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I’m currently doing my U.G. in Biochemistry. I wanted to know its scope and the available P.G. courses for Biochemistry or courses related to Biochemistry as well as institutions in India and abroad. What steps do I need to take to excel in this field?

Many universities all over India offer PG courses in Biochemistry. Some of these are JNU, New Delhi; Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai; University of Mumbai, Mumbai. All major universities in other countries also offer a specialization in this field. Some of them are Harvard University, MIT, John Hopkins University, Stanford University in USA and Oxford University, Cambridge University in U.K.

Though there is not much with just a graduate degree, there are good opportunities for those with a M.Sc. in Biochemistry. They can work in research laboratories, diagnostic centres, biotech firms, hospitals, agricultural industries, drug manufacturing companies, forensic departments, cosmetic industries, health care centres, and so on. Biochemists are also in high demand in pharmaceutical firms, food industries and agro-chemical companies so as to develop newer products. They are also required to monitor the manufacturing processes, quality control and safety of the existing products.

 

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I’m a second year student of Sacramento City College and my major is Biochemistry. I feel that studies in India are better than in the U.S. I am thinking of moving back to India after studies. Please suggest some major or field of study that will get me a well-paid job in India if I get the degree from USA.

Biochemistry career opportunities can be virtually limitless; private research institutions, hospitals, government organizations all hunt for good biochemists. Their goals are usually similar – to research, experiment, conduct trials and find cures for diseases like cancer and AIDS and even mental disorders.

Mainly, there are three specializations. In medicine, they identify the causes of disease, understand their effect on the body in chemical terms and try and isolate the indicators that signal impending disease. This requires tracking chemical changes through normal bodily functions like muscle contraction, respiration, etc. in the field of agriculture, biochemists are developing cultivation innovations, improving pest control and optimizing crop storage. Another popular field is nutrition, where a biochemist’s job is to investigate the effect of various minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins on the human body.

It is always better to specialize but keep in mind that almost all the specializations require good research technique and the ability to combine and analyze information.

 

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I am a student of class XII. Could you tell me about the career opportunities available for students interested in biochemistry. Can you also mention some good colleges in India that offer courses in biochemistry?

I am a class XII student with PCB. I want to become a biochemist. Please describe the following aspects in detail: courses, scope of work, opportunities, salary etc. I would like to take admission in MAHE. Please tell me about the admission procedure and the courses on offer.

Biochemistry is a branch of science concerned with the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The subject provides the link between chemistry and living organisms. Numerous processes in medicine, agriculture and forensics require a firm grounding in biochemistry in both development and application.

To pursue a graduate degree in biochemistry, one should have studied physics, chemistry, biology and maths in class XII.

Most universities and certain institutes that offer specialisation courses such as agricultural biochemistry in Indian Agriculture Research Institute New Delhi, agro-chemical in Delhi University etc offer biochemistry.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers biochemistry through two routes: after MBBS you could take up biochemistry at the MD level, or else you can study biochemistry in MSc.

MAHE was primarily a health sciences university but now has diversified into communication/ journalism, information technology, ryral studies and distance education. After class XII, you are eligible for the following courses in MAHE: MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, B.Sc. Biotechnology, BPT (Bachelor in Physiotherapy), and BOT (Bachelor in Occupational Therapy)

You can also take admission to any of these courses after qualifying the entrance examination.

An expert in biochemistry can find employment in the following fields:

• Medicine and health


• Drug manufacture and design


• Agriculture and related industries


• Forensic science (crime lab science)


• Professional schools.

Hot careers in biochemistry include proteomics and bioinformatics. One vcan find good jobs in pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies in India and abroad, such as Ciphergen Biosystems, Protometrix, etc.

 

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