Chemical reactions are not limited to test tubes in laboratories but are also found within living beings. Chemistry keeps us alive. Chemistry and Biology have gone hand in hand as far back as the beginning of life.
Have you ever wondered that the full form of DNA, DeoxyRiboNucleic Acid, denotes a chemical compound? The genetic code, which makes us what we are, is a polymer.
The field of Life Science has moved ahead of pre-defined boundaries between subjects and disciplines.
Read on to find more about how you can have a successful career in Biochemistry, an interdisciplinary subject whose contribution to the field cannot be overlooked.
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry deals with the study of the chemical components that make up life. These biomolecules form the building blocks of life, and hence demand the amount of research that is being put into understanding them.
The subject involves the study of the structure and function of molecules like DNA, RNA, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. Understanding the metabolic pathways and their regulation, along with cell signalling, are some of the major areas of research.
The importance of Biochemistry can be realized from the mere fact that a considerable percentage of the population of our country requires Insulin. The production of Insulin on a scale that we see today is possible because of the advancement in the subject.
Biochemistry Courses after Class 12th:
In order to pursue a career in Biochemistry, a candidate needs to start with an undergraduate degree and then proceed to higher studies to broaden their career prospects.
The tables below show different courses, in chronological order, which are necessary to equip oneself for a successful career in this field.
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Degree | B.Sc Biochemistry |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Eligibility |
|
The average annual course fee for the above-mentioned undergraduate program varies somewhere between INR 36,000 to 1,50,000.
Course Overview:
B.Sc Biochemistry subjects generally include the following:
| Immunology | Metabolism |
| Molecular Biology | Proteins and Enzymes |
| Membrane Biology | Recombinant DNA Technology |
| Genetics & Genomics | Bioenergetics |
| Biophysics | Cell Biology |
While the degree is not limited to the above-mentioned papers, they are the broad categories that one can expect to come across, during the course in different B.Sc Biochemistry colleges.
Scope After B.Sc Biochemistry:
To climb the ladder further, one needs to pursue a Master's degree followed by a Ph.D.
| Course Level | Postgraduate |
| Degree | M.Sc Biochemistry |
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Eligibility | The candidate must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in their graduation, from a recognized institute. |
The average annual course fees for the above-mentioned postgraduate program vary somewhere between INR 30,000 to 1,00,000.
The only difference between the undergraduate and postgraduate courses is the depth in which the subject is taught. This in turn, influences the Biochemistry jobs salary offered.
As mentioned above, candidates can also go for doctorate level courses. Following are the details:
| Course Level | Doctorate |
| Degree | Ph.D |
| Duration | 5 Years |
| Eligibility | The candidate requires a postgraduate degree in Biochemistry or any other related field, with a minimum score of 55% aggregate marks. |
Top Biochemistry Colleges in India:
The table below shows a list of some of the leading B.Sc Biochemistry colleges in India:
| Institute | City |
| Jain University | Bangalore |
| St. Xavier's College | Mumbai |
| Kristu Jayanti College | Bangalore |
| Queen Mary's College | Chennai |
| Ramaiah College of Arts, Science, and Commerce | Bangalore |
| St. Aloysius College | Mangalore |
| The Oxford College of Science | Bangalore |
| Kirori Mal College (KMC) | New Delhi |
Scope of Biochemistry:
Imagine a banyan tree and the number of branches it has to provide. A career as a Biochemist is comparable to this image. It can be treated as the starting point to move on to other disciplines such as Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology.
One can find the application of Biochemistry, and hence employment in various sectors, ranging from agriculture and pharmaceutical companies to nutrition and educational institutions.
B.Sc Biochemistry subjects cover almost all interconnected areas and provide a student with multiple options for specializations. A Biochemist can use this to their advantage to find an almost equal number of job opportunities, in both the private and public sectors.
Job Roles:
One can expect to get the following Biochemistry job opportunities after completing their education.
- Clinical Biochemist
- Medical Coder
- Food Safety Analyst
- Forensic Scientist
- Clinical Research Associate
- Toxicologist
- Medical Writer
- Lecturer or Professor
- Quality Assurance (QA)/ Quality Control (QC) Inspector
- Medical Review Officer
The importance of Biochemistry can be gauged from the wide variety of job roles available across different sectors.
Top Recruiters:
Some leading recruiters to look out for include:
- Cipla
- Biocon
- Ranbaxy
- Central Forensic Laboratory
- Aurobindo Pharma
- Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
- Siemens
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Novozymes
- Sanofi
Salary Expectations:
The table below lists the variations in Biochemistry jobs salary as compared to experience level.
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| 0-4 Years | 3,80,000 - 4,84,000 |
| 5-9 Years | 4,84,000 - 5,00,000 |
| 10-19 Years | 5,00,000 - 6,00,000 |
Going through complex data to disseminate findings is an important skill set to possess and has a direct impact on the pay scale being offered.
Key Takeaway:
The scope of Biochemistry, much like life itself, is vast and full of surprises. Find out for yourself and apply for the top colleges mentioned.
Biochemistry job opportunities are plentiful. Therefore, you will never be disappointed with the number of options at your disposal.
