PG DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

Vision

• Producing quality students trained in the latest tools and technologies and striving to make the institution and university a world leader in the area of biochemistry.
• To achieve academic excellence in biochemistry of imparting in-depth knowledge to the students, facilitating research activities and cater to the ever changing industrial demand & societal needs.
• To be a centre of excellence in the discipline of biochemistry.

MISSION

• To provide quality education and learning experience to the students through application of innovative teaching methods in understanding molecular basis of life and emphasize on problem solving skills.
• To promote basic practical skills in conducting and interpreting laboratory investigations.
• To provide exposure to students to the latest tools and technologies in the area of biochemistry.
• To provide research based projects activities in the emerging area of biochemical technology.
• Apprenticeship in industries and service agencies
• Entrepreneurship in Biochemistry-related areas.
• To cultivate a culture of scientific and critical thinking and apply same in novel research.

VALUES

The core values of the department are ethical behaviour, honesty, integrity, discipline, team work, dedication to work and honour in all situations and at all levels.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT 

The Department of Studies in Biochemistry was established in the year 2022–2023 and has successfully completed a year of its M.Sc. degree. The two-year, full-time M.Sc. curriculum in Biochemistry aims to give students unparalleled instruction in the subject, with a focus on both quick growths in the area and a strong foundation in fundamental principles. Apart from academic understanding, a great deal of focus is placed on practical training that provides hands-on experience in cutting edge fields of biochemistry.

Biochemistry, a combination of biology and chemistry, is one of the basic science fields that contributes to the development of biotechnology. Given its critical position in the biological sciences, it is essential to use concrete and understandable educational techniques to reinforce the foundational ideas of biochemistry at the postgraduate level. The current M.Sc. Biochemistry program’s curriculum was developed with the goal of imparting comprehensive knowledge of biochemistry, including the biochemical mechanisms underlying genetic and physiological processes, metabolism in both healthy and pathological settings, drug discovery, cell signalling, and clinical research.

The curriculum places more focus on new developments in molecular biology and biochemistry methodologies, which help students gain an understanding of basic biochemistry, in addition to its conventional approach of giving metabolic and molecular physiological elements more weight. Two full-time and two-part time faculties with PhD will assist students in preparing for national and state exams, including the SET, GATE, NET, and other competitive exams. It is anticipated that the curriculum will inspire students to pursue further education, particularly in research, and will supply highly qualified employees for the biotechnology sector. In addition to theoretical and practical skills, the course offers study tours, field trips, industry visits, national laboratory/institute visits, and other opportunities to expose students to research and scientific world.

PROGRAMME SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

A two-year program will lead to the award of a M.Sc. degree in Biochemistry. The emphasis is on training students for research. Students will get appropriate training in the many basic tools, methodologies, and instruments used in certain research areas. The primary goals of this M.Sc. course is to give a solid foundation in biochemistry for students to become teaching faculty at academic institutions, researchers in research institutes or enterprises, and entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses.

PROGRAMME OUTCOMES

By completing their Post-Graduation Studies in Biochemistry, students are expected to have achieved the following knowledge, skills and capabilities.

• This course promotes active participation in independent teaching and research through knowledge-intensive, innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and solution-oriented approaches.
• The curriculum teaches biochemical ideas in the fields of health and illness, food and natural resources, biotechnology, microbiology, medicines, fertilisers, bio-fertilizers, environmental sustainability, and so on.
• Understand fundamental biological processes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems. Furthermore, the student will get the opportunity to master cutting-edge technologies in cell biology, molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, genetic engineering, and medicinal biology.
• Acquire practical skills in addition to theoretical knowledge, as it will assist research projects in educational institutions as well as industry R&D activities.
• Ability to work independently, while still promoting team work and collaboration skills. Improving oratory (public speaking), scientific conversation and writing skills.

Pedagogies employed in the M.Sc. Degree programme

• Class room teaching will be using black board and chalk, power point presentation and information and communications technology.
• Each student performs experiments as per the protocol in practical classes.
• Student seminar and PowerPoint presentations in every semester.
• Project work on a small research problem.
• Research paper presentation in National/ International conference.
• Publishing review/research article in peer reviewed journal.
• Literature review in the form of Dissertation.
• Invited talks from eminent scientists.

Instruments and Equipment

• UV-Visible Spectrophotometer
• Centrifuge
• Eppendorf Centrifuge
• Photoelectric Colorimeter
• pH meter
• Medical Monocular Microscope
• Magnetic stirrer with hot plate
• Electronic balance
• Hot air oven
• Soxhlet extractor
• Water baths
• Micropipettes
• Incubator
• Laminar air flow
• Bio-safety cabinet
• Gel Doc
• Vacuum pumps
• Scavenger Apparatus
• Condensers
• Heating mantle

Five-year Future Action Plan (2024-29)

Academic year 2024-25

• Examine and revise existing curriculum to generate skilled and employable labour for the advancement of the country.
• Standing committees made up of junior and senior academic staff members will revise curricula.
• Established feedback systems, such as student, parent, alumni, and instructor input, will be used more extensively.
• Purchasing the most recent and appropriate textbook edition to be available in the department library.
• Updating the laboratory practical by a thorough evaluation.
• Establishment of an active departmental Carrier counselling cell.
• Selecting the most important research areas to build bridges between academia and business.
• Supporting department faculty members in submitting research proposals.

Academic year 2025-26

• In order to effectively impart scientific information and skills, state-of-the-art teaching aids will be procured, implemented, and maintained.
• Purchasing the most recent and appropriate textbook edition to be available in the department library.
• Encouragement of Department faculty for submission of research projects.
• Extension lectures for Carrier counselling.
• Active engagement of department alumni in academic and Carrier counselling.
• Experts from industry and academia are involved in departmental research and academic activities to monitor academic standards, student employability, strengthen industrial relationships, and social inclusivity.
• When necessary, interdisciplinary and specialised research collaborations will be formed to conduct coordinated biochemical and multidisciplinary research projects.

Academic year 2026-27

• Extension of laboratory facilities, i.e., equipping the laboratories with modern equipment to enable students to engage practically with the theoretical knowledge.
• Active engagement of department alumni in academic and Carrier counselling.
• Development of a research network through collaborative research
• Publication of research outcome in world class peer review journals to enhance research visibility of academic staff.
• Establishment of departmental internal quality assurance cell to monitor research and academic outcome.

Academic year 2027-28

• Examine and revise existing curriculum to generate skilled and employable labour for the advancement of the country.
• Active engagement of department alumni in academic and Carrier counselling.
• Efforts will be made to build a research programme that will make important contributions to biochemistry and will benefit the community. During the selection of research ideas, several supervisory committees will guarantee that all studies contribute considerably to current knowledge.

Academic year 2028-29

• The establishment of an e-learning environment to include the most recent information and communication technology.
• Development of international research collaborations.

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

1. Suvidha Sonarwadkar, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Phytochemistry and pharmacology of a promising nutraceutical plant: Syzygium cumini” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
2. Shweta Desai, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Medicinal importance of poisonous plants” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
3. Samruddhi Suresh Akkole, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Recurring outbreaks of viral infections in India” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
4. Rajat Tineghatkar, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Herbal micro-sponge: A cost effective sunscreen gel for dermatological disorders: during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
5. Manisha H. Kapase, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Second cancer: Growing incidence and risk factors in children and adults” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
6. Bhavana Medikanal, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Impact of passive smoking on neurological conditions” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
7. Chaitra B. Antyal, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Alternatives for salt and sugar: Two white poisons” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
8. Ratna Chabbi, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Neurodegenerative diseases and Shatavari-Queen of herbs” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
9. Vijayakumar N. Bhavi, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Misconceptions of herbal cigarettes and herbal hookahs-A threat to the future generation” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
10. Abhishek U. Tegur, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Nano-cosmeceuticals and its recent advances” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
11. Parvat Patil, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Applications of nanotechnology in agriculture and food industry” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
12. Archana Shiragave, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Complications of cardiovascular disease during pregnancy” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
13. Gayatri Kulkarni, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of obesity on endometrial cancer” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
14. Prabhu Mural, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Recent advances on Senna alata and its Pharmacological importance” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
15. Basavamma V. Latti, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Overlooked side of Veganism and its effects on health” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
16. Siddharth Ajay Mutakekar, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of medicinal plants in treating Asthma” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
17. Prajakta R. Zende, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of ferroptosis and its applications in various diseases” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
18. Nikita K. Sambrekar, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Insights of carbohydrate-based drug development and its recent advances” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
19. Akanksha Patil, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of nutraceuticals in the management of hypertension” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
20. Akanksha Patil, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of Drug metabolizing enzymes in cancer” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
21. Amruta Maruti Gaikwad, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of algae in cancer management” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
22. Aditi Kedari Majagaonkar, Varsha Jayakar, Vinayak Lokapur, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Advances in nano-agrochemicals for sustainable agriculture” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
23. Chaitra B. Vantamuri, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Association of tobacco smoking and cancers” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
24. Dharmaprasad, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Panchgavya: boon to human health” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.
25. Kiran, Vinayak Lokapur, Varsha Jayakar, Santoshkumar Jayagoudar. “Role of earthworms for sustainable agriculture” during the National Conference Organised by PG Department of Biochemistry, Karnatak University, Dharwad on 24th-25th January, 2024.

Eligibility for M.Sc. Biochemistry program

Candidates who have passed three year B.Sc. Degree examination of Rani Channamma University or any other University considered as equivalent thereto, with Chemistry/Biochemistry as optional/major/special subjects with minimum of 45%(40% for SC/ST/Category-I candidates) marks are eligible for the programme provided they have studied biology/biological science subject as optional /major /special /minor /subsidiary subject either at B.Sc. or at PUC/Higher secondary level.

PG BIOCHEMISTRY SYLLABUS

MSc Biochemistry Syllabus

STUDENT PROJECT LIST

STUDY TOUR

One Day Visit to ICMR-NITM Belagavi

One Day Visit to KLE’s Basic Science Research Centre (BSRC)

One Day Visit to KMF, Belagavi

Study Tour CSIR-NIO & Goa University

PG DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY

INTERNSHIP DETAILS

DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY

One-Day Seminar

One-day Lecture Series

Guest Lecture on Opportunities, importance and functioning of Pharma Industries

MSC BIOCHEMISRTY GALLERY