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B-SC in Biochemistry at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
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About the Specialization
What is Biochemistry at VELS Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies (VISTAS) Chennai?
This B.Sc Biochemistry program at Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies focuses on the chemical processes within living organisms, bridging biology and chemistry. It is highly relevant to India''''s burgeoning pharmaceutical, healthcare, and biotech industries, addressing critical needs in research, diagnostics, and product development. The program emphasizes both foundational scientific principles and practical laboratory skills to prepare students for these dynamic sectors.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for fresh 10+2 science graduates with a strong interest in biological sciences and chemistry, seeking entry into biomedical research, clinical laboratories, or the pharmaceutical sector. It also suits individuals aiming to pursue higher studies like M.Sc. and Ph.D. in biochemistry or related fields. Aspiring scientists, healthcare professionals, and R&D enthusiasts will find this curriculum enriching and career-focused.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates can expect diverse career paths in India, including clinical biochemists, research assistants, pharmaceutical quality control analysts, and food scientists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 to 4.5 lakhs annually, with significant growth potential up to INR 8-12 lakhs for experienced professionals in R&D or management roles. The program provides a solid foundation for competitive exams and advanced certifications, enhancing long-term career prospects.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Fundamental Scientific Principles- (Semester 1-2)
Focus on building a strong base in general and organic chemistry, cell biology, and biophysics. Regularly review lecture notes, solve practice problems, and participate in peer study groups to clarify concepts. Pay special attention to understanding the ''''why'''' behind experiments to grasp foundational knowledge deeply.
Tools & Resources
NCERT textbooks for foundational knowledge, Online platforms like Khan Academy and NPTEL for supplementary learning, Chegg for chemistry problem-solving exercises
Career Connection
A robust foundation ensures success in advanced biochemistry topics and provides the core scientific literacy required for entry-level lab positions and competitive higher studies programs.
Develop Strong Laboratory Skills Early- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage in all practical sessions, meticulously following protocols for general and organic chemistry, and initial biochemistry experiments. Practice accurate measurements, precise handling of apparatus, and thorough record-keeping. Seek feedback from lab instructors to refine techniques and build confidence.
Tools & Resources
Official lab manuals, Virtual lab simulations (e.g., from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham''''s virtual labs), YouTube tutorials on essential lab techniques
Career Connection
Hands-on proficiency in laboratory techniques is critical for all biochemistry roles, making graduates immediately employable in diagnostic labs, research settings, and quality control departments.
Cultivate Scientific Reading and Communication- (Semester 1-2)
Begin reading introductory scientific articles and reviews related to course topics to develop comprehension of scientific language and concepts. Practice summarizing complex information concisely, both verbally and in written reports. Engage actively in classroom discussions and presentations.
Tools & Resources
PubMed for scientific articles, University library online resources, Academic writing guides and workshops, Toastmasters International for public speaking practice
Career Connection
Effective scientific communication is vital for presenting research findings, writing technical reports, and collaborating effectively with colleagues in any scientific and professional environment.
Intermediate Stage
Apply Analytical Techniques and Data Interpretation- (Semester 3-4)
Master the principles and applications of analytical techniques like spectrophotometry, chromatography, and electrophoresis through dedicated lab practice and theoretical understanding. Focus on accurately interpreting experimental results, troubleshooting common issues, and critically evaluating scientific data.
Tools & Resources
Specialized instrumentation manuals and guides, Online courses on analytical chemistry principles, Software for data analysis (e.g., Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism)
Career Connection
These skills are highly sought after in diagnostic laboratories, quality assurance/control, and R&D sectors, where accurate analysis and interpretation of biochemical data are paramount.
Seek Internships or Mini-Projects in Local Labs- (Summer breaks after Semester 2 and 4)
Proactively search for short-term internships or volunteer opportunities in university labs, local hospitals, diagnostic centers, or pharmaceutical companies during academic breaks. Even a 2-4 week exposure can provide invaluable practical experience and industry insights.
Tools & Resources
University career services and placement cell, Networking with professors and alumni, Online job portals for internships (e.g., Internshala, LinkedIn)
Career Connection
Internships build practical experience, establish professional networks, and often lead to stronger placement opportunities or more competitive applications for higher studies programs.
Participate in Scientific Competitions and Workshops- (Throughout Semesters 3-4)
Engage in college-level science fairs, quiz competitions, or workshops on emerging biochemistry topics such as bioinformatics, enzymology, or clinical diagnostics. This helps solidify knowledge, develop problem-solving skills, and exposes students to new and advanced areas.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices and event calendars, Student scientific societies and clubs, Online platforms for virtual workshops and seminars
Career Connection
Participation enhances your resume, demonstrates initiative, and hones critical thinking and presentation skills, which are highly valuable for both academic pursuits and industrial roles.
Advanced Stage
Specialize and Pursue Independent Research Projects- (Semesters 5-6)
Choose Discipline Specific Electives that align closely with your career interests, such as Genetic Engineering, Immunology, or Nanobiotechnology. Undertake a comprehensive final year project, focusing on a specific research question, rigorous data collection, in-depth analysis, and professional scientific report writing.
Tools & Resources
Research papers on PubMed/Google Scholar for literature review, Specialized software for bioinformatics or statistical analysis, Mentorship from experienced faculty members
Career Connection
Specialization enhances expertise for specific industry segments, while research projects provide a strong portfolio for R&D roles, M.Sc./Ph.D. admissions, and demonstrate independent problem-solving capabilities.
Prepare for Higher Education and Career Placement- (Semester 5-6)
Attend career counseling sessions, mock interviews, and resume-building workshops provided by the university. For higher education, begin preparing for entrance exams like NET, GATE, or international tests like GRE/TOEFL if aiming abroad. Actively network with alumni and industry professionals.
Tools & Resources
University career services department, Online platforms for interview preparation and aptitude tests, Coaching institutes for competitive entrance exams, LinkedIn for professional networking
Career Connection
Strategic preparation is crucial for securing desired postgraduate admissions or landing competitive jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech, or healthcare sectors upon graduation.
Develop Professional Ethics and Advanced Soft Skills- (Semester 5-6)
Focus on refining professional communication, teamwork, and understanding ethical considerations paramount in scientific research and clinical practice. Participate in seminars on bioethics, leadership development, and project management to prepare for future professional responsibilities and challenges.
Tools & Resources
Professional development workshops and training programs, Online courses on ethics in science and research integrity, Engage in group projects and lead presentations
Career Connection
Strong ethical grounding and advanced soft skills are essential for successful collaboration, leadership roles, and navigating complex professional environments within the scientific and healthcare communities.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- A pass in 10+2 (Higher Secondary) or equivalent examination with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in any Science Group. (For B.Sc. Biochemistry: A pass in 10+2 with Biology / Botany & Zoology / Physics / Chemistry / Biochemistry as one of the subjects.)
Duration: 3 years / 6 semesters
Credits: 144 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 40%, External: 60%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LBA101 | General Chemistry - I | Core | 4 | Atomic Structure, Chemical Bonding, Gaseous State, Liquid State, Solid State |
| 21LBA102 | Organic Chemistry - I | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry, Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Alcohols |
| 21LBA103 | Cell Biology | Core | 4 | Structure of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Cells, Cell Wall and Plasma Membrane, Cell Organelles (Mitochondria, Golgi, ER), Nucleus and Chromosomes, Cell Cycle |
| 21LBA104 | Practicals in General Chemistry | Lab | 2 | Volumetric Analysis (Acid-Base, Redox), Gravimetric Analysis (Barium Sulphate), pH Measurement |
| 21LBA105 | Practicals in Organic Chemistry | Lab | 2 | Qualitative Analysis of Organic Compounds, Functional Group Identification, Melting Point and Boiling Point Determination |
| 21LEL101 | English - I | Language Elective | 3 | Basic Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Paragraph Writing, Sentence Structure, Effective Communication |
| 21LTM101 | Tamil - I (Example for Language Elective) | Language Elective | 3 | Basic Tamil Grammar, Reading Short Stories, Letter Writing, Spoken Tamil, Cultural Aspects |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LBA201 | General Chemistry - II | Core | 4 | Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Thermodynamics, Electrochemistry, Photochemistry, Acids and Bases |
| 21LBA202 | Organic Chemistry - II | Core | 4 | Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives, Aldehydes and Ketones, Amines, Phenols, Stereoisomerism |
| 21LBA203 | Biophysics | Core | 4 | Atomic and Molecular Structure, Bioenergetics, pH and Buffer Systems, Membrane Transport, Microscopy Techniques |
| 21LBA204 | Practicals in Biochemistry - I | Lab | 2 | Qualitative Analysis of Carbohydrates, Qualitative Analysis of Proteins, Qualitative Analysis of Lipids, Preparation of Buffer Solutions |
| 21LBA205 | Practicals in Cell Biology & Biophysics | Lab | 2 | Microscopic Examination of Cells, Cell Counting Methods, Measurement of pH, Determination of Osmosis, Centrifugation Techniques |
| 21LEL201 | English - II | Language Elective | 3 | Advanced Grammar and Composition, Report Writing, Official Correspondence, Literature Appreciation, Presentation Skills |
| 21LTM201 | Tamil - II (Example for Language Elective) | Language Elective | 3 | Intermediate Tamil Grammar, Literary Texts, Creative Writing, Translation Practice, Public Speaking in Tamil |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LBA301 | Analytical Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Spectrophotometry, Chromatography, Electrophoresis, Centrifugation, Radioisotope Techniques |
| 21LBA302 | Enzymology | Core | 4 | Enzyme Classification and Nomenclature, Enzyme Kinetics, Enzyme Inhibition, Regulation of Enzyme Activity, Applications of Enzymes |
| 21LBA303 | Molecular Biology | Core | 4 | DNA Structure and Replication, Transcription and RNA Processing, Translation and Protein Synthesis, Gene Regulation (Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic), Mutations and DNA Repair |
| 21LBA304 | Practicals in Analytical Biochemistry | Lab | 2 | Spectrophotometric Estimation of Biomolecules, Paper and Thin Layer Chromatography, Electrophoresis of Proteins, Column Chromatography Techniques |
| 21LBA305 | Practicals in Enzymology & Molecular Biology | Lab | 2 | Enzyme Activity Assay, Determination of Km and Vmax, DNA Isolation and Quantification, Agarose Gel Electrophoresis of DNA |
| 21LSE301 | Environmental Studies | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Ecosystems and Biodiversity, Environmental Pollution, Natural Resources and Conservation, Solid Waste Management, Climate Change and Sustainable Development |
| 21LSB301A | Food Science and Nutrition (Example for Generic Elective - I) | Generic Elective | 3 | Food Composition and Processing, Macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Fats), Micronutrients (Vitamins, Minerals), Balanced Diet and Nutritional Assessment, Food Safety and Quality Control |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LBA401 | Metabolism - I | Core | 4 | Carbohydrate Metabolism (Glycolysis, TCA Cycle), Gluconeogenesis and Glycogen Metabolism, Pentose Phosphate Pathway, Regulation of Carbohydrate Metabolism, Electron Transport Chain and Oxidative Phosphorylation |
| 21LBA402 | Clinical Biochemistry - I | Core | 4 | Introduction to Clinical Biochemistry, Liver Function Tests, Kidney Function Tests, Cardiac Markers and Enzyme Diagnosis, Diabetes Mellitus and Glucose Homeostasis |
| 21LBA403 | Genetics | Core | 4 | Mendelian Genetics and Extensions, Gene Interactions and Linkage, Chromosomal Aberrations, Gene Mutations and Repair Mechanisms, Population Genetics |
| 21LBA404 | Practicals in Biochemistry - II | Lab | 2 | Estimation of Blood Glucose, Estimation of Serum Urea, Estimation of Serum Creatinine, Estimation of Serum Cholesterol |
| 21LBA405 | Practicals in Clinical Biochemistry & Genetics | Lab | 2 | Routine Urine Analysis, Blood Grouping and Rh Typing, Karyotyping, Pedigree Analysis |
| 21LSB401A | Immunology (Example for Generic Elective - II) | Generic Elective | 3 | Innate and Adaptive Immunity, Antigens and Antibodies, Organs of Immune System, Immunological Techniques (ELISA, RIA), Vaccines and Immunization |
| 21LSD401 | Soft Skill Development | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Communication Skills (Verbal & Non-Verbal), Presentation Skills, Interview Preparation, Teamwork and Leadership, Time Management and Goal Setting |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LBA501 | Metabolism - II | Core | 4 | Lipid Metabolism (Beta-oxidation, Fatty Acid Synthesis), Amino Acid Metabolism (Catabolism, Urea Cycle), Nucleic Acid Metabolism (Purine, Pyrimidine), Integration and Regulation of Metabolism, Hormonal Regulation of Metabolism |
| 21LBA502 | Clinical Biochemistry - II | Core | 4 | Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid-Base Balance and Disorders, Thyroid Function Tests, Adrenal and Pituitary Function Tests, Tumor Markers and Cancer Biochemistry |
| 21LBA503 | Nutritional Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Macronutrients and Energy Metabolism, Vitamins (Fat and Water Soluble), Minerals and Trace Elements, Dietary Guidelines and Requirements, Malnutrition and Nutritional Disorders |
| 21LBA504 | Immunology | Core | 4 | Components of Immune System, Humoral Immunity (B Cells, Antibodies), Cell-Mediated Immunity (T Cells), Hypersensitivity Reactions, Autoimmunity and Immunodeficiency |
| 21LBA505 | Practicals in Metabolism | Lab | 2 | Estimation of Glycogen, Estimation of Cholesterol, Estimation of Phospholipids, Enzyme Assays related to Metabolism |
| 21LBA506 | Practicals in Clinical Biochemistry & Immunology | Lab | 2 | Estimation of Serum Enzymes, ELISA for Antigen/Antibody Detection, Widal Test (Agglutination), CRP Estimation |
| 21LBAE5XA | Genetic Engineering (Example for Discipline Specific Elective - I) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Recombinant DNA Technology, Cloning Vectors, Gene Transfer Methods, PCR and its Applications, CRISPR-Cas9 System |
| 21LBAE5XB | Medical Microbiology (Example for Discipline Specific Elective - II) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Bacterial Classification and Structure, Viral Classification and Replication, Pathogenesis of Bacterial Infections, Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance, Diagnostic Microbiology Techniques |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21LBA601 | Industrial Biochemistry | Core | 4 | Fermentation Technology, Enzyme Technology and Immobilization, Industrial Production of Biomolecules (Antibiotics, Vitamins), Bioreactors and Downstream Processing, Waste Treatment using Bioreactions |
| 21LBA602 | Genetic Engineering and Gene Therapy | Core | 4 | Advanced Recombinant DNA Techniques, Gene Expression Systems, Gene Therapy Strategies, Viral and Non-viral Vectors, Ethical Aspects of Genetic Engineering |
| 21LBA603 | Nanobiotechnology | Core | 4 | Introduction to Nanomaterials, Synthesis of Nanoparticles (Gold, Silver), Characterization Techniques for Nanomaterials, Applications in Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery, Nanobiosensors and Diagnostics |
| 21LBA604 | Practicals in Industrial Biochemistry & Genetic Engineering | Lab | 2 | Alcohol Fermentation, Enzyme Immobilization, Plasmid DNA Isolation, Restriction Digestion of DNA |
| 21LBA605 | Practicals in Nanobiotechnology | Lab | 2 | Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles, UV-Vis Spectroscopy of Nanoparticles, Microscopic Characterization of Nanomaterials |
| 21LBA606 | Project | Project | 6 | Research Problem Identification, Literature Review, Experimental Design and Methodology, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Scientific Report Writing and Presentation |
| 21LBAE6XA | Cancer Biology (Example for Discipline Specific Elective - III) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Biology of Cancer, Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressor Genes, Cell Cycle Regulation and Apoptosis, Metastasis, Cancer Therapies and Diagnostics |
| 21LBAE6XB | Neurochemistry (Example for Discipline Specific Elective - IV) | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Structure and Function of Neurons, Neurotransmitters and Receptors, Synaptic Transmission, Biochemistry of Neurological Disorders, Neurogenesis and Neuroplasticity |
