'Pharma & life sciences offer expanding career scope'
Responding to TOI readers' queries, Shailendra Saraf, director of National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education And Research (NIPER) Hyderabad & Ahmedabad, says the pharmaceutical and life sciences sectors are witnessing rapid growth in India and globally, creating numerous career opportunities for students.
What subjects are needed in Class 12 for pharma or life sciences courses? Can MPC students apply, or is it only for BiPC? – Neha Jain
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Students with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Mathematics or Biotechnology can apply to various courses, including B Pharm.
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How do B Pharm and Pharm D differ? How do they compare with BSc in biotech or genetics? – Rohit M
Pharm D degree prepares students to serve in healthcare sector and work in hospital settings alongside doctors, while B Pharm leads to roles in drug stores or as production or quality assurance/ quality control chemists in pharmaceutical companies. The B Pharm course covers topics related to drug discovery and development, such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmaceutical analysis, medicinal chemistry, and regulatory approvals. Meanwhile, BSc degrees focus on fundamental research in genetics, microbiology, and molecular biology.
How should one choose between B Pharm, Pharm D, and general life sciences for a strong career? – Keerthi P
If a student is interested in pursuing research in the life sciences/pharmaceutical fields, degrees in general life sciences or B Pharm will offer broad options. Besides the options to pursue R&D in life sciences, a B Pharm degree also offers wider options in the pharmaceutical sector, such as manufacturing, quality control, and regulatory roles, among others. Pharm D is ideal for healthcare and clinical settings.
Are integrated or dual degrees available in this field? Is it advisable to opt such courses? – Vijay Prakash
Yes, a few institutes offer integrated courses such as B Pharm + MBA and BSc + MSc (IISERs) and integrated B Tech + M Tech programme in pharmacy (IIT-BHU). They are attractive and worth pursuing.
Are scholarships or fee waivers available for these courses? – Lakshmi M
Yes, both central and state govts offer merit and category-based scholarships and fee waivers
Is a bachelor's degree enough for a good job, or is a master's degree essential? – Savithri Reddy
While bachelor's degrees offer job opportunities, higher education opens up more roles and better career prospects.
How is demand for life sciences professionals evolving? Which sectors are hiring most? – Aditya MV
The sector is booming. India, ranked third globally in pharma, is seeing high demand for skilled professionals in pharma and allied life sciences sectors.
What offbeat roles are emerging in the pharma field? – Kalyan Teja
Several roles that require multi-disciplinary skills are emerging in the pharma field, such as regulatory affairs, management professionals with a pharmacy background, pharmacovigilance professionals, data management, including clinical data management, data analytics, applications of AI/ML, supply chain management and logistics, intellectual property management, among others. In addition, students of pharma can pursue the emerging nutraceutical sector.
Can pharma/life sciences graduates start their own ventures? What support exists? – Suresh Yadav
Yes, they can start their ventures. Several state and central govt initiatives, such as the Startup India grant, are available for aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition, most institutes and universities have established several incubators with state-of-the-art facilities for supporting start-ups. Several funding agencies such as DBT-BIRAC, DST, CSIR and others support startups through various grants. A lot of emphasis is being placed by policymakers, educational and R&D organisations, and funding agencies to encourage entrepreneurs with good ideas in a big way.
Are there short-term certifications to boost career prospects? – Md Rahil
Several short and medium-term courses are being offered in areas such as regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, QA/QC, intellectual property management, PG diploma in management, and applications of AI/ML by various institutes.
How crucial is industry exposure during the course? Are such opportunities available? – Nikhil Chandra
Practical training adds significant value. Most institutes offer internships, industrial visits, and lab training with advanced equipment
What preparation or profile is needed to get into reputed foreign universities for life sciences programmes? – Ayaan Ali
Students with a good academic record have better opportunities in foreign universities. Graduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students have separate opportunities as per the specific requirements laid by the foreign universities.
I have a master's in genetics and 9 months' experience. How can I move into the industry or institutions? Should I upskill? – Dtsv Spoorthi
Yes. With your background, you can explore biotech roles in industry or academia. Upskilling in latest technologies will enhance prospects.
My son is in MBBS III year but wants to pursue agri-science. Can he switch to MSc in Agriculture? – Vijaya Hemanth
He can pursue an MSc in Agriculture after completing MBBS. However, if he drops out, a BSc will be required to qualify.
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