Category Biochemistry

I’m interested in geology

I am a student of F.Y.B.Sc. with microbiology, biochemistry and nutrition. But I’m interested in geology. Is it possible to do any M.Sc. in Geology? If not, should I go for a double degree with geology? Or is it better to waste this year and again start my degree with geology?

Generally, eligibility for M.Sc. Geology is B.Sc. (Hons. Geology)/ B.Sc. with Geology as a subject along with any two science subjects like Physics/Chemistry/Botany/Zoology/Environmental Science/Mathematics.

However, the rules for admission vary from university to university/institutes. Some institutes even require maths in 10+2 level. The percentage of mark requirement also varies from different universities. Most of these universities carry out their own entrance exam to select candidates. So it is better to check the entry requirements for the institutes where you want to apply.

If a dual degree is available in your college, then you may go for it. But make sure that this degree satisfies eligibility requirement for a higher education in Geology.

 

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What is the scope in Biochemistry?

I’m currently doing my U.G. in Biochemistry. I wanted to know its scope and the available P.G. courses for Biochemistry or courses related to Biochemistry as well as institutions in India and abroad. What steps do I need to take to excel in this field?

Many universities all over India offer PG courses in Biochemistry. Some of these are JNU, New Delhi; Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai; University of Mumbai, Mumbai. All major universities in other countries also offer a specialization in this field. Some of them are Harvard University, MIT, John Hopkins University, Stanford University in USA and Oxford University, Cambridge University in U.K.

Though there is not much with just a graduate degree, there are good opportunities for those with a M.Sc. in Biochemistry. They can work in research laboratories, diagnostic centres, biotech firms, hospitals, agricultural industries, drug manufacturing companies, forensic departments, cosmetic industries, health care centres, and so on. Biochemists are also in high demand in pharmaceutical firms, food industries and agro-chemical companies so as to develop newer products. They are also required to monitor the manufacturing processes, quality control and safety of the existing products.

 

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How will I get job in India after studying at USA?

I’m a second year student of Sacramento City College and my major is Biochemistry. I feel that studies in India are better than in the U.S. I am thinking of moving back to India after studies. Please suggest some major or field of study that will get me a well-paid job in India if I get the degree from USA.

Biochemistry career opportunities can be virtually limitless; private research institutions, hospitals, government organizations all hunt for good biochemists. Their goals are usually similar – to research, experiment, conduct trials and find cures for diseases like cancer and AIDS and even mental disorders.

Mainly, there are three specializations. In medicine, they identify the causes of disease, understand their effect on the body in chemical terms and try and isolate the indicators that signal impending disease. This requires tracking chemical changes through normal bodily functions like muscle contraction, respiration, etc. in the field of agriculture, biochemists are developing cultivation innovations, improving pest control and optimizing crop storage. Another popular field is nutrition, where a biochemist’s job is to investigate the effect of various minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins on the human body.

It is always better to specialize but keep in mind that almost all the specializations require good research technique and the ability to combine and analyze information.

 

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Biochemistry

 

I am a student of class XII. Could you tell me about the career opportunities available for students interested in biochemistry. Can you also mention some good colleges in India that offer courses in biochemistry?

I am a class XII student with PCB. I want to become a biochemist. Please describe the following aspects in detail: courses, scope of work, opportunities, salary etc. I would like to take admission in MAHE. Please tell me about the admission procedure and the courses on offer.

Biochemistry is a branch of science concerned with the chemical processes that occur within living organisms. The subject provides the link between chemistry and living organisms. Numerous processes in medicine, agriculture and forensics require a firm grounding in biochemistry in both development and application.

To pursue a graduate degree in biochemistry, one should have studied physics, chemistry, biology and maths in class XII.

Most universities and certain institutes that offer specialisation courses such as agricultural biochemistry in Indian Agriculture Research Institute New Delhi, agro-chemical in Delhi University etc offer biochemistry.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) offers biochemistry through two routes: after MBBS you could take up biochemistry at the MD level, or else you can study biochemistry in MSc.

MAHE was primarily a health sciences university but now has diversified into communication/ journalism, information technology, ryral studies and distance education. After class XII, you are eligible for the following courses in MAHE: MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, B.Sc. Biotechnology, BPT (Bachelor in Physiotherapy), and BOT (Bachelor in Occupational Therapy)

You can also take admission to any of these courses after qualifying the entrance examination.

An expert in biochemistry can find employment in the following fields:

  • Medicine and health
  • Drug manufacture and design
  • Agriculture and related industries
  • Forensic science (crime lab science)
  • Professional schools.

Hot careers in biochemistry include proteomics and bioinformatics. One vcan find good jobs in pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies in India and abroad, such as Ciphergen Biosystems, Protometrix, etc.

 

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Yellapragada Subbarow

Yellapragada Subbarow (12 January 1895 – 8 August 1948) was an Indian biochemist who discovered the function of adenosine triphosphate as an energy source in the cell, and developed methotrexate for the treatment of cancer. Most of his career was spent in the United States. Despite his isolation of ATP, Subbarow did not gain tenure at Harvard though he would lead some of America’s most important medical research during World War II. He is also credited with the first synthesis of the chemical compounds folic acid and methotrexate. Subbarow died in the United States.

Known for

  • Discovering the role of phosphocreatine and adenosine triphosphate in muscular activity;
  • synthesis of folic acid;
  • synthesis of methotrexate;
  • discovery of diethylcarbamazine

Fields

  • Biochemistry

Institutions

  • Lederle Laboratories, a division of American Cyanamid (Acquired by Wyeth in 1994, now Pfizer)

To read more Click Yellapragada Subbarow

Which discovery made Dr. Hargobind Khorana famous?

            Dr. Hargobind Khorana is one of the renowned biochemists of the world. He developed a method for the synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). For his independent contributions, he was awarded the 1968 Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine, along with M.W. Norenberg and R.W. Holley.

            Dr. Hargobind Khorana was born on 9th January 1922 at Rajpur in Punjab (now in Pakistan). He studied in a village school, and distinguished himself right from the beginning by winning many scholarships.

            He passed his B.Sc. examination from D.A.V. College, Lahore and obtained his M.Sc. degree in chemistry in 1945 from Punjab University, Lahore. His main interest was biochemistry. He went to Manchester University, in England for higher studies. There he worked under Prof. A. Robertson and got his Ph.D. in 1948. In the same year he came back to India, but could not get a suitable job. He remained without a job for several months, and finally a disappointed man, he went back to England for further research. There he worked with Nobel laureate, Sir Alexander Todd at Cambridge University. And in 1952 he went to Canada and got married to the daughter of a Swiss M.P.

            In 1953, Dr. Khorana was elected as the head of Organic Chemistry Group of Commonwealth Research Organization. He remained in this position upto 1960. In 1960 he went to the United States of America and started working with Norenberg on the creation of artificial life. In the Institute for Enzyme Research at the University of Wisconsin, he developed methods to synthesize RNA and DNA. Due to his research it has now become possible to treat some hereditary diseases.

            In 1970, he joined the Massachusset Institute of Technology as Professor of Biology. In addition to the 1968 Nobel Prize, he has been honoured with many prestigious international awards.

            He was awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India and was conferred with the honorary degree of D.Sc. by Punjab University, Chandigarh.