BSc Hons in Biochemistry: Syllabus, Subjects, Eligibility, Scope, and Course Details

BSc Honours Biochemistry is a three-year undergraduate programme offering specialised studies in biochemistry. Students study a diverse range of interesting topics, such as physiology, cell biology, immunology, and the various biochemical procedures related to organisms.

While the essential eligibility criteria for admission to this programme is having at least 50% marks in 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry and Biology subjects, certain universities may require candidates to appear in an entrance examination.

Individuals looking for vital information for the BSc Hons in Biochemistry programme can read this blog for information on BSc Hons Biochemistry eligibility, syllabus, subjects, scope and more.

BSc Hons Biochemistry Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for the BSc Hons Biochemistry programme must fulfil the following eligibility criteria.

1. Candidates must have passed 12th grade (or equivalent examination Diploma) from a recognised state or central board.
2. They must have secured a minimum of 50% marks in 12th grade with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) as elected subjects.

Candidates must know that in addition to the above-mentioned eligibility criteria, several institutes or universities may require candidates to clear the entrance exam for admission to the BSc Hons Biochemistry course.

BSc Hons Biochemistry Course Details

1. Duration of the Course: 3 years
2. Eligibility: Candidates must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in 12th grade or equivalent. The marks criteria for reserved category students are relaxed.
3. Admission Process: Merit-based or entrance exam based
4. Average Course Fee Range: INR 11,000 to 3.25 Lacs
5. Average Salary for Beginners: Rs. 15,000 to 20,000
6. Popular Job Roles: Lecturer, Demonstrator, Assembly Line Manager, Researcher, and Quality Tester

BSc Honours in Biochemistry 1st Year Syllabus

In the first semester of the BSc Hons Biochemistry syllabus, students enhance their knowledge of fundamental chemistry, basic microbiology, and topics like cell biology or biomolecules. The list of first-year subjects in BSc Biochemistry Honours is mentioned below.

1. Basic Chemistry
1. Chemical Bonding, Atomic Structure, Periodic Table
2. Fundamental concepts of chemistry, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, and periodicity
2. Cell Biology
1. Cell Structure, Cell Organelles, Cell Cycle
2. Study of cell biology, including cell structure, organelles, and cell cycle
3. Basic Microbiology
1. Microbial Diversity, Microscopy Techniques
2. Introduction to microbiology covering microbial diversity and basic microscopy techniques
4. Introduction to BioMolecules
1. Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, Nucleic Acids
2. Overview of biomolecules such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
5. Technical Biochemistry
1. Techniques in Biochemistry, Laboratory Skills
2. Introduction to laboratory techniques and skills in biochemistry
6. Proteins
1. Protein Structure, Function, Enzymes
2. Detailed study of proteins, including structure, function, and enzyme kinetics
7. Enzymes
1. Enzyme Kinetics, Mechanisms, Regulation
2. In-depth analysis of enzymes covering kinetics, mechanisms, and regulatory processes
8. Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
1. Chemical Reactions, Thermodynamics, Kinetics
2. Exploration of inorganic and physical chemistry concepts like chemical reactions and kinetics
9. Stereochemistry
1. Isomerism, Stereoisomers, Chirality
2. Study of stereochemistry focusing on isomerism, stereoisomers, and chirality
10. Microbial Technology
1. Microbial Culturing, Fermentation, Bioprocessing
2. Introduction to microbial technology, including culturing, fermentation, and bioprocessing

BSc Hons Biochemistry Syllabus of 2nd Semester

The second-year subjects in BSc Biochemistry Honours are more advanced than the first-year subjects offered in the Biochemistry syllabus for BSc Hons. The second-year subjects of BSc Hons Biochemistry include:

1. Metabolism of Carbohydrates and Lipids
1. Carbohydrate Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism
2. Detailed study of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism
2. Membrane Biology and Bioenergetics
1. Cell Membrane Structure, Energy Production
2. Exploration of membrane biology and bioenergetics focusing on cell membrane structure and energy production
3. Hormone: Biochemistry and Function
1. Hormone Structure, Signaling Pathways
2. Study of hormones, their structures, and signalling pathways
4. Gene Organisation, Replication, and Repair
1. DNA Structure, Replication, DNA Repair
2. Comprehensive coverage of gene organisation, replication, and repair mechanisms in DNA

BSc Hons Biochemistry Syllabus of 3rd Semester

Various third-year subjects in BSc Biochemistry Honours include the following.

1. Gene Expression and Regulation
1. Transcription, Translation, Gene Regulation
2. Study of gene expression mechanisms, including transcription, translation, and gene regulation
2. Concepts in Genetics
1. Mendelian Genetics, Genetic Variation
2. Introduction to genetics covering Mendelian principles and genetic variation
3. Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology
1. Recombinant DNA Technology, Applications
2. Exploration of genetic engineering techniques and biotechnological applications
4. Immunology
1. Antibodies, Immune System, Antigens,
2. Overview of immunology covering the immune system, antigens, and antibody production
5. Practical
1. Laboratory Exercises, Experiments, Reports
2. Practical sessions focusing on laboratory exercises, experiments, and report writing

A Quick Glance at Subjects in BSc Biochemistry Honours

The main subjects covered under the BSc Biochemistry Honours include the following.

1. Molecular Genetics
2. Bioinformatics
3. Microbiology
4. Chemistry
5. Immunology
6. Metabolism
7. Organic Chemistry

BSc Hons Biochemistry Scope

Careers in BSc Biochemistry Hons have achieved immense popularity over the years. Upon completing their degree course, graduates can explore diverse job roles that match their interests. The popular job roles for the degree holders of BSc Biochemistry Honours include Research Scientist, Lab Technician, Pharmacologist, Biomedical Scientist, Analytical Chemist, Microbiologist, Clinical Biochemist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Biotechnologist, and Clinical Research Associate.

Conclusion

BSc Honours in Biochemistry is a valuable degree that provides students with in-depth knowledge of biochemistry and related subjects. The degree prepares students for lucrative research, development, and industry careers. The students of BSc Hons Biochemistry must have profound observation and interpretation skills. They must also remain updated with the latest developments in Biochemistry, which enhances knowledge of the subject while maximising the possibilities for top-paid jobs in biochemistry.

FAQs

Q1: What is BSc Hons Biochemistry?

A1: BSc Hons in Biochemistry stands for Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biochemistry. It is a three-year undergraduate degree programme offering in-depth knowledge of Biochemistry and various related topics for research and exploration.

Q2: What is the difference between Biochemistry and Biochemistry Honours?

A2: In a Biochemistry course, like a BSc in Biochemistry, students study the basic concepts of Biochemistry. On the contrary, the BSc Hons in Biochemistry teaches more advanced research topics in detail. In short, BSc Honours in Biochemistry offers a profound knowledge of Biochemistry.

Q3: Who is eligible for BSc Biochemistry Honours?

A3: Candidates who have secured at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in class 12th from a recognised board can apply for a BSc Hons in Biochemistry.