Biochemistry - An Extensive Scientific Discipline
Biochemistry
is the study of the structure, composition, and chemical reactions of
substances in living systems. Biochemistry emerged as a separate
discipline when scientists combined biology with organic, inorganic, or
physical chemistry and began to study such topics as how living things
obtain energy from food, the chemical basis of heredity, and what
fundamental changes occur in disease. Biochemistry includes the sciences
of molecular biology, genetics & recombinant DNA technology,
microbiology, immunology, pathology, pharmacology, environmental
sciences, nutrition & diet planning, immunochemistry,
neurochemistry, and bioinorganic, bioorganic, biophysical and
bio-analytical chemistry.
Biochemistry is applied to medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine. In food science,
biochemists research ways to develop abundant and inexpensive sources
of nutritious foods, determine the chemical composition of foods, and
develop methods to extract nutrients from waste products, or invent ways
to prolong the shelf life of food products. In agriculture,
biochemists study the interaction of pesticides with plants. They
examine the structure-activity relationships of compounds, determine
their ability to inhibit growth, and evaluate the toxicological effects
on surrounding life.
Biochemistry spills over into pharmacology, physiology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry.
In these areas, a biochemist may investigate the mechanism of a drug
action; engage in viral research; conduct research pertaining to organ
function; or use chemical concepts, procedures, and techniques to study
the diagnosis and therapy of disease and the assessment of health.
Work in the field of biochemistry is often related to toxicology
to understand ways in which organic compounds in the body are changed
by enzymes into toxic metabolites and also in determining the health
effects of inhaled pollutants.
Biochemistry Discipline At Mithibai College
Mithibai
College introduced the much need-based, career oriented, self-financing
undergraduate in the year 1995. The first batch of T.Y.B.Sc- 3 Units,
appeared in the year 1998. The course was upgraded to B.Sc-
Biochemistry-6 Units during the year 1999-2000. Thereafter in 2007, we
extended our wings and started the M.Sc course, keeping in the demand
from our students and the need of industries. The main purpose of the
course is to develop professional skills among the students so as to
meet the requirements of business houses.
The
mission of the course is
“To Build A Multidisciplinary Learning And Research Environment Founded On Value Based Principles When All Involved Shall Contribute Effectively, Efficiently And Responsibly To The Society”
The
course for Biochemistry- 6 units, has been skillfully designed wherein
the building blocks of biochemistry are introduced at the first year of
graduation. The intrinsic details of human physiology, microbial and
biotechnological applications as well as introduction to genetics and
pharmacology covered during S.Y.B.Sc. At the T.Y.B.Sc level a whole
repertoire of subjects as Immunology, Pathophysiology, Environmental
sciences, Biostatistics, Metabolism- the basis of life, along with an
insight into analytical techniques, and Nutrition and Dietetics are
covered. Thus the ‘Foundation of Life’ is wonderfully dealt with in this curriculum. The M.Sc curriculum is aimed at elaborating these subjects in depth.
Benefits of pursuing Biochemistry
Biochemists are curious
about the chemical origin of life, the cell, the effects of organisms on
the cell, and how altering conditions can improve life on earth. They
are creative, imaginative, hardworking individuals who enjoy interacting
with other scientists to discover applications for their work.
Perseverance is a key to success. Because they often work in teams,
biochemists must be cooperative and able to work well with others. Oral
and written communication skills are essential. Biochemists usually
establish an area of expertise, but diversity and flexibility are
essential when working with other disciplines.
Placement opportunities
Biochemistry
refers to the study of the various chemical processes that goes on
inside the body of a living organism. A large number of students are
opting for this branch of study because of the wide range of job
opportunities that this subject presents.
There are vast
employment opportunities for the students of Biochemistry as they can be
absorbed in a number of Research Institutions. They can also work as
faculty in the colleges that offer a course in Biochemistry,
Biotechnology and Life sciences. The students of Biochemistry can also
work in various research institutes as Scientists, research officers,
research associates, chemical examiners, etc. as they specialize in
basic research analyzing food, drugs, air, water, waste, or animal
tissue. Industries that produce pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals,
foods, feeds, and consumer products also employ biochemists in research
as well as in areas outside the laboratory such as marketing,
management, science information, technical writing, and editing, after
additional qualifications. Drug companies employ biochemists to research
the causes of disease and to develop drugs to combat these diseases.
Biotechnology companies employ biochemists in research quality control,
clinical research, manufacturing, and information systems with
applications to the environment, energy, human health care, agriculture,
and animal health. Some biochemists also work in hospitals.
Students can obtain PhD, M.Sc. and even degree certificates in this subject to get a successful career in Biochemistry.
DBT-Star Activity:
- In order to acknowledge the contribution of women to science, Ministry of Science & Technology announced the theme of National Science Day 2020 as ‘Women in Science’. To commemorate National Science Day 2020, Department of Biochemistry organized a Conclave on the theme of ‘Women in Science’ on 26th February 2020. Distinguished female scientists like Dr Anuradha Majumdar, Dean-Science, University of Mumbai, Dr Kaminidevi Bhoir-Psychiatic Counselor and Dr Vaishali Bambole, Professor, Dept. of Physics were part of the elite panel of speakers at Conclave 2020.
DBT-Star Outreach Activity:
- Department of Biochemistry organized a DBT- Outreach Activity on 17th February 2020. The theme of the outreach activity was to raise awareness about the need to meet our sustainable development goals as part of Agenda 2030.
- Students from BMC schools were invited and T.Y.B.Sc. Biochemistry students explained to them the various SDGs. Students had prepared working models to explain the SDG. Interactive sessions were very fruitful.
- To foster a research culture in the Department, all T.Y.B.Sc. and M.Sc. Part II students participated in Manshodhan 2020 on 15th February 2020. Ms Pooja Jaiswal and Ms Aaliya Virani won the First Prize in Category A Level 1.
Workshop conducted for students:
- Department of Biochemistry organized a DBT-sponsored Workshop on Communication Skills for students on 12th February 2020 from 10:30AM to 1:30PM. The workshop was conducted by Mrs Padma Rolla. Mrs Rolla has more than 24 years of experience in Corporate and Campus Training. The workshop involved students engaging in many activities on verbal and non-verbal communication. Students from the department of Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and Biochemistry participated in the workshop.
- T.Y.B.Sc. students attended a Hands-on Workshop on Bioinformatics on 30th January 2020. This was a DBT star activity organized by Department of Biochemistry. Dr Manan Desai conducted the sessions.
- T.Y.B.Sc. students attended a training session on Excel organized by Computer Science Department on Monday, 13th January 2020.
- T.Y.B.Sc. and M.Sc. Biochemistry students attended a Seminar on IPR: A valuable safeguard for the young Innovator on Saturday, 18th January 2020. The seminar was organized by Department of Microbiology.
- M.Sc. Part I Biochemistry students attended a Workshop on Mass Spectroscopy on 25th January 2020. The workshop was organized by Department of Microbiology.
- S.Y.BSc. Biochemistry Plant Movement Research Project Presentations were conducted from 20th to 25th January 2020.
- The Department of Biochemistry, Mithibai College (Autonomous) organized an educational visit for 47 T.Y.B.Sc and M.Sc. students to National AIDS Research Institute, Pune (NARI) on 2nd December, 2019. Faculty from the department accompanied the students.
- Second year students of Department of Biochemistry, Mithibai Collage of Arts, Chauhan Institutes of Science & Amrutben Collage of Commerce and Economics (Autonomous) visited the ICAR-CIRCOT, Mumbai, on 11th and 13th September, 2019. Students visited in two batches of 18 students each. Faculty Dr Swati Rawalgaonkar, Dr Sara Khan, Mr Kaustubh Jadhav and Mr Badal Parekh accompanied the students. They visited the Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division. Respective division scientists and technical staff explained the students about the research and technological activities of the Institute. Students were introduced to various equipment that played pivotal roles in determining quality of cotton. Equipment like the BOD incubator, colony counter, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, fast protein liquid chromatography chamber was explained in detail. This helped the students to understand the working and processes of getting new strains of cotton. An introduction to the nano-cell pilot plant included a brief on how nanotechnology is of great importance in the fibre, filtration, food, pharma, paint, cement and electronics industries. The knowledge gained by students intrigued many to apply for the one-month summer training programs offered in CIRCOT. It was an experience that led to a broader spectrum of research in science.
- Dr Nupur Mehrotra took the students of F.Y.B.Sc. Biochemistry for experiential learning of Paper 1 Water-Molecules of Life to Juhu beach on 21st August 2019.
- In continuing with our theme of Ubuntu, the students, faculty and staff of Department of Biochemistry contributed Bedsheets to Mithibai NSS unit for flood affected people in Maharashtra. The department donated 50 bedsheets on 16th August 2019.
- On 28th June students organized flash mob (group dance) to introduce and make awareness about ‘Ubuntu’.
- On 27th June students of T.Y.B.Sc. visited Orphanage of disabled – Chesire Homes India, Bethlehem House, Opposite Canosa High School, Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400093, to bring happiness on their faces. Students played games and danced with them. They also donated groceries and kitchen utensils worth Rs.5000/- collected by the students, teachers and the non-teaching staff of Biochemistry department, to the foundation.
- On 22nd June a photography competition on the theme Plastic Menace-Silent Killer was organized.
- On 20th June Biochemistry students organized a gratitude day for non-teaching staff.
Department of Biochemistry kick-started academic session 2019-2020 with the theme UBUNTU, which is a Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity". It is often translated as "I am because we are," To bring back this vital quality back into the students of today, the faculty members and the students of the Department of Biochemistry, Mithibai College (Autonomous), took a pledge for celebrating the academic year 2019-20 with the theme UBUNTU. From 11th to 20th June the students of Biochemistry department put up a stall in the admission area to serve water, to the parents and students coming to the college for admissions. This initiative was much appreciated by parents and staff.
UBUNTU – AT MITHIBAI COLLEGE’S ‘LUMINESCENCE’
Mumbai has been lashed with heavy rains since the past few days, a catastrophe mother nature is facing over last few years. However, at SVKM’s Mithibai College’s, Department of Biochemistry, it rained participants at the well-orchestrated “Luminescence’, the academic science intercollegiate on 6th August 2019. The festival epitomised and laid emphasis on the theme ‘Ubuntu: I am because, we are’ an African philosophy that believes in humanity towards others, leading to happiness in togetherness. This year, the fest’s main motive was to inculcate the three moral values of Ubuntu which are human dignity, compassion and justice. To incorporate UBUNTU into their lives, the students visited an old age home and spent time with children of Cheshire Home in Andheri East with specials needs.
Principal Dr Rajpal Shripat Hande spoke about how Ubuntu has helped us strike a balance between technology driven advancements and humanitarian deeds. He complemented the Department of Biochemistry for its endeavour to celebrate the concept and coined a correlation between the term ‘E-Ubuntu’ and ‘Go-Green’ as an ode to promote the idea of a green campus. Sir said that “Everyone takes birth in this planet and we become more important with each passing day and so ‘I’ and ‘U’ eventually become ‘We’ and strongly promoted the belief in celebrating togetherness.
The day long fest comprised of seven events which were namely: Quizuntu- a general science and general knowledge based quiz; War of The Words- a debate; Global Fusion- a fashion show that allows teams to incorporate cross cultural dressing in order to defy all odds and to prove that unity is a pivotal morale; Minute Made- a team event to inculcate togetherness through communication as one team member was blindfolded and other guided his peer. World On My Platter was a cooking competition allowing participants to combine various cuisines into one dish and Serotino a two-minute act allowing participants to spread happiness and positivity around. The students set their ideas about a Green Campus for a college through the creative event “The Green Concept
Luminescence gets bigger and better with each consecutive year, as this year the fest had 216 participants across 26 colleges of south Mumbai to Vasai-Virar, transforming Luminescence into the most sought academic festival of the city. The festival was supported and sponsored by Dr. Aneelji Murarka, who has been a consistent support throughout the journey of holistic development through Luminescence since 2006, along with Aharveda, Selon Seals, Krisha Udyog and Alumnus of the Department of Biochemistry.
- An educational visit was organized to Silvassa on 23rd February 2019. Fifty-nine TYBSc and M.Sc. students visited Parle Man Foods Pvt. Ltd. and Universal Healthcare Pvt. Ltd. The students were given an idea about the working of an industry. They were briefed about quality control and quality assurance and its significance.
- Faculty and SY and TYBSc Biochemistry students participated in the College Sports Day organized on 16th January 2019.
- Dr Nupur Mehrotra came 2nd in 100m race.
- TYBSc and SYBSc girls came 2nd in Throw Ball
- TYBSc boys came 2nd in Kabaddi
Seminars arranged for students:
On account of National Science Day on 28th February 2019, we at Department of Biochemistry celebrated science with the theme ‘Innovations for Sustainable Development.’ This activity under DBT Star College Scheme aimed at highlighting the significance of sustainable development in all walks of life.
Principal Dr Rajpal Shripat Hande unveiled the theme by motivating students to think of smart and simple innovations. The eminent panel of speakers included Dr Vijay Page, Director General MET Institute of Management, Ms Heena Bhimani, Yoga & Nutrition Specialist and an Alumnus of Mithibai College and Dr Vaishali Bambole, Professor, Dept. of Physics, Univ. of Mumbai.
Dr Page encouraged the students to work hard to be ‘MithiLaureate’. He complimented SVKM management in supporting and promoting the idea of sustainable development by doing work in the field of water conservation in Shirpur. Ms Heena did a yoga session with the students wherein she taught the students simple techniques to stay calm and concentrate better on their studies. Dr Vaishali, is credited with development of idli that stays fresh for 1000 days, shared with the students her innovation.
These talks exposed the students to the ideas and need of sustainable development for the future.
- TYBSc students presented poster on the theme of ‘Biodiversity and its Conservation’ on 5th March 2019. Dr Hitesh Shingadia, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, judged the posters. Students presented posters on diverse topics like salmon and its extinction, Kakapo, Sparrow extinction etc.
- TYBSc Biochemistry students performed research projects from 9th to 15th February 2019. Students worked in teams of two or three and performed projects. Some of the research projects were- To study and compare the effect of Storage on Vitamin C content and Reducing Sugars content in juices from two sources, To compare nutrient parameters of cow milk and soya milk (Ca/Mg, lactose and protein)., etc.
- SYBSc Biochemistry students presented their projects on Plant Movement under DBT Star activity from 21st to 25th January 2019.
- Students of TYBSc Biochemistry did Powerpoint presentations on the theme of ‘Recent issues in Environmental Pollution’ on 18th and 19th January 2019.
GUEST LECTURE ON VOICE THERAPY BY Dr SONALI MANOJ LOHAR:
We at Department of Biochemistry believe in capacity building of not only students but also teachers. We strongly feel that communication is a building block upon which we construct other life skills. Without communication skills, the ability to progress in the working world and in life, itself, would be nearly impossible. Understanding the importance of the same, Department of Biochemistry organized a workshop on Voice Therapy by Dr Sonali Manoj Lohar, well-renowned audiologist and speech therapist on 9th January 2019. Madam Sonali brings a broad base of experience of more than 23 years in the field of speech, language and voice and hearing across medical, educational, and corporate speech settings, and feels passionately that everyone deserves to find and enjoy the Freedom of speech. Dr Rajpal Shripat Hande, Principal, welcomed Dr Sonali and emphasized on the importance of voice therapy for the faculty.
Dr Sonali talked about vocal abuse and misuse and also suggested ways to prevent it. She briefed the audience about the mechanism of voice production. Dr Sonali conducted ‘strawnification’ an exercise to promote upward and forward voice. Specifically, for teachers, Dr Sonali suggested tips to maintain vocal hygiene. The audience which included teachers and students had an enriching experience.
GUEST LECTURE ON CANCER BIOLOGY BY Dr UDAY MUNAGALA
Department of Biochemistry organized a guest lecture on ‘Cancer Biology’ as a DBT Star Activity for third year students of Biochemistry on 2nd January 2019. Since 2018-2019 has been the year of Alumni of Mithibai College, the department invited Dr Uday Munagala, an alumnus to deliver a talk on ‘Cancer Biology’. Dr Uday has done his Ph.D. from Tumor Institute of Tuscany and University of Florence, Italy. He is presently pursuing his Post Doctorate at ISPRO University Hospital of Florence.
Cancer happens to be a leading cause of death worldwide and we would like our students to be abreast with the latest developments in cancer biology as they are taught cancer in theory. Dr Uday also guided students who wish to pursue higher education from abroad as to how they can get some good scholarships and what are some of the good university’s and courses.
HOPING IGNORANCE VANISHES IS NOT ENOUGH: MITHIBAI COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) STUDENTS PROMOTE AIDS AWARENESS
HIV/AIDS is recognized as a national priority health issue. Inadequate knowledge, negative attitudes and risky practices are major obstacles to prevent the spread of HIV.
Keeping this objective in mind, the third year students of our Department conducted an awareness drive on the occasion of ‘World AIDS day’ on 1st December 2018 as a DBT Star outreach activity. The campaign aimed to dispel myths associated with the spread of the disease. Also, students made placards to educate citizens about ways to contain the disease. Students distributed around 450 red ribbons as a symbol of AIDS awareness to the people of the area.
- Mr Shivam Narkar and Ms Divya Singh of T.Y.B.Sc. Biochemistry participated in the drama and singing events, respectively, at the 58th Annual Day on 23rd December 2019.
|
Name of student
|
Class
|
Achievement
|
|
Divya
Singh
|
TYBSc
|
Ist
in University of Mumbai Youth Festival-Qawali
2nd
in University of Mumbai Youth Festival-Western Group
|
|
Melisha
Saldanha
Aaliya
Shaikh
|
TYBSc
|
2nd
in Malhar Omni Science Quiz
|
|
Shivam Narkar
|
T.Y.B.Sc.
|
Won best actor award -One act play at Nashik (State level
competition)
|
|
Name of student
|
Class
|
Internship
|
|
Chinki saw
|
T.Y.B.Sc.
|
Workshop on testing alcoholic beverages at Haffkine institute
|
|
Chinki saw
|
T.Y.B.Sc.
|
Workshop on “Hands on training in techniques in virology”
|
|
Sandhya Kanboni
|
T.Y.B.Sc.
|
Workshop on “Hands on training in techniques in virology”
|
- T.Y.B.Sc and S.Y.B.Sc. Biochemistry students won the ‘Best College’ Award at K.J.Somaiya’s Intercollegiate ‘Health Fair’
- Fifteen T.Y.B.Sc and four S.Y.B.Sc. Biochemistry students participated in K.J. Somaiya’s College Department of Biochemistry’s ‘Health Fair’ on 19th December 2019. Students participated and won several events. Our students won the Overall Best College Trophy. The winners were:
(i) Nutritional Bawarchi- Simran and Sanjana-1st Prize
Sahil and Junaid- 2nd Prize
(ii) Biopictionary- Shivakshi and Kinnari-1st Prize
Jathin and Nouman-2nd Prize
Chinki and Sandhya-3rd Prize
(iii) Biohustle-Chinki and Tejas-2nd Prize
(iv) Health Court-Pragati and Priyanka-2nd Prize
(v) Poster Making-Pooja Jaiswal and Priyanka-2nd Prize
(vi) Biotreasure-Ronank Anand and Joash-1st Prize
(vii) Bioimagica- Ronank Anand, Aditi, Sana and Joash-2nd Prize
- Rahab Ghalib, Rahul and Saloni Dhruve students of M.Sc. Part II-Biochemistry qualified University of Mumbai PET examination
- Ms Krisha Shah-a 2017-2018 Undergraduate of Department of Biochemistry has been chosen as Ambassador by British Council. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_Rywb5jrcQ&feature=youtu.be
- Shivam Narkar (S.Y.B.Sc) won 2nd Prize in Monoact at VAAYU, 3rd Prize in OneAct at VAAYU, Street Play-VAAYU and won award for Best Drama at CINTAA-2019
- Khanjan Vyas (S.Y.B.Sc) won the 3rd Prize in One Act play at Kiran (K.C. College Fest) IPTA-productions
- Neha Dedhia (S.Y.B.Sc) participated in Rangoli Competition at Malhar 2018.
- Ajay Yadav (F.Y.B.Sc.) won the 1st prize in Brain that Brew (Quiz competition) event of Microbiology Department’s RITE
- Pratik Bhanushali (F.Y.B.Sc) won the 1st prize in Bottom’s Up (Eating Competition) event of Microbiology Department’s RITE
- Sana Shaikh, Aditi Vijan and Astha Vyas (F.Y.B.Sc) won the 1st prize in The Chase (Treasure Hunt) event of Microbiology Department’s RITE<
- Ms Chandni Manwani-a 2017-2018 Undergraduate of Department of Biochemistry had received a fully-funded scholarship from British Council as part of its 70 years celebration. Ms Chandni met Prime Minister Theresa May in 10 Downing Street
1.
|
NAME OF THE STUDENT
|
CLASS
|
ACADEMIC YEAR
|
DETAILS OF ACHIEVEMENT (Academic/
Co-curricular/ Extracurricular)
|
DETAILS OF ACHIEVEMENT
(Subject / Name of the Event,
etc.)
|
|
Mahesh Mandal
Pooja Jaiswal
|
S.Y.B.Sc
|
2018-2019-August
|
Extra-curricular
|
Won the Quiz
Competition (Catalyst it out) at Malhar 2018
|
|
Tejas Rajaputhran
|
S.Y.B.Sc
|
2018-2019
|
Extra-curricular
|
Qualified for Final
Round Beat Boxing in Malhar 2018
|
|
Kruti Shah
|
T.Y.B.Sc.
|
2018-2019
|
Extra-curricular
|
Won at Quiling
competition held at Malhar (Intercollegiate Fest at St.
Xaviers)
|
|
Mahesh Mandal
Pooja Jaiswal
|
S.Y.B.Sc
|
2018-2019-August
|
Extra-curricular
|
Won the Quiz
Competition at Chemtrek 2018
|
|
Nauman Sheikh
|
M.Sc. Part I
|
2018-2019
|
Extra-curricular
|
Won the Bronze Medal
in Installation Competition at University of Mumbai, Youth Festival
|
|
Dhara Parmar
|
TYBSc
|
2018-2019
|
Extra-curricular
|
Participated in
Poster Competition at University of Mumbai, Youth Festival
|
1.
Internship
Details
|
S.No.
|
Name
of Student
|
Class
|
Institute
|
Duration
|
|
1.
|
Yukti Kanoi
|
SYBSc
|
Forensic Advise Consultancy and Training
Services
|
3 months
|
|
2.
|
Pari Waghela
|
SYBSc
|
Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
|
3 months
|
|
3.
|
Hiral Patel
|
SYBSc
|
Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital
|
15 days
|
|
4.
|
Rinkle Patel
|
SYBSc
|
Bharatiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital
|
15 days
|
|
5.
|
Urvi Chheda
|
SYBSc
|
Cooper Hospital
|
30 days
|
|
6.
|
Vedant Mehta
|
SYBSc
|
Haffkine Institute
|
45 days
|
|
7.
|
Krisha Shah
|
TYBSc
|
Linkway Diagnostic Centre
|
3 months
|
Ø Chancellor’s Challenge-The
Only Science Student to be selected
for second round of “Chancellor’s Challenge” was from Department of
Biochemistry
|
Sr. No
|
Name of students
|
Class
|
Proposed idea
|
|
1
|
Shivali
Mishra
|
T.Y.B.Sc
|
Use
of Complement and Alternative medicines or therapies to develop effective
health delivery system.
|
Ø Annual
Sports Day-F.Y., S.Y. and T.Y.B.Sc students
participated in the Annual Sports Day. Anurag Mishra of T.Y.B.Sc-Biochemistry
came 1st in 100mt and 2nd in 400mt.
|
Name of student
|
Class
|
Event
|
|
Roshni Sambre
|
S.Y.B.Sc
|
Chem Fest” at Ruia College
|
|
Rimsha Saifee
|
|
Rishabh Vora
|
|
Krisha Shah
|
|
Shifa Shoeb Siddiqui
|
|
Harshita Katta
|
|
Brij Rakholia
|
F.Y.B.Sc
|
Microbiology Department Fest “RITE” at Mithibai College
|
|
Manali shah
|
|
Rachel Correia
|
|
Kruti Shah
|