Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

Ph.D. in Biochemistry is a 3 to 5 year-long doctoral course. Minimum eligibility for applying to the course is the successful completion of post-graduation in Biochemistry, from a recognized university.

The average tuition fee charged for the course in India ranges between INR 50,000 and 4 Lacs, for the whole span of the course.

Admission to the course is based on the round of counselling conducted after the candidate’s qualification of a relevant entrance test, such as UGC-NET.

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Such postgraduates are hired in capacities such as:

• Analytical Chemist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Healthcare Scientist
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Clinical Research Associate
• Forensic Scientist
• Physician Associate
• Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Toxicologist, etc.

Popular hiring industries for such postgraduates include:

• Drug Manufacturing Companies
• Public Health Entities
• Blood Service
• Industrial Laboratories
• Cancer research institutes
• Research Departments
• Educational Institutes
• Environmental Pollution Control, etc.

The average annual salary offered to successful postgraduates of the course in India ranges between INR 4 and 20 Lakhs, increasing with the candidate’s experience and skillsets.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry: Course Highlights

Listed below are some of the major highlights of the course.

Course Level	Post-Graduate
Duration	3 to 5 years
Examination Type	Semester System
Eligibility	Post-graduation in Biochemistry
Admission Process	Based on counselling after qualification of a relevant entrance test, like UGC-NET.
Course Fee	INR 50,000 to 4 Lakhs for 3 years
Average Starting Salary	INR 4 to 20 lacs per annum
Top Recruiting Companies	Drug Manufacturing Companies, Public Health Entities, Blood Service, Industrial Laboratories, Cancer research institutes, Research Departments, Educational Institutes, Environmental Pollution Control, Agriculture and fisheries, Forensic Science, Hospitals, Public Health Laboratories, Cosmetic Industries, etc.
Job Positions	Analytical Chemist, Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Scientist, Clinical Biochemist, Clinical Research Associate, Forensic Scientist, Physician Associate, Research Scientist (Life Sciences), Scientific Laboratory Technician, Toxicologist, and such.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry: What is it About?

The course involves advanced research in the allied disciplines of:

• Biotechnology

• Microbiology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry.

Such scholars typically possess advanced and specialized training and expertise in the area.

The job of a Biochemist encompasses a wide range of scientific topics, including:

• stem cell research
• genetic research
• immunology
• pharmacology
• forensics
• cancer research
• environmental science
• food science.

This interdisciplinary course involves an advanced study of biological processes such as:

• Reproduction
• Aging
• Genetics
• Micro-level components such as carbohydrates, enzymes and fats and their functions at the cellular level.
• Macro-level components such as respiration, metabolism, etc.

In the industry, biochemistry is often a collaborative field. Biochemists typically work with professionals from various fields to accomplish their goals. These professionals can range across job positions such as:

• Scientists
• Engineers
• Marketing and sales personnel
• Legal professionals, etc.

Top Institutes offering Ph.D. in Biochemistry

Listed below are some of the top institutes in India that offer the course.

Name of Institute	City	Fees
Central Drug Research Institute	Lucknow	INR 90,000 (course)
Shiv Nadar University	Greater Noida	INR 2.96 Lacs (course)
National Institute of Technology, Surathkal	Mangalore	INR 1.04 Lacs (course)
Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar	Ahmedabad	INR 4.55 Lacs (course)
Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad	Telangana	INR 3.34 Lacs (course)
Lovely Professional University	Punjab	INR 39,500 (course)
IIT	Delhi	INR 3.50 Lacs (course)
NIT	Silchar	INR 17,620 (course)
Jaipur National University	Jaipur	INR 57,150 (course)
DIT University	Dehradun	INR 75,800 (course)
SRI RAMACHANDRA UNIVERSITY	Chennai	INR 75,000 (course)
Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology	Surat	INR 1,27,000 (course)
Periyar Maniammai University	Thanjavur	INR 40,500 (course)
Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical College	Meerut	INR 1.3 Lacs (course)
Amity University	Jaipur	INR 40,000 (course)
Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College Of Arts & Science	Coimbatore	INR 18,000 (course)
Shri Brijlal Biyani Science College	Mumbai	INR 5000 (course)
IFTM's School of Science	Dehradun	INR 90,840 (course)
Santosh University	Gaziabad	INR 3 Lacs (course)
Sharda University	Noida	INR 10 Lacs (course)

Eligibility for Ph.D. in Biochemistry

Listed below are the minimum criteria which candidates interested in pursuing the course are required to fulfil, in order to be eligible to apply for the course.

• M.Sc. in disciplines consistent with the research areas of the department.
• B.Tech. / M.Tech. in any branch of Engineering/ Bio Technology or other interdisciplinary areas.
• B.Tech./ M.Tech. or equivalent degree in Biochemistry.
• A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of graduation.

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Ph.D. in Biochemistry: Admission Process

In India universities have rights to set their own procedure and standards for admission to Ph.D. programs. But the set of requirements for the application are similar. These include a compulsary research proposal, detailing the proposed outline of the candidate’s Ph.D. project, and explaining the methodology one plans to employ.

Most institutes offering the course admit students based on their performance in a relevant entrance test followed by a round of Personal Interview. Admission process generally varies across institutes.

Candidates are selected based on performance in the UGC/ CSIR (JRF)/ NET/ GATE, etc. examinations, and subsequent round of Personal Interview.

Ph.D. in Biochemistry: Syllabus and Course Description

A paper-wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated here.

Paper-I
Bio techniques	Computational sequence analysis
Computer Applications and Research Methodology	Drug protein and nucleic acid docking mechanisms
Molecular Biology	Protein and protein nucleic acid interactions
DNA techniques	Protein array and protein chips
Fundamental techniques of Genetics	Central tendency, dispersion and variability
PCR & RT PCR	Correlation coefficient
Southern, western and northern blot	Probability theory
DNA & RNA sequence analysis.	ANOVA: one-way and two-way classification.
Protein Biochemistry: Spectroscopic methods	Genomics of prokaryotes & eukaryotes
Fluorescence, Circular Dicrosim	Functional genomics
Mass spectrometery	Pharmaco-genomics
Electrophoresis	Pharmaco-genetics
PAGE, SDS PAGE	System Biology
Electron microscopic techniques	Drug transport models
SEM, TEM freeze fracture technique	Immuno-electrophoresis
Ultracentrifugation	Immunoblotting
Sedimentation velocity	Sub cellular fractionation
Sedimentation coefficient	Protein sequence analysis.
Protein & nucleic acid	Bioinformatics & Biostatistics
Paper-II
Chosen area of research.	-

Ph.D. (Biochemistry): Career Prospects

Popular hiring organizations include:

• Medical Instrument companies
• Food and Drink industries
• Research Companies and Laboratories
• Sales and Marketing Firms
• Chemical manufacturing companies
• Health and Beauty Care, etc.

Suh postgraduates are hired incapacities such as:

• Analytical chemist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Healthcare Scientist
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Clinical Research Associate
• Forensic Scientist
• Physician Associate
• Research Scientist (Life Sciences)
• Scientific Laboratory Technician
• Toxicologist, etc.

• Biotechnologist
• Research Scientist
• Clinical Scientist
• Research Associates
• Chemist
• Microbiologist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Pharmacologist
• Laboratory Technician, etc.

Some of the popular professional avenues open to successful postgraduates of the course are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Job Position	Job Description	Average Annual Pay Scale in INR
Biotechnologist	Techniques or activities employed by Biotechnologists vary depending on the employer or specialist area, but may include analysing samples from various sources to provide information on compounds or quantities of compounds present. They also employ analytical techniques and instrumentation, such as gas and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Ion Chromatography, Electro-Chromatography and Spectroscopy (infrared and ultraviolet, amongst others).	2,98,326
Research Scientist	Research Scientists work in almost every area of science imaginable. They plan and carry out experiments and investigations in a range of areas, including Geoscience, Medical Research, Meteorology and Pharmacology.	1,473,953
Energy Manager	Energy Managers plan, regulate and monitor energy use in an organisation or facility. They coordinate all aspects of energy management, from reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, to waste management and sustainable development. They adopt procedures of operation to encourage the use of renewable and sustainable energy resources within an organisation or community. They develop solutions for carbon management, and raise energy conservation initiatives.	1,473,953
Clinical Scientist	Clinical Scientists, often also referred to as Medical Scientists, work in hospitals, laboratories, research centres, institutes, universities, and clinics. Clinical Scientists work to advance knowledge in biomedical research, medicine, and the processes that drive and support living organisms, though they may also work to develop products, treatments, and medications based on such knowledge. Typical duties of Clinical Scientists include devising and carrying out research and experiments, supervising assistants and lab techs, drafting, implementing and evaluating guidelines, conducting tests, and many other duties, depending on their work environment and specific role.	4,08,786
Research Assistant	Another option for Biochemistry majors is a career as a Research Assistant, working in government or private laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, or facilities connected to the growing field of Biotechnology. Though jobs involving a high level of research require an advanced degree, there are still many jobs at the assistant or technician level open to those with graduate degrees.	3,74,795
Clinical Laboratory Technologist	Clinical Laboratory Technologists use their backgrounds in Biochemistry to conduct experiments on bacteria, viruses, and microorganisms. Technologists may perform tests on levels of compounds in human blood, monitor growth of bacteria, or examine the effects of drugs on viruses. Depending on the laboratory environment they are in, these professionals may be involved in a broad range of studies or specialize in a specific field, such as Bacteriology or Virology. Clinical Laboratory Technologists may find employment in government health agencies, drug manufacturing companies, or health care facilities.	4,87,745
Medical Research Scientist	Research Scientist positions typically require either a Master's degree or Ph.D. in subjects such as Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Analytical Chemistry. Independent research positions could require a Ph.D., several years' worth of experience in a postdoctoral position, and a portfolio of published research. A job involving clinical work where scientists interact with patients in a medical capacity requires professionals to hold a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and a State license to practice medicine. Positions bridging the gap between research and clinical medicine may require both an M.D. and a Ph.D.	424,819
Medical Biochemistry Technician	Technician-level positions are available in both research and clinical laboratories. Technicians in clinical labs perform routine tests and sample analysis, and communicate the results to doctors. In research laboratories, they perform simple experiments and sample preparation. Lab Technicians also operate and maintain lab equipment, and may manage lab inventory. Medical biochemistry technician positions generally require a bachelor's degree in biology or a related field. Some employers accept an associate's degree or certificate when accompanied by a number of years of relevant work experience, but advancement past a certain level of responsibility in this field is generally not possible without a 4-year degree.	9,76,000
Professor, Biochemistry	Lab research and teaching jobs can also be found at universities and medical schools. University Professors must balance their time between designing research, managing their lab, and teaching. Senior professors often have other administrative duties as well, such as acting as academic deans or department heads, designing department curricula, and sitting on academic committees. Tenure-track faculty positions at 4-year universities usually require a Ph.D. and several years of postdoctoral research experience. Lecturer-level positions at 4-year universities and tenure-track positions at 2-year colleges may only require a master's degree. Faculty positions at medical schools usually require an M.D.	9,64,916

Aspirants seeking admission to 3-year Full-time Ph.D. Program should meet the following criteria as specified by the institute.

Academic Requirement:

A candidate having a minimum 55% (5% relaxation for SC/ST candidates in the minimum eligibility) marks in the master degree