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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

Copyright Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi

All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means electronic,
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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

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.

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 Universitys 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.
6

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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

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
8

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Biochemistry Course Review

WHAT AFTER GRADUATION?

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO GO FOR MASTERS 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.

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

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- Lamberts 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,
Antigenantibody 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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NANO-TECH

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TECHNOLOGY OF THE SMALL

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