Biotechnology and Biology are among the closely related programs. Well, since Biotechnology is a branch of Biology, it makes sense. Both programs involve living organisms; the difference is in their approach, focus, and career paths.
Biology studies the living organism’s structure, function, growth, and evolution, while Biotechnology applies biological knowledge. However, these two programs have many more in-depth differences, which we’ll briefly explore in this article.
What is Biology?
Biology, derived from the Greek word ‘bio,’ which means life or a living organism, is one of the many subjects of natural science. It’s among the oldest fields of study that trace back to the ancient Greeks and Babylonians about 4000 years ago.
Biology covers various topics, from chemical reactions and cell structure to physiological mechanisms and evolution, all emphasizing living things. It studies living things—their composition, activities, and interactions with their surroundings.
Specializations in Biology
Although Biology degree programs differ in coursework, they revolve around five main concepts: cell theory, evolution, homeostasis, genetics, and ecology.
The primary specializations in Biology are the following:
- Human Biology is a comprehensive study of the human body, encompassing disciplines like anatomy, epidemiology, nutrition, ecology, genetics, physiology, and sociocultural interactions, available online and through classes.
- Zoology studies animal organisms, including structures, embryology, habits, distribution, and classification, while botany studies plants, including algae, fungi, lichens, ferns, mosses, conifers, and flowering plants.
- Biochemistry studies physicochemical and chemical processes in living organisms, revealing that life’s complexity stems from metabolic processes controlling the flow of information in biochemical signals and chemical energy.
- Molecular Biology studies the molecular interactions between proteins, DNA, and RNA, examining the mechanisms regulating these interactions and their fundamental role in biological activities.
- Cell Biology studies living organisms, focusing on the smallest units of life capable of independent replication. It investigates replication, reproduction, and structures at the cellular level, making cells the building blocks of life.
- Mastering anatomy and physiology is crucial for understanding the human body and medicine, as they involve studying relationships and body parts, macroscopic and microscopic anatomy, and their functions.
- Genetics focuses on genes, genetic variations, and heredity in living organisms, involving molecular, cell, and biochemistry as units of understanding.
- Ecology, also known as human ecology, is the science of the environment, encompassing geography, earth science, and Biology, focusing on the interactions between organisms and the environment.
Career and Salary Outlook for Professions in Biology
Biology degrees are mainly for students who want to study humans, plants, animals, and their environments, conducting research at various levels. They specialize in specific areas, such as marine biologists, biochemists, and agricultural scientists.
Biologists work in ecologically diverse areas like the Brazilian Rain Forest, where nature produces biological compounds scientists cannot create on their own. They often dedicate long hours to their work beyond their job requirements.
Graduates can work in several settings, including research, healthcare, education, environmental conservation, Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and government agencies.
A Career in Biology is for you if:
- You enjoy nature and the outdoors.
- You are willing to spend time indoors, particularly in lab settings.
- You are naturally curious, detail-oriented, and organized.
A Career in Biology is not a great fit if:
- You have a strong aversion to scientific methods.
- You have no interest in discussions of disease, death, reproduction, or dissection.
- You have little interest in plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems.
According to PayScale, biologists make an average annual salary of $64,519.
What is Biotechnology?
The vast field of Biotechnology draws upon Biology to create products and any technical application that uses living systems to develop processes or products for long-term, sustainable use.
Among the major developments in Biotechnology are genetically engineered foods. It’s a relatively new field that started around the 20th century, emerging as a distinct field in the food industry. Later, it gained traction in the medical and environmental sectors.
Modern Biotechnology degrees have come a long way. Several courses are involved in Biotechnology to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.
Among the various courses offered, Genetic Engineering, Bioprocessing, and Biomanufacturing are the main areas of focus that stand out. Genetic Engineering involves modifying genetic elements in plants or organisms to achieve desired traits, with recombinant DNA being the cornerstone of this technique.
Bioprocessing and Biomanufacturing courses, on the other hand, teach practical techniques for large-scale production of biological products, including pharmaceuticals, enzymes, biofuels, and bioplastics.
Specializations in Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a vast field on its own! To pursue a career in this field, choose the specialization that suits your interests and enhances your skill sets!
- Black Biotechnology. This covers all studies on microorganisms that have the potential to harm human health, focusing primarily on bioterrorism and biological warfare.
- Blue Biotechnology. This is primarily used in creating cosmetics, healthcare items, and aquaculture. People who pursue this Biotechnology type are focused on the environmental conservation of marine life and habitats. Furthermore, it is the branch that is most frequently utilized to extract biofuels from specific microalgae.
- Brown Biotechnology. This type is under the umbrella of green Biotechnology. It primarily aims to boost the richness and flora of arid and desert areas. Professionals in this field are trained to incorporate highly resistant plant species into the soil.
- Gold Biotechnology. It is also referred to as bioinformatics and is responsible for gathering, collecting, sorting, and evaluating biological data, particularly DNA and amino acid sequences.
- Green Biotechnology. This type is probably the most used in Biotechnology. It focuses on helping farmers combat pests, feed their crops, and fortify them against microbes and harsh weather conditions like frosts and droughts.
- Grey Biotechnology. Its goal is to preserve and repair polluted natural ecosystems using the previously discussed bioremediation techniques.
- Orange Biotechnology. Other Biotechnology fields use this type. It disseminates information for new advances in both education and scientific industries.
- Purple Biotechnology. It covers the legal analysis of these very scientific concepts. They have a lot in common with patents, intellectual property, and the biosafety of procedures involving living things.
- Red Biotechnology. This refers to Biotechnology applications in the pharmaceutical and medical sectors, including drug discovery, development of biopharmaceuticals, and medical diagnostics.
- White Biotechnology. The industrial branch seeks to increase the industry’s sustainability and efficiency by developing biofuels, other technologies, and better production procedures.
- Yellow Biotechnology. This type focuses on food production and conducts studies to lower the amounts of saturated fats in cooking oils, for instance. Its primary purpose is genetically modifying products to increase food production or quality.
Career and Salary Outlook for Biolotechnology
Biotechnology offers diverse career paths, including biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics, bioprocess engineering, and biomedical science, focusing on areas like genetic engineering, drug development, agricultural biotechnology, and biomanufacturing.
Biotech firms welcome Biolotechnology undergrads to fill entry-level positions. However, it is at the graduate level that Biotechnology students gain the skills to take part in and launch biotech projects that aim to change the world!
Students can enroll in affordable Master’s in Biotechnology programs that produce experts and leaders in the field. The most competent Biotech professionals take on project management, laboratory management, and similar other roles in the industry.
A Career in Biotechnology is for you if:
- You have a strong interest in Biology, Chemistry, and technology.
- You can commit to nonstop learning in different fields, mainly technological advancements.
- You are entrepreneurial-minded, creative, and willing to take calculated risks.
A Career in Biotechnology is not a good fit if:
- Critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning are not your strong suits.
- You lack communication skills.
- You shy away from intense competition.
The average annual salary for Biotechnology jobs is $87,000 per year. Moreover, a research report projects that the Biotechnology market will reach $471,336.4 million in total size by 2025.
Key Differences: Biology vs Biotechnology
| Biology | Biotechnology | |
| Historical Background | An ancient field of study tracing back to the ancient Greeks and Babylonians. | Emerged as a distinct field in the 20th century. |
| Focus | Studying living organisms, their composition, behaviors, and interactions with their surroundings. | Focus on developing products and technologies for healthcare, agriculture, environmental conservation, and pharmaceuticals. |
| Specializations | Based on zoology and botany. | Based on modern advancements in medical procedures and medicines. |
| Application | Study fundamental principles and processes underlying life. | Applies biological knowledge and technology advancements to develop practical solutions and products |
| Average Annual Salary | $64,519 | $87,000 |
Biology and Biotechnology in Different Fields
Biotechnology uses biological principles to develop products and technologies. As two of the most heavily invested fields today, Biology and Biotech theories, principles, and applications are popularly used in these industries:
Medical Research
Biology is used in medical research to study the mechanisms of the human body and diseases. Biologists delve into the cellular, molecular, and genetic levels to uncover the underlying mechanisms of diseases. Their job is to investigate how different biological systems interact and how abnormalities in these systems can lead to illness.
Upon completion of the biologist’s research, Biotechnology will come into play. Biotechnologists will manipulate the living organisms and their components in the research to develop new drugs, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and biofuels.
Agriculture
Together, biologists and biotechnologists tackle global agricultural concerns and foster innovation through this cooperative endeavor.
Biologists are deeply interested in how plants and animals grow and thrive. Take crops, for example. They examine them closely to create varieties with specific traits, like producing more food, fighting diseases better, and surviving harsh environmental conditions.
Biotechnologists will then use the biologists’ data and knowledge to create better plant varieties with more yields and are more resistant to pests.
Environmental Science
Biologists monitor and preserve essential resources for life, testing air, water, and soil for pollutants and developing pollution mitigation strategies. They document plant and animal species within ecosystems. Biotechnology applications use biologists’ knowledge to address environmental challenges, such as:
- genetically engineering bacteria to break down pollutants
- utilizing algae for wastewater absorption
- decomposing organic matter in landfills
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