Question 1: I am appearing for CSIR this December in life sciences. I have completed M. Sc. Biochemistry. I am interested in Forensic Science (Toxicology). Please suggest the best place and topic for Ph.D., which will help me get into the field?

Answer: There are several toxicology related Institutes under CSIR, for example, IITR, CDRI Lucknow may be the best in this directions. You can check out in other CSIR labs also through www.csir.res.in . Coming to the topic, there are no hard and fast definitions for best topics. Again design of the whole project work, efficiency of the student to execute the work and obviously efficiency of the guide are the key factors to make the topic best.

Question 2: What are the leading research topics in molecular biology?

Answer: There are several areas which are gaining momentum presently in molecular biology. Specifically the below mentioned areas are in news:
1. Micro array related gene expression analysis: Majorly in the disease related areas.
2. Bioinformatics: Comparative genomics, System Biology etc.
3. Plant genetics and Marker related works.
4. Molecular Diagnostics
5. Gene silencing technologies.
6. RNA related projects that will have lot of significance in disease diagnostics.

Question 1: I am studying Intermediate (Bi.P.C.). I want to study Masters Degree in Drug Designing? Where these courses are available? How will be the career for this specialisation?

Answer: There are no specific Drug Designing courses at Masters Level. But you can prefer Organic Chemistry or Pharmaceutical Sciences which have papers on drug designing. Later on you can go for specialization in your Ph.D. If you want to work with virtual drug development, then you can opt for Bioinformatics and put more emphasize on Molecular Modeling paper. There is good demand for professionals in this area in pharmaceutical companies and other Govt. R and D sectors.

Question 2: I am doing my M.Sc. in Biotechnology. I want to do a project as part of my course. What is the best place for project Work? Which is better between Biotech company and Institute?

Answer: You try in any CSIR or other Govt. Lab or you can choose any private lab also. The heart and soul of a project depends on the guide, design of the project and definitely on the Lab facility. Please do check the profile of the guide and the facility they are providing before you join. The first preference should be always Govt. Labs provided the very lab is having all facilities you require to carry on with the project.