics, at least 30% of university graduates remain to work in universities, institutes and academies.

It is important to note that this is not a complete list of areas in which biotechnologists work. This is a sought-after, relevant profession - vacancies are open for specialists in hundreds of enterprises, research companies and industries. It is simply impossible to cover all possible places for employment at a glance.

Pros and cons of the profession

The key advantage of the biotechnologist specialty is its relevance - this direction not only does not become obsolete, but also takes on new forms.

In particular, it is integrated into robotics and the rapidly changing food production. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the profession becoming obsolete.

Other pros biotechnologist professions:

• Respectability and possible recognition.
• Decent wages for qualified specialists.
• Unlimited career prospects.
• A huge variety of areas of work and areas for employment.
• The opportunity to make discoveries that will change the life of mankind.

At the same time, it is important to note flaws specialties. Thus, university graduates should not count on high salaries in the first 2-3 years of building a career. In addition, this is a complex, extremely responsible job. Too much depends on the place of work and even on simple luck. If your manager is biased and the sponsor is frankly incompetent, problems with the implementation of the project cannot be avoided.

Salary of a biotechnologist in Russia and abroad

On average, biotechnologists with three years of work experience in Russia receive 33-34 thousand rubles. Salary largely depends on qualifications and place of work. According to unofficial statistics, employees of educational institutions receive the least, and the most are heads of research centers and employees of private industries and pharmaceutical companies.

Overseas salaries also vary greatly. There are no official statistics, but according to experts, the income of an ordinary biotechnologist in the USA exceeds 2.5 thousand dollars a month, in Canada - 2 thousand dollars. In France, specialists earn on average 1.8 thousand euros per month, in Germany – 2.2 thousand euros.

Summary

Biotechnologist is a sought-after and respectable profession that has no tendency to lose relevance. The specialty has many directions. It is in demand in medicine, pharmacology, manufacturing, agriculture, the food industry and dozens of other industries. No less relevant is biotechnology as a theoretical and applied science focused on research and development.

Biotechnologist

The most common entrance exams:

• Russian language
• Mathematics (basic level)
• Chemistry - a specialized subject, at the choice of the university
• Biology - optional at university
• Foreign language - at the choice of the university

What could be more interesting than studying the structure and properties of chemical elements, the fundamentals of cellular regulation of living organisms, studying the life activity of microbes and multicellular organisms? If the soul of a school graduate is in this direction, then you can opt for a profession such as medical biochemistry (specialty code 05/30/01).

Admission conditions and exams

Training in this specialty is carried out on the basis of 11 classes of a comprehensive school. Naturally, for admission you must pass the Unified State Exam, the scores for which must be in the range of 48-97. What subjects should I take to enroll in medical biochemistry? Russian universities require:

• Russian language,
• biology or chemistry (major subject),
• mathematics
• foreign language (at the choice of the educational institution).

Future profession

After graduating from the medical faculty in biochemistry, the scope of human employment will cover the study of the activities of viruses and bacteria. The qualifications of the future specialist allow him to participate in making a clinical diagnosis and monitor the adequacy and results of treatment. A specialist can also choose a research field of activity, study the molecular genetic aspects of the existence of bacteria, develop new diagnostic and treatment methods and introduce them into widespread clinical practice.

Where to apply

Students who wish to continue their studies in this specialty can enter the following universities in Moscow and other cities:

• State Medical University named after. THEM. Sechenov;
• Russian National Research University named after Pirogov.

Among other universities in Russia, training is conducted in:

• Novosibirsk State Medical University;
• Kazan State Medical University;
• Northern State Medical University and a number of other medical institutions for higher education.

Terms and forms of training

Specialty 05/30/01 Medical biochemistry involves full-time study for 6 years.

Main subjects studied during specialty training

Among all the subjects that a student must master during his studies at a medical university, the most important for the specialty in question is studying:

• molecular chemistry;
• medicinal chemistry
• biochemistry of atypical growth;
• internal medicine;
• clinical and laboratory diagnostics;
• clinical and general immunology;
• pathological chemistry and diagnostics;
• genetics;
• neurology;
• psychology.

During training, it is mandatory to undergo practical training. This stage is carried out in clinical diagnostic institutions. It is also possible to complete an internship at research enterprises, forensic and bacteriological laboratories.

Acquired skills and abilities

After completing training in biochemistry, the graduate acquires the following skills:

• conducting bacteriological, clinical, biochemical, cytological, immunological, medical and genetic studies;
• research of viruses and bacteria, development of methods to prevent their transmission;
• searching for new ways to use drugs, studying drug interactions;
• receiving patients, prescribing diagnostic procedures, making a diagnosis and selecting adequate therapy;
• conducting consultations on predicting the transmission of hereditary diseases;
• studying the mechanisms of development of various pathological conditions, developing methods for their treatment;
• examination of physical evidence.

Job prospects

Of course, the main question for a person choosing the further path of his education is where and who to work after graduation. So, after graduating from the faculty with a degree in medical biochemistry, you can get a job in a research institute, laboratory, clinic and hospital.

Upon completion of the specialty, you can choose the profession of a biochemist or laboratory assistant, researcher or research engineer. You can also devote yourself to the activities of a research assistant. And subject to mastering a program of psychological and pedagogical profile, a specialist can hold the position of a secondary school teacher and teacher of vocational education institutions.

The main place of further employment after training is clinical and biochemical laboratories. Thanks to their large availability, a specialist who has mastered the entire range of skills and abilities, the job search is facilitated. Immediately after graduation, you can work as a laboratory diagnostician, junior researcher, and also supervise the activities of nursing staff. Payment for the activities of a laboratory doctor is 50-70 thousand rubles.

Advantages of Master's Degree Studies

Studying in a master's program allows a specialist to supplement his knowledge and develop more medical skills. Doctors with a master's degree in medical biochemistry can not only engage in diagnostic and preventive work, but also try themselves in medical, social, administrative, and organizational and methodological work.

In fact, a master's degree program opens up great opportunities for individuals who want to choose a direction for research activity in the future. It should also be noted that studying for a master’s degree does not prevent a specialist from choosing a profession and continuing his career in the diagnostic and treatment field.

Prospects for further education

Upon completion of the master's degree, you can continue your studies in graduate school. In fact, a master's degree is a step towards achieving such a title as Candidate of Medical Sciences, and after that - Doctor of Medical Sciences.

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Reference

Word "biochemistry" came to us from the 19th century. But it became established as a scientific term a century later thanks to the German scientist Carl Neuberg. It is logical that biochemistry combines the principles of two sciences: chemistry and biology. Therefore, she studies substances and chemical reactions that occur in a living cell. Famous biochemists of their time were the Arab scientist Avicenna, the Italian scientist Leonardo da Vinci, the Swedish biochemist A. Tiselius and others. Thanks to biochemical developments, methods such as the separation of heterogeneous systems (centrifugation), chromatography, molecular and cellular biology, electrophoresis, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis have emerged.

Description of activity

The work of a biochemist is complex and multifaceted. This profession requires knowledge of microbiology, botany, plant physiology, medical and physiological chemistry. Specialists in the field of biochemistry are also involved in research into theoretical and applied biology and medicine. The results of their work are important in the field of technical and industrial biology, vitaminology, histochemistry and genetics. The work of biochemists is used in educational institutions, medical centers, biological production enterprises, agriculture and other areas. The professional activity of biochemists is primarily laboratory work. However, a modern biochemist deals not only with a microscope, test tubes and reagents, but also works with various technical instruments.

Wage

average for Russia:Moscow average:average for St. Petersburg:

Job responsibilities

The main responsibilities of a biochemist are conducting scientific research and subsequent analysis of the results obtained.
However, a biochemist not only takes part in research work. He can also work at medical industry enterprises, where he conducts, for example, work on studying the effect of drugs on the blood of humans and animals. Naturally, such activities require compliance with the technological regulations of the biochemical process. A biochemist monitors reagents, raw materials, chemical composition and properties of the finished product.

Features of career growth

Biochemist is not the most in-demand profession, but specialists in this field are highly valued. Scientific developments of companies in various industries (food, agricultural, medical, pharmacological, etc.) cannot be done without the participation of biochemists.
Domestic research centers cooperate closely with Western countries. A specialist who confidently speaks a foreign language and confidently works on a computer can find work in foreign biochemical companies.
A biochemist can realize himself in the field of education, pharmacy or management.

Biochemists are specialists in the field of biochemistry (the science that studies the structure, distribution, transformation and biological functions of chemical substances that make up living organisms).

Everyday life of a biochemist includes experiments in the laboratory, discussions at scientific conferences, competition with competitors, and searches for sponsors.

Biochemistry is at the intersection of several sciences, primarily biology and chemistry.

Historically, biochemistry is usually divided into the biochemistry of plants and microorganisms, which was formed mainly in the depths of botany and plant physiology, and the biochemistry of animals and humans (otherwise: medical and physiological chemistry), with the development of which numerous schools of physiologists, chemists, pathologists, and doctors are associated.

In the most distant times, the technology of such industries based on biochemical processes as bread baking, cheese making, wine making, and leather dressing was already known. The need to fight diseases forced us to think about the transformations of substances in the body and to look for explanations for the healing properties of medicinal plants. The use of plants for food and for making paints and textiles also led to attempts to understand the properties of substances of plant origin.

The talented Arab scientist and doctor of the 10th century, Avicenna, described in detail many medicinal substances in his book “The Canon of Medical Science”.

The great Italian scientist and artist Leonardo da Vinci, based on interesting experiments, made an important conclusion that a living organism can only exist in an atmosphere in which a flame can burn.

The 18th century was marked by the brilliant works of M.V. Lomonosov. Based on the law of conservation of mass of substances discovered by him and the French chemist A.L. Lavoisier and the experimental data accumulated by the end of the century, the essence of respiration and the exclusive role of oxygen in this process were explained.

The study of the chemistry of life already in 1827 led to the still accepted division of biological molecules into proteins, fats and carbohydrates. The author of this classification was the famous English chemist and physician William Prout. In 1828, the German chemist F. Wöhler synthesized urea: first from cyanic acid and ammonia (by evaporating a solution of the resulting ammonium cyanate), and later in the same year from carbon dioxide and ammonia. Thus, it was proven for the first time that chemical substances of a living organism can be synthesized artificially, outside the body.

A new impetus to the development of biological chemistry was given by the work on the study of fermentation initiated by Louis Pasteur. In 1897, Eduard Buchner proved that sugar fermentation can occur in the presence of cell-free yeast extract, and this process is not so much biological as chemical. At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the largest German biochemist E. Fischer worked. He formulated the basic principles of the peptide theory of protein structure, established the structure and properties of almost all of their constituent amino acids. But it was only in 1926 that James Sumner managed to obtain the first pure enzyme, urease, and prove that the enzyme was a protein.

Biochemistry became the first biological discipline with a developed mathematical apparatus thanks to the work of Haldane, Michaelis, Menten and other biochemists who created enzymatic kinetics, the basic law of which is the Michaelis-Menten equation.

The discovery of enzymes made it possible to begin a grandiose work on a complete description of all metabolic processes, which has not yet been completed. Some of the first significant discoveries in this area were the discoveries of vitamins, glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

In 1928, Frederick Griffith first showed that an extract of heat-killed pathogenic bacteria could transmit pathogenicity to non-dangerous bacteria. The study of bacterial transformation subsequently led to the purification of the pathogenic agent, which, contrary to expectations, turned out to be not a protein, but a nucleic acid.

Modern biochemistry covers a very wide range of issues related to theoretical and applied biology, chemistry and medicine, and is a set of related scientific disciplines - including, in addition to those mentioned, technical and industrial biology, vitaminology, biochemistry of hormones, enzymology, evolutionary and comparative biochemistry , histochemistry and cytochemistry, bioorganic chemistry, molecular biology and molecular genetics.

Biochemistry methods

Biochemistry is primarily a laboratory science. Its methods are diverse: electrophoresis and chromatography, fluorometry, spectrophotometry and mass spectrometry, electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, ultracentrifugation and the use of isotopes, as well as traditional methods used in physical and organic chemistry.

Where are biochemists trained?

Chemical and biological faculties of universities. Biochemists of a narrower profile are also trained in medical, technological, agricultural, veterinary and other universities.

The career of a biochemist depends not only on intelligence, but also on his communication skills, the ability to defend his ideas, and find like-minded people.

Demanding professionally important qualities: attentiveness, accuracy, perseverance, analytical thinking.

Occupational diseases

Allergies to any substances, fatigue and diseases of internal organs caused by the biochemist’s work with harmful substances are possible.

Medical contraindications