Biochemistry Course IITM | Online Undergraduate Program by Prof. K. Subramaniam
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 391 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, Biosciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 17 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Molecular Dance of Life: A Comprehensive Biochemistry Course from IIT Madras
Have you ever wondered how the immense complexity of life arises from just a handful of chemical elements? Biochemistry holds the key to this mystery, and there's no better way to master its fundamentals than through a structured course from a premier institution. The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) offers a meticulously designed 12-week undergraduate course in Biochemistry, led by an eminent scientist, to equip you with the core principles that govern all living systems.
Course Overview: Your Gateway to Advanced Biology
This course is designed to provide a thorough grounding in the fundamental concepts of biochemistry. It explores how the complex molecules of life are assembled and disassembled, how these processes interconnect in vast regulatory networks, and how energy from the sun fuels the very essence of life. By building a strong foundation here, you will be well-prepared to tackle more advanced topics like structural biology, biotechnology, genomics, and proteomics.
- Duration: 12 Weeks
- Level: Undergraduate
- Intended Audience: Life sciences undergraduate students.
- Prerequisites: Introductory-level organic chemistry, Cell Biology, and Biology.
Learn from an Expert: Instructor Profile
The course is taught by Prof. K. Subramaniam, a distinguished scientist with an impressive academic and research pedigree.
- Ph.D.: Indian Institute of Science (1994).
- Postdoctoral Training: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
- Faculty Positions: Department of Biological Sciences & Bioengineering, IIT Kanpur (2002) and Department of Biotechnology, IIT Madras (2014-present).
- Fellowships: International Senior Research Fellow of the Wellcome Trust (2003-09), Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences.
- Research Focus: His laboratory investigates adult stem cell systems, using C. elegans germline stem cells as a model to understand self-renewal and differentiation.
Detailed 12-Week Course Curriculum
The course layout is logically structured to build your knowledge from the ground up, starting with molecular foundations and progressing to integrated metabolic pathways.
| Week | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to biomolecules; Stereochemistry |
| Week 2 | Water; Acids and bases; pH; Buffer; Proteins |
| Week 3 | Enzymes |
| Week 4 | Enzyme inhibitors; Carbohydrates |
| Week 5 | Lipids; Introduction to metabolism; Bioenergetics |
| Week 6 | Biological oxidation-reduction reactions; Glycolysis |
| Week 7 | Citric acid cycle; Oxidative phosphorylation; ATP synthesis |
| Week 8 | Photosynthesis |
| Week 9 | Nitrogen fixation and amino acid biosynthesis; Catabolism of amino acids |
| Week 10 | Catabolism of lipids |
| Week 11 | Lipid biosynthesis |
| Week 12 | Hormonal regulation and integration of metabolism |
Recommended Textbook
The course aligns with the globally recognized standard textbook for biochemistry: Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (4th edition or any later edition). This ensures you are learning from one of the most authoritative and comprehensive resources in the field.
Who Should Enroll?
This IIT Madras Biochemistry course is ideal for:
- Undergraduate students in Life Sciences, Biology, Biotechnology, and Bioengineering.
- Students preparing for competitive exams in life sciences.
- Anyone seeking a strong, conceptual foundation in biochemistry from a top-tier Indian institute.
By the end of this 12-week journey, you will have gained a deep, integrated understanding of the chemical logic of life processes, taught by one of India's leading researchers. Enroll today to begin mastering the language of life at the molecular level.
Enroll Now →