Master of Science

Biochemistry | M.Sc.(Biochem.)

Biochemistry is the branch of the life sciences devoted to understanding the mechanisms by which living organisms carry out their many functions in complete, molecular detail. It is inherently interdisciplinary in nature and fundamental to every other branch of the life sciences and biomedical sciences.

It is the most fascinating subject as it deals with the chemical language of Life, be it human, animal, plant or microorganism. Biochemistry is one of the most upcoming and highly demanding subjects in the Indian as well as the foreign universities. The basic foundation in Biochemistry is a necessary prerequisite for any kind of biotechnological, medical, paramedical and biological research activity. K. J. Somaiya College of Science and Commerce offers a Master's degree in Biochemistry. It is a two years/four semesters post graduate course for which lectures and practicals are conducted in the college. Fourth semester completely dedicated to the Research project/internship.

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Key Information

Pedagogy

  • Regular chalk and Board method
  • Use of Google Classrooms
  • Use of ICT ( Online Lectures/animations / videos, etc)
  • Seminars (Power point presentations)
  • Group Discussions, Written Tests, Short Quizzes, An open book test
  • Small Research Project
  • Library classes (know your books)
  • Theory & Practical Assignments
  • Cross questioning/puzzle solving between the teams
  • Experiential learning (Nutritional Awareness Program/ Swasthya Mahotsav/Health-Fair-Food Fest/Swachha & Swastha Bharat Abhiyan)

Career Prospects

On successful completion of Master’s degree in Biochemistry students can choose to be an academician &/or researcher.

After post graduation in Biochemistry, students have various opportunities in various industries like Nutrition and Dietetics,

  • Food and Beverage Industry
  • Agricultural Industry
  • Environmental Industry
  • Pharmaceutical Industry
  • Cosmetic Industry
  • Clinical Industry
  • Biomedical Industry
  • Forensic science
  • Analytical Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Nanotechnology

 

Eminent Alumni

Programme Outcomes

  • To Strengthen the base in fundamental and advanced aspects of Biochemistry viz. Cell Biology and Human Physiology, Bio-organic and Biophysical Chemistry, Instrumentation, Metabolism, Medical/Clinical Chemistry, Genetics and Genetic engineering, Immunology, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Sciences and quality control, Pharmacology, Toxicology etc.
  • To familiarize with research methodology to help students develop research aptitude through research projects.
  • To create awareness in Biostatistics for applicability to research.
  • To open up new vistas in the fast emerging and developing areas of Bioinformatics and applications of computers in Biochemistry.
  • To sharpen practical skills in performing experiments involving latest protocols.
  • To augment experimental expertise by handling modern instruments.
  • To train young minds for gainful employment in industry, research- oriented career and qualifying examinations like NET and SET.
  • To develop scientific temper and interest by exposure through the Internet. Computers, various databases and industrial visits and study/educational tours.
  • To develop the human resource with the sound knowledge of the theory & practical in the discipline of biochemistry and the ability to apply this knowledge to the greater benefit of the society at large; through public engagement via presentations and outreach activities.
  • To provide a platform for interaction with scientists at research centres/ universities/ industries through internships / training programs / summer projects for 6 months etc. and also for gainful employment.

Curriculum

First Year (Semester- I)

This course is intended to provide knowledge on cells, structural and functional units of living organisms, and their intricate organization.

From this course, students will learn about the functions and vital processes of an organism/an organ /system of organs.

This paper provides insights into the industrial metabolites and primary metabolic pathways occurring in plants, the types of plant metabolites and the industrial potential of those metabolites and the role of hormones in plant growth.

This course aims at understanding the food groups, formulation of balanced diets, vitamin types, human nutrition, and the disorders that arise due to nutritional imbalances and its impact on overall health.

First Year (Semester- II)

This course deals with the concept of metabolism, characteristics of metabolic pathways andstrategies used to study these pathways.

The course includes the topics such as pollution, solid waste disposal and Global warming. Also this paper provides a complete understanding of the responses of the human body to toxic agents and the therapeutic approaches to toxicity.

This course is to develop the skills of the application of basic and advanced techniques employed in quantitative and qualitative analysis of biomolecules.

This course will encompass the research methodology and theory of statistics as applied to problems in the field of life sciences.

Second Year (Semester- III)

To acquire knowledge of nutraceuticals, drug design and development, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics.

The objective of this course is to provide students with detail understanding of different cells of the immune system and their role in immune protection and application of immunological techniques. The course will provide knowledge about role of immune system in pathogenesis of infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune disease, AIDS.

The clinical biochemistry section emphasizes on the concepts of quality assurance in chemical pathology/clinical biochemistry and gives an insight into the understanding of organ functions in health and disease.

This course will emphasize the molecular mechanisms of central dogma of genetics, DNA replication, DNA repair, protein synthesis, and gene regulation in different organisms. It also emphasizes on development in the field of recombinant DNA technology.

For detail curriculum please refer below link

Differentiators

M.Sc. Biochemistry Programme at KJSSC is unique because it offers

  • Project based learning and six months Internship
  • Training at Hospitals/Research centers.
  • Workshops
  • Commercial/Industrial/Government Certificate courses / Trainings
  • Interactive sessions with alumni
  • Interaction with Psychiatrist/Counsellor
  • Seminars/Talks from eminent speakers
  • Parent teacher meeting
  • Industrial & field visits
  • Social Outreach Programs & extension activities

Head of the Department

Dr. Samidha M. Pawaskar
smpawaskar@somaiya.edu