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What makes up food? Food technologists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical nature of ingredients of food.
I am in pre-final-year biotechnology. What are the career prospects in microbial biotechnology?
Microbial biotechnology is the application of scientific and engineering principles to the processing of materials by micro-organisms (such as bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and viruses) or plant and animal cells to create useful products or processes. The micro- organisms utilised may be natural isolates, laboratory selected mutants or microbes that have been genetically engineered using recombinant DNA methods.
Microbial biotechnology, enabled by genome studies, will lead to breakthroughs such as improved vaccines and better disease-diagnostic tools, improved microbial agents for biological control of plant and animal pests, modifications of plant and animal pathogens for reduced virulence, development of new industrial catalysts and fermentation organisms, and development of new microbial agents for bioremediation of soil and water contaminated by agricultural run-off.
Microbial genomics and microbial biotechnology research are critical for advances in food safety, food security, biotechnology, value-added products, human nutrition and functional foods, plant and animal protection, and furthering fundamental research in the agricultural sciences.
Areas of microbial biotechnology include quality assurance for the food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women, Coimbatore, offers M.Sc. Microbial Biotechnology.
I am studying B.Sc. Biochemistry. I would like to join M.Sc. Food Technology. Please let me know the career prospects.
Food scientists and food technologists study the physical, microbiological, and chemical make-up of food. Depending on their area of specialisation, food scientists may develop ways to process, preserve, package, or store food, according to industry and government specifications and regulations.
During the M.Sc. course, the students learn about the different aspects of food in the field of food engineering, food packaging, cereals, pulses, oilseeds technology, fruit and vegetable technology, animal product technology, food biochemistry, nutritional evaluation, microbiology, and quality control and safety.
The food technology programme prepares students for employment with large food packing and processing companies. In this field, the knowledge base comprises biological sciences, food processing, sanitation, management techniques, and quality control.
The Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, is a prominent institution under the Central Government that offers a two-year M.Sc. (Food Technology) degree course. This institute is affiliated to the University of Mysore. Entry qualification is bachelor’s degree in science with chemistry/ biochemistry as one of the subjects or in agriculture/ engineering/ technology. The candidate should have studied mathematics as one of the subjects at the Plus-Two/ equivalent or degree level.
I would like to know about dialysis technology and the career prospects.
Dialysis technology is a highly specialised field of nephrology (care of the kidneys). In clinical practice settings dialysis technologists provide dialysis treatment under the supervision of a physician or registered nurse. The dialysis technologist is responsible for all medical devices and equipment involved in renal replacement therapies, such as reprocessing and water treatment equipment. Along with patient care and equipment operation, maintenance, and repair, dialysis technologists act to ensure regulatory compliance.
Dialysis is a treatment for patients with temporary or permanent kidney failure. For patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), dialysis is the only renal replacement therapy available other than kidney transplantation.
Dialysis technologists are also responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of dialysis machines; in some settings they perform routine equipment maintenance and repairs. They are often involved in patient education, instructing patients and families about in-home dialysis treatment and reinforcing the importance of adherence to prescribed treatment.
Dialysis technology involves health care workers with a variety of job titles — dialysis technologist, haemodialysis technician, renal dialysis technician, clinical nephrology technologist. Dialysis technologists may work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, or freestanding dialysis centres. Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai, offers M.Sc. Renal Sciences and Dialysis Technology.
Email: jpgandhi@gmail.com
JAYAPRAKASH GANDHI
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