Doctor of Medicine (MD) Biochemistry: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Fee, Eligibility criteria details here

MD Biochemistry or Doctor of Medicine in Biochemistry also known as MD in Biochemistry is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India. This course is done after completion of their MBBS. The duration of this postgraduate course is 3 years, and it focuses on the study of various concepts related to the chemistry of life, and as such it draws on the techniques of analytical, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as those of physiologists concerned with the molecular basis of vital processes.

This is a full-time course. The top medical college offering this course is All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna.

Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counseling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.

The fee for pursuing MD (Biochemistry) varies from college to college and may range from Rs. 42,000 to 12.3 Lakhs per year.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where MD Biochemistry is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants etc. with an approximate salary range of INR 7 - 12 3 Lakhs per annum.

What is MD in Biochemistry?

Doctor of Medicine in Biochemistry, also known as M.D. (Biochemistry) or M.D. (Biochemistry) is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.

Biochemistry is the branch of medical science dealing with the study of biological processes at the cellular and molecular level.

National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released a Guidelines for Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for MD in Biochemistry.

The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of MDs in Biochemistry.

The PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Biochemistry would help the specialist to recognize the health needs of the community. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their specialty.

The candidate should be a highly competent Biochemistry possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Biochemistry independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching medical/para-medical students.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.

Course Highlights

Here are some of the course highlights of MD in Biochemistry

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MD in Biochemistry are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:

• Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

• Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

• The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.

• The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Admission Process

The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to MD in Biochemistry. Candidates can view the complete admission process for MD in Biochemistry mentioned below:

• The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.

• The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counseling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counseling authority shall be in lieu of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.

The following Medical institutions are not covered under centralized admissions for MD/MS seats through NEET- PG:

1. AIIMS, New Delhi and other AIIMS

2. PGIMER, Chandigarh

3. JIPMER, Puducherry

4. NIMHANS, Bengaluru

5. Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences & Technology (SCTIMST), Trivandrum

Fees Structure

The fee structure for MD in Biochemistry varies from college to college. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for MD in Biochemistry is around 42,000 to 12.3 Lakhs per year.

Colleges offering MD in Biochemistry

There are various medical colleges across India that offer courses for pursuing MD (Biochemistry).

As per National Medical Commission (NMC) website, the following medical colleges are offering MD (Biochemistry) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

Stipend MD Biochemistry

The stipend offered by various medical colleges in India for MD Biochemistry in the year 2022 is as follows:

Syllabus

An MD in Biochemistry is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Biochemistry.

The course content for MD in Biochemistry is given in the Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme released by National Medical Commission, which can be assessed on the link given below:

NMC Guidelines For Competency-Based Training Programme For MD Biochemistry

The course contents are outlined below:

Paper I

Biomolecules, cell biology, biochemical techniques, biostatistics and research methodology, basics of medical education in teaching and assessment of biochemistry.

Biomolecules:

Properties of water

Concept of an acid, a base, pH, pK, buffer and buffering capacity

Classification, structure and functions of amino acids and peptides

Structural organization of proteins and relationship with their functions

primary, secondary, tertiary and quarternary structure of proteins

protein folding and denaturation

Structure-function relationship of proteins

Structure and functions of hemoglobin and myoglobin

Structure and function of collage

Structure and function of immunoglobulins

Classification, functions, properties and reactions of carbohydrates

Classification, properties and importance of lipids

Fatty acids - nomenclature, classification, properties, reactions

Mono, di- and triacylglycerols

Trans fats

Cholesterol - structure, properties and functions

Phospholipids - definition, types, properties, s and importance

Glycolipids - definition, types, functions, examples.

Lipoproteins - definition, structure, types, functions, role of apoproteins, importance in health and disease.

Biological membranes - structure, function, properties and importance.

Micelles and liposomes

Nucleotides and nucleic acids

purine and pyrimidine bases in DNA and RNA

nucleosides and nucleotides

physiologically important nucleotides

synthetic analogues of purine/pyrimidine bases and nucleosides used as therapeutic agents (anti-cancer drugs, anti-viral drugs)

Watson and Crick model of DNA structure

Structure and functions of different types of RNA.

Cell biology

Structure of the cell and different subcellular organelles

Structure and functions of cell membrane, solute transport across biological membranes

Intracellular traffic and sorting of proteins

Intracellular signaling pathways, membrane receptors and second messengers Extracellular matrix: composition, importance and biomedical importance, cellular adhesion molecules and intercellular communication

Cytoskeleton, muscle contraction and cell motility

Cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis and mechanisms of cell death

Red and white blood cells

Analytical techniques in biochemistry

Spectrophotometry (UV and visible spectrophotometry),

Atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Flame photometry

Fluorometry

Turbidimetry and nephelometry

Gravimetry

Spectrophotometry (UV and visible spectrophotometry

Electrochemistry (pH electrodes, ion-selective electrodes, gas-sensing electrodes)

Chemiluminescence

Water testing

Electrophoresis (principle, types, applications; isoelectric focusing capillary electrophoresis; 2-D electrophoresis)

Chromatography (principle, types [including high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography])

Techniques in molecular biology: Blotting techniques, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA and protein sequencing, microarrays and DNA chip technology, cloning techniques, genomics, proteomics and metabolomics

Nanotechnology and microfabrication

Techniques to study in vivo metabolism - NMR, SPECT, PET scans, etc

Radioisotope-based techniques and its applications

Biostatistics and research methodology

Basic concepts of biostatistics as applied to health science

Statistical tests: t-test, analysis of variance, chi-square test, non-parametric tests, correlation and regression

Statistical methods of validation of diagnostic tests

Basics of epidemiological study designs and sampling methodologies

Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

Basics of medical education in teaching and assessment of biochemistry

Principles of adult learning, taxonomy of learning, educational objectives, principles of assessment and question paper setting, methods of assessing knowledge, appropriate use of media, microteaching, small group teaching.

Environmental Biochemistry:

Health and pollution.

Paper II:

Enzymes, bioenergetics, biological oxidation, intermediary metabolism and regulation, inborn errors of metabolism and nutrition

Enzymes:

Properties, classification, mechanism of action, coenzymes and cofactors, kinetics of enzyme activity, regulation of enzyme activity, isoenzymes, diagnostic and therapeutic enzymes, principles of assays of enzymes, enzymes as therapeutic targets of drugs.

Biological oxidation

Basic concepts of thermodynamics and its laws, as applied to living systems,

Exergonic and endergonic reactions and coupled reactions, redox potential ,

High energy compounds

Classification and role of oxidoreductases Cytochromes; cytochrome P450 system

Respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation

Components, complexes and functioning of the respiratory chain

Process of oxidative phosphorylation

Mechanisms of ATP synthesis and regulation

Mitochondrial transport systems and shuttles

Inhibitors, uncouplers and ionophores

OXPHOS diseases

Overview of metabolism and intermediary metabolism

Metabolism of carbohydrates

Digestion and absorption

Glycolysis and TCA cycle, including regulation

Glycogen metabolism and its regulation

Cori cycle, gluconeogenesis and control of blood glucose

Metabolism of fructose and galactose

Pentose phosphate and uronic acid pathways and their significance

Polyol pathway

Regulation of blood glucose levels

Diabetes mellitus (including gestational diabetes mellitus) – classification, pathogenesis, metabolic abnormalities, diagnostic criteria, principles of treatment, pathogenesis of complications, laboratory tests

Metabolism of ethanol

Metabolism of lipids

Digestion and absorption, including role of bile salts

Biosynthesis and oxidation of fatty acids

Ketone bodies – formation, utilisation and regulation

Metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids and eicosanoids

Metabolism of triacylglycerol; storage and mobilisation of fats

Metabolism of cholesterol

Metabolism of lipoproteins

Metabolism in adipose tissue

Role of liver in lipid metabolism

Role of lipids in atherogenesis

Metabolism of phospholipids and associated disorders

Metabolism of amino acids and proteins

Digestion and absorption

Pathways of amino acid degradation - transamination, oxidative deamination

Transport and metabolism of ammonia

Metabolism of individual amino acids.

Plasma proteins

Metabolism of nucleotides

De novo synthesis of purine nucleotides

Salvage pathway for purines

Degradation of purines

De novo synthesis of pyrimidine nucleotides

Degradation of pyrimidine

Synthetic analogues of purine/pyrimidine bases and nucleosides used as therapeutic agents

Metabolism of haem

Biosynthesis of heme and associated disorders

Degradation of heme and associated disorders

Metabolism in individual tissues and in the fed and fasting states

Liver, adipose tissue, brain, RBCs

Nutrition

Principal food components

General nutritional requirements

Energy requirements

Biological value of proteins

Thermogenic effect of food

Balanced diet, diet formulations in health and disease, mixed diet

Nutritional supplements

Food toxins and additives

Parenteral nutrition

Disorders of nutrition, obesity, protein and protein energy malnutrition, dietary fibers, under-nutrition, laboratory diagnosis of nutritional disorders

National Nutrition Programme.

Vitamins

Classification, biochemical role, sources, RDA and deficiency state of each vitamin (including diagnostic tests for deficiency and treatment)

Minerals

Classification, biochemical role, sources, requirement and deficiency state of each mineral (including diagnostic tests for deficiency and treatment)

Metabolism of xenobiotics

Free radicals and anti-oxidant defence systems in the bodyand associations with disease processes

Paper III:

Molecular biology, molecular and genetic aspects of cancer, immunology and effects of environmental pollutants on the body

Structure and organization of chromosomes and chromatin re-modelling

DNA replication

• DNA replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes (including important differences between the two):

• Roles of DNA polymerase, helicase, primase, topoisomerase and DNA ligase

• Replication fork

• Okazaki fragments and its importance in replication.

• Overview of role of major DNA repair mechanisms – mismatch repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair and double strand break repair.

• Diseases associated with abnormalities of DNA repair systems

• DNA recombination

Transcription

• Structure of a gene - exons and introns, promoter, enhancers/repressors and response elements.

• Process of transcription in prokaryotes and eukaryotes – initiation, elongation and termination (including important differences).

• Post-transcriptional processing – capping, tailing and splicing.

Genetic code and mutations

• Characteristics of the genetic code

• Molecular basis of degeneracy of the genetic code (Wobble hypothesis)

• Mutagens- examples of physical, chemical and biological mutagens.

• Types of mutations – point mutations and chromosomal mutations

• Relationship of mutations with specific diseases

Translation

• Basic structure of prokaryotic and eukaryotic ribosomes.

• Structure of tRNA (diagram of clover leaf model of tRNA structure) and its function in protein synthesis.

• Function of aminoacyl tRNA synthase.

• Process of protein synthesis (translation) – initiation, elongation and termination (including important differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic translation).

• Inhibition of prokaryotic translation by antibiotics.

• Post-translational modifications

Regulation of gene expression in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

• The operon concept in prokaryotes

• Role of general and gene specific transcription factors

• Small interference RNA (siRNA) and micro RNA (miRNA).

• Other modes of regulation of gene expression: alternative splicing, alternative promoter usage, DNA methylation, Histone acetylation / deacetylation, RNA editing, alterations of RNA stability

Recombinant DNA technology and its applications in modern medicine

• Concepts of recombinant DNA, genetic engineering, biotechnology and cloning.

• Restriction endonucleases.

• Vectors for cloning – plasmids and phages.

• Genomic and cDNA libraries.

• Applications of recombinant DNA technology in medicine.

• Gene therapy

• Diagnosis of genetic diseases and genetic counseling

• DNA fingerprinting

• DNA sequencing

• Microarrays

• Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH)

• DNA vaccines

• Transgenic animals

• Application of molecular techniques in forensic investigation and medico- legal cases

Overview of Human Genome Project

Basics of bioinformatics

Principles of human genetics

• Alleles, genotypes and phenotypes

• Patterns of inheritance: monogenic and polygenic inheritance

• Population genetics

• Genetic factors in causation of diseases

• Types of genetic diseases: Chromosomal, monogenic and polygenic disorders, mitochondrial disorders, nucleotide repeat expansion disorders, imprinting disorders

• Screening for genetic diseases and prenatal testing

• Ethical and legal issues related to medical genetics

Stem cells in clinical medicine

• Basic concepts regarding stem cells

• Types of stem cells: embryonic and induced pleuripotent stem cells (IPSC)

• Potential applications in the clinical medicine

• Ethical and legal issues related to use of stem cells in medicine

Cancer

• Carcinogens: physical, chemical and biological

• Clonal origin of cancers

• Genetic basis of carcinogenesis

• Role of oncogenes and tumour suppressor genes

• Familial cancer syndromes

• Cancer stem cells

• Epigenetic regulation in cancer

• Gene expression profiling in cancer

• Cancer cell biology: cell cycle abnormalities, telomerase activity, proliferative capacity and decreased apoptosis

• Metastasis

• Tumor markers

• Biochemical basis of cancer chemotherapy and drug resistance

• New methods of anti-cancer therapy: targeted cancer therapy, cancer immunotherapy.

Immunology

• Innate and acquired immunity

• Humoral and cell-mediated immunity

• Cells and organs of the immune system - T and B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, NK cells, granulocytes

• Antigens, epitopes and haptens

• Immunoglobulin classes, isotypes, allotypes, idiotypes, monoclonal antibodies, organization and expression of immunoglobulin genes, immunoglobulin gene rearrangement, class switching

• Antigen-antibody interaction - immunochemical techniques

• Major histocompatibility complex, antigen processing and presentation,

• T cell and B cell receptor, toll like receptors

• T cell maturation/activation/differentiation

• B cell generation/activation/differentiation

• Cytokines

• Complement system, cell

• Immune response to infections

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Vaccines

• Immuno-deficiency syndromes

• Autoimmunity

• Transplantation immunology

• Cancer and immune system,

• Immunodiagnostics

• Immunotherapy

Paper IV

Clinical biochemistry and molecular diagnostics related to different body systems/organs, endocrinology, and recent advances in biochemistry

Basic principles and practice of clinical biochemistry

Units of measure, reagents, clinical laboratory supplies, basic separation techniques, laboratory calculations, specimen collection and processing, safety in the laboratory, clinical utility of laboratory tests (including sensitivity, specificity, ROC curves, etc), analysis in the laboratory, selection and evaluation of methods (including statistical techniques), evidence- based laboratory medicine, establishment and use of reference values, pre-analytical variables and biological variations, quality management, c1inical laboratory informatics

Analytical techniques and instrumentation

Principles of basic techniques used in a clinical biochemistry laboratory (spectrophotometry, electrochemistry, electrophoresis, osmometry, chromatography, mass spectrometry, immunochemical techniques, molecular techniques, automation, point of care testing.

Clinical correlates and analytical procedures

• Amino acids, peptides and proteins; non-protein nitrogenous compounds

• enzymes

• carbohydrates

• lipids, lipoproteins and apolipoproteins and other cardiovascular risk factors

• electrolytes

• blood gases and pH

• hormones and associated disorders

• catecholamines and serotonin

• vitamins; trace and toxic elements

• hemoglobin, and bilirubin

• porphyrins and associated disorders

• bone and mineral metabolism

• tumour markers

• assessment of organ functions (hypothalamus and pituitary, adrenal glands, gonads, thyroid, parathyroid, liver, kidney, heart, stomach, pancreas, intestine, etc) and associated disorders

• pregnancy and maternal and fetal health

• reproduction related disorders – infertility

• newborn screening

• inborn errors of metabolism

• hemostasis

• therapeutic drug monitoring

• clinical toxicology

• molecular diagnostics

• body fluid analyses

Regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and associated disorders

Regulation of acid-base balance and associated disorder

Biochemistry of the endocrine system

• Classification and general mechanism of action of hormones

• Biosynthesis, secretion, regulation, transport and mode of action of hypothalamic peptides, adenohypophyseal and neurohypophyseal hormones, thyroid and parathyroid hormones, calcitonin, pancreatic hormones, adrenocortical and medullary hormones, gonadal hormones, gastrointestinal hormones, opioid peptides, parahormones.

• Biochemistry of conception, reproduction and contraception

• Endocrine interrelationship and their involvement in metabolic regulation

• Neuro-modulators and their mechanism of action and physiological significance

• Biochemical aspects of diagnosis and treatment of endocrinal disorders:

Hematopoietic disorders

• Iron deficiency and other hypoproliferativeanaemias - iron metabolism, laboratory tests of iron status, iron therapy

• Anaemia of chronic disease, anaemia of renal disease

• Hemoglobinopathies - sickle cell anaemia, methaemoglobinemias, thalassemia syndromes, Megaloblastic anaemia

• RBC membrane and metabolism

• Hemolytic anaemia - inherited defects in RBC membrane and enzymes (G6PD deficiency), immunologic causes of hemolysis

• ABO blood group system - biochemical basis, transfusion biology.

• Plasma cell disorders - multiple myeloma.

Hemostasis and thrombosis

Biochemical mechanisms, related laboratory tests, antiplatelet/anticoagulant/fibrinolytic therapy

Cardiovascular system

Atherosclerosis - pathogenesis, risk factors, prevention and treatment Cardiac failure, acute coronary syndrome, cardiac biomarkers

Respiratory system

Gaseous exchange in lungs - physiological features and disturbances, arterial blood gases Pathogenesis of cystic emphysema, alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency

Kidney

Kidney function tests; pathophysiology, biochemistry, laboratory findings and management in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease; estimation of GFR; glomerular diseases - pathogenesis and mechanisms of glomerular injury, nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy; tubular disorders - renal tubular acidosis, proteinuria, nephrolithiasis, kidney transplant; biochemical aspects of renal stones.

Gastrointestinal system

• Gastric physiology

• Pathophysiology of peptic ulcer disease, including role of H. pylori; gastric function tests; Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

• Digestion and absorption of nutrients; evaluation of malabsorption (steatorrhea, lactose intolerance)

• Celiac disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease

• Protein losing enteropathy

• Regulatory peptides in the gut

• Neuroendocrine tumours

Liver

• Liver function tests

• Hyperbilirubinemias

• Viral hepatitis

• Serologic/virologic markers

• Alcoholic liver disease, fatty liver, chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and its complications

• Pathogenesis of ascites

• Hepatic encephalopathy

• Metabolic diseases affecting liver

• Reye's syndrome

• Diseases of gall bladder/bile ducts - pathogenesis of gallstones

• Pancreas - acute and chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic function tests.

Bone and mineral metabolism

Bone structure and metabolism;metabolism of calcium, phosphate and magnesium; regulation and abnormalities of bone metabolism; vitamin D; parathyroid hormone; calcitonin; parathyroid hormone-related (PTHrP); osteoporosis – pathophysiology; markers of bone turnover

Nervous system

• Neurotransmitters and their receptors

• Ion channels and channelopathies

• Neurotrophic factors

• Protein aggregation and neurodegeneration

• Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis

• Prions and prion diseases

• Guillain-Barre syndrome – immunopathogenesis

• Myasthenia gravis – pathophysiology

• Hereditary myopathies - Duchenne muscular dystrophy

• Inherited disorders of muscle energy metabolism

• Mitochondrial myopathies

• Pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia

Career Options

After completing an MD in Biochemistry, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.

In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from which include Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.

While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Biochemistry), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Biochemistry), Critical Care Specialist, Consultant Biochemistry Specialist, etc.

Courses After MD in Biochemistry Course

MD in Biochemistry is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in MD (Biochemistry), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, where MD (Biochemistry) is a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - MD in Biochemistry Course

Question: What is a MD in Biochemistry?

Answer: MD Biochemistry or Doctor of Medicine in Biochemistry also known as MD in Biochemistry is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.

Question: What is the duration of an MD in Biochemistry?

Answer: MD in Biochemistry is a postgraduate programme of three years.

Question: What is the eligibility of an MD in Biochemistry?

Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India.

Question: What is the scope of an MD in Biochemistry?

Answer: MD in Biochemistry offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

Question: What is the average salary for an MD in Biochemistry postgraduate candidate?

Answer: The MD in Biochemistry candidate's average salary is between INR 7 - 12  Lakhs per anum depending on the experience.

Question: What is the scope of MD biochemistry?

Answer: Assistant Professor - Clinical Biochemistry. Tutor Demonstrator - Physiology Biochemistry Anatomy. Consultant - Biochemistry. Laboratory Technician - Biochemistry.

Question: Can I do MD after BSC biochemistry?

Answer: No. You can't study MD in Biochemistry after a BSc in Biochemistry. To get Admission in MD Biochemistry, you should hold an MBBS degree from a reputed medical college approved by MCI to be eligible for the MD program.