CHANDIGARH: A five day Value Added Course on “Applied Biochemistry” concluded on National Science Day at the Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University. The course was aimed to provide hands-on experience and exposure to cutting edge technologies in biochemistry.
‘The course was designed to supplement the curriculum and to equip students particularly those pursuing Master’s degree with knowledge and skills necessary for their future development in the subject’ highlighted the course coordinator, Prof. Archana Bhatnagar.
Prof. Amarjit Singh Naura, Chairperson, Department of Biochemistry, Panjab University emphasised the role of introduction of state-of-the-art technologies in encouraging the students to pursue the subject in such a way that they make meaningful contributions to towards sustainable development.
The course from February 24 to 28, 2025 offered valuable insights into the subject where students could understand the use of technologies such as Plethysmography, flowcytometry, multiplex assay, mass spectrometry and metabolomics on one hand and the application of biochemistry in developing biosensors, detection of pesticides, food adulteration, etc.
Research is based on models and use of Zebra Fish Model or those in cancer biology were also discussed at length. An interactive presentation on statistics was offered to the students, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of data analysis. Scientific fun activities based on biochemistry were also conducted and they provided the students with a unique opportunity to engage in hands on learning, exploring the fascinating world of biochemistry, making the subject more accessible and enjoyable & developing appreciation of the subject.
The concluding day of the course coincided with National Science Day, and Dr. Charu Sharma, Chief Scientist at CSIR-IMTECH, delivered a lecture on the relevance of spectrophotometry, Raman Effect and innovation in drug discovery.
The resource persons for the course included eminent scientists from various institutes of tri-city and faculty from USA apart from those from the department which brought a varied perspective and distinctiveness in expertise. The students had discussions with all the scientists depicting their interests and learning.