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[Maestro]

Life science or biological science is any science which deals with living organisms, their life processes and their interrelationships, such as biology, medicine or ecology. It is a synthesis of several traditional disciplines including biology, zoology, botany and newer more specialised areas of study such as biophysics, biochemistry, microbio-logy, etc. Essentially, life science is the scientific study of the living world as a whole.

An interest in biology may lead you to insights into how the nutural world works and to careers where you can develop new treatments for people who are suffering from diseases or find better ways to grow plants to be used as food around the world, as also design strategies to protect endangered plant and animal species and even become educators to teach a new generation of biologists.

Variety of Life Scientists

Anatomists study the form and structure of animal bodies. They determine the ability of animal bodies to regenerate destroyed or injured parts, and investigate the possibility of transplanting whole organs and skin.

Biochemists study the chemical composition and behaviour of living things and attempt to understand the complex reactions involved in reproduction, growth, metabolism and heredity.
Biophysicists study the physical principles within living cells and organisms. These scientists specialise in such things as how the eye converts the energy of light into a signal to the brain, how plants or animals respond to gravity, and how radiation affects living matter.

Botanists study plants and the environment.

Ecologists study the relationship between organisms and their environment. They particularly look at the effects of such things as soil conservation, pollutants, rainfall, temperature, or altitude on all the organisms in an environment.

Food scientists study the chemical, physical, and biological nature of good to learn how to safety produce, preserve, package, distribute and store it.

Geneticists study heredity in various forms of life. They perform experiments to determine what causes different traits and inherited disorders, and investigate how these traits are passed on from one generation to the next. They may also devise methods to alter or produce new traits.

Marine biologists study the development, function, and environment of plant and animal life in the ocean.

Microbiologists investigate microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, yeasts, and moulds. They try to discover how these organisms affect animals, plants, and the environment.

Molecular biologists apply their research on animal and bacterial systems, with the goal of improving and bettering the understanding of human health.

Physiologists are biologists, who specialise in studying all the life stages of plants or animals. They perform experiments to determine the effects of internal and external environmental factors on life processes.

Wildlife biologists study the habitats and the conditions necessary for the survival of birds and other wildlife.

Zoologists study the origin, behaviour, diseases, and life processes of animals. The different branches of zoology include ornithology (birds), entomology (insects), mammalogy (mammals), herpetology (reptiles), and ichthyology (fish).

How to enter this field?
Life scientists or biologists need a strong base in science, starting with physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics (not essential, but advisable) at the plus two level. During B.Sc. it is possible to specialise in one of the biological sciences or in life science. Postgraduation leads to opportunities for placement in academia, industry or research.

Most universities offer the basic biological science degree courses, but physiology, anatomy, marine biology/science, ecology, food science or wildlife biology courses are available at postgraduate level in only a few universities. Biotechnology, bioinformatics and forensic science are the new directions in the biological/life sciences. Biotechnology and bioinformatics are also available as a technological discipline.

Joint CSIR-UGC Test for Junior Research Fellowship and Eligibility for Lectureship held twice a year in the months of June and December in the Life Sciences can lead to opportunities in research with a fellowship in premier institutions and lectureship in universities across the country.
A Ph.D. degree from a nationally reputed institution would enhance placement and advancement prospects.
Institutions
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (a deemed University), Mumbai (http://www.tifr.res.in/)
National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore (http://www.ncbs.res.in)
Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar (http://www.ilsc.org)
National Centre for Plant Genome Research, JNU Campus, New Delhi (http://www.ncpgr.nic.in)
National Institute for Research in Reproductive Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai-400012
Institute of Life Sciences, Hyderabad (http://www.ilsresearch.org)
Dr B R Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research, University of Delhi (http://www.acbrdu.edu)
Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad (http://www.cdfd.org.in)
Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvanantha-puram (http://www.rcgb.res.in)
Institute of Microbial Technology, Chandigarh (http://imtech.res.in)
Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad (http://www.ccmb.res.in)
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (A Deemed University), Bangalore (http://www.jncasr.ac.in)
And there are many more.
Prospects
Life sciences can lead to careers in academic research, product development, process development, consulting, and teaching. Biological scientists who work in applied research or product development use knowledge provided by basic research to develop new drugs, treatments, and medical diagnostic tests; increase crop yields; and protect and clean up the environment by developing new bio-fuels.
Biological scientists may work for the government, in academic institutions or in industry. They may join various sectors including health, agriculture, food, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, waste management and enviroment protection.
Higher remuneration is likely to be found in private research companies developing products that have high commercial value. Employment in the government offers more job security, advancement opportunities, and variety of work. Teaching offers exciting opportunities whether it is in schools, colleges, universities or in private tuitions.
The twentieth century has been a period of exciting maturation for biology, and many believe that the 21st century will be a "golden age" for biology. Initial entry into the job market may be facilitated by having the background of a well-known educational institution, but long term career prospects depend on the scientist's quality of output the recognition in the scientific community.
(The author is Mumbai based Career Counsellor)