As a biochemist, you will study the chemical substances, structure and chemical reaction of living organisms. You will also focus on cell development, growth, disease and the changes they undergo during their life.
A biochemist would analyse enzymes and DNA to find the effect of drug and food on various biological processes. They manage laboratory teams and monitor the quality of their work. They have to use electron microscopes, lasers and other laboratory instruments and other software to determine the structures of molecules.
The daily duties and responsibilities of biochemists in a typical day’s work may vary depending upon their area of specialisation. These may involve
Conducting basic research and employing them for the benefit in different fields like medicine, environmental science, manufacturing, agriculture, and veterinary science
Studying body fluids and tissues in investigating and treating diseases working in hospital settings and laboratories
Planning of analytical tests, setting up the right equipment for use, validating data and documentation, report writing and sharing findings with colleagues and supervisors
Isolating, analyzing or synthesizing vitamins, minerals, allergens, hormones and enzymes and determining their effects on body functions
Managing and monitoring the quality of laboratory teams
Professors who work in the field in universities will be involved in teaching or advising undergraduate or graduate students and supervising their research
Helping crime scene investigators to solve cases by collecting and analyzing biological samples such as blood ,saliva, skin, and hair of criminals and suspects
Studying Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the 10+2 level and securing a 50% score in these subjects would be a prerequisite for admission into undergraduate courses in biochemistry.
The common course offered at the UG level in this area is BSc Biochemistry. The duration of the course is usually 3 years.
BSc with at least one subject of Biological Sciences or Medical and allied medical sciences (BAMS/MBBS/BHMS/BPT/BPharm) graduates as well as BSc graduates with Physics and Chemistry optionals, could be considered for admission into MSc Biochemistry course.
After completing the UG course, candidates can go for post graduation in MSc Biochemistry. The duration of the course is usually 3 years.
After pursuing Master’s, you can directly go for PhD if your profile (including projects, research papers, and internships) and research proposal is excellent.
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A biochemist must showcase the practical skills required for operating scientific equipment and performing experiments.
Analytical skills are vital for biochemists as they have to conduct researches and interpret the results.
Biochemists need to have a good understanding of math, including statistics and calculus as they work on different formulas and complex equations in their work on a regular basis. As most of the labs are highly computerised, it’s crucial to have good skills in computers.
Biochemists might have to work towards a common goal with a team of interdisciplinary professionals . Thus interpersonal skills are an important skill to have in such environments.
Biochemists have to develop an expertise in writing as they have to write funding applications and grant proposals.
Health care sector
Pharmaceutical sector
Clinical laboratory
Forensic science services
Forensic science services
