Biochemistry is the study of molecules and processes within a living cell. It combines the principles of biology and chemistry to explore molecular structures, functions and interactions of biomolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates. Understanding these processes paves way for advancements in medicine, genetics, biotechnology, food and nutrition science, forensic, diagnostics, and clinical research.

About food technology and nutraceuticals:
Food technology is the study of food science, food processing, food preservation, food packaging, food safety and regulations, and nutrition. Nutraceuticals, a new buzz word in health care market, are formulations of nutrients/natural compounds or dietary supplements that offer health benefits. A post graduate degree in food technology and nutraceuticals promises lucrative national and international opportunities in quality control, quality assurance, food safety and regulation, food security, business development and marketing strategies, new food/ functional food product development, new nutraceutical ingredients, etc.

About the department:
Started in 1979 the department is one of its kind to offer Biochemistry as an interdisciplinary double majors program at the third year of BSc. In 1986, the department started an aided Masters program in Biochemistry.
Our mission is to educate and train the next generation of biochemists, conduct innovative research and contribute to the betterment of society through a deeper understanding of molecular processes that govern life.

Programs offered by the department:
1. B.Sc – Biochemistry since 1979 (B.Sc Double Majors with Biochemistry and Botany/Chemistry/Microbiology/Zoology)
2. BSc- Biochemistry NEP compliant (Biochemistry Major)
3. M.Sc- Biochemistry since 1983 (Government aided)
4. Ph.D – Biochemistry (Since 2022-23)
5. Post Graduate Diploma – Food Technology and Nutraceuticals ( 2019- 2023)
6. M.Sc- Food Technology and Nutraceuticals (since 2023-24; NEP- compliant)

Key features of the Department:
1. University of Mumbai-recognized Ph.D center in Biochemistry
2. University of Mumbai-recognized Ph.D Guide in Home Science - Food and Nutrition
3. Corporate (Gangwal-Barentz)-funding for Food Technology & Nutraceuticals laboratory
4. Dedicated teachers who foster intellectually stimulating environment for the students
5. Collaborations with organisations (02 Memoranda of Understanding) to facilitate internship, placement and joint research projects for students
6. Alumni engagement for placement and career guidance to students
7. Conducting Skill and capacity building workshops for students
8. Well-equipped laboratories with instruments like UV Visible spectrophotometer, FTIR, HPLC, Atomic absorption spectrophotometer, Karl Fischer, and Flame photometer.

Research areas:
1. Natural products and bioprospecting
2. Natural biopolymers and biocomposites
3. Valorisation of agro-waste
4. Protein-protein and protein-ligand interactions
5. Functional foods and supplements- new product development

Alumni placements:
Our past students have interned or graced important positions in renowned national and international research institutes and companies, to name a few: Indiana University (US), University of North Texas, Weizmann Institute of Science (Israel), Tata Memorial Hospital, Tata institute of fundamental research, ACTREC, IISER, National Chemical laboratory, National Institute of virology, Tata consultancy services, Thyrocare, Johnson and Johnson, Envirocare, FDA, Equinox, Body first, Mondelez, Hindustan Unilever, Dr Reddy’s, Abbott, Cipla, etc.


Contact us at:
siesbiochem@gmail.com
Foodtechnutra@gmail.com
Dr. Deepali Kothekar: 9967038139/ deepalik@sies.edu.in
Dr. Suveera Bellary: 8080734641/suveerab@sies.edu.in