Department of Biochemistry
The College of Agriculture in Dharwad established the Department of Biochemistry, initially under the Division of Basic Sciences within the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry. Recognizing the significant role of biochemical studies and research in Agricultural Sciences, the Department of Biochemistry was independently established in 1999. The primary focus of the department is on Plant Biochemistry, Enzymology, Analytical Biochemistry, Food and Nutritional Biochemistry and Biochemical responses to stress in plants.
Since its establishment, the Department has consistently invested in top-notch research, teaching, and training facilities. At present the department is actively engaged in researching practically applicable aspects within the domains of Agricultural Biochemistry.
The research efforts within the department have shifted towards enhancing both biotic and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. A notable focus has emerged in the field of green synthesis of nanoparticles and nanoformulations, specifically with the intention of improving crop quality. This innovative approach holds promise for addressing agricultural challenges by leveraging nanotechnology to create novel solutions. It’s encouraging to witness the faculty’s engagement in this cutting-edge area of research.
The department has well equipped laboratories UG and PG for teaching and research. The instruments available are colorimeter, UV-Vis spectrophotometer and refrigerated microcentrifuge. Rotary vacuum evaporator, soxhlet extraction unit, precision balance and pH meter.
PG Programmes in the Department
| 1 | M.Sc. in Biochemistry | 2009 |
PG Students admitted in last five years
| Sl. No. | Course No. | 2018-19 | 2019-20 | 2020-21 | 2021-22 | 2022-23 |
| 1 | M.Sc. (Agri.) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
Faculty
| Sl No | Name | Designation | Specialization |
| 1 | Dr. Kiran K. Mirajkar | Professor and Head | Synthesis & characterisation of nanoparticles, Biotic & Abiotic stress related antioxidative enzyme analysis |
| 2 | Smt. Nagaratna S. Olekar | Associate Professor | General Biochemistry |
Supporting Staff:
| Sl No | Name | Designation |
| 1 | Smt. Renuka B Narti | Sr. Lab Assistant |
| 2 | Smt. Nirmala M Patil | Farm Labour |
| 3 | Smt. Sunanda Niralkere | Kshemabhivruddhi Noukar |
B.Sc. Agriculture (Hons.) courses
| Sl. No. | Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
| 1 | BCH 101 | Fundamentals of Plant Biochemistry | 1+1 (2) |
B.Sc. Community Science (Hons.) courses
| Sl. No. | Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
| 1 | BCH 102 | Principles of Plant Biochemistry | 2+1 (3) |
B.Tech. Food Technology (Hons.) courses
| Sl. No. | Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
| 1 | BCH 103 | Elementary Biochemistry | 1+1 (2) |
M.Sc. Agriculture in Biochemistry courses
| Sl. No. | Course No. | Course Title | Credits |
| 1 | BIOCHEM 501 | Basic Biochemistry | 3+1(4) |
| 2 | BIOCHEM 502 | Intermediary Metabolism | 3+0(3) |
| 3 | BIOCHEM 503 | Enzymology | 2+1(3) |
| 4 | BIOCHEM 505 | Techniques in Biochemistry | 2+2(4) |
| 5 | BIOCHEM 507 | Plant Biochemistry | 2+1(3) |
| 6 | BIOCHEM 509 | Nutritional Biochemistry | 2+1(3) |
| 7 | BIOCHEM 510 | Nitrogen & Sulphur Metabolism | 2+1(3) |