Department of Biochemistry

The Department of Biochemistry at Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, under Manipal Academy of Higher Education, was established in 1977, with postgraduate training commencing in 1989. Located at the Centre for Basic Sciences, Bejai, the department integrates undergraduate and postgraduate education, clinical biochemistry diagnostics, student research, and interdisciplinary academic activity. Its academic facilities are distributed across the third and fourth floors of the Centre for Basic Sciences, while the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory operates as part of the Centralised Laboratory at KMC Hospital, Ambedkar Circle. The laboratory provides round-the-clock diagnostic support and uses an automated, digitally connected reporting platform to assist clinical decision-making.

Highlights

Established in 1977, with the postgraduate programme commencing in 1989.

Located at the Centre for Basic Sciences, Bejai, with teaching, administrative, laboratory, and academic facilities distributed across the third and fourth floors.

Provides Biochemistry teaching for undergraduate, postgraduate, and allied-health learners through lectures, demonstrations, practical sessions, clinical-laboratory exposure, and research activities.

Operates a Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory within the Centralised Laboratory at KMC Hospital, Ambedkar Circle.

Provides round-the-clock clinical biochemistry laboratory services supported by automated equipment and experienced technical personnel.

The official department page describes the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory as the first NABL-certified laboratory in Mangalore. The current scope and validity of this accreditation should be confirmed before publication.

Uses an automated diagnostic platform linked to information-technology systems, enabling treating doctors within the hospital to access laboratory results promptly.

Has core competencies in screening for inborn errors of metabolism, allergy profiling, and interdepartmental research.

Provides laboratory support for pharmaceutical organisations associated with clinical-trial research.

Encourages undergraduate students to participate in Indian Council of Medical Research Short-Term Studentship projects.

Involves students in the organisation of continuing medical education programmes, conferences, and intercollegiate competitions.

Posts postgraduate students to the Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory on rotation to develop practical familiarity with diagnostic biochemistry and laboratory processes.

Faculty members serve as consultant biochemists and contribute to laboratory quality systems, including internal auditing associated with accreditation processes.