Biochemistry

Dr.M.Saradha

The Department of Biochemistry is marking 46 years of excellence in teaching & clinical service with exciting new areas to celebrate. The broad canvas of our department includes extensive facilities and new equipment for diverse biochemical tests with an associated continuous research effort. The Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology prides itself on its commitment to excellent teaching - fresher seminar introducing our graduate students to world of biochemistry and research, to acquaint them with the opportunities and experiences available to them at the beginning of their academic career. This also allows the student to take better advantage of their options and acquire a wider range of experience. We welcome new students to join us.

GRADUATE ACADEMIC PROGRAM

Biochemistry includes Medical Physics and Molecular Biology. The broad goal of the teaching under-graduate students in bio-chemistry is to make them understand the scientific basis of the life processes at the molecular level and to orient them towards the application of the knowledge acquired in solving clinical problems. At the end of the course, the student shall be capable to:

• Describe the molecular and functional organisation of a cell and its subcellular components; Delineate structure, function and inter-relationship of biomolecules and consequences of deviation from normal; summarize the fundamental aspects of enzymology and clinical application where in regulation of enzymatic activity is altered.
• Describe digestion and assimilation of nutrients and consequences of malnutrition; Integrate the various aspects of metabolism and their regulatory pathways; Explain the biochemical basis of inherited disorders with their associated sequel; Describe mechanisms involved in maintenance of body fluid and pH homeostasis; Outline the molecular mechanisms of gene expression and regulation the principles of genetic engineering and their application in medicine. Summarize molecular concept of body defenses and their application in medicine. Outline the biochemical basis of environmental health hazards, biochemical basis of cancer and carcinogenesis; Familiarize with the principles of various conventional and specialized laboratory investigations and instrumentation, analysis and interpretation of a given data. Suggest experiments to support theoretical concepts and clinical diagnosis. Make use of conventional techniques/instruments to perform biochemical analysis relevant to clinical screening and diagnosis. Analyze and interpret investigative data. Demonstrate the skills of solving scientific and clinical problems and decision making. The knowledge acquired in biochemistry shall help the students to integrate molecular events with structure and function of the human body in health and disease. The students study Bio chemistry for a period of one year during 1st year of M.B.B.S. They are divided into 2 batches for Theory and practical classes conducted by all teaching faculty of the department. As per norms laid down by Medical Council of India ,240 hours are allocated in the first M.B.B.S. to teach biochemistry. Three hours per week is allotted to theory classes for the entire batch and 4 hours for practical to each batch. Seminars and group discussions involving participation of students are conducted every month. Periodic Internal Assessment tests both in theory & practical and viva voce are conducted. A minimum of 5 - 6 internal assessment tests are conducted throughout the year. A model theory & practical examination is conducted prior to the university examination in the month of June. The academic progress and attendance detail of each student is communicated to the parents in the months of December and June every year.

BASIC BIOCHEMISTRY

The Department has a dedicated CLINICAL CHEMISTRY lab service for all material received from the OPD and wards of TVMCH and other affiliate hospitals. The laboratory has automated processing systems and undergoes quality assurance reviews between the biochemists. This unit of our department is the standalone referral unit for government run hospitals in the southern region of State of Tamilnadu. This lab works 24x7 with a team of dedicated technicians.

ENZYMOLOGY

ENDOCRINOLOGY