INTRODUCTION

Biochemistry is the study of biomolecules and their transformations. Biochemistry deals with the structure, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins, minerals and water which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. Biochemistry has become so important that it can explain all the living processes that occur in almost all areas of the bio-medical sciences from botany to medicine. Hence, biochemistry is referred to as the currency of bio-medical sciences. Biochemistry is applied in medicine, nutrition, etc. In medicine, biochemistry helps to investigate the causes and cures of disease. In nutrition, it helps in understanding the maintenance of health and the causes and effects of nutritional deficiencies. Biochemistry explains how the control of information flow through biochemical signaling and the flow of chemical energy through metabolism give rise to the complexity of life.

Biochemistry focuses on understanding how biological molecules give rise to the processes that occur within living cells, which in turn relates greatly to the study and understanding of whole organism per se. Biochemistry is closely related to molecular biology, the study of the molecular mechanisms by which genetic information encoded in DNA is able to result in the processes of life. Molecular biology is a branch of biochemistry with which we can understand the basis of life, transfer of genetic information, inheritance and genetic disorders. Molecular biology techniques have a wide variety applications – ranging from the synthesis of hormones and antibodies to the solving of several medico-legal disputes.

Biochemistry encompasses the following branches

• Metabolism
• Enzymology
• Molecular Biology
• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Toxicology
• Clinical Chemistry

The Department of Biochemistry is involved in teaching, research and clinical laboratory investigation activities.

The Department is fully staffed with qualified and experienced hands :

HISTORY

Our department was established in 2002 under the able leadership of Dr.D.S.Sheriff, an eminent, teacher and a visionary.

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Our academic performance in undergraduate teaching programmes produced consistently excellent results to the tune of 92 – 99 % pass in university examinations with university ranks and distinctions. The peak performance was in the year 2010 – 2011, when 99 students appeared for the examination, 98 passed with 64 distinctions, 32 first classes and 2 second classes.

VISION

The department of biochemistry at Jubilee Mission Medical College and Research Institute is dedicated to maintaining a reputation as an exemplary basic medical sciences department on the basis of the teaching, interdisciplinary research and clinical laboratory services.

To maintain this reputation the Department is committed to:

• robust teaching and research programs created by a scholarly community of faculty, students, and technical staff.
• leadership and collaborations providing professional opportunities for all faculty, staff, and students.
• In education, to develop internationally competitive clinicians with good clinical acumen excellent leadership, communication and teamwork skills who can contribute to the talent pool in nationally and internationally.
• In research, to perform scientific research at the highest international levels, integrating cutting-edge multidisciplinary approaches to solving significant problems in medicine.

MISSION

The mission of the department of biochemistry is

• to provide a high quality education and learning experience for our undergraduate, postgraduate and research students through :
  • the application of innovative teaching methods and emphasis on the development of critical thinking and clinical diagnosis.
  • the provision of a stimulating, exciting and collaborative scientific environment.
  • building a rich collegial atmosphere that will equip our graduates with transferable skills and an awareness of research ethics.
• to educate students in fundamental knowledge in biochemistry and its application in the field of medical sciences.
• to use our central position within the institution to bring about change through innovative and novel approaches in basic medical research.
• to provide opportunities for career development for both students and staff.
• to contribute to the public understanding of the life-sciences and molecular medicine.
• to translate our discoveries into meaningful applications for better healthcare and economic development through community outreach programmes.
• to achieve excellence in laboratory medicine by establishing tertiary level clinical biochemistry laboratory to cater to the patients and community at large.

OBJECTIVES

The core values of the department are integrity, discipline, excellence, team work and dedication to work.

The department has pursued its teaching and research agenda in recognition of the role of biochemistry in contributing to both basic and applied research in medicine.The objectives of the department has therefore been to consolidate students' understanding of biochemistry and other related disciplines and encourage them to develop intellectual independence, critical thinking skills and versatility for problem solving in biochemistry and medical sciences. This and the core values have been the guiding principle of the research programmes.

The Department aims at

• offering the students a good understanding of the basic principles of biochemistry at the molecular and cellular levels, applicable to all living organisms.
• making students appreciate that biochemistry is a subject of central and practical importance, contributing to both basic and applied research in industry, medicine and biotechnology.
• encouraging students to develop intellectual independence, critical thinking skills and versatility.
• developing the practical skills of students to enhance their observational skills and to use these skills for clinical diagnosis and thus alleviating the sufferings in the community.

OUR MOTTO

Performance par excellence.