Career in biochemistry in India: One of the most chosen career fields in India after the 12th science is the medical field. Biochemistry is both life science and a chemical science – it explores the chemistry of living organisms and the molecular basis for the changes occurring in living cells. It uses the methods of chemistry,physics, molecular biology, and immunology to study the structure and behaviour of the complex molecules found in biological material and the ways these molecules interact to form cells, tissues, and whole organisms.
Biochemistry focuses on understanding the chemical basis which allows biological molecules to give rise to the processes that occur within living cells and between cells, in turn relating greatly to the understanding of tissues and organs, as well as organism structure and function. Biochemistry is closely related to molecular biology, which is the study of the molecular mechanisms of biological phenomena. Have any of you ever wondered how molecules work in our body and how these help in evolution? If this excites you, read some interesting aspects of Biochemistry. Through this article the readers can gain in-depth knowledge about the biochemistry course.
Quick Facts
Given below is a short summary of the biochemistry course:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Course Name | B.Sc. in Biochemistry M.Sc. in Biochemistry M.Phil. in Biochemistry PhD in Biochemistry |
| Course Duration | UG: 3 Years PG: 2 Years PhD: 3 Years |
| Eligibility | UG: 10+2 PG: BSc degree with 50% marks |
| Career Options | Laboratory Technician, Forensic Science Technician, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Technician, Wildlife Biologist, Biologist, Forensic Scientist |
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is the branch of science that explores the chemical processes within and related to living organisms, and it is a laboratory-based science that combines biology and chemistry. Biochemists can understand and solve biological problems using chemical knowledge and techniques. It also involves the study of the behaviour of molecules to form cells, tissues and, thereby, a living organism. From the name itself, it is evident that Biochemistry deals with the Chemistry within biology or human beings and all other living organisms.
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Who are Biochemists?
Those who study biochemistry courses and research Biochemistry are known as Biochemists. Their area of concentration will be cellular multiplication and differentiation, communication between and within cells and organs, brain function, and the chemical base of inheritance and disease.
The biochemist conducts experiments to study the behaviour of various molecules such as proteins, lipids, vitamins, hormones and nucleic acid in a living cell. Generally, such experiments are conducted inside a laboratory called Biochemistry Lab. A biochemistry laboratory typically contains chemicals and other necessary tools or equipment to conduct experiments.
How to become a Biochemist?
Since Biochemistry is a vast subject, it comes up with lots of other subjects under it. Studying a lot makes PhD and doctorate comparatively easier. Those with a Biochemistry background can take a PhD in subjects like Molecular Science, Cell Biology, Clinical Research, Cancer Biology etc.
There are a sample of state and privately funded Colleges in India offering different Biochemistry courses. Admission to a college that provides Biochemistry is not as challenging as other medical degrees.
Various Biochemistry Courses in India
To work as a Biochemist, one can earn a degree in the following Biochemists course:
| Course | Duration |
|---|---|
| B.Sc. in Biochemistry | 3 years |
| B.Sc.(Hons) Biochemistry | 3 years |
| B.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry | 3 years |
| M.Sc. in Biochemistry | 2 years |
| M.Sc.(Hons) Biochemistry | 2 years |
| M.Sc. in Medical Biochemistry | 2 years |
| M.Sc. in Plant Biochemistry | 2 years |
| M.Phil. in Applied Chemistry | 2 years |
| M.Phil. in Biochemistry | 2 years |
| M.Phil. + PhD in Biochemistry | 5 years |
| M.D in Biochemistry | 3 years |
| PhD in Biochemistry | 3 years |
| PhD in Fluid Dynamics | 3 years |
How to get admission to Biochemistry Course?
- To be eligible for the Biochemistry course, aspiring candidates should have passed from 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in the science stream (PCB).
- Admission to this course happens on a merit basis and a Biochemistry entrance exam basis. Some colleges have an entrance exam for the applicants, while some do not.
Some of the entrance exams are:- Entrance exams like CUET, LPU NEST, and UPCATET are conducted for undergraduate courses.
- Entrance examinations like CUET, JET, and Amity JEE are conducted for postgraduate courses.
- Entrance examinations like CSIR NET, NBHM, UGC NET are conducted for PhD courses.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates need to fulfill the given criteria
Eligibility Criteria for UG courses
The following are the eligibility criteria for students who want to pursue a biochemistry course:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | The minimum age is 17 years |
| Qualification | 10+2 with a minimum 50% aggregate marks in the science stream |
| Qualifying Entrance Exam | Admission to this course happens on a merit basis and a Biochemistry entrance exam basis. Some colleges have an entrance exam for the applicants, while some do not. Some of the entrance exams are: CUET |
Eligibility Criteria for PG Courses
The following are the eligibility criteria for postgraduate biochemistry courses:
| Particulars | Description |
|---|---|
| Qualification | BSc in Biochemistry with a minimum 50% aggregate marks |
Top Colleges for Biochemistry Courses
Some of the leading institutes offering Biochemistry courses in India with fees are listed below:
| College Name | Location | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Kirori Mal College | New Delhi | INR 14.6K |
| Sri Venkateshwara College | New Delhi | INR 14.55K |
| St. Xavier’s College | Mumbai | INR 7.19K |
| Queen Mary’s College | Chennai | INR 1,53K |
| Mithibai College of Arts | Mumbai | INR 38.80K |
| Ethiraj College for Women | Chennai | INR 10.06K |
| PSG College of Arts and Science | Coimbatore | INR 7.0K |
| St. Xavier’s College | Ahmedabad | INR 9.98K |
| Kristu Jayanti College (KJC) | Bangalore | INR 80K |
| DRC | New Delhi | INR 19.54K |
Job Opportunities for Biochemistry Course
Lots of Students ask us about jobs in biochemistry. They ask us, where can a biochemist work? And other jobs related to biochemistry. Biochemists can earn a good income by conducting research and experiments. They even work in Biochemistry-related industries, such as food, pharmaceuticals, animals, medicines, agriculture, textiles etc. Today biochemistry is gaining momentum and position because of its ability to make important contributions towards illumination and grasping the DNA Structure.
One of the most interesting and demanding fields of Biochemistry is life science research because the opportunities for innovation are much higher in this field. But a bachelor’s degree is insufficient to start experimenting on your own; it needs practice and further study.
Job Profile
The following is the job profile for the biochemistry course:
| Laboratory Technician | Forensic Science Technician |
| Chemical Engineer | Chemical Technician |
| Wildlife Biologist | Biologist |
| Forensic Scientist | Life Science Consultant |
Role of a Biochemist
The primary job of a Biochemist involves studying the chemistry of living processes at molecular and cellular levels, and it includes cell development, reproduction, death and metabolism also. They study the chemical and physical properties of cells using electron microscopes. Similarly, the following are some roles of a biochemist:
- Collaborating with other departments to design, conduct experiments and record findings
- Study the functions, chemical processes and composition of living organisms
- Write scholarly articles about discoveries and plans to raise funds for research efforts.
- Prepare and distil chemical compounds for public or medical use.
- Present findings to students, colleagues or leadership.
Skills of a Biochemist
To be a biochemist, you should have some of the following skills for efficiency:
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Process creation
- Project management
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication Skills
- Time management
Average Salary for Biochemistry
Average salary along with job profile for biochemistry course are:
| Job Profile | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Biochemists | INR 8.9 LPA |
| Agriculture Scientist | INR 10 LPA |
| Chemical Engineer | INR 8 LPA |
| Biochemistry Professor | INR 7 LPA |
| Federal Regulator | INR 8 LPA |
Top Recruiting Companies
Top recruiting companies in biochemistry courses:
| Biocon | Panacea Biotech Ltd |
| Wockhardt | Serum Institute of India |
| Dr Reddy’s Laboratories Ltd | Bharat Serums and vaccines ltd |
| Indian Immunologicals Ltd | Glaxo Smith kline Pharmaceuticals Ltd |
| Novozymes | Shanta Biotechnics Ltd |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which field is best for science students with Biology (PCB)?
Below mentioned Available Courses after 12th Science.
>MBBS
>BDS-dentistry.
>BAMS-Ayurveda.
>BHMS-Homeopathy.
>BUMS-Unani.
>BNYS–Naturopathy & Yogic Science.
>BSMS – Siddha Medicine & Sciences.
>Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry (BVSc. AH)
What are some of the best career options for a Science student?
Check out our list of the top 7 highest paying science careers for inspiration to guide your science career journey.
1. Geoscientists
2. Atmospheric Scientists
3. Biochemists and biophysicists
4. Medical Scientists
5. Hydrologist
Is biochemistry a good career in India?
Study of Biochemistry has good scope like teaching in medical dental colleges, clinical research, pharma industry, pathology labs, nutrition biochemistry, etc. There is a lot of scopes abroad also. There is very little scope in India for any life science-related subject.
How can I become a biochemist in India?
Candidates who aspire to become biochemists must be permanent inhabitants of India. They must be at least 17 years when they apply for the course. The candidates are required to have a pass in class 12 with the science stream.
Are biochemists doctors?
A medical research scientist in this field may work directly with doctors in clinical research, while biochemistry professors could work at a university, or, more specifically, a medical school.
Is biochemistry related to medicine?
Biochemistry and medicine enjoy a mutually cooperative relationship. Biochemistry makes significant contributions to the fields of cell biology, physiology, immunology, microbiology, pharmacology, and toxicology, as well as the fields of inflammation, cell injury, and cancer.
Can a biochemist work in a hospital?
Some work in manufacturing, energy development, or environmental restoration firms. Others work in hospital laboratories. They may also work as faculty, research staff, or teachers at colleges, universities, and secondary schools. Most biochemists work indoors in laboratories and offices.
Is NEET required for biochemistry?
NEET is compulsory for MBBS and BDS courses.
Can biochemistry lead to a doctor?
With a biochemistry degree, you can also apply for graduate entry to medicine, dentistry and veterinary science.
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