My Science School

I have a great interest in civil engineering but my parents say that for girls there won't be good job opportunities. As there's a lot of field work involved and stress it is not a preferable course for girls. Please advise.

Civil engineers design and build things like roads and bridges. So you will be working with a diverse group of people ranging from the owners to the design consultants, to the contractors, to the government regulators, suppliers, the labour unions, and the general public. Sometimes you may have difficulty in working with the labour class and may face other site problems. Maybe your parents are concerned due to these reasons. But civil engineering is not limited to only field engineering; you can opt for off-site jobs like analysis, designing, tendering, managing projects, etc.

Picture Credit : Google

I am a student of Std IX and I am interested in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. What is the scope of these subjects? How can I get a degree in this course and the institutions where these courses are available?

A Biotechnology is an interdisciplinary science including not only biology but also subjects like Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Microbiology. To pursue a career in this field, take Biology, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in 10+2. After that, go for B.Sc./B.Tech. (Biotechnology). The duration of a B.Sc. programme is three years whereas it is four years for B.E. and B.Tech. courses.

Admission is generally through an entrance test. You can also do post-graduation in Biotechnology after B.Sc.

There are many colleges offering these courses. Many IITs and NITS offer B.Tech. in Biotechnology, for which you need to appear in JEE and AIEEE. This field is rapidly growing and offer wonderful opportunities, as many biotech companies are investing heavily into research of new drugs and biological products.

Picture Credit : Google

I'm in Std XI and have opted for PCM. I will be preparing for the engineering exams and for the civil services. I am an enthusiastic student of chemistry; what are the probable career options in this field?

The study of chemistry leads to a variety of careers and professions. Chemistry graduates can get beginners' jobs in quality control, analysis and testing or in technical sales and services. Food processing and pharmaceutical industries employ chemistry graduates as technical assistants.

Master's degree holders in chemistry generally find employment in one of three areas; industry, government and education. In industry, they may undertake research and development, quality control, sales and technical service, technical or general management. They increasingly work in marketing, providing technical information on chemical products and services. In addition, government departments like water, soil conservation, forensic science, customs and industrial safety departments employ them in scientific analysis, research, policy development and administration. To do research or to teach in colleges and universities, a Ph.D. is generally needed.

Picture Credit : Google