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CAREERS360
YOUR QUICK GUIDE
TO A COURSE IN
BIOCHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY OF BIOLOGICAL LIFE
Biochemistry Course Review
Course Review Biochemistry
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
1.
Introduction03
2.
Why Biochemistry?
05
BIOCHEMISTRY IS THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE
CHEMISTRY OF LIVING THINGS.
3.
Eligibility Norms
06
4.
Selecting an Institute
07
5.
Course Structure
08
6.
What after Graduation?
10
7.
International Appeal
12
8.
Model List of Modules for BSc (Biochemistry)
13
9.
Select Institutes for BSc (Biochemistry)
16
10. Select Institutes for MSc (Biochemistry)
16
11. Select International Universities
17
Project Editor
Research
Art Director
Asst. Art Director
S. Rajaram
Shiphony Pavitran Suri, Prerna Singh
Anshul Sharma
Rajesh Chawla
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Editor: B Mahesh Sarma
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T
he web page of Faculty of Life Sciences,
University of Manchester poses these
interesting questions: “Have you ever
wondered about the basic chemistry of life? How
do our bodies make proteins? How do molecules
recognise each other and how are they specific?
How do enzymes catalyse reactions? Where
does the energy come from to power our cells?
Intrigued? You will find the answers and more
on our Biochemistry course...”
Welcome to Biochemistry, a fascinating and
dynamic subject. New age products claim to be
enriched with enzymes that give extra shine to
your hair, extra nutrition to your food, extra efficacy to your drugs. These enzymes are a form of
protein. They are essential proteins that regulate
our body functions and are the result of complex
cycles inside our bodies. Likewise, every bodily
function is a result of highly regulated and synergized biochemical cycles.
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FAST FACTS
Programme: BSc Biochemistry
Duration 3 years (4 years at DU)
Eligibility 10+2 with PCB, PCMB/
Biotechnology Best Institutes for
BSc Delhi University, University
of Calicut, Vels University,
Kurukshetra University Fees
Rs. 15,000 (First year, Rs. 7,500
II semester onwards at Vels
University) Best Institutes For
MSc Delhi University, Banaras
Hindu University, Kerala University,
University of Madras, University of
Calcutta Career Roles Clinical and
Drug research, Food Chemistry,
Biochemist, Molecular Biologist,
Diagnostics, Research Fellow,
Quality Control, Lecturer Earning
Potential Research fellow Rs. 16,
000-18,000 pm Top Recruiters
Central Drug Research Institute;
Institute of Microbial Technology;
Pharma &vaccine companies
Biochemistry Course Review
That is why blood samples are taken at pathology labs to determine the
amount of vitamins or cell counts in our bodies. Clinical biochemistry uses
biochemical methods to study diseases using body fluids such as urine, blood
samples, etc.
Biochemistry is focused on learning such dynamic cycles and their products, which drive all living beings. It highlights how different branches of
Biology converge to develop an understanding of chemistry in everyday
life processes and biomolecules. To sum it up, Biochemistry is the scientific
study of the chemistry of living things. It looks at the chemical structure or
molecular basis of life. It plays an important part in the growth of biotechnology and medicine.
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Course Review Biochemistry
WHY BIOCHEMISTRY?
A NUMBER OF ADVANCED LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN BIOCHEMISTRY
T
he three-year programme leading to BSc
degree lays the foundation for advanced
learning in the highly dynamic field of
biochemistry. An undergraduate gets an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of chemistry.
The knowledge finds application in diverse fields
such as diagnostics pharmaceuticals, forensics,
and healthcare, food and beverage industry. As a
result a number of advanced learning and
employment opportunities are available in Biochemistry. The course provides not just in depth
subject knowledge but also a string of valuable
transferable skills of project management.
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Biochemistry Course Review
Course Review Biochemistry
ELIGIBILITY NORMS
SELECTING AN INSTITUTE
YOU SHOULD HAVE A KEEN INTEREST IN BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
IF YOU WANT TO PURSUE THIS COURSE.
TOP UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA OR ABROAD OFFER BIOCHEMISTRY
AT UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE LEVEL.
I
f you have passed 10+2 with PCB, you can
apply for admission to an undergraduate
degree course in Biochemistry. In DU and
Calcutta University you need PCMBAn understanding of biological systems is essential for
pursuing it at the undergraduate level.
You should have a keen interest in biology and
chemistry if you want to pursue this course. Usually there are institute-specific entrance examinations to secure admission. For instance, University of Calicut conducts an entrance examination for admission to BSc degree in Medical
Biochemistry.
To gain admission to Delhi University’s 4-year
course you need 55 percent or more marks in
Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology/Biotechnology) and 50 percent in English. Selection is
based on merit in the qualifying examination.
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T
he most sought after universities are
Delhi University, Kurukshetra University and University of Calicut. They have
well-equipped independent departments with
technical and teaching staff to assist students in
the learning process. These universities also provide with advanced learning and project assistantships to students on completion of undergraduate studies.
Aligarh Muslim University offers a B.Sc.
(Hons.) course under the supervision of Department of Life Sciences with Biochemistry as one
of the core subjects alongside Botany and Zoology (See Fast Facts for select institutes).
A number of universities abroad offer undergraduate course in Biochemistry.
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Biochemistry Course Review
COURSE STRUCTURE
PRACTICAL LEARNING CONSTITUTES A SIGNIFICANT PORTION
OF THE UNDERGRADUATE COURSE IN BIOCHEMISTRY
T
he full-time degree course prepares students for the forefront of cutting-edge
research in Biochemistry.
In depth knowledge of biomolecules, cell
biology and microbiology form the core of the
course taught in the first semester at University
of Mumbai. The basics are revisited to build specialised knowledge in proteins and molecular
biology during the second year of study at Delhi
University.
biochemistry, genetics complemented by lab sessions such as, ELISA and
Vitamin d assay, etc.
In view of the inter-disciplinary nature of the field, Delhi University has
introduced additional course modules in Chemistry, Mathematics and Computer Applications.
The analytical and experimental skills are imparted through regular lab
sessions, thus laying a solid foundation for theoretical knowledge. A research
project towards the end of the course gives hands-on experience to students.
Almost all the universities/institutions follow the course curriculum prescribed by the University Grants Commission (See Model List of Modules
for BSc (Biochemistry).
The course is designed to incorporate timely assessments through tutorials,
viva-voice, etc.
Practical learning constitutes a significant
portion of the course. Students are constantly
exposed to experimental biochemistry applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and
beverages through project trainings.
The final year study revolves around specialised fields of biochemistry such as human
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Biochemistry Course Review
WHAT AFTER GRADUATION?
IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO GO FOR MASTER’S AFTER YOUR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE TO BUILD A SATISFYING CAREER IN THIS FIELD
studies to develop specialisation and acquire enhanced laboratory skills.
Several reputed institutes offer such advanced degree upon successful
completion of two-year programme. Postgraduates are more equipped and
qualified for industrial jobs in pharmaceutical, diagnostics, forensic and biotech companies. Those with doctorate degrees in Biochemistry are readily
absorbed in national forensic laboratories as assistant scientific officers.
A
fter graduation you may take up varied
career paths depending on interest of
study. A BSc Degree equips you for a
range of careers beyond the Life Sciences sector.
A research career marked by perseverance and
determination requires a Masters degree (MSc)
followed by doctoral (PhD) studies. There are
ample research opportunities at various government and private institutions.
Apart from research jobs, job vacancies are
announced for advanced degree holders in Biochemistry for teaching across academic institutions. Such teaching opportunities offer good
salary with flexible working hours.
Very few students forge a career in Biochemistry directly after the completion of undergraduate studies. Most of them pursue postgraduate
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Biochemistry Course Review
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL
Course Review Biochemistry
Model list of modules for BSc (Biochemistry)
1. Biomolecules
Lab Course
(Water and Buffers, Carbohydrates, Lipids,
Proteins, Nucleic acids, Porphyrins)
Preparation of normal, molar and percent solutions.
Preparation of buffer solutions and
determination of their pH.
A NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATES IN
INDUSTRIES SUCH AS HEALTH, BEAUTY, FOOD AND NUTRITION
Qualitative tests for Carbohydrates
Qualitative tests for lipids
Determination of acid value
Determination of saponification value
A
lmost all renowned universities abroad
are engaged in the forefronts of research
and academic excellence. Undergraduate course is popular among students in both the
UK and USA. Graduate studies at Department of
Biochemistry, University of Oxford are experienced in a highly inter-disciplinary environment
in collaborations with the Scripps Research
Institute, National Institutes of Health, USA,
etc.
There are a plenty of employment opportunities for graduates in industries such as health,
beauty, food and nutrition etc. worldwide.
Many biochemists are employed as scientists in
pharmaceutical industries. Companies such as
Novartis recruit biochemists for their research
facilities in diverse roles.
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Qualitative tests for amino acids and Proteins
Preparation of casein from milk and determination
of its isoelectric point.
Verification of Beer- Lambert’s Law.
2. Enzymology
Lab Course
(Enzymes, Enzyme catalysis, Enzyme
Purification, Enzyme Kinetics, Enzyme
regulation, Immobilized enzymes, Industrial
applications of enzymes)
Estimation of protein by biuret/Lowry method
Assay of acid phosphatase activity from germinating
mungbean seeds
Calculation of specific activity of acid phosphatase
Effect of enzyme concentration on enzyme activity
Effect of substrate concentration on acid phosphatase activity and determination of its Km value
Effect of pH on enzyme activity and determination
of optimum pH.
Effect of Temperature on Enzyme activity.
Partial purification of enzyme by ammonium sulphate
fractionation.
Inhibition of Acid phosphatase by EDTA
3. Intermediary Metabolism
Lab Course
(Bioenergetics, Carbohydrate Metabolism,
Glycogenesis & glycogenolysis, Electron
Transport Chain & Oxidative Phosphorylation,
Lipid Metabolism, Amino acid Metabolism, Nucleotide Metabolism, Porphyrin Metabolism)
Estimation of nitrogen by micro-Kjeldahl method.
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Biochemistry Course Review
Model list of modules for BSc (Biochemistry)
Model list of modules for BSc (Biochemistry)
3. Intermediary Metabolism
6. Clinical Biochemistry
Lab Course
Lab Course
Estimation of blood glucose colorimetrically.
Estimation of chlorophyll content of leaves using
acetone.
Estimation of ascorbic acid by titrimetric method.
Preparation of starch from potato and its
hydrolysis by salivary amylase
7. Immunology
Lab Course
Isolation of total lipids by Folch method.
(Introduction to immune system, Antigens,
Immunoglobulins, Monoclonal Antibodies,
Antigen–antibody interactions, Major Histocompatibility Complex, Antigen Processing &
Presentation, Complement system)
Titration of amino acids & determination of pK value
8. Biochemical Techniques
Lab Course
4. Molecular Biology
Lab Course
(Basic Concepts of Genetic Information, DNA
Supercoiling, DNA Sequencing, Nucleases,
DNA Replication, Mutations and DNA Repair,
Transcription, Translation)
Estimation of DNA by diphenylamine method.
(Measurement of pH, Hydrodynamic Methods,
Chromatographic techniques, Electrophoresis,
Radioisotopic Techniques, Spectroscopic
Techniques)
Separation and identification of amino acids\
lipids by TLC.
Determination of achromatic point for salivary
amylase.
Separation and identification of amino acids\sugars
by paper chromatography.
Estimation of RNA by orcinol method.
Separation of proteins by SDS-PAGE.
Separation of DNA fragments by Agarose gel electrophoresis
Estimation of serum protein and determination of
albumin\globulin ratio.
Estimation of calcium in serum.
Demonstration of immunodiffusion
Estimation of phosphorus in serum.
Identification of blood group
Estimation of lactose in milk.
5. Plant Biochemistry
Estimation of haemoglobin
Lab Course
(Photosynthesis, Nitrate Assimilation,
Sulphate assimilation, Biological N2 -fixation:
Plant Hormones)
6. Clinical Biochemistry
Lab Course
Select Institutes for BSc (Biochemistry)
(Hormones: Minerals, Metabolic Disorders,
Clinical enzymology, Detoxification mechanism of the body, Acid- Base balance)
Separation of serum from blood.
Delhi University
Thiruvalluvar University
Qualitative analysis of sugar, protein, ketone bodies
and bile pigments in urine.
University of Burdwan
Determination of serum alkaline phosphatase.
Vels University
Determination of blood urea and uric acid.
Kurukshetra University
Determination of blood creatinine.
Kakatiya University
Estimation of blood cholesterol.
Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya
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University of Calicut
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Biochemistry Course Review
Select Institutes for MSc (Biochemistry) in India
FACULTY INTERVIEW:
University of Delhi
Rajat Sandhir
Thiruvalluvar University
Head, Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University
University of Mumbai
Q. What aptitude is required for a course in Biochemistry?
A. We have B.Sc. and M.Sc. five year integrated program leading to Bio-
University of Calicut
Vels University
chemistry Honours degree. The students are taken after 10+2 science (both
medical and non-medical). They are selected on the basis of the entrance
examination. The selection to post graduate course is also through an
entrance test. Aspiring candidates are advised to be thorough with subjectspecific knowledge.
Annamalai University
Kakatiya University
Kurukshetra University
Select international universities
Cardiff University
Q. Is it worthwhile pursuing an undergraduate course in Biochemistry?
A. Yes, our undergraduate degree program is unique as it offers many subsidiary courses besides biochemistry during three years of study.
University of Reading
University of Manchester
Q. How do you project the growth of Biochemistry in next 10 years in
University of Illinois at Chicago
India?
A. Biochemistry is central/core subject for all life science departments. It
has applications in the areas of Medicine, Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology,
Biomedical Research among many others.
Q. What are the recent research interests?
A. The field of Biochemistry has evoked research in the field of Neuroscience, Cell Signalling, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Nutrition recently.
University of Massachusetts
Boston University
Q. How different is the study of Biotechnology from Biochemistry in
terms of research?
A. Biotechnology is more applied in nature, whereas Biochemistry is more
basic science. In my opinion person who is a trained Biochemist can become
a Biotechnologist, whereas the reverse is not true.
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YOUR QUICK GUIDE
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THE TECHNOLOGY BASED ON BIOLOGY
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IT IS ALL ABOUT MICROBES - GOOD, BAD OR UGLY
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