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BIO-
CHEMISTRY
CHEMISTRY OF BIOLOGICAL LIFE
 Biochemistry Course Review Course Review Biochemistry

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION
1. Introduction03 BIOCHEMISTRY IS THE SCIENTIFIC STUDY OF THE
CHEMISTRY OF LIVING THINGS.
2. Why Biochemistry? 05

3. Eligibility Norms 06

T
4. Selecting an Institute 07

5. Course Structure 08 he web page of Faculty of Life Sciences,

6. What after Graduation? 10 University of Manchester poses these
interesting questions: “Have you ever
7. International Appeal 12 wondered about the basic chemistry of life? How
8. Model List of Modules for BSc (Biochemistry) 13 do our bodies make proteins? How do molecules
recognise each other and how are they specific?
9. Select Institutes for BSc (Biochemistry) 16 FAST FACTS
How do enzymes catalyse reactions? Where Programme: BSc Biochemistry

10. Select Institutes for MSc (Biochemistry) 16 does the energy come from to power our cells? Duration 3 years (4 years at DU)
Eligibility 10+2 with PCB, PCMB/
Intrigued? You will find the answers and more Biotechnology Best Institutes for
11. Select International Universities 17 on our Biochemistry course...” BSc Delhi University, University
of Calicut, Vels University,
Kurukshetra University Fees
Rs. 15,000 (First year, Rs. 7,500
Welcome to Biochemistry, a fascinating and II semester onwards at Vels
Project Editor S. Rajaram dynamic subject. New age products claim to be University) Best Institutes For
MSc Delhi University, Banaras
Research Shiphony Pavitran Suri, Prerna Singh enriched with enzymes that give extra shine to Hindu University, Kerala University,
Art Director Anshul Sharma your hair, extra nutrition to your food, extra effi- University of Madras, University of
Asst. Art Director Rajesh Chawla Calcutta Career Roles Clinical and
cacy to your drugs. These enzymes are a form of Drug research, Food Chemistry,
Biochemist, Molecular Biologist,
Copyright © Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi protein. They are essential proteins that regulate Diagnostics, Research Fellow,
All Rights Reserved our body functions and are the result of complex Quality Control, Lecturer Earning
Potential Research fellow Rs. 16,
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or means electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Pathfinder Publishing Pvt. Ltd.
cycles inside our bodies. Likewise, every bodily 000-18,000 pm Top Recruiters
function is a result of highly regulated and syn- Central Drug Research Institute;
Editor: B Mahesh Sarma Institute of Microbial Technology;
ergized biochemical cycles. Pharma &vaccine companies
Cover Design: Rajesh Chawla

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Biochemistry Course Review Course Review Biochemistry

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
WHY BIOCHEMISTRY?
biochemical methods to study diseases using body fluids such as urine, blood
samples, etc.

Biochemistry is focused on learning such dynamic cycles and their prod- A NUMBER OF ADVANCED LEARNING AND EMPLOYMENT
ucts, which drive all living beings. It highlights how different branches of
OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN BIOCHEMISTRY
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

T
molecular basis of life. It plays an important part in the growth of biotechnol-
ogy and medicine. 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 oppor-
tunity 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 Bio-
chemistry. 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
ELIGIBILITY NORMS
YOU SHOULD HAVE A KEEN INTEREST IN BIOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY
IF YOU WANT TO PURSUE THIS COURSE.
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 under-
standing 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. Usu-
ally there are institute-specific entrance exami-
nations to secure admission. For instance, Uni-
versity of Calicut conducts an entrance exami-
nation 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/Biotechnol-
ogy) and 50 percent in English. Selection is
based on merit in the qualifying examination.
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Course Review Biochemistry
SELECTING AN INSTITUTE
TOP UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA OR ABROAD OFFER BIOCHEMISTRY
AT UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE LEVEL.
T he most sought after universities are
Delhi University, Kurukshetra Universi-
ty 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 pro-
vide with advanced learning and project assis-
tantships to students on completion of under-
graduate studies.
Aligarh Muslim University offers a B.Sc.
(Hons.) course under the supervision of Depart-
ment of Life Sciences with Biochemistry as one
of the core subjects alongside Botany and Zool-
ogy (See Fast Facts for select institutes).
A number of universities abroad offer under-
graduate course in Biochemistry.
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Biochemistry Course Review

COURSE STRUCTURE 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

PRACTICAL LEARNING CONSTITUTES A SIGNIFICANT PORTION
OF THE UNDERGRADUATE COURSE IN BIOCHEMISTRY
introduced additional course modules in Chemistry, Mathematics and Com-
puter 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.

T
Almost all the universities/institutions follow the course curriculum pre-
he full-time degree course prepares stu- scribed by the University Grants Commission (See Model List of Modules
dents for the forefront of cutting-edge for BSc (Biochemistry).
research in Biochemistry.
The course is designed to incorporate timely assessments through tutorials,
In depth knowledge of biomolecules, cell viva-voice, etc.
biology and microbiology form the core of the
course taught in the first semester at University
of Mumbai. The basics are revisited to build spe-
cialised knowledge in proteins and molecular
biology during the second year of study at Delhi
University.

Practical learning constitutes a significant

portion of the course. Students are constantly
exposed to experimental biochemistry applica-
tions in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, food and
beverages through project trainings.

The final year study revolves around spe-

cialised 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 UNDER-
GRADUATE 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 bio-
tech 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 govern-
ment and private institutions.

Apart from research jobs, job vacancies are

announced for advanced degree holders in Bio-
chemistry for teaching across academic institu-
tions. Such teaching opportunities offer good
salary with flexible working hours.

Very few students forge a career in Biochemis-

try directly after the completion of undergradu-
ate studies. Most of them pursue postgraduate

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Biochemistry Course Review
INTERNATIONAL APPEAL
A NUMBER OF OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATES IN
INDUSTRIES SUCH AS HEALTH, BEAUTY, FOOD AND NUTRITION
A
lmost all renowned universities abroad
are engaged in the forefronts of research
and academic excellence. Undergradu-
ate course is popular among students in both the
UK and USA. Graduate studies at Department of
Biochemistry, University of Oxford are experi-
enced 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 opportuni-
ties 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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Model list of modules for BSc (Biochemistry)
1. Biomolecules
(Water and Buffers, Carbohydrates, Lipids,
Proteins, Nucleic acids, Porphyrins)
2. Enzymology
(Enzymes, Enzyme catalysis, Enzyme
Purification, Enzyme Kinetics, Enzyme
regulation, Immobilized enzymes, Industrial
applications of enzymes)
3. Intermediary Metabolism
(Bioenergetics, Carbohydrate Metabolism,
Glycogenesis & glycogenolysis, Electron
Transport Chain & Oxidative Phosphorylation,
Lipid Metabolism, Amino acid Metabolism, Nu-
cleotide Metabolism, Porphyrin Metabolism)
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Course Review Biochemistry
Lab Course
Preparation of normal, molar and percent solutions.
Preparation of buffer solutions and
determination of their pH.
Qualitative tests for Carbohydrates
Qualitative tests for lipids
Determination of acid value
Determination of saponification value
Qualitative tests for amino acids and Proteins
Preparation of casein from milk and determination
of its isoelectric point.
Verification of Beer- Lambert’s Law.
Lab Course
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 phos-
phatase 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
Lab Course
Estimation of nitrogen by micro-Kjeldahl method.
Biochemistry Course Review

Model list of modules for BSc (Biochemistry) Model list of modules for BSc (Biochemistry)
3. Intermediary Metabolism Lab Course 6. Clinical Biochemistry Lab Course
Estimation of blood glucose colorimetrically. Estimation of chlorophyll content of leaves using
Estimation of ascorbic acid by titrimetric method. acetone.

Preparation of starch from potato and its 7. Immunology Lab Course

4. Molecular Biology
(Basic Concepts of Genetic Information, DNA
Supercoiling, DNA Sequencing, Nucleases,
DNA Replication, Mutations and DNA Repair,
Transcription, Translation)
5. Plant Biochemistry
(Photosynthesis, Nitrate Assimilation,
Sulphate assimilation, Biological N2 -fixation:
Plant Hormones)
hydrolysis by salivary amylase
Determination of achromatic point for salivary
amylase.
Isolation of total lipids by Folch method.
Titration of amino acids & determination of pK value
Lab Course
Estimation of DNA by diphenylamine method.
Estimation of RNA by orcinol method.
Separation of DNA fragments by Agarose gel electro-
phoresis
Estimation of calcium in serum.
Estimation of phosphorus in serum.
Estimation of lactose in milk.
Lab Course
(Introduction to immune system, Antigens,
Immunoglobulins, Monoclonal Antibodies,
Antigen–antibody interactions, Major Histo-
compatibility Complex, Antigen Processing &
Presentation, Complement system)
8. Biochemical Techniques
(Measurement of pH, Hydrodynamic Methods,
Chromatographic techniques, Electrophoresis,
Radioisotopic Techniques, Spectroscopic
Techniques)
Lab Course
Separation and identification of amino acids\
lipids by TLC.
Separation and identification of amino acids\sugars
by paper chromatography.
Separation of proteins by SDS-PAGE.
Estimation of serum protein and determination of
albumin\globulin ratio.
Demonstration of immunodiffusion
Identification of blood group
Estimation of haemoglobin

6. Clinical Biochemistry Lab Course Select Institutes for BSc (Biochemistry)

(Hormones: Minerals, Metabolic Disorders, Separation of serum from blood. Delhi University
Clinical enzymology, Detoxification mecha-
nism of the body, Acid- Base balance) Thiruvalluvar University

Qualitative analysis of sugar, protein, ketone bodies University of Burdwan

and bile pigments in urine. University of Calicut
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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Biochemistry Course Review

Select Institutes for MSc (Biochemistry) in India FACULTY INTERVIEW:

University of Delhi

Thiruvalluvar University Rajat Sandhir

Head, Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University
University of Mumbai

Q. What aptitude is required for a course in Biochemistry?

University of Calicut

Vels University
A. We have B.Sc. and M.Sc. five year integrated program leading to Bio-
Annamalai University chemistry Honours degree. The students are taken after 10+2 science (both
Kakatiya University medical and non-medical). They are selected on the basis of the entrance
Kurukshetra University
examination. The selection to post graduate course is also through an
entrance test. Aspiring candidates are advised to be thorough with subject-
specific knowledge.

Select international universities Q. Is it worthwhile pursuing an undergraduate course in Biochemistry?

Cardiff University A. Yes, our undergraduate degree program is unique as it offers many sub-
University of Reading sidiary courses besides biochemistry during three years of study.
University of Manchester
Q. How do you project the growth of Biochemistry in next 10 years in
University of Illinois at Chicago
India?
University of Massachusetts A. Biochemistry is central/core subject for all life science departments. It
Boston University 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 Neurosci-
ence, Cell Signalling, Immunology, Molecular Biology, Nutrition recently.

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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