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B-SC in Biochemistry at St Aloysius College (Autonomous)
Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Biochemistry at St Aloysius College (Autonomous) Dakshina Kannada?
This Biochemistry program at St. Aloysius University focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms, bridging biology and chemistry. It delves into the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning life, from cellular metabolism to genetic expression. With India''''s growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, this program prepares students for cutting-edge research and industrial applications, making them pivotal in national health and scientific advancement.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for curious science graduates, particularly those with a strong foundation in chemistry and biology at the 10+2 level, eager to explore molecular life sciences. It attracts students aspiring for careers in research, healthcare, or food industries. Working professionals seeking to upskill in biotechnology or diagnostics, and career changers eyeing the rapidly expanding Indian biopharma sector, will also find immense value.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse India-specific career paths, including roles as research scientists, clinical biochemists, quality control analysts in pharma, or food technologists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in R&D, diagnostics, and academic research, aligning with professional certifications in medical laboratory technology or clinical research.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build a Strong Core in Cell Biology & Metabolism- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on understanding fundamental concepts of cell structure, biomolecules, and metabolic pathways. Create detailed flowcharts for processes like glycolysis and the TCA cycle to visualize complex reactions.
Tools & Resources
Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, YouTube channels (e.g., AK Lectures), Quizlet for conceptual quizzes
Career Connection
A solid foundation is crucial for advanced topics and effective problem-solving in research and diagnostic labs.
Develop Lab Proficiency & Safety Protocols- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in all practical sessions. Master basic lab techniques such as pipetting, spectrophotometry, and titrations, while strictly adhering to safety guidelines. Document experiments meticulously in lab notebooks.
Tools & Resources
Departmental lab manuals, Online videos on experimental procedures, Safety data sheets (SDS)
Career Connection
Essential for any hands-on role in industry, R&D, or clinical settings, ensuring accuracy and workplace safety.
Engage in Peer Learning & Conceptual Discussions- (Semester 1-2)
Form study groups to discuss complex topics and solve problems together. Explaining concepts to peers will solidify your own understanding. Participate actively in classroom Q&A sessions.
Tools & Resources
Collaborative online whiteboards (Jamboard), Google Docs for shared notes, Dedicated study rooms in library
Career Connection
Enhances communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills, vital for collaborative research environments.
Intermediate Stage
Explore Research Areas through Mini-Projects/Reviews- (Semester 3-4)
Identify a specific area of interest within molecular biology, immunology, or nutrition. Undertake a mini-project under faculty guidance or write a comprehensive literature review on a chosen topic.
Tools & Resources
PubMed, Google Scholar, Institutional library databases, Faculty mentors
Career Connection
Develops research aptitude, critical analysis, and scientific communication, preparing for advanced studies or R&D roles.
Seek Internships in Diagnostics or Pharma- (Semester 3-5)
Actively look for short-term internships (4-6 weeks) during semester breaks at local diagnostic labs, pharmaceutical companies, or food industries in Mangalore or Bangalore.
Tools & Resources
University career cell, LinkedIn, Company websites, Networking with alumni
Career Connection
Provides practical industry exposure, builds professional networks, and enhances employability for entry-level positions in India.
Participate in Science Competitions & Workshops- (Semester 3-5)
Engage in inter-collegiate science quizzes, poster presentations, or workshops on techniques like PCR, ELISA, or chromatography. This builds confidence and expands technical skills.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices, College event calendars, Online platforms for science challenges like Bio-Quiz
Career Connection
Showcases initiative and skills to potential employers, and provides networking opportunities with industry experts.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Major Project/Dissertation- (Semester 5-6)
Select a challenging research problem in clinical, industrial, or bioinformatics. Execute the project, analyze data using appropriate software, and present findings in a formal dissertation and presentation.
Tools & Resources
Lab equipment, Statistical software (R, SPSS), Bioinformatics tools (NCBI, BLAST), Thesis writing guides
Career Connection
Demonstrates independent research capability, problem-solving, and project management skills highly valued in R&D and academia.
Master Advanced Analytical & Bioinformatics Tools- (Semester 5-6)
Gain expertise in instrumentation like HPLC, GC-MS, and specialized software for bioinformatics (sequence analysis, proteomics). Consider online certification courses to deepen this knowledge.
Tools & Resources
NPTEL courses, Coursera/edX for specialized certifications, Departmental advanced instrumentation workshops
Career Connection
These are high-demand skills in modern biochemistry labs, making graduates highly competitive for specialized roles in India and abroad.
Focus on Placement Preparation & Career Strategy- (Semester 5-6)
Attend campus placement drives, participate in mock interviews, and refine your resume/CV and cover letters. Network with alumni in desired industries. Prepare for competitive exams like GATE Biotechnology/Life Sciences for higher studies.
Tools & Resources
University placement cell, Online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), Career counselors, Alumni mentorship programs
Career Connection
Directly impacts securing coveted roles in biopharmaceutical companies, diagnostic centers, and research organizations upon graduation, or admission to prestigious postgraduate programs.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 (PUC or equivalent) with Science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Mathematics) as per University/Government norms.
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters (Provision for 4th year for Honours with Research)
Credits: 120 credits for 3-year B.Sc. (Major courses listed below sum to 82 credits for Biochemistry Major) Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 101 | Cell Biology and Biomolecules (Theory) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 4 | Microscopy and Cell Organization, Structure and Functions of Cell Organelles, Carbohydrates: Structure and Classification, Lipids: Types and Biological Significance, Proteins: Structure, Classification, and Functions, Enzymes: Classification, Kinetics, and Regulation |
| BCH 102 | Cell Biology and Biomolecules (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 2 | Microscopic Observation of Cells, Qualitative Tests for Carbohydrates, Qualitative Tests for Lipids, Qualitative Tests for Proteins, Preparation of Buffers and pH Measurement |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 201 | Intermediary Metabolism and Bioenergetics (Theory) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 4 | Bioenergetics and ATP Cycle, Carbohydrate Metabolism: Glycolysis, TCA Cycle, Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation, Lipid Metabolism: Beta-oxidation, Biosynthesis, Amino Acid Metabolism and Urea Cycle, Integration of Metabolism |
| BCH 202 | Intermediary Metabolism and Bioenergetics (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 2 | Estimation of Reducing Sugars, Estimation of Proteins, Determination of Enzyme Activity, Titration of Amino Acids, Estimation of Glycogen |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 301 | Molecular Biology and Genetics (Theory) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 4 | DNA Structure and Replication, RNA Synthesis: Transcription, Protein Synthesis: Translation, Regulation of Gene Expression, Mutations and DNA Repair, Principles of Genetics |
| BCH 302 | Molecular Biology and Genetics (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 2 | Isolation of Genomic DNA, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis, UV Spectrophotometric Analysis of Nucleic Acids, Chromosome Staining Techniques, Problem Solving in Genetics |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 401 | Immunology and Nutrition (Theory) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 4 | Components of Immune System, Antigens and Antibodies, Immune Responses (Humoral & Cell-Mediated), Hypersensitivity and Autoimmunity, Balanced Diet and Macronutrients, Vitamins and Minerals: Functions and Deficiency |
| BCH 402 | Immunology and Nutrition (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 2 | Blood Group Determination, Widal Test for Typhoid, ELISA Technique Principles, Qualitative Analysis of Food Nutrients, Estimation of Ascorbic Acid |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 501 | Clinical Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Theory) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 4 | Organ Function Tests (Liver, Kidney, Cardiac), Biochemistry of Diabetes Mellitus, Electrolyte and Acid-Base Balance, Recombinant DNA Technology, PCR and its Applications, Gene Therapy and CRISPR |
| BCH 502 | Clinical Biochemistry and Biotechnology (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 2 | Estimation of Blood Glucose, Estimation of Serum Total Protein, Urine Analysis for Abnormal Constituents, Isolation of Plasmid DNA, Basic Bioinformatics Tools |
| BCH 503 | Environmental Biochemistry (Theory) | Major Discipline Elective Course (MDEC) | 4 | Environmental Pollution and Pollutants, Biochemical Effects of Toxicants, Bioremediation and Biodegradation, Solid Waste Management, Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases, Bioindicators of Pollution |
| BCH 504 | Food and Dairy Biochemistry (Theory) | Major Discipline Elective Course (MDEC) | 4 | Components of Food, Food Spoilage and Preservation, Food Additives and Contaminants, Biochemistry of Milk and Dairy Products, Quality Control in Food Industry, Food Processing and Fortification |
| BCH 505 | Environmental/Food and Dairy Biochemistry (Practical) | Major Discipline Elective Course (MDEC) | 2 | Water Quality Analysis, Soil Analysis for Nutrients, Estimation of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Analysis of Milk for Quality Parameters, Detection of Food Adulteration |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BCH 601 | Industrial Biochemistry and Bioinformatics (Theory) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 4 | Enzyme Technology and Immobilization, Fermentation Processes and Products, Downstream Processing, Drug Discovery and Development, Bioinformatics Databases (NCBI, UniProt), Sequence Alignment and Phylogenetic Analysis |
| BCH 602 | Industrial Biochemistry and Bioinformatics (Practical) | Major Discipline Core Course (MDCC) | 2 | Enzyme Immobilization Techniques, Production and Estimation of Alcohol, Basic Bioinformatics Tools Usage, Protein Structure Visualization, Drug Designing Concepts |
| BCH 603 | Plant Biochemistry (Theory) | Major Discipline Elective Course (MDEC) | 4 | Photosynthesis: Light and Dark Reactions, Plant Hormones and Signal Transduction, Secondary Metabolites in Plants, Stress Biochemistry in Plants, Seed Biochemistry and Germination, Plant Nutrition and Mineral Uptake |
| BCH 604 | Neurobiochemistry (Theory) | Major Discipline Elective Course (MDEC) | 4 | Neurotransmitters and Receptors, Synaptic Transmission, Brain Metabolism and Energy, Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer''''s, Parkinson''''s), Biochemistry of Psychiatric Disorders, Drug Action on Nervous System |
| BCH 605 | Plant Biochemistry/Neurobiochemistry (Practical) | Major Discipline Elective Course (MDEC) | 2 | Extraction and Separation of Plant Pigments, Estimation of Photosynthetic Efficiency, Assay of Plant Enzymes, Estimation of Neurotransmitters, Analysis of Brain Lipids |
| BCH 606 | Major Project | Project | 4 | Problem Identification and Literature Review, Experimental Design and Methodology, Data Collection and Analysis, Report Writing and Presentation, Research Ethics |
