Biotechnology (also called Biotech) is a very diverse and interesting field that covers a multitude of business and scientific areas. A biotechnologist is teh scientific equivalent of the business entrepeneur.

A misconception, seems to be that biotechnology is just genetic manipulation of microbes or plants in order to produce crops that produce one yield and then die. This conjures up images of a mad scientist, with a white lab coat and world domination on the brain!

The realit is that most individuals tend to move into biotechnology as a science because it embraces the love of biology and how that applise to commercial and environmental challenges.

Below are some highlighted industry sectors where biotechnology would be put to good use:

1. Brewing (Everybody loves beer!)

Fermentation processes are a major portion of biotechnology and microbiology. Brewing is the fermentation of a carbon substrate using yeast as the organism of choice. Two major types of fermentation are called Top Fermenters and Bottom Fermenters.

2. Pharmaceuticals (Everybody needs drugs!)

Bacteria are used extensively to help convert a substrate into antibiotics building blocks. This field is wide and varied nd is extensively funded for findin new developments and techniques. Consider the world of vaccines and virology!

3. Water Treatment/Sewerage (Everybody...oh wait...yeah...never mind!)

Treating liquid and solid sewerage has been a priority of a number of skilled biotechnologists. Removing harmful waste and developing useful by-productsi s a goal for biotechnology. An example of this is using Hi ate Oxidation Ponds to oxidise harmful bacteria whilst generating spirulina algae. (Spirulina is often used in vitamens!)

4.  Farming and Agriculture

Modifying plants/vegetables/fruits to be resistant to certain insects or disease, and enables crops to be grown without herbicides or pesticides. Modifying crops so that they can grow in arid areas rather than requiring rainforests to be depleted, there are many more examples in this field.

5.  Mine Water Treatment

Using bacteria and algae to remove sulphates and alter highly acidic mine water from gold mines.  Gold mines use large quantities of water in their reticulation systems. The interaction of warm conditions, water, iron pyrite and Thiobacillus Feroxidans creates tons of salt (a major polluntant in gold mines). Using biotechnology this water can be treated to allow it to be introduced back into the natural water system.

These are a small example of some of the many varied and exciting fields that fall under the umbrella of Biotechnology. It is currently one of the fastest growing industries on the planet.

Other areas include:

• Biofuels
• enviromental Science
• Paint Manufacturing
• Chemical Industry
• Fragrance Industry