Biochemistry, sometimes called biological chemistry, is the study of chemical processes within and relating to living organisms. By controlling information flow through biochemical signaling and the flow of chemical energy through metabolism, biochemical processes give rise to the complexity of life. Over the last decades of the 20th century, biochemistry has become so successful at explaining living processes that now almost all areas of the life sciences from botany to medicine to genetics are engaged in biochemical research. Today, the main focus of pure biochemistry is 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 tissues, organs, and whole organisms—that is, all of biology.
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.[5] Depending on the exact definition of the terms used, molecular biology can be thought of as a branch of biochemistry, or biochemistry as a tool with which to investigate and study molecular biology.
Much of biochemistry deals with the structures, functions and interactions of biological macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and lipids, which provide the structure of cells and perform many of the functions associated with life. The chemistry of the cell also depends on the reactions of smaller molecules and ions. These can be inorganic, for example water and metal ions, or organic, for example the amino acids, which are used to synthesize proteins. The mechanisms by which cells harness energy from their environment via chemical reactions are known as metabolism. The findings of biochemistry are applied primarily in medicine, nutrition, and agriculture. In medicine, biochemists investigate the causes and cures of diseases. In nutrition, they study how to maintain health wellness and study the effects of nutritional deficiencies.
The department of Biochemistry with a team of competent professors and dedicated faculties has played a monumental role in strengthening the foundations of the medical and dental students at KWMC. Medical Biochemistry is one of the three basic subjects to be mastered in the first & second year of the graduate study corbix 1½ year. The department also gives extensive training and imparts high degree of professional competency in Medical Laboratory Technology to students, in addition to educating Nursing and paramedical students on the essentials of biochemistry.
Apart from regular class schedules, tutorial classes and internal assessment examinations in theory/ practical, the students are subjected to weekly tutorial tests and regular assignments, prodding them to pursue their lessons with deeper understanding and thoroughness, and to enhance their performance in the University examinations.
As another means of intellectual stimulation, the students are required to present seminars/ symposia on various topics, using power point presentations, charts and other audio visual aids, during their period of study in the department.