In very loose terms, biotechnology, or biotech for short, is technology based on biology.

More formally, it is the application of biological material to technology; or the intersection of biology with technology, where living organisms or their products are used for human advantage.

Biotechnology exists at the nexus of life sciences, engineering and business, meaning that the starting point in biotechnology is either living material or their products which are used for medicinal, food, agricultural, industrial, pharmaceutical and environmental applications with the ultimate goal of benefiting human life.

Making bread using yeast is an everyday example of biotechnology in action. More complex applications include gene editing, cloning, genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) and DNA fingerprinting.

While biotechnology has become a buzz word in recent time, receiving enormous attention over the last three decades due in part to the growth of these and other complex applications, it is not a new science. In fact, it has been around from as far back as 500 BC.

Where do I study biotechnology?

Biotechnology is generally studied at the university level. An undergraduate degree is enough to get you into most entry-level positions, but more advanced study is required for higher level positions, especially in research and academia.

The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona, for example, offers a bachelor’s in biotechnology and is rolling out an MSc programme as of September. Incidentally, the programme is still open for registration and is designed to develop knowledge, skills, as well as entrepreneurial ability and innovation.

How do I prepare to

Subjects to study at Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examination level include biology and chemistry. For Caribbean Advanced Proficicency Education level, include chemistry. At The UWI, all biotechnologists are trained in biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology, after which specialisation is possible.

In addition to the academics, biotechnologists are expected to have an investigative mind and display such skills as keen observation, complex problem-solving, analytical, and innovative thinking. They are also expected to have excellent communication skills and be team players.

How much can I earn?

The more training you get, the better the bread you make, and the more money you can charge for it! Simply put, as with any field, the earning potential for biotechnology increases as one gets more knowledge and skills, as long as you apply that knowledge and utilise those skills. For biotechnologists, the earning potential is without limit since the products they develop can range from low-hanging fruits such as lotions, creams, soaps, and essential oils, to high-end products such as pharmaceuticals, diagnostic kits, tissue culture plantlets, etc. It is a door that opens endless possibilities.

Career paths

Most people are unaware that there are many different career paths for biotechnologists to pursue. Prospects in this multifaceted field include:

• Microbiologist

• Molecular biologist

• Ethnobotanist

• Food scientist

• Epidemiologist

• Biomedical engineer

• Forensic scientist

• Genetic engineer

• Biomanufacturing specialist

• Bioinformatician

• Consultant

• Lecturer

• Plant breeder

• Tissue culture scientist

• Teacher

• Farmer

• Entrepreneur and innovator

• Food agro-processor

• Industrialist (for example, rum industry, wine making, biofarming, production of products in biovats)

Typical employers of and business opportunities for biotechnologists are:

• Pharmaceutical and chemical companies

• Genetic engineering companies

• Educational institutions

• Research facilities

• Agricultural and crop production companies

• Food and Drink Manufacturers

• Biopharming companies

• Agriculture ventures

Biotechnology and

Biotechnology promises to make significant contribution to the advancement and living conditions of developing countries in spite of the fact that scientific literacy is considered to be low. In Jamaica, for example, agricultural practices and yields can be greatly improved through the use of biotechnology. The Biotechnology Centre at The UWI, Mona has been doing some of that work, including developing bacterial fertilizers that have the potential to reduce dependence on artificial fertilisers, and developing tissue culture protocols for many local plants.

Jamaica does have the potential for developing unique products for the export trade and should be attracting investments from both the private and public sectors. However, there are some issues that need to be worked out to facilitate the growth. For one, the importance of securing patents must be enshrined in the minds of scientists and research institutions. Second, information flow, especially among policymakers needs to be vastly improved, and third, gaining public trust and participation must be a sustained initiative.

— Dr Karla Hylton