Biochemistry has become one of the most influential areas of science and is becoming a huge part of scientific research and development. It is the core of Medical Sciences and pharmaceuticals, and one of the most rewarding careers in the STEM domain. Like Medical Sciences, Biochemistry has an ongoing furore of breakthroughs, and profound discoveries every year.
What Is Biochemistry?
Biochemistry is a trending career in the science field, which deals with the chemical reactions and combinations of living organisms due to their biological functions such as growth, reproduction, genealogy, etc., and its impact on the environment. Biochemistry is further divided into three subparts:
- Structural Biology
- Enzymology
- Metabolism
A biochemist analyses the behavioural structure and chemical breakdown of enzymes, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates as well as the molecular forms of genes and metabolic processes of organisms in the ecosystem.
Careers In Biochemistry
Students enthusiastic to make a career in science can opt for a variety of courses in Biochemistry. Colleges throughout India offer lucrative degrees for budding scholars to join after completing their class XII from the science stream.
A Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry is the most chosen 3-year degree in the field. It provides students with in-depth know-how and practical knowledge of the significance of the chemical principles along with their functions and processes. The course includes specialization fields such as Molecular Biology, Genetics, and Bioinformatics.
Graduates in Biochemistry can opt for careers in Clinical Research, Biomedical or Forensic Science, Nanotechnology, and more. Emerging careers for science students in the field of biochemistry like Sports Nutritionists and Medicine Professionals are also sought-after and highly paid professions.
Also read: Welcome to the Future: 9 Emerging Careers for Science Students
In most colleges admission for undergraduate programs is granted to students based on their performance in the university entrance exams, and at least a score of 50% in the class 12th board examinations. However, some colleges provide seats based completely on merit.
The most common entrance exams taken by India’s top government colleges, for Biochemistry are:
- IISER BSc Entrance Exam is a common test for the seven IISERS, taken to provide admission for the BS-MS degree program.
- DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test) is a common entrance examination for students seeking admission for courses offered by the University of Delhi.
BSC Biochemistry Vs. BSC Chemistry
Biochemistry and Chemistry are both considered desirable careers for a student who has completed class XII. While both courses are confusingly familiar to each other, there are some significant differences between the two.
BSc Biochemistry deals with the study of chemical reactions in living organisms and is a great alternative to MBBS for students who opted for PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in their XII. Additionally, field professionals are highly paid and favored in the health industry.
Like BSc Biochemistry, BSc Chemistry is also a 3-year course in all colleges across the country. It involves the study of chemical processes at a molecular and cellular level. A BSc Chemistry graduate is exposed to an extensive range of laboratory research projects and various other analytical chemical reaction phenomena.
Graduates can opt for some of the highest paying careers in India, such as Chemist, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical and Healthcare professionals, and Toxicology.
Also read: 10 Highest Paying Careers in India that Everyone Craves For
Top 5 Colleges For Biochemistry
The top colleges in India are ranked by NIRF (National Institute of Ranking Framework), a government-ranking agency that works under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD). The NIRF ranks colleges and universities based on teaching, outcomes, resources, research, and other significant parameters.
1. Hindu College- University of Delhi
Hindu College is a constituent college of Delhi University, which was established in 1899 in New Delhi, India. It has been ranked the 3rd best college in the country by NIRF and has been awarded the honorary status of “Star College” for its Department of Biotechnology, by the Ministry of Science and Technology. Hindu is famous for its intensive Arts, Science, and Commerce subjects under undergraduate as well as post-graduate programs. It is also popular for providing the best careers in the STEM domain.
Apart from great academic facilities, well-maintained laboratories, and stocked libraries, the college is also equipped with a Basketball court, cricket field, a seminar room, and a large auditorium for all kinds of extracurricular activities.
2. St. Stephen’s College- Delhi
St. Stephen’s is the largest contributor of Indian Rhodes, Chevening, and Commonwealth Scholars across various disciplines. It is famous for its notable alumni, diverse courses, and esteemed faculty comprising the best professionals. The college offers UG and PG courses in the fields of Humanities, Languages, and Science.
St. Stephens is a much-desired college to sports enthusiasts and academics alike due to its ample sports facilities, and its large library, home to rare Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts and archives.
The student societies at St. Stephen’s bring out the best talents in the professional fields of acting, debating, quizzing, photography, and more. It is ranked the 3rd best among the science colleges of India.
3. St. Xavier’s College- Kolkata
St. Xavier’s is an autonomous college run by the Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus in Kolkata. It was established in 1860, at the previously known Sans Souci Theatre, by the Jesuits. It has been ranked 4th among the colleges in India, by the NIRF. The college offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs and 5-year integrated programs for the field of Biotechnology and other STEM departments.
It is also reputed for the historically important Goethals Library, home to the oldest periodicals, ancient journals, and books.
St. Xavier’s entered into a collaboration with the University of Manitoba, Canada in 2008 opening the cultural doors of foreign exchange to its students.
4. Queen Mary’s College- Chennai
Chennai’s third oldest women’s college and South India’s second-oldest college carries a proud list of notable alumni starting from R. Sivabhogam, India’s first female chartered accountant, and Laxmi Sehgal a known freedom fighter. The college is reputed for its faculty and a variety of courses for women across India.
Queen Mary’s plays a key role in promoting and imparting education to the girl child in the lower economic parts of Chennai.
5. Hansraj College- Delhi
A constituent of Delhi University, Hansraj College was established in 1948. It has been consistently ranked among the top 10 institutions of India for years. The college has an ever-growing reputation for its departments of Liberal Arts, Science, and Commerce. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and certificate-diploma courses in various disciplines including acting, advertising, and filmmaking.
The college also focuses on sports, winning national championships in pistol shooting, archery, water polo, and other distinguished activities.
Conclusion
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