Biotechnology

What is it?

Biotechnology is the study and application of technology relating exclusively to Medicine, Agriculture and Biology.  Biotechnology workers are tasked with furthering our advancements and understandings in these fields by using and studying natural phenomena in addition to manmade phenomena.

How is IT involved?

Information technology is a cornerstone of biotechnology.  The study of natural phenomena has been going on for many years, but only in recent years have we been attempting to study them in a manmade context, using technologies developed exclusively for them.  Computers, communications, simulation and laboratory work are all used extensively in Biotechnology research, and none of it would be possible without Information technology.

Where can I see it?

Biotechnology is viewable in our everyday lives at almost every turn.  Farmers benefit from biotechnology work when they use seeds designed to withstand certain environmental conditions, and the mapping of the human genome is proceeding at a faster pace now, since the advent of parallel and distributed computing.  Many medicines and drugs are designed in labs before they are ever produced or tested, in order to minimize the randomness of drug discovery.

A good example of Biotechnology at work is in the field of gene therapy.  Gene Therapy is the study, research and application of the replacement of mutant cells inside the human body with technologically modified normal cells to slow, prevent, or eliminate diseases.  Often confused with genetic engineering, of which it is a subset, Gene Therapy has showed extremely positive initial tests with improvements in patients with Cystic Fibrosis, some cancers, and Sickle-cell anaemia. 

How can I be a part of it?

Biotechnology employees have a strong background in biology and chemistry, as well as excellent computer skills, and are talented at problem solving and lateral thinking.  Biotechnology workers also have skills in math, logic and some programming skills.  Anyone who is intrigued by biology and medicine, and wants to work with it in a technological context is a great candidate for the Biotechnology sector.

What else might I like?

Biotechnology employees work very closely with applications programmers, System Administrators, Computer Engineers and Project Managers

Where can I find out more?

Wikipedia:  Biotechnology

Biotechnology Industry Organization

BioteCANADA