One amongst the most chosen career fields in India after the 12th science is the medical field. But it is quite impossible to describe how vast the field is and the subcategories under it. Thus, it is a must for those who wish to pursue a career in the medical field to have a clear understanding of all these subcategories and analyse which suits you best. This article will give you an inside review of the biochemistry careers and biochemistry jobs available after doing biochemistry courses.
Have any of you ever wondered about how molecules work in our body and how these things help in evolution? If this excites you, go on to read some interesting aspects of Biochemistry. The concept of Biochemistry is originated by combining Biology, Chemistry, and Physiology. It is defined as the study of all chemical processes & molecular mechanisms within and relating to living organisms. A Survey of the subjects helps to get genetic information encoded in DNA. Now, let’s have a quick look at the biochemistry careers and various job opportunities in biochemistry.
What is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry or Biological Chemistry is a branch of medicine concerned with the study of chemical processes such as respiration, metabolism, movement etc. within living organisms at the molecular and cellular level. It also involves the study of the behaviour of molecules to form cells, tissues and thereby a living organism. From the name itself, it is evident that Biochemistry deals with the Chemistry within biology or human beings and all other living organisms.
Those who study biochemistry courses and research on Biochemistry are known as Biochemists. Their area of concentration will be cellular multiplication and differentiation, communication between and within cells and organs, brain function, and the chemical base of inheritance and disease.
The biochemist conducts experiments to study the behaviour of various molecules such as protein, lipids, vitamins, hormones and nucleic acid in a living cell. Generally, such experiments are conducted inside a laboratory called Biochemistry Lab. A biochemistry laboratory typically contains chemicals and other necessary tools or equipment to conduct experiments.
Various biochemistry Courses in India
To work as a Biochemists, one can earn a degree in following Biochemists course.
(A) B.Sc. in Biochemistry
- It is a 3-year long course to get familiar with the concept of Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and various aspects of a Biochemist.
- The essential qualification required to pursue a career in Biochemistry is 12th with science stream.
(B) M.Sc. In Biochemistry
- It is a two-year study after B.Sc. in Biochemistry to specialise in a particular field related to Biochemistry. Those with a Biochemistry background can take a PhD in subjects like Molecular Science, Cell Biology, Clinical Research, Cancer Biology, Microbiology, Immunology or any other field related to life science
- Undergraduate Degree (B.Sc.) in Biochemistry is the must-have eligibility to pursue Master’s courses in Biochemistry.
(C)Integrated Master’s(M.Sci)
- Apart from the Bachelor’s and Master’s Courses, some universities offer Integrated Master’s (MSci) degree in Biochemistry. These integrated Biochemistry courses combine a Bachelors and Masters course into one single program. The course generally takes one year more than the normal B.Sc course.
- The integrated course will lead you to a Masters qualification. You can carry out a Masters-level research project in your final year. You don’t have to apply for a Masters course separately after completing your Bachelor’s.
How to become a Biochemist?
Since Biochemistry is a vast subject, it comes up with lots of other subjects under it. Studying a lot makes PhD and doctorate comparatively easier. Those with a Biochemistry background can take a PhD in subjects like Molecular Science, Cell Biology, Clinical Research, Cancer Biology etc.
There are a sample of state and private funded Colleges in India offering different Biochemistry courses. Getting admission to a college that provides Biochemistry is not that challenging as compared to other medical degrees.
Biochemistry job Opportunities
Lots of Students ask us about jobs in biochemistry. They ask us like, where can a biochemist work? And other jobs related to biochemistry. Biochemists can earn a good income by conducting researches and experiments. They even work in industries related to Biochemistry such as food, pharmaceuticals, animals, medicines, agriculture, textiles etc.
One of the most interesting and demanding fields of Biochemistry is life science research because the opportunities for innovation are much higher in this field. But a bachelor degree is not sufficient to start experimenting your own; it needs practice and further study.
Best Colleges Offering Biochemistry Courses
Some of the leading Institute offering Biochemistry courses in India are listed below.
- The Oxford College of Science, Bangalore
- VELS University, Chennai
- North Maharashtra University, Jalgaon
- MG Science Institute, Ahmadabad
- Hislop College, Nagpur
