Biochemistry
Biochemistry is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms.It is closely related to Molecular Biology, the study of the molecular mechanisms by which genetic information encoded in DNA is able to result in the processes of life. The findings of biochemistry are applied primarily in medicine, nutrition, and agriculture. Biochemistry is one of the demanded streams offered in specializations like clinical biochemistry, toxicology, chemical enzymology, and agricultural biochemistry. Candidates with B.Sc or M.Sc degree in biochemistry can join firms such as Ranbaxy, Indian Immunologicals Limited, National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Central Institute of Medical and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP).
Courses
Significance of Biochemistry Courses
Firms like Ranbaxy, Panacea Biotech, and Indian Immunologicals Limited are offering enough career opportunities for biochemistry graduates. Those who can get in the role of ‘Quality Control Analyst’ can earn lucrative salary up to 5 lakhs per annum. Candidates with specialization in Plant Biochemistry have the opportunity to join National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) as Project Assistant and can earn around Rs. 25,000/- per month. Master degree holders in Biochemistry are usually recruited into the job position of ‘Scientist’ in Central Institute of Medical and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP). Salary offered for the post ranges between Rs. 25,000/- and Rs. 40,000/- per month approximately.
Protein Biochemist, Genomics and Microarray Specialist, etc are some other job profiles suitable for master degree holders in biochemistry. Teaching is yet another highly paid job sector where biochemistry graduates can make a career. M.Phil/Ph.D holders in Biochemistry as well as NET qualified M.Sc graduates in Biochemistry can join government colleges as Lecturer/Asst Professor.
Those with specialization in toxicology can join a variety of job profiles like Toxicology Consultant, Environmental Toxicology Specialist and Toxic Reduction Specialist. Also Chemical Enzymology specialist has the option to join different cosmetic companies and can earn up to 8 lakhs per annum.
All career openings in public as well as private sector are increasing the importance of biochemistry courses. Pursuing courses in biochemistry often helps students to have job opportunities with various reputed firms. In fact biochemistry courses help interested candidates to build up a rewarding career in the field of science.
Undergraduate Courses
- Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biochemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Medical Biochemistry
Post Graduate Courses
- Master of Science in Biochemistry
- Master of Science in Advanced Biochemistry
- Master of Science in Clinical Biochemistry
- Master of Science in Toxicology
- Master of Science in Chemical Enzymology
- Master of Science in Biochemistry + Advanced Diploma in Clinical Research and Data Management
- Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry
- Master of Science in Plant Biochemistry
- Master of Science in Biochemistry + Advanced Diploma in Bioinformatics
- Master of Philosophy in Biochemistry
- Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry
Required Skills and Aptitude
Keen observation skill and abstract reasoning skill
Eligibility Criteria
BSc Biochemistry (Plus two Science stream)
M Sc Biochemistry (BSc Biochemistry/ BSc Chemistry/ BSc Zoology)
PhD (After MSc)
Entrance Examination
JGEEBILS: A shared entrance test for graduate programmes in Biology and interdisciplinary life sciences.
JNU CEEB (Jawaharlal Nehru University Combined Entrance Examination for Biotechnology) entrance exam is University Level exam conducted once in every year by NTA for the candidates seeking admission in various postgraduate M.Sc and M.Tech programs in participating universities.
Job Profiles
A biochemist can work in a pathology lab in a hospital. He can also work in Pharmaceutical , Agricultural, dairy and food industries at a research level. A biochemist can work as teaching faculty and research guide even if the institute does not have a course named BIOCHEMISTRY but it may be a subject for another course. For Eg Food Technology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics etc
Top Recruiters
- Biotechnology firms
- Colleges and Universities
- Diagnostics Centres
- Pharma Companies
Institutions
Premier Institutes in India for Biochemistry courses:
Some Premier institutes have doctoral and post doctoral programmes with fellowship and scholarships
Institutions offering B.Sc. Biochemistry in Kerala:
Institutions offering M.Sc. Biochemistry in Kerala: