Psychiatrist or psychologist?

Q: I am a final-year MSW student. I did my bachelors in HRD from Jadavpur University. However, I am not interested in joining NGOs. Instead, I want to pursue a degree in psychiatry. Please advise.

Ronita Roy Chowdhury

A: If you’re looking for a career with meaning, action, satisfaction and an abundance of options, then social work is worth considering.

Apart from the NGOs, you could also consider working in the government sector or in internationally funded programmes.

Now coming to your question, although both psychologists and psychiatrists perform the same function, i.e. diagnose and treat patients with mental, emotional and behavioural disorders using a variety of psychotherapeutic methods, the one major difference is that psychiatrists are qualified doctors and can prescribe medication as a part of the treatment. The medication includes anti-depressants and tranquillisers which have an effect on a patient’s moods and behaviour. To qualify as a psychiatrist, you need an MBBS degree with a specialisation in psychiatry at the MD level. This is mandatory.

Psychologists, on the other hand, have no medical training and cannot prescribe medication. They generally opt for their specialisation after graduation.

It is essential that practising psychologists have a masters, an MPhil or a PhD in psychology. Specialisations like clinical psychology require a two-year MPhil in the same field as a necessary qualification. They are responsible for counselling patients.

However, both clinical psychologists and psychiatrists, if trained, are equally competent.

Since, you have already done your masters in social work, you could start working in the area of counselling and pursue a masters in psychology or you could go for a postgraduate diploma in counselling.

In pursuit of an MBA

Q: I got 32 per cent in my Plus Two with a PCMB combination and 45 per cent in BSc (CBZ) pass. I am working at present. Can I appear for the CAT, XAT, MAT or ATMA exams?

Prafulla Majhi

A: You can appear for all of the above exams since the eligibility for all these is a bachelors degree.

You’ll, however, need to brush up your maths skills. This is because maths forms a significant component of all MBA exams. The level of mathematics is not very high though (mainly Std X level with a few topics from the Plus Two level like calculus, progression, permutation-combination, algebra, probability, set theory, etc, added to it). So go ahead and give it your best shot! Your present employment could prove to be valuable and help you get into a good B-school ? somewhat making up for your average academic performance.

Mathematical skills are absolutely essential

Q: I completed my Plus Two with physics, chemistry and biology, but I didn’t have mathematics. I am keen on doing an MCA after my graduation. However, most of the MCA colleges require maths as a subject in the Plus Two. So, can I opt for MCA?

Gurum Prashantam

A: Let’s make no bones about it: the maths component of the MCA entrance exam is fairly significant. If you are really keen on doing an MCA, you could perhaps rectify the situation by taking the CBSE maths paper separately.

Besides, a reasonable comfort level with maths is a prerequisite for getting into MCA. Hence, taking the exam separately may give you a decent grip on the fundamentals. At IGNOU, you can pursue an MCA, but you will need to do a CIC (certificate in computing) or a diploma in computers in office management from IGNOU within the first year. This six-semester MCA course can be completed in 3-7 years. You could log on to www.ignou.ac.in.

And if this seems like a long shot, you can opt for DOEACC courses or learn programing through stand-alone courses enjoying industry recognition. IT is a vast field and if you are really keen, you’ll surely find your niche.

Q: I want to pursue genetic engineering. Could you please tell me what subjects are needed and what are the institutes I can apply to? However, I must add that I am not very good with numbers.

Abhijit Nag

A: While genetics is the study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics, genetic engineering is the deliberate modification of the characteristics by manipulating its genetic material. It is a part of the broader study of genetics. Genetic engineering (GE) is a highly advanced branch of science so it’s important to improve your quantitative skills. Moreover, the skills you develop while studying maths will prove to be a great asset in this profession.

The eligibility criterion is successful completion of Plus Two with biology, chemistry and mathematics or a bachelors degree in science. At the undergraduate level, genetics is offered only in a handful of universities.To get better exposure, you should pursue an MSc in genetics or opt for a masters in biotechnology, microbiology or biochemistry. An MSc in any of these will definitely help you grasp genetic engineering better!