byGaganDeep
Updated on - 4 Jun, 2024
Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry is a postgraduate degree program that offers an advanced study of biochemical processes at an organism level. It is an extension of the knowledge frontier field involving areas like molecular biology, biophysics, bioanalytical techniques, clinical research etc. The course duration of Ph.D. Biochemistry is 4-6 years, with credits for course work and doctoral research under an appointed professor. The first 2 years are devoted to advanced level courses such as biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics.
The entrance examinations accepted for the Ph.D. Biochemistry programs in India are UGC NET for JRF, Joint CSIR UGC NET for JRF and ICMR JRF DBT JRF GATE etc some of the institute accepts the GRE score along with showing the research aptitude expressed through publications, projects etc. Majority of the research institute conduct their own written exam and interview for the purpose of checking research ability, analytical skill, and Performing well in any of these exams and having a proven research experience will boost the candidate’s stand a shot at being selected to join the doctoral program.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Form | Doctor of Philosophy (Biochemistry) |
| Duration | 3-5 years (full-time), may vary depending on research progress |
| Course Level | Doctoral |
| Eligibility | Master's degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related fields with a strong foundation in life sciences |
| Top Colleges | Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, National Institutes of Technology (NITs), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), University of Delhi (DU), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) |
1. A candidate must possess Master’s degree in Bio-chemistry/Chemistry/Microbiology/Molecular biology with at least 55% marks from a recognized University.
2. National level exams such as CSIR-NET, GATE, or exams carried out by UGC/IITs/IISc and other institutions may also present an opportunity.
3. Willing to work and capable of condition without backlogs in their bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as appropriate academic standing.
4. Other forms of documentation that should be provided include recommendation letters from previous professors or scientists asserting the candidate’s research skills.
5. Write a research proposal that fits the institutes of specialization according to the faculties’ research interests.
6. Ace it through a selection interview by a committee that looks for checking fundamentals, research ability and communication and specialized skills in the field.
1. CSIR-NET: They assess both the ability to do research and the knowledge of the subject as well as basic competencies in biochemistry.
2. GATE (BT/XL): Quantitative assessment of life sciences, biochemistry, and general knowledge through questions that test comprehension and analytical skills.
3. JNUEE: Used for testing the subject knowledge in biochemistry for the admission of the Ph.D program at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
4. TIFR GS: Tata Institute of Fundamental Research for Ph.D programs with the Judges competence in the biochemistry.
5. IIT JAM: Aims at assessing biochemistry knowledge, as well as qualifying candidates for M.Sc and Ph.D courses in IITs.
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| Advanced Biochemistry | Protein Structure & Function, Enzyme Kinetics & Regulation, Carbohydrate Metabolism, Lipid Metabolism, Nucleic Acid Biochemistry |
| Molecular Biology | Gene Structure & Function, Transcription, Translation, DNA Replication & Repair, Regulation of Gene Expression |
| Biophysical Techniques | Spectroscopy (UV-Vis, Fluorescence, NMR), Chromatography (HPLC, GC), Electrophoresis Techniques (SDS-PAGE, Western Blot), X-ray Crystallography |
| Cell Biology | Cell Structure & Function, Membrane Transport, Cell Signaling Pathways, Cell Cycle & Division |
| Metabolism | Regulation of Metabolic Pathways, Integration of Metabolism, Bioenergetics & Redox Reactions |
| Bioinformatics | Sequence Analysis Tools, Protein Structure Prediction, Molecular Docking, Gene Expression Analysis |
| Research Methods | Scientific Writing, Grant Proposal Writing, Scientific Ethics, Research Methodology & Statistics |
| Elective Courses | Offered based on program specialization (e.g., Neurochemistry, Immunology, Stem Cell Biology) |
| Research | Dissertation topic selection, Literature review, Experimental Design & Data Collection, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Thesis Writing & Defense |
1. Gather necessary documents such as GRE scores, TOEFL/IELTS for qualifying the universities’ requirements.
2. List universities and professors that had similar research interests and shortlist the programs one wants to apply.
3. Get ready with official documents like: transcript, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of purpose, resume/CV at least.
4. In order to apply, candidates are required to fill the online application form, pay the application fee, and upload the necessary documents before the stipulated date.
5. Eliminate based on academic performance, test performance, research experience and other accomplishments.
6. In such a case, one has to pay the fees and apply for a students visa if one is needed before enrolling in the program.
| University | Location |
|---|---|
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) | Manipal |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRM IST) | Chennai |
| Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) | Vellore |
| Amity University | Multiple Campuses |
| Symbiosis International (Deemed University) | Pune |
| The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute (Deemed University) | Chennai |
| Jain University | Bangalore |
| Shiv Nadar University | Noida |
| Presidency University | Bangalore |
| Specialization | Job Titles | Average Salary (Annual) |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology & Drug Discovery | Research Scientist, Drug Discovery Scientist, Bioprocess Engineer | INR 6-12 Lakhs |
| Structural Biology & Bioinformatics | Structural Biologist, Computational Biologist, Bioinformatics Scientist | INR 5-10 Lakhs |
| Molecular Biology & Genetics | Molecular Biologist, Genetic Engineer, Genomics Researcher | INR 5-9 Lakhs |
| Enzymology & Metabolism | Enzymologist, Metabolic Engineer, Nutritional Biochemist | INR 4-8 Lakhs |
| Protein Science & Engineering | Protein Scientist, Protein Engineer, Biomaterials Scientist | INR 5-9 Lakhs |
| Neuroscience | Neurobiochemist, Neuroscientist, Neurodegenerative Disease Researcher | INR 6-10 Lakhs |
| Immunology | Immunologist, Vaccine Researcher, Allergy & Autoimmunity Researcher | INR 5-9 Lakhs |
| Environmental Biochemistry | Environmental Scientist, Pollution Control Specialist, Bioremediation Researcher | INR 4-8 Lakhs |
| Teaching & Academics | University Professor, Research Scientist (Academia), Science Education Specialist | INR 5-10 Lakhs |
| Science Communication & Writing | Science Writer, Medical Writer, Science Journalist | INR 4-8 Lakhs |