BS Biochemistry Complete Guide 2024

Biochemistry is the 4 year chemistry degree program of biological processes. This program deals with all kinds of biological processes which require chemical reactions such as reproduction, metabolism and growth. Biochemistry also includes the neurochemistry, sciences of biophysical chemistry and bioorganic disciplines.

The BS Biochemistry program is interesting for the graduates who plan careers in research, teaching and in health sciences professions that are pharmacy, medicine and dentistry.

Majors Or Specifications Of BS Biochemistry

There are following Major topics of BS biochemistry and students can specialize in any major:

  • Cell biology and signaling

  • Enzymology

  • Proteins and membranes

  • Microbiology and viruses

  • Disease mechanisms

  • Metabolism

  • Genetics and DNA

  • Structure and function of molecules

Duration And Credit Hours Of BS Biochemistry

BS biochemistry is a 4 year degree program consisting of 4 semesters. To be awarded a BS biochemistry degree program, students must complete a total of 132 credit hours with a CGPA of 2.50 out of 4.0.

Semesters Credit hours
1st semester 16
2nd semester 18
3rd semester 18
4th semester 18
5th semester 17
6th semester 17
7th semester 16
8th semester 12
Courses wise credit hour distribution
Core courses 19
Major courses 87
General courses 26
Total 132

Scope And Career Of BS Biochemistry

The scope of biochemistry in Pakistan is wide. Biochemists can work both in public and private organizations at national and international level. Graduates with BS biochemistry can also work in a variety of industries such as pharmaceutical industry, educational institutes and hospitals.

Biochemistry can lead to a wide range of related careers. Graduates can also work in a research lab, healthcare or forensics, product development and many other related fields.

Biochemists can work in numerous companies/industries and fields. This may include:

  • Food production companies

  • Private or government hospitals

  • Pharmaceutical companies

  • Agricultural firms

  • Research centers

  • Education departments

  • Clinical laboratories

  • Biochemical industries

  • Medical labs

  • Forensic labs

  • Agricultural firms

  • Food production companies

  • Research institutes

  • Education and associated areas

  • Federal and provincial government departments

Graduates of this degree program can expect job opportunities in the following professions and fields:

  • Analytical Chemist

  • Biomedical or Forensic Scientist

  • Nanotechnologist

  • Pharmacologist

  • Analytical chemist

  • Biomedical or forensic scientist

  • Data scientist

  • Researcher

  • Environment and health sector

  • Publication houses

  • Toxicologists

  • Forensic or analytical scientists

  • Clinical research associate

  • Clinical biochemists

  • Diagnostic research

  • Pathology units in hospitals

  • Pharmaceutical industries in making medicines are developed and manufacturing

  • Research-related agricultural industries and institutions of Pakistan.

Salaries of biochemists in Pakistan

The salaries of biochemists depend on the qualifications and skill sets of graduates. But an average salary of a biochemistry graduate starts from approximately 40,000 to 50,000 per month. The salary increases with the passage of time and may increase up to 85,000 to 170,000 per month having 3 to4 years experience.

Skills And Learning Outcomes Of BS Biochemistry

There are following skills needed for biochemists

  • Identify and solve biochemistry-based issues.

  • Integrate and assess information.

  • Contrive and test hypotheses using advanced experimental design and statistical examination of data.

  • Plan, conduct and execute a program for research.

Practical skills for biochemists
  • Plan and execute projects safely through a series of experiments.

  • Use testing methods to produce and generate data.

  • Identify experimental results and regulate their strength and validity.

  • Prepare technical reports.

  • Technical presentations.

  • Use scientific compositions effectively.

  • Use advanced tools and packages.

Learning outcomes of BS biochemistry degree program
  • The graduates will be able to contribute capably in the industry related to biochemistry by applying essential technical skills.

  • The graduates will also be able to illustrate advancement in the profession by enhancing their knowledge and skills in relevant fields.

  • The graduates will also be able to demonstrate devotion to ethical values and contribute positively regarding the society.

Syllabus And Courses Of BS Biochemistry

1st semester

Introductory Biochemistry 3
English – I 3
Introduction to Inorganic Chemistry 4
Principles of Animal Life 4
Islamic Studies / Core Ethics 2

2nd semester

English – II 3
Amino Acids and Proteins 3
Introduction to Computers 3
Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry 4
Pakistan Studies 2
General – I 3

3rd semester

Carbohydrates, Lipids and Membranes 4
English – III 3
Enzymology 3
Animals Forms and Functions 4
Thermodynamics and Chemical Equ 4

4th semester

Cell Biology 4
Intermediary Metabolism I 3
Intermediary Metabolism II 3
Fundamentals of Molecular Biology 4
Bio-safety and Bioethics 2
Mathematics 3

5th semester

Biochemical Communication 3
Molecular Physiology 4
Clinical Biochemistry 3
Plant Biochemistry 4
Biochemical Techniques 3

6th semester

Microbial Biochemistry and Genetics 4
Recombinant DNA and Related Techniques 4
Essentials of Genetics 3
Bioinformatics 3
Research Methodology 3

7th semester

Advanced Topics in Molecular Biology 4
Immunology 3
Nutritional Biochemistry 3
Elective I * 3
Introduction to Bio statistics 3

8th semester

Elective II * 3
Internship 3
Research Report 6

List of elective courses

  • Cell and Tissue Culture

  • Cancer Biology

  • Current Trends in Biochemistry

  • Human Biochemistry and Disease

  • General Virology

Teaching Methodology according to HEC:
  • Lecturing

  • Written Assignments

  • Class activities and discussion

  • Lab demonstrations

Assessment:

Theory=70%

Mid Term =40%
  • Written (Long Questions)

  • Short Questions, MCQs

  • Project /Presentations/ case study/

  • Assignments

  • Tests/Quiz

Final Term =60%
  • Written (Long Questions)

  • Practical performance

  • Practical 30 % Written

  • Notebook and Viva

Related Courses Of BS Biochemistry

  • BS Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry

  • BS Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry

  • BS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  • BS Biochemistry and Microbiology

  • BSc Biology

  • BS Botany

Fee Structure Of BS Biochemistry

UMT fee structure for BS biochemistry program

Learning Investment: 890000
Quarterly Fee: 55625

Other universities fee structure for BS biochemistry degree program.

Government College Women University 42,500 per semester
Abbottabad University Of Science And Technology 50,000 per semester
Abbottabad University Of Science And Technology 50,000 per semester
The Islamia University Of Bahawalpur 44,400 per semester
University Of Agriculture 62,000 per semester
Allama Iqbal Open University 28,000 per semester
Quaid-e-azam University 72,000 per semester
University Of Sindh 24,000 per semester
Kinnaird College For Women 92,000 per semester
University Of Karachi 28,000 per semester

Further Courses After BS Biochemistry

There are further masters program after graduation in BS biochemistry:

  • MS Molecular Chemistry and Biochemistry

  • MS Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry

  • MS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

  • MS Biochemistry and Microbiology

  • MS Biology

  • PhD biochemistry

  • PhD molecular chemistry

  • PhD molecular biology