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M-SC in Biochemistry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology
Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Biochemistry at SRM Institute of Science and Technology Chengalpattu?
This M.Sc. Biochemistry program at SRM Institute of Science and Technology focuses on advanced biological chemistry, covering molecular processes, metabolism, and genetic engineering. It emphasizes research and practical applications relevant to the Indian pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotechnological industries, preparing students for scientific challenges and innovation in a rapidly growing sector.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for science graduates, particularly those with a background in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Biotechnology, seeking in-depth knowledge and research skills. It caters to aspiring researchers, R&D professionals, and those aiming for higher studies (Ph.D.) or entry-level positions in clinical labs, food science, and biopharmaceutical companies in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including R&D scientists, clinical biochemists, quality control analysts, and academicians. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. The program aligns with industry demands for skilled professionals in areas like diagnostics, drug development, and environmental biotechnology.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate focused time to deeply understand fundamental concepts in biomolecules, cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology. Utilize textbooks, online platforms like NPTEL and Khan Academy, and engage in peer-led study groups for clarification and reinforcement. This strong theoretical base is crucial for tackling advanced topics and competitive examinations.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Khan Academy, Standard biochemistry textbooks, Study groups
Career Connection
A solid foundation is essential for success in competitive exams (e.g., NET, GATE) for research and academic roles, and provides the necessary understanding for R&D positions.
Develop Lab Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions to master fundamental biochemical and molecular techniques. Focus on precision, accurate data recording, and understanding the theoretical basis of each experimental design. Maintain a detailed lab notebook as a reference for future projects and professional work.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Virtual labs (e.g., from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham), Biotechnology skill development workshops
Career Connection
Strong practical skills are highly valued in clinical diagnostic labs, pharmaceutical R&D, and quality control roles, making graduates industry-ready.
Hone Analytical Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice problem-solving in biostatistics and critically interpret experimental data. Get familiar with basic statistical software or tools like Microsoft Excel for data analysis, probability, and hypothesis testing. This skill is vital for designing research projects, evaluating scientific literature, and making data-driven decisions.
Tools & Resources
Microsoft Excel, R statistical software (basic modules), Online tutorials for biostatistics
Career Connection
Essential for research positions, data analysis roles in healthcare, and for writing robust scientific reports and dissertations.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Mini-Projects/Internships- (Semester 3-4)
Actively seek out opportunities for short-term research projects within SRMIST labs, local hospitals, or biotech companies during semester breaks. This hands-on experience in clinical biochemistry or genetic engineering applies theoretical knowledge, builds practical skills, and helps in establishing initial professional networks.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST faculty research areas, Local diagnostic labs and biotech companies (e.g., startups in Chennai), LinkedIn for networking
Career Connection
Practical exposure significantly boosts employability for industry roles and provides clarity on potential career paths in India.
Explore Elective Specializations- (Semester 3-4)
Carefully choose elective subjects like Bioinformatics or Cancer Biology based on personal interest and career aspirations. Complement coursework with relevant online certifications in specialized bioinformatics tools or advanced molecular techniques to carve out a niche and become an expert in a specific domain.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX for specialized courses, NPTEL advanced modules, Bioinformatics software tutorials
Career Connection
Specialized skills are highly sought after, opening doors to specific roles in areas like drug discovery, genomics, or oncology research.
Participate in Scientific Communication- (Semester 3-4)
Actively attend and consider presenting at departmental seminars, workshops, or small scientific conferences. Practice writing scientific abstracts, posters, and reports clearly and concisely. Effective communication of scientific findings is a critical skill for any research or academic position, enhancing visibility and networking opportunities.
Tools & Resources
Departmental seminar series, SRMIST research day events, Scientific writing guides
Career Connection
Improves presentation skills crucial for academia, R&D roles, and contributes to professional visibility and networking.
Advanced Stage
Intensive Dissertation Research- (Semester 4)
Dedicate significant effort and critical thinking to the final dissertation project. Treat it as a real-world research problem, focusing on independent problem-solving, meticulous experimentation, robust data analysis, and clear thesis writing. A high-quality dissertation is a strong credential for Ph.D. admissions and showcases research capabilities to employers.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST library resources, Statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, SPSS), Plagiarism checker tools
Career Connection
Crucial for securing Ph.D. positions in India and abroad, and demonstrating advanced research and project management skills to R&D employers.
IPR and Ethical Practices- (Semester 4)
Gain a thorough understanding of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and ethical guidelines pertinent to biological research. Attend workshops on patent filing, scientific integrity, and responsible conduct of research. This knowledge is essential for protecting one''''s innovations and navigating regulatory landscapes in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
Tools & Resources
IPR workshops by SRMIST, UGC/AICTE guidelines on research ethics, WIPO resources
Career Connection
Ensures responsible scientific practice, protects intellectual assets, and is highly valued in compliance-driven roles in industry and academia.
Career Readiness and Networking- (Semester 4)
Proactively prepare a strong resume/CV, practice interview skills through mock interviews, and attend campus placement drives and career fairs. Network with alumni and industry professionals through platforms like LinkedIn or professional associations. This proactive approach is vital for securing desirable placements in India''''s competitive job market post-graduation.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Career Development Centre, LinkedIn, Alumni network events, Mock interview platforms
Career Connection
Directly impacts placement success in top Indian companies and research institutions, and helps in long-term career planning.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Bachelors’ degree in Biochemistry / Chemistry / Biotechnology / Microbiology / Biology / B.Pharm / B.Sc. (Agriculture) / B.Sc. (Fisheries) / B.V.Sc. with an aggregate of minimum 50%.
Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
Credits: 90 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 50%, External: 50%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBY21101 | Bio-molecules and Metabolism | Core | 4 | Biomolecules structure and function, Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, Amino acid and protein structure, Nucleic acids and their roles, Enzyme kinetics and regulation |
| PBY21102 | Cell Biology and Genetics | Core | 4 | Cell structure and organelles, Cell cycle and division, Cell signaling pathways, Mendelian and non-Mendelian genetics, Chromosomal aberrations and gene mutations |
| PBY21103 | Biophysical and Biochemical Techniques | Core | 4 | Spectroscopic methods (UV-Vis, Fluorescence), Chromatography techniques (HPLC, GC), Electrophoresis (PAGE, Agarose), Centrifugation principles, Radioisotope techniques and safety |
| PBY21104 | Bio-statistics and Computer Applications | Core | 4 | Measures of central tendency and dispersion, Probability and distribution, Hypothesis testing and ANOVA, Correlation and regression, Introduction to bioinformatics tools and databases |
| PBY21151 | Lab – I Bio-molecules and Metabolism | Core Lab | 2 | Qualitative tests for carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, Quantitative estimation of sugars and amino acids, Enzyme assay and kinetic studies, Estimation of blood components, Chromatographic separation of biomolecules |
| PBY21152 | Lab – II Cell Biology and Genetics | Core Lab | 2 | Microscopy and cell staining techniques, Mitosis and meiosis observation, DNA and RNA isolation, Chromosome analysis (karyotyping), Bacterial transformation and plasmid isolation |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBY21201 | Enzymology | Core | 4 | Enzyme classification and nomenclature, Enzyme kinetics (Michaelis-Menten), Enzyme inhibition mechanisms, Allosteric regulation of enzymes, Immobilized enzymes and applications |
| PBY21202 | Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | DNA replication and repair mechanisms, Transcription and RNA processing, Translation and protein synthesis, Gene regulation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, Recombinant DNA technology principles |
| PBY21203 | Immunology | Core | 4 | Components of immune system, Antigens and antibodies structure, Humoral and cell-mediated immunity, Hypersensitivity reactions, Autoimmunity and immunodeficiency |
| PBY21204 | Nutritional Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Macronutrients and their dietary sources, Micronutrients (vitamins, minerals), Energy metabolism and balance, Balanced diet and dietary guidelines, Malnutrition and deficiency diseases |
| PBY21251 | Lab – III Enzymology & Molecular Biology | Core Lab | 2 | Enzyme purification and characterization, DNA isolation and quantification, PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis, Restriction digestion and ligation, Northern and Southern blotting techniques |
| PBY21252 | Lab – IV Immunology & Nutritional Biochemistry | Core Lab | 2 | Blood grouping and Rh typing, ELISA and immunodiffusion techniques, WBC and RBC count, Estimation of vitamin C and protein in food, Nutritional assessment methods |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBY21301 | Clinical Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Routine laboratory investigations, Diabetes mellitus and its management, Liver and kidney function tests, Cardiac markers and lipid profile, Diagnostic techniques for various disorders |
| PBY21302 | Genetic Engineering & Nanobiotechnology | Core | 4 | Cloning vectors and expression systems, Gene therapy and genome editing (CRISPR), DNA sequencing and blotting techniques, Nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, Nanomedicine and biosensors |
| PBY21303 | Plant Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Photosynthesis and carbon fixation, Nitrogen metabolism in plants, Plant hormones and growth regulators, Secondary metabolites and their uses, Biochemistry of plant stress |
| PBY21351 | Lab – V Clinical Biochemistry | Core Lab | 2 | Estimation of blood glucose and cholesterol, Serum protein electrophoresis, Enzyme activity determination in serum, Urine analysis for diagnostic markers, Renal and liver function test estimation |
| PBY21352 | Lab – VI Genetic Engineering & Nanobiotechnology | Core Lab | 2 | Plasmid DNA isolation and quantification, Agarose gel electrophoresis of DNA, Bacterial transformation and selection, Synthesis of nanoparticles, Characterization of nanoparticles (UV-Vis) |
| PBY213E1 | Bioinformatics and Cheminformatics | Elective | 4 | Biological databases (NCBI, UniProt), Sequence alignment and phylogenetics, Protein structure prediction, Drug discovery pipeline, Molecular docking and QSAR |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBY21401 | Research Methodology & IPR | Core | 4 | Research design and hypothesis formulation, Data collection and ethical considerations, Statistical tools for data analysis, Scientific writing and presentation, Intellectual Property Rights (Patents, Copyrights) |
| PBY21402 | Dissertation & Viva Voce | Project | 10 | Literature review and problem identification, Experimental design and methodology, Data collection, analysis, and interpretation, Thesis writing and formatting, Oral presentation and defense (Viva Voce) |
| PBY214E1 | Drug Design and Development | Elective | 4 | Drug discovery process phases, Target identification and validation, Lead identification and optimization, Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, Clinical trials and regulatory affairs |
