History

Biochemistry is a unique branch of Life Sciences, that specifies the biological process unravelling the essence of life. The scope of Biochemistry is therefore as broad as life itself. The B.Sc., programme in Biochemistry was started in the year 1995 under the Zoology Department during the Principal-ship of Rev .Sr .Dr. Anne Xavier. From 2004 onwards it attained its independent status under the principal-ship of Rev. Sr. Dr. Rosy. The Department started M.Sc., Programme in the year 2018 under the affiliation of Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli. The school system was introduced in the year academic year 2020 -2021 and the Biochemistry Department belonged to the School of Life Sciences. The LOCF course pattern was followed from the academic year 2021 onwards. We have a band of well experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic faculty with doctoral degree. The Department stands for its academic excellence by making the students explore new horizons in life sciences. We are proud that we have been achieving University Ranks every year. The Department has 4 patents, Minor Project and we focus on Thrust Areas of Research such as Clinical Pharmacology, Cancer Biology, Genomics, Nutritional Biochemistry and Biopolymers. A well-equipped laboratory with facilities to carry out experiments related to biomolecules, cell biology, enzymes, clinical biochemistry, microbiology, molecular biology and phytochemical analysis. We have a separate food laboratory where the students get practical experience in food preservation techniques. The department has achieved notable success in research and academia, evidenced by publishing four patents and completing a Minor Project funded by TNSCST from 2020 to 2022. Faculty members have collectively published 86 papers in prestigious national and international journals, alongside authoring four books, highlighting their commitment to scholarly contributions. Additionally, the department has established two functional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with reputable research institutes, fostering collaboration and innovation. This dedication to research excellence has also been recognized with an Award of Excellence in Research by faculty further underscoring the department's impact in this field. To provide exposure in current aspects of Life Sciences a number of conferences both at national and international level, seminars, workshops and educational tours were organized every year. In addition to academic activities we conduct various outreach programmes like awareness programme, school exhibitions, medical camps in nearby villages, organized to shape the students into responsible persons in society. The students organizing skills are developed through Intradepartmental meets- “MOLFEST” and Intercollegiate meets- “ELUTEADUS” every year. Our alumnae are placed as Associate Director, Biopharma and Independent Consultant San Diego, California, USA, Manager in Clinical Data Management Daiichi-Sankyo, United States, Manager-Research Operations, Human Genome Sequencing Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA, Young professional, National research centre for banana, Trichy, Biosystems Diagnostics, Quality control - Sr Executive, Chennai, Medical technician, Executive in Maiva Pharma private limited –Hosur, Assistant Professor in Rajas Dental College, Senior Biochemist in Bioline Laboratory.

Uniqueness

The Department offers skill based practical courses like Pain Relief Formulation and Food Preservation Technology to develop entrepreneur skills among the students. The students were trained to prepare pharmaceutical products such as turpentine liniment, sulphur ointments, baby powder, face and tooth powders, calamine lotions and preserved food products like jams, jellies, squashes, sauce, ketch up, tutty fruity and pickles. To instill the social responsibility among student regular outreach programmes like “BIOSCINTILLATORS-Science cum Health Exhibition” is conducted. Through this programme the students will create health awareness among the rural school students by displaying models, charts, power point presentations, videos etc. The anemic and nutritional status of all the school children are also assessed. This has become a distinctive attribute of our department as every year thousands of rural school students have benefited out of it.

Vision

To become Centre for Excellence in Biochemistry and to excel in International scenario

Mission

To develop and enhance the optimum academic environment and to provide exposure to the latest tools and technologies