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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 unraveling the molecular mechanisms underlying life processes, from gene expression to metabolic pathways. It blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills in areas critical to health, disease, and biotechnology. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled biochemists in India''''s booming pharmaceutical, diagnostic, food, and research sectors, offering a strong foundation in both fundamental and applied biochemistry.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for science graduates with a background in Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Biology, or related fields, seeking to deepen their understanding of molecular life sciences. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for research careers in academia or industry, and also to working professionals in allied health sectors looking to upskill and transition into advanced R&D roles in diagnostic labs, biopharmaceutical companies, or clinical research organizations in India.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including research scientists in government labs (e.g., ICMR, CSIR), R&D in pharma/biotech companies (e.g., Biocon, Dr. Reddy''''s), clinical biochemists in hospitals, or food scientists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience to INR 8-15+ LPA for senior roles. The curriculum also aligns with the knowledge base required for professional certifications and advanced studies like Ph.D. programs.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Core Biochemical Concepts- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on developing a strong conceptual understanding of advanced biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysical techniques. Attend all lectures, actively participate in discussions, and clarify doubts immediately. Utilize library resources and online tutorials for complex topics.
Tools & Resources
Textbooks (e.g., Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry), NPTEL lectures for Biochemistry, SRMIST Digital Library
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for excelling in advanced subjects, competitive exams like CSIR-NET/GATE, and for building a successful research or industry career.
Excel in Laboratory Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Dedicate time to hands-on lab work, understanding the principles behind each experiment, and meticulously documenting observations. Seek feedback from lab instructors to refine techniques and data interpretation skills. Practice writing detailed lab reports.
Tools & Resources
Lab manuals, Online videos for specific techniques, Peer learning groups
Career Connection
Proficiency in lab techniques is a direct employability skill for diagnostic labs, research settings, and R&D roles in biotech and pharma companies.
Engage in Academic Discussions and Seminars- (Semester 1-2)
Participate actively in classroom discussions, present on assigned topics, and attend departmental seminars. This helps in critical thinking, public speaking, and staying updated with recent advances in biochemistry.
Tools & Resources
Journal clubs, Departmental seminar series, Google Scholar for recent articles
Career Connection
Develops communication and analytical skills essential for research presentations, scientific writing, and collaborative work in any professional setting.
Intermediate Stage
Pursue Summer Internships or Mini-Projects- (After Semester 2, during Semester 3)
Actively seek summer internships (2-3 months) in research labs (academic or industry) or diagnostic centers during breaks. Alternatively, engage in mini-projects under faculty mentorship to gain practical research experience beyond coursework.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST career services, Online internship portals (e.g., Internshala), Faculty connections
Career Connection
Provides real-world exposure, builds a professional network, and strengthens CV for future placements and higher studies. Often leads to pre-placement offers.
Develop Bioinformatics and Computational Skills- (Semester 3)
Beyond coursework, explore additional online courses or workshops in bioinformatics tools, programming (e.g., Python for biology), and statistical analysis relevant to biochemical data. Practical application of these skills is key.
Tools & Resources
Coursera/edX courses on Bioinformatics, R/Python tutorials, Bioinformatics open-source tools
Career Connection
Essential for modern biological research and drug discovery, opening doors to roles in computational biology, data analysis, and drug design in biotech/pharma.
Network with Professionals and Alumni- (Semester 2-3)
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and alumni meet-ups organized by the institution. Connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn to learn about career paths and potential opportunities in the Indian biotech and pharma sectors.
Tools & Resources
LinkedIn, Industry conferences (e.g., BIOASIA), SRMIST Alumni Network
Career Connection
Expands your professional circle, provides mentorship opportunities, and can lead to internships, research collaborations, and job referrals.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Research Project- (Semester 4)
Invest significant effort in your final semester project, choosing a topic aligned with your career interests. Aim for novel findings, thorough data analysis, and a well-written thesis. Seek opportunities to present your work at student conferences.
Tools & Resources
Faculty supervisors, Research journals, Statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R)
Career Connection
A strong project is a cornerstone of your CV for research roles, Ph.D. admissions, and demonstrates problem-solving and independent research capabilities.
Prepare for Placements and Higher Education- (Semester 4)
Actively participate in campus placement drives, prepare for technical interviews specific to biochemistry roles, and practice group discussions. For higher studies, prepare for entrance exams like CSIR-NET, GATE, or international GRE/TOEFL if considering abroad.
Tools & Resources
SRMIST Placement Cell, Mock interview sessions, Previous year question papers
Career Connection
Maximizes chances of securing desirable placements in pharmaceutical, diagnostic, or food industries, or gaining admission to top Ph.D. programs in India or abroad.
Develop Soft Skills and Leadership Qualities- (Throughout the program, intensified in Semester 3-4)
Participate in departmental clubs, student organizations, and leadership workshops. Focus on improving communication, teamwork, and presentation skills. These are vital for professional success, irrespective of the career path chosen.
Tools & Resources
Communication workshops, Student clubs at SRMIST, Online resources for soft skills
Career Connection
Enhances overall personality, making you a well-rounded professional sought after by employers for leadership and collaborative roles.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- B.Sc. degree in Biochemistry / Biotechnology / Biology / Microbiology / Zoology / Chemistry / Botany / B. Pharm, D. Pharmacy, Agriculture, Allied Health Sciences or an equivalent degree with a minimum aggregate of 60% / 6.0 CGPA.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BCY101T | Advanced Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Biomolecules Structure and Function, Enzymology and Kinetics, Bioenergetics and Metabolism, Photosynthesis and Nitrogen Metabolism, Regulation of Metabolic Pathways |
| 21BCY102T | Biophysical Techniques | Core | 4 | Spectroscopic Techniques, Chromatography, Electrophoresis, Centrifugation, Radioisotope Techniques |
| 21BCY103T | Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | DNA Replication and Repair, Transcription and RNA Processing, Translation and Protein Synthesis, Gene Regulation, Bacterial and Viral Genetics |
| 21BCY104L | Advanced Biochemistry Lab | Practical | 2 | Protein Estimation, Enzyme Assays, Carbohydrate Analysis, Lipid Extraction, Spectrophotometric Techniques |
| 21BCY105L | Molecular Biology and Biophysical Techniques Lab | Practical | 2 | DNA Isolation and Quantification, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, PCR Techniques, Chromatography Applications, SDS-PAGE |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BCY201T | Physiology and Immunology | Core | 4 | Human Physiology Systems, Endocrine System, Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigen-Antibody Interactions, Immunological Techniques |
| 21BCY202T | Genetic Engineering | Core | 4 | Recombinant DNA Technology, Cloning Vectors, Gene Transfer Methods, Gene Expression Systems, Applications of Genetic Engineering |
| 21BCY203T | Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition | Core | 4 | Diagnostic Enzymology, Organ Function Tests, Disorders of Metabolism, Macro and Micro Nutrients, Nutritional Assessment |
| 21BCY204L | Physiology and Immunology Lab | Practical | 2 | Blood Grouping, Haematological Techniques, ELISA, Immunodiffusion, Immunoelectrophoresis |
| 21BCY205L | Genetic Engineering and Clinical Biochemistry Lab | Practical | 2 | Plasmid Isolation, Restriction Digestion, Ligation, Transformation, Clinical Assay Methods |
| 21CSI001 | Environmental Science | Elective | 3 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Solid Waste Management, Renewable Energy Sources, Environmental Policies |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BCY301T | Cell Biology and Stem Cell Technology | Core | 4 | Cell Structure and Organelles, Cell Cycle and Apoptosis, Cell Signaling, Stem Cell Types and Properties, Applications of Stem Cell Technology |
| 21BCY302T | Pharmacology and Toxicology | Core | 4 | Principles of Pharmacology, Drug Receptors and Action, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Toxicokinetics, Heavy Metal and Pesticide Toxicity |
| 21BCY303T | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology | Core | 4 | Biological Databases, Sequence Alignment, Phylogenetic Analysis, Protein Structure Prediction, Drug Design Fundamentals |
| 21BCY304L | Cell Biology Lab | Practical | 2 | Cell Counting and Viability, Cell Culture Techniques, Microscopic Examination of Cells, Cell Staining Methods, Chromatin Isolation |
| 21BCY305L | Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Lab | Practical | 2 | Database Mining, BLAST/FASTA Analysis, Phylogenetic Tree Construction, Molecular Docking Tools, Sequence Annotation |
| 21BCY306E | Bioprocess Technology | Elective | 3 | Fermentation Technology, Bioreactor Design, Downstream Processing, Enzyme Immobilization, Industrial Applications of Bioprocesses |
| 21BCY307E | Research Methodology | Elective | 3 | Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Statistical Analysis, Report Writing, Ethical Considerations |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21BCY401T | Cancer Biology | Core | 4 | Hallmarks of Cancer, Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors, Carcinogenesis, Cancer Therapy Strategies, Apoptosis and Cell Death |
| 21BCY402T | Neurobiochemistry | Core | 4 | Neurotransmitters, Synaptic Transmission, Ion Channels, Neurodegenerative Diseases, Biochemistry of Brain Disorders |
| 21BCY403P | Project Work and Viva Voce | Project | 10 | Literature Review, Experimental Design, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Report Writing, Oral Presentation and Defense |
| 21BCY404E | Medical Microbiology | Elective | 3 | Bacterial Pathogenesis, Viral Infections, Antimicrobial Agents, Host-Pathogen Interactions, Diagnostic Microbiology |
| 21BCY405E | Food Biochemistry and Technology | Elective | 3 | Food Components and Properties, Food Spoilage and Preservation, Food Additives, Food Processing Techniques, Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods |
