Explore Alternatives to MBBS
For those of you who believe that the only career options for Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) students after 12th is MEDICAL, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. There are now enough PCB career options to get your mind racing in all directions. Here is a comprehensive list of alternative career streams in PCB in addition to doing MBBS through NEET or other medical entrance examination.
Zoology
This fascinating field is concerned with the study of the animal kingdom. Zoologists study the structure, life processes, genetics, physiology, classification, and interactions of various species by observing them in their natural habitats as well as in laboratories.
With a Zoology degree, you can work as a researcher, animal breeder, wildlife rehabilitator, wildlife biologist, zoo curator, conservationist, teacher/professor in schools and colleges, and so on.
Botany
It is a well-established branch of biology that studies plants, their structure, processes, growths, and so on. Botanists conduct research and observation to discover new species, study plant interactions with different organisms in their environment, plant genetic formation, and so on.
With a Botany degree, you can work in landscape industries, natural resource centres, environmental consultancies, or as a researcher, teacher/professor, taxonomist, horticulturist, nursery manager, or environmental consultant.
Microbiology
It is the study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others, as well as their interactions with humans, animals, plants, and other organisms in the environment. Microbiologists study and research how various microorganisms affect our lives. It is divided into subfields such as virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology, and so on.
Clinical researcher, research scientist, lab technician, quality control, working in pharmaceuticals, health sector, food industries, breweries, distilleries, agriculture, and so on are typical employment opportunities.
Environmental Science
Environmental science is an important field in today’s world because it studies the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment as well as their interactions. Environmental scientists research environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, waste management, water pollution, and so on, and how to address these issues.
Environmental scientists are hired for research and other roles by various industries such as mines, water-treatment plants, fertiliser plants, and so on, as well as by various government departments and agencies such as forestry, pollution control board, agriculture, and so on.
It should be noted that environmental science as a specialisation is mostly available at the postgraduate level in India.
Biochemistry
It is a branch of science concerned with the investigation of chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms. It is a laboratory-based science that combines biology and chemistry, as biochemists solve biological problems using chemistry concepts. Examples of work include improving photosynthesis to increase crop yield, discovering and developing new chemical processes to produce biofuel, and so on.
Opportunities: Because it is a growing field, there are numerous exciting opportunities available, including biomedical scientist, forensic scientist, clinical laboratory technologist, toxicologist, research scientist, healthcare scientist, pharmaceutical sales representative, consultant, patient care coordinator, lab technician, medical coder, teacher/professor, and so on.
Allied Medicine
If you want to pursue a medical career but don’t want to go through the rigorous M.B.B.S programme, the Allied Medicine domain may be for you. This is another broad domain that includes various healthcare careers that are distinct from doctors but assist doctors in their work.
Physiotherapy, Audiology, Occupational Therapy, Medical Lab Technology, Clinical Research, Radiology, and other professions fall into this category. Each of these careers has a wide range of career paths, colleges, and opportunities.
Career Opportunities: Because each of these careers is related to a specific field, the career opportunities are vast. Hospitals are a common place of employment for the majority of these occupations. Pathology labs are also available.
Pathology labs are also popular places to work for medical lab technologists, whereas physiotherapists and occupational therapists can work in clinics or even open their own private practise. Radiologists and optometrists collaborate closely with doctors to make their jobs easier. Clinical Researchers primarily work on research projects in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, and universities. Occupational therapists work one-on-one with clients and patients in a variety of settings such as NGOs, special schools, social service departments, and so on. Public health administrators work primarily with hospitals, government organizations, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to manage and administer hospitals and health-care systems.
Agriculture and Food
This is a broad domain that includes many fields related to the understanding of biological and chemical processes that affect plants, dairy, and food production. Food science and technology, agronomy, horticulture, dairy technology, agricultural engineering, and other fields are included.
Career Opportunities: There are numerous career paths and opportunities available for each of these careers. Process development scientist, product development scientist, agricultural consultant, agricultural manager, research and development, and so on are some common ones. Other opportunities include horticulturist, floriculturist, food technologist, dairy technologist, soil scientist, plant scientist, animal nutritionist, and so on.
Biomedicine
It is an applied science that combines various aspects of various disciplines in order to develop interventions, technology, and knowledge in the field of health care. Biomedical scientists study how cells, organs, and processes function in the human body, and their findings are used to better understand and treat diseases.
Career Options: The knowledge and skills gained in this career will allow you to work as a biomedical scientist, clinical researcher, forensic scientist, toxicologist, immunologist, and other healthcare professionals. It is a relatively new, but rapidly growing, field in India.
Biophysics
Biophysics is a branch of physics that combines physics and biology principles. Biophysicists use physics methods and approaches to study organisms at the cellular and molecular levels. It is a rapidly evolving field involving cutting-edge technology, physical measurements, and computational models.
Jobs in this field include nuclear medical biophysicists, clinical biophysicists, forensic biophysicists, nutritional biophysicists, professors, and others. Research is a popular career path, and you can find work as a research scientist in a variety of government and private organizations.
Physiology
It is the study of living organisms’ bodily functions, activities, and mechanisms, particularly humans. Physiologists generally study organs, anatomy, cells, biological compounds, and muscles, as well as how they interact and collaborate to keep the body running. Aside from studying human physiology, other branches of the field include plant physiology, cellular physiology, microbial physiology, and so on.
Opportunities in this field include working as a clinical-exercise physiologist, biomedical scientist, physiotherapist, sports physiologist, researcher, teacher/professor, and so on.
Bioinformatics
This profession combines biology, computer science, and information technology. Professionals in this field are involved in the development and application of tools and techniques for analysing biological data. A bioinformatics professional, for example, might create software for accessing and analysing data from biomedical and pharmaceutical studies.
After graduating from this field, you can work as a bioinformatics analyst or developer for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, healthcare organisations, pharmaceuticals, and research agencies. Work as a clinical research associate, bio analyst, or medical coder is another option.
Genetics
This fascinating field investigates genes and their functions, genetic variations, and the heredity of living organisms. Professionals in this field research genetic diseases, anomalies, traits, mutations, how genes are transmitted, how genes interact with their environment, and so on. Geneticists can use their knowledge in a variety of fields, from treating patients with genetic abnormalities to developing pharmaceutical products.
Jobs in genetics include becoming a geneticist, immunologist, cytogeneticist, forensic DNA analyst, medical technologist, geneticist, pharmacologist, clinical research associate, research scientist, and so on.
Biotechnology
It is a branch of science that combines biology and technology. In the industrial process, living organisms such as cells and bacteria are used. Biotechnology professionals work on a variety of projects to improve our lives, such as developing cleaner and safer fuels, increasing crop yields, increasing food production, developing drugs to treat deadly diseases, and so on.
Opportunities for a career include pharmaceuticals, healthcare, genetics, and clinical research. Many government and private industries, including agriculture, animal husbandry, nutrition, cosmetics, marine biotechnology, environmental conservation, and waste management, hire biotechnology graduates. You can also work in sales and marketing, quality control, administration, laboratory assisting, or field technician.
Marine Biology
It is a branch of science that studies marine organisms, including their behaviour and interactions with the environment. Fishery Science is another related field. The field of marine biology is quite diverse, and the title “marine biologist” can be held by any professional who is closely involved with marine life and organisms.
Opportunities for Employment: You can work as an aquaculturist, fishery biologist, environmental consultant, researcher, and so on.
