MSc Biochemistry

Looking for a professional career in the field of Life Sciences can daunting because of the abundance of opportunities available to students, this leads to confusion about which career path to undertake. This article talks about one such discipline of Biological Science which is Biochemistry. In order to dig deep into understanding why an MSc Biochemistry can be the best career choice for graduates in Science. It becomes highly essential for you to analyze the various aspects of the course and all the prominent universities and colleges that cover this field of study. 

Understanding Biochemistry

Biochemistry is a branch of Biology which deals with the biochemical processes like growth, reproduction, metabolism, heredity etc that take place within the living body or are related to living organisms. The study is further divided into three disciplines: Protein Science, Metabolism and Molecular Genetics. Biochemistry focuses on understanding how various biological molecules give rise to chemical processes within or in between the living cells. This further helps to study the development of tissues, organs, organism structure and its functions.

Professionals in the field of Biochemistry who are studying the structure and functions of enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, proteins, metabolic activities and molecular basis of the actions of genes etc are often referred to as biochemists. Biochemistry is one of the most important fields of Science, which is gaining momentum because of its significant contribution to understanding the DNA structure. Biochemists are involved in research activities and specialization in various research techniques.  

Also Read: Scope of Biology As A Career

Specialization in Biochemistry

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology and Signaling
• Plant Biology
• Genetics
• Energy and Metabolism
• Development and Diseases
• Bioinformatics

What is MSc Biochemistry?

MSc Biochemistry is a 1 or 2 years postgraduate study in Biological Chemistry related to living organisms. Biochemical processes give rise to the incredible complexity of life through biochemical signalling and metabolism. Moreover, a study in Biochemistry talks about the structure and functions of cellular components like proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and other bio-molecules. During the course of study, students will be experimenting on yeasts, bacteria, cell cultures and plants in order to interpret results to prepare for the modern science laboratory. MSc Biochemistry will help students develop analytical and problem-solving skills apart from gaining a fundamental knowledge of biochemical activities within the living cells.

Highlights: MSc in Biochemistry

Particulars	Values
Degree Name	M.Sc Biochemistry
Degree Type	Postgraduate
Degree Duration	1 year-2 years
Entrance Exams in India	BHU-PET, GSAT, JET
Eligibility Criteria	Graduation in a related discipline with 50 percent aggregate or above
Admission process	Merit and entrance based
Fees for the entire duration	India: INR 3 Lakhs- INR 5 Lakhs Abroad: INR 15 Lakhs- 20 Lakhs
Average Salary	India: Rs. 5 Lakh Abroad: INR 30 Lakhs-
Job profiles	Professors, Associate engineers, Microbiologist, research scientists, Consultant, Pharmacologists, Lab Technician, Consultant, Bioscience Business Specialist, Biotechnologists.
Top recruiters	GlaxoSmithKline, Panacea, Wockhardt Limited, Biocon, Piramal Healthcare, Panacea,

Check Out: Bachelors in Life Sciences

What makes MSc Biochemistry so Interesting?

Biochemistry offers a plethora of career opportunities in private research institutions, hospitals, social and non-profit organisation and government agencies all hunting for expert biochemists. With the increase in diseases like cancer and AIDs and even mental disorders, pharmaceutical firms are looking for professionals to help finding remedy and cure for the same. And for the newly minted biochemists, scope to work in private research and development centres is increasing.

Eligibility Criteria

• The applicant should have completed a bachelor’s degree in the field of Biological Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related field from a recognized or accredited institution. 
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Cambridge English.
• GRE

Note: These are general eligibility requirements, any essential prerequisite specific to a particular university or colleges can be well researched on the official university or college website.

Admission Process: MSc Biochemistry

• Visit the official website of the institution. 
• Click on ‘Apply Now’ or ‘Register Here’
• Complete filling your education history with all the qualifications.
• Fill in the details of your employment history.
• Fill in your personal statement.
• Submit the application form by paying the mentioned fees.

Documents Required

 You will need the following documents to complete the application process:

1. Academic Transcript(s)
2. Proof of your English language proficiency (if your first language isn’t English or if English isn’t the language of guidance at your school) 
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Statement of Purpose
5. A curriculum vitae
6. A passport & UK Student Visa 
7. Financial Documents
8. Personal portfolio (if asked by the university) 

Top Colleges in India: MSc Biochemistry

The following list includes some of the top institutions and universities offering MSc in Biochemistry. According to rankings from NIRF, The Week, and India Today, a few of these colleges are among the best.

Universities	City	Tuition fee
University of Hyderabad	Hyderabad	INR 28,000
The Oxford College of Science	Bangalore	INR 1 Lakh
Fergusson College	Pune	INR 1.64 Lakhs
Aligarh Muslim University	Uttar Pradesh	INR 2.68 Lakhs
Amity University	Gurgaon	INR 2.09 Lakhs
University of Mysore	Mysore	INR 2.42 Lakhs
AIIMS	Delhi	INR 2,805
University of Delhi	Delhi	INR 20,000
Jamia Milia Islamia University	Delhi	INR 1.05 Lakhs
Maharishi Dayanand University	Rohtak	INR 22,034

Top Universities in Abroad: MSc Biochemistry

Here is a list of top universities and colleges abroad that offer MSc Biochemistry:

• University of Oxford
• Johns Hopkins University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• Cornell University
• University of Toronto
• University of Edinburgh
• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
• The University of British Columbia 
• University of Otago
• Trinity College Dublin
• University of Alberta
• University of New South Wales
• Free University of Berlin
• McGill University
• The Chinese University of Hong Kong 
• Purdue University
• The Ohio State University

Advancing a Career in Biochemistry

The study of Biochemistry allows you to understand how chemical and physical principles can be applied to biomolecules in complex living systems. A Masters in Biological Chemistry helps individuals, develop research skills in the field of Life Science and they can continue their research work to understand the structures, interactions, dynamics and metabolic pathways of bio-molecules. Below are the courses that you can opt for after completing a post-graduation in Biochemistry:

• M.Phil. in Biochemistry
• M.Phil. In Applied Chemistry
• PhD. in Biochemistry
• PhD. in Fluid Dynamics

These qualifications are an asset and are essential for academic research especially for those entering research associated careers such as Science Communication, Publishing, Clinical Career etc.

Also Explore: Msc in Biotechnology

MSc Biochemistry: Job Opportunities

The world is gradually evolving which requires professionals in the field of Biochemistry to understand the living organisms evolving with it and their role in the environment. Below is a list of area of employment for biochemists or experts in Biochemistry:

• Hospitals
• Forensic Science
• Biotechnology
• Food and Drink Industries
• Research Companies 
• Sales and Marketing Firms
• Chemical Manufacturing Companies
• Health and Beauty Care
• Drug Manufacturing Companies
• Public Health Entities
• Industrial Laboratories
• Cancer Research Institutes
• Research Departments
• Educational Institutions
• Environmental Pollution Control
• Agriculture and Fisheries
• Public Health Laboratories
• Pharmaceuticals

MSc Biochemistry offers a fast-paced interactive network with job opportunities all across the world at various levels. Below is a list of job profiles that you can consider in order to advance your career in Biological Chemistry:

• Biotechnologist
• Microbiologist
• Pharmacologist
• Anaesthesiologist
• Cytologist
• Toxicologist
• Geneticist
• Research Scientist
• Clinical Scientist
• Biomedical Scientist
• Research Associates
• Laboratory Technician
• Chemist
• Quality Control Manager
• Assistant Production Manager
• Product Manager
• Operations Analyst
• Consultant
• Professor or Assistant Professor
• Business Specialist

Average Salary: MSc Biochemistry Graduates

Job Prospects	Salary/month
Research Scientist	INR  1L
Pharmacists	INR  50K
Research Biochemist	INR  55K
Quality Controller	INR  30K
Regional Manager	INR 80K

FAQs

We hope this article has helped you understand the contribution of biochemists in developing a healthy and secure world. So, if you are a graduate in Science and are interested in learning more about biochemical processes, then MSc Biochemistry is the perfect course for you. You can also reach out to the counsellors at Leverage Edu who can help you find a suitable university to advance your career in the Biochemistry.