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B-SC-HONS-BIOCHEMISTRY in Biochemistry at Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women
Delhi, Delhi
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About the Specialization
What is Biochemistry at Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women Delhi?
This Biochemistry program at Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women focuses on the intricate chemistry of life, exploring biomolecules, metabolism, and molecular processes within living organisms. It integrates foundational science with cutting-edge biotechnological applications, aligning with India''''s growing pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. The program offers a deep dive into the chemical basis of biological systems, from cellular functions to complex disease mechanisms.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for high school graduates with a strong aptitude for science, particularly biology and chemistry, seeking a rigorous academic foundation. It suits aspiring researchers, clinical biochemists, and professionals looking to enter India''''s thriving biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and food science sectors. Students passionate about unraveling the mysteries of disease, drug development, or agricultural biochemistry will find this program highly engaging.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India, including roles in R&D in pharma companies, clinical laboratories, food processing, environmental science, and academic research. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 8-15 LPA or more. Opportunities extend to pursuing higher education like M.Sc. and Ph.D., opening doors to advanced research roles in national institutions and universities.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Scientific Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on thoroughly understanding core concepts in biochemistry, cell biology, and foundational chemistry/physics. Regularly revise notes, practice problem-solving, and actively participate in lab sessions to grasp experimental principles.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL lectures, Khan Academy, Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, Voet & Voet Biochemistry
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects and forms the base for research and analytical roles in any life science industry, aiding in competitive exams and job interviews.
Develop Robust Lab Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Pay close attention during practical sessions, meticulously follow protocols, and understand the ''''why'''' behind each step. Document experiments clearly in lab notebooks and seek opportunities for additional lab exposure, even if it''''s shadowing senior students or participating in small departmental projects.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, YouTube tutorials for specific techniques, Guidance from lab instructors, College''''s instrumentation facilities
Career Connection
Practical proficiency is highly valued in clinical labs, biotech R&D, and quality control roles, making graduates immediately industry-ready and enhancing their employability in India''''s growing biotech sector.
Engage in Peer Learning and Discussion- (Semester 1-2)
Form small study groups with peers to discuss complex topics, prepare for exams, and clarify doubts. Teach concepts to each other to reinforce understanding. Actively attend departmental seminars and guest lectures to broaden perspectives.
Tools & Resources
College library discussion rooms, Online collaborative tools, WhatsApp groups for quick discussions, Faculty interaction during office hours
Career Connection
Enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and builds a strong professional network that can be beneficial for future collaborations, academic pursuits, and job referrals within the Indian scientific community.
Intermediate Stage
Seek Early Research & Project Exposure- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for opportunities to undertake minor projects or assist faculty in ongoing research. This could be a summer internship, a semester-long project, or volunteering in a lab. Focus on a specific area of interest like molecular biology or immunology.
Tools & Resources
College''''s research labs, Faculty mentorship, Institutional notice boards for project openings, DU''''s central research facilities
Career Connection
Builds practical research experience, strengthens CV, helps identify specific career interests, and provides a competitive edge for M.Sc. admissions, research positions, and entrance to leading research institutions in India.
Cultivate Interdisciplinary Skills- (Semester 3-5)
While specializing in Biochemistry, explore related fields like bioinformatics, computational biology, or basic programming. Take online courses or workshops to gain skills in data analysis, statistical tools, or basic coding relevant to biological data manipulation and interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Coursera, edX, NPTEL for bioinformatics/data science courses, R programming, Python basics, Microsoft Excel for data analysis
Career Connection
Broadens skill set for emerging fields like genomics, proteomics, and drug discovery, making graduates versatile and in demand across various biotech and healthcare domains, especially in data-driven roles.
Network with Professionals & Attend Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Attend national/international conferences, seminars, and workshops in biochemistry or related fields organized by institutions like CSIR labs, ICMR, or major universities. Connect with guest speakers and industry experts via LinkedIn to build professional relationships.
Tools & Resources
Professional networking platforms (LinkedIn), Conference websites and academic portals, College career services and alumni network
Career Connection
Opens doors to internships, mentorship, and job opportunities. Provides insights into current industry trends and future career prospects in India, fostering valuable connections for career progression.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Techniques & Specialization- (Semester 6-8)
Dive deep into specialized areas of biochemistry, focusing on advanced analytical techniques (e.g., spectroscopy, chromatography, molecular cloning). Opt for relevant Discipline Specific Electives (DSEs) and choose a research project that aligns with your specific career goals.
Tools & Resources
Advanced lab equipment, Specialized software for proteomics/genomics, Latest research papers and journals, Expert consultations with faculty
Career Connection
Develops expert-level skills highly valued for R&D positions, clinical research, quality assurance in biopharma, or provides a strong foundation for pursuing a Ph.D. in a specialized area.
Prepare for Higher Studies & Placements- (Semester 6-8)
Begin preparing for competitive exams like GATE (Biotechnology), JAM (Biotechnology), or GRE/TOEFL for international studies. Work on improving communication skills for interviews and presentations. Tailor your resume/CV for specific job roles or academic applications.
Tools & Resources
Coaching institutes for competitive exams, Online mock tests and practice materials, University placement cell and career counseling, Interview preparation guides
Career Connection
Essential for securing admission to top M.Sc./Ph.D. programs in premier Indian or international institutions or landing desirable jobs in reputable organizations and research labs across India.
Undertake a Substantive Research Project/Dissertation- (undefined)
Engage deeply in a year-long research project (for 4th year Hons with Research). This involves extensive literature review, experimental work, rigorous data analysis, and meticulous scientific writing. Aim for publications or presentations at student conferences to showcase your work.
Tools & Resources
Research facilities and specialized labs, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R), Academic writing tools and style guides, Guidance from project supervisor and mentors
Career Connection
Provides invaluable hands-on research experience, develops advanced problem-solving and critical thinking skills, which are highly sought after by research institutes and industry R&D departments, particularly for academic and research-focused careers in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Admission based on CUET (UG) 2024 scores. Candidates must appear in CUET (UG) 2024 in Chemistry + Physics + Biology/Biological Studies/Biotechnology/Biochemistry subject combination. Merit will be based on CUET (UG) scores.
Duration: 4 years / 8 semesters (for B.Sc. (Hons.) Biochemistry with Research)
Credits: 176 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 25%, External: 75%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-C1 | Biomolecules | Core | 6 | Water, pH and Buffers, Carbohydrates structure and function, Lipids and their classification, Amino Acids and Protein structure, Nucleic Acids and components |
| BCH-C2 | Cell Biology | Core | 6 | Cell theory and Cell organization, Structure and function of cell organelles, Cell division and Cell cycle regulation, Cell signaling pathways, Cell-cell interactions |
| AEC-1 | Environmental Science | Ability Enhancement Course (AEC) | 4 | Natural Resources and their management, Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution and control, Global Environmental Issues, Environmental Ethics and Policies |
| VAC-1 | Constitutional Values & Fundamental Duties | Value Added Course (VAC) | 2 | Preamble and Basic structure of Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Constitutional Amendments, Importance of Constitutional Values |
| SEC-1 | Communication in Everyday Life | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Types and Process of Communication, Verbal and Non-verbal Communication, Listening and Presentation Skills, Formal and Informal Communication, Report Writing and Email Etiquette |
| GE-1 | Chemistry - Atomic Structure, Bonding, General Organic Chemistry | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Quantum numbers and Atomic orbitals, Chemical bonding theories, Hybridization and Molecular geometry, Isomerism in organic compounds, Reaction mechanisms and Intermediates |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-C3 | Enzymology | Core | 6 | Enzyme classification and nomenclature, Enzyme kinetics and Michaelis-Menten equation, Enzyme inhibition mechanisms, Mechanism of enzyme action, Regulation of enzyme activity |
| BCH-C4 | Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids | Core | 6 | Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis, TCA cycle and Electron Transport Chain, Glycogen metabolism and regulation, Fatty acid oxidation and synthesis, Cholesterol metabolism |
| VAC-2 | Digital Fluency | Value Added Course (VAC) | 2 | Introduction to Digital Technologies, Online safety and Cyber hygiene, Productivity tools for academic use, Digital communication and collaboration, Data privacy and security |
| SEC-2 | Biostatistics and Data Analysis | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) | 2 | Data collection and organization, Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Probability and distribution, Correlation and Regression analysis, Hypothesis testing and p-values |
| GE-2 | Physics - Thermal Physics & Waves | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Laws of Thermodynamics, Heat transfer mechanisms, Kinetic theory of gases, Oscillations and Simple Harmonic Motion, Wave phenomena and properties |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-C5 | Molecular Biology | Core | 6 | DNA structure and replication, Transcription process and RNA types, Translation and protein synthesis, Genetic code and its properties, Mutations and DNA repair mechanisms |
| BCH-C6 | Metabolism of Amino Acids and Nucleotides | Core | 6 | Nitrogen cycle and amino acid pool, Amino acid catabolism and urea cycle, Biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids, Nucleotide synthesis pathways, Degradation of purines and pyrimidines |
| BCH-C7 | Immunology | Core | 6 | Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigens and Haptens, Antibody structure and function, Humoral and Cell-mediated immunity, Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) |
| GE-3 | Botany - Plant Diversity | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Classification of Algae and Fungi, Characteristics of Bryophytes and Pteridophytes, Gymnosperms morphology and reproduction, Angiosperms structure and life cycle, Evolutionary trends in plants |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-C8 | Gene Expression and Regulation | Core | 6 | Transcriptional regulation in Prokaryotes, Eukaryotic gene regulation mechanisms, Post-transcriptional modifications, Translational control, Epigenetic regulation of gene expression |
| BCH-C9 | Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology | Core | 6 | Recombinant DNA technology tools, Cloning vectors and Gene cloning, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing methods, Applications of biotechnology in health and agriculture |
| BCH-C10 | Membrane Biology and Bioenergetics | Core | 6 | Biological membrane structure and models, Transport across membranes, Electron transport chain in mitochondria, Oxidative phosphorylation and ATP synthesis, Photosynthesis Light and Dark Reactions |
| GE-4 | Zoology - Animal Diversity | Generic Elective (GE) | 6 | Classification and characteristics of non-chordates, Introduction to Chordates, Comparative anatomy of vertebrates, Adaptations in different animal groups, Evolutionary relationships among animals |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-C11 | Analytical Techniques in Biochemistry | Core | 6 | Centrifugation principles and types, Chromatography techniques (TLC, GC, HPLC), Electrophoresis (Agarose, SDS-PAGE), Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, Fluorescence), Radioisotope techniques and applications |
| BCH-C12 | Physiology and Endocrinology | Core | 6 | Digestion and absorption, Respiration and gas exchange, Circulation and blood components, Excretion and kidney function, Endocrine glands and hormone action |
| BCH-DSE1 | Bioinformatics | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Biological databases (NCBI, UniProt), Sequence alignment algorithms, Phylogenetic tree construction, Gene and protein prediction, Molecular modeling basics |
| BCH-DSE2 | Food and Nutrition | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Macronutrients and Micronutrients, Vitamins and Minerals, Balanced diet and dietary guidelines, Malnutrition and nutritional deficiencies, Food safety and quality |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-C13 | Clinical Biochemistry | Core | 6 | Organ function tests (Liver, Kidney), Diabetes mellitus and its diagnosis, Cardiac markers and diagnostic enzymes, Electrolyte and acid-base balance, Clinical enzymology |
| BCH-C14 | Biophysical Chemistry | Core | 6 | Thermodynamics in biological systems, Chemical kinetics of enzymatic reactions, Colligative properties of solutions, Viscosity and surface tension, Spectroscopic methods for macromolecules |
| BCH-DSE3 | Plant Biochemistry | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Photosynthesis pigments and reactions, Nitrogen metabolism in plants, Secondary metabolites and their functions, Plant hormones and growth regulators, Biochemistry of plant stress responses |
| BCH-DSE4 | Microbiology | Discipline Specific Elective (DSE) | 6 | Microbial growth and nutrition, Sterilization and disinfection methods, Bacterial genetics and plasmids, Basic Virology and bacteriophages, Industrial and medical microbiology |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-ADSE1 | Advanced Molecular Diagnostics | Advanced Discipline Specific Elective (ADSE) | 6 | Advanced diagnostic techniques, Biomarkers for disease detection, Quantitative PCR and its applications, Microarray technology, Next-generation sequencing in diagnostics |
| BCH-ADSE2 | Structural Biology | Advanced Discipline Specific Elective (ADSE) | 6 | Protein structure and folding, X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy for biomolecules, Cryo-electron microscopy, Molecular dynamics simulations |
| BCH-RP1 | Research Project/Dissertation Part-I | Project | 6 | Literature review and problem identification, Research methodology and experimental design, Data collection strategies, Ethical considerations in research, Scientific writing and report preparation |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH-RP2 | Research Project/Dissertation Part-II | Project | 12 | Advanced data analysis and interpretation, Statistical methods for biological data, Thesis writing and structuring, Oral presentation skills, Publication ethics and patenting |
