Department of Bio-Chemistry — Profile

 Department Profile

Biochemistry is a unique branch of Life Sciences that specifies the biological process unravelling the essence of life. The scope of Biochemistry is therefore as broad as life itself. The B.Sc. programme in Biochemistry was started in the year 1995 under the Zoology Department during the Principalship of Rev. Sr. Dr. Anne Xavier. From 2004 onwards, it attained its independent status under the Principalship of Rev. Sr. Dr. Rosy.

 Our Journey

The department has expanded its academic repertoire and research status over the years:

 Academic & Research Highlights

We have a band of well-experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic faculty with doctoral degrees. The Department stands for its academic excellence by making the students explore new horizons in life sciences, achieving University Ranks every year. The Department has 4 patents, completed a Minor Project funded by TNSCST (2020–2022), and focuses on thrust areas of research such as Clinical Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Genomics, Nutritional Biochemistry, and Biopolymers.

Faculty members have collectively published 86 papers in prestigious national and international journals, alongside authoring four books. Additionally, the department has established two functional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with reputable research institutes, fostering collaboration and innovation. This dedication to research excellence has also been recognized with an Award of Excellence in Research by faculty.

A well-equipped laboratory provides facilities to carry out experiments related to biomolecules, cell biology, enzymes, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology, and phytochemical analysis. A separate food laboratory allows students to gain practical experience in food preservation techniques. To provide exposure in current aspects of Life Sciences, a number of conferences at both national and international levels, seminars, workshops, and educational tours are organized annually. Student organizing skills are fostered through intra-departmental meets (“MOLFEST”) and intercollegiate meets (“ELUTEADUS”).

Our alumnae are placed across leading positions globally, including Associate Director (Biopharma and Independent Consultant, San Diego, California, USA), Manager in Clinical Data Management (Daiichi-Sankyo, USA), Manager-Research Operations (Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA), Young Professional (National Research Centre for Banana, Trichy), Senior Executive in Quality Control (Biosystems Diagnostics, Chennai), Executive in Maiva Pharma Private Limited (Hosur), Assistant Professor (Rajas Dental College), and Senior Biochemist (Bioline Laboratory).

 Uniqueness

The Department offers skill-based practical courses like Pain Relief Formulation and Food Preservation Technology to develop entrepreneurial skills among students. Students are trained to prepare pharmaceutical products such as turpentine liniment, sulphur ointments, baby powder, face and tooth powders, calamine lotions, and preserved food products like jams, jellies, squashes, sauce, ketchup, tutti-frutti, and pickles.

To instill social responsibility among students, regular outreach programmes like “BIOSCINTILLATORS – Science cum Health Exhibition” are conducted. Through this programme, students create health awareness among rural school students by displaying models, charts, PowerPoint presentations, videos, etc. The anemic and nutritional status of all school children is also assessed, serving as a distinctive attribute of our department that benefits thousands of rural students annually.

 Vision & Mission