COMPETENCY BASED UNDERGRADUATE CURRICULUM FOR THE

INDIAN MEDICAL GRADUATE

2024

National Medical Commission Pocket-14, Sector-

8, Dwarka New Delhi 110 077
.

BIOCHEMISTRY (CODE: BC)

Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Nu ber
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment m ire
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method req d
) u tortif
ce y
P

BIOCHEMISTRY (Topics = 14, Competencies = 84)

Topic 1: Basic Biochemistry Number of Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

competencies:(01)
BC1.1 Describe the molecular and functional organization of a cell and
Written
its sub- cellular components and composition and functions of
K KH Y LGT, SGT / SDL assessment/
Biologica membranes.
Viva voce

Topic 2: Enzyme Number of Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

competencies:(05)
BC2.1 Explain fundamental concepts of enzyme, isoenzyme and K KH Y LGT, SGT Written
coenzyme. Enumerate the main classes of IUBMB assessment
nomenclature. / Viva voce
BC2.2 Describe and explain the basic principles of enzyme activity K KH Y LGT, SGT Written assessment
/ Viva voce
BC2.3 Describe and discuss enzyme Inhibition and role of enzymes or K KH Y LGT, Casediscussion SGT Written assessment
drugs as Inhibitors, and enzymes as therapeutic agents. / Viva voce

BC2.4 Describe and discuss the clinical utility of various serum K KH Y LGT, SGT, Flipped class Written assessment
enzymes in laboratory and their use as markers of various room / Viva voce
pathological conditions.
BC2.5 Interpret laboratory results of enzymes in various disorders. K KH Y SGT, DOAPs, Case Written assessment/
Studies Viva voce/ Case
studies, OSPE
 Topic 3: Chemistry and Metabolism of Carbohydrates Number of Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)
competencies:(06)
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Number
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment require
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method d to
) certify
P
BC3.1 Discuss and differentiate monosaccharides, di-saccharides and
polysaccharides with examples, their importance as energy fuel K KH Y Written/Viva voce
LGT, SGT
structural element, and storage molecule in human body.

BC3.2 Describe the digestion, absorption and transport of carbohydrates

from food along with its disorders. K KH Y LGT, SGT, SDL Written/Viva-voce

BC3.3 Define and briefly describe the pathways of carbohydrate

metabolism and their regulation (glycolysis, gluconeogenesis, LGT, SGT, Flipped class
K KH Y Written/Viva voce
TCA, and significance of glycogen metabolism and HMP shunt), room
with associated
disorders.
BC3.4 Describe and discuss the regulation, functions and integration of
minor Carbohydrate Metabolism pathway briefly along with K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva-voce
associated
diseases /disorders.
BC3.5 Discuss the mechanism and significance of blood glucose
regulation (Glucose homeostasis) in health and disease. LGT, SGT, Flipped class
K KH Y Written/Viva voce
Describe the types, Biochemical changes, complications and room
laboratory investigations
related to diabetes & other carbohydrate metal disorders.
BC3.6 Interpret the results of analytes associated with
LGT, SGT Case Studies Written/ Viva
metabolism of K KH Y
/ SDL, Flipped class voce/ Case
carbohydrates and other laboratory investigations related to Studies /OSPE
room
disorders of carbohydrate metabolism.
 Topic 4 : Chemistry and Metabolism of Lipids Number of competencies: (08) Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)
BC4.1 Describe and discuss main classes of lipids and their functions.
K KH Y LGT, SGT /SDL Written/Viva voce
BC4.2 Describe the digestion and absorption of dietary lipids and
K KH Y LGT, SGT /SDL Written /Viva voce
its (associated disorders.
BC4.3 Describe and discuss the fatty acid oxidation, metabolism of
ketone bodies along with their clinical significance. K KH Y LGT, SGT Written /Viva voce

Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Number

The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment require
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method d to
) certify
P
BC4.4 Describe metabolism of Triglycerides and cholesterol metabolism
along with its regulation and clinical significance. K KH Y LGT, SGT Written /Viva voce

BC4.5 Describe the metabolism of lipoproteins with brief overview

of lipoprotein structure, their K KH Y LGT, SGT Written /Viva voce
interrelations & relations with
atherosclerosis.
BC4.6 Discuss Biological role and therapeutic applications of LGT, SGT, Flipped class
Eicosanoids and their Inhibitors. K KH Y Written /Viva voce
room
BC4.7 Describe Fatty liver, cholelithiasis and obesity. LGT, SGT, Case
K KH Y Written /Viva voce
Studies/Scenarios/SDL
BC4.8 Interpret laboratory results of analytes associated with
LGT, SGT, case studies, Written/Viva voce/
metabolism of lipids K KH Y case
Flipped class room
studies/OSPE
Topic 5: Chemistry & Metabolism of Proteins and Immunology Number of competencies:(09) Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

BC5.1 Discuss briefly structure of amino acids and classify amino acids
on the basis of Nutritional and Metabolic significance. K KH Y LGT, SGT/SDL Written / Viva voce
 BC5.2 Discuss classification of proteins, structural organization,
functions and clinical aspects. K KH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce

BC 5.3 Describe the digestion and absorption of dietary proteins

K KH Y LGT, SGT / SDL Written / Viva voce

BC 5.4 Describe plasma proteins and their functions and brief

overview of normal and abnormal electrophoretic pattern of K KH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce
serum proteins, acute
phase proteins.
BC 5.5 Describe the structure, functions and disorders of
Immunoglobulins with brief description of cellular and humoral K KH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce
Immunity.
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Number
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment require
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method d to
) certify
P
BC 5.6 Describe the formation, transport, detoxification of Ammonia,
Ammonia toxicity and its clinical significance. K KH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce
BC 5.7 Describe the specialized products formed from the amino acids
Glycine, Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, Tryptophan, and Methionine,
branched chain amino acids and Arginine and the inborn errors K/S KH/SH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce
associated with them Discuss new-born screening.
BC5.8 Describe the structure and functions of haem in the body and
describe K KH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce
the processes involved in its metabolism with emphasis on
jaundice and describe porphyrin metabolism.
BC5.9 Describe the major types of Hemoglobin and its types, K KH Y LGT, SGT Written / Viva voce
derivatives &
variants found in the body and their physiological /
pathological relevance
Topic 6: Extracellular Matrix Number of competencies: (03) Number of competencies that require certification: (NIL)
BC6.1 Enumerate the functions and components of the extracellular K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
matrix (ECM).
BC6.2 Discuss the involvement of ECM components in health and K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
disease.
BC6.3 Describe protein targeting & sorting along with its associated K KH N LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
disorders.
Topic 7: Integration of Metabolism and Biological Oxidation Number of competencies: (02) Number of competencies that require certification: (NIL)

BC7.1 Describe the integration of various metabolic processes in the K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/viva voce
body (Carbohydrate, Lipid, and Protein).
BC7.2 Describe the Biochemical processes involved in generation of K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
energy in cells.

Topic 8: Vitamins and Nutrition Number of competencies: (06) Number of competencies that require certification: (NIL)

Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Number

The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment require
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method d to
) certify
P
BC8.1 Describe the Biochemical role of vitamins in the body and explain K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
the manifestations of their deficiency
BC8.2 Discuss the importance of various dietary components and K KH Y LGT, SGT, SDL Written/Viva voce
explain importance of dietary fibre.

Describe the types and causes of protein energy malnutrition and K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
BC8.3
its effects.
Provide dietary advice for optimal health in childhood and
BC8.4 adult in disease conditions like diabetes mellitus, coronary artery K/S/C KH Y LGT, SGT / role play Written/Viva voce
disease and in
pregnancy.

BC8.5 Describe the causes (including dietary habits), effects and health K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
risks associated with being overweight/ obese / metabolic
syndrome
 Summarize the nutritional importance of commonly used items of LGT, SGT, Home
BC8.6 K KH Y Written/Viva voce
food including fruits and vegetables (macro-molecules & its assignment
importance).
Topic 9: Minerals, electrolytes, Water and Acid base balance Number of competencies: (03) Number of competencies that require certification: (NIL)

Describe the dietary sources, absorption, transport, and LGT, SGT, Home
BC9.1 metabolism, Biochemical functions of Iron, Calcium and copper K KH Y Assignment, Flipped Written/Viva voce
with its associated clinical disorders. class room

Discuss Magnesium, Zinc and Phosphorus along with its LGT, SGT, Home
BC9.2 K KH Y Written/Viva voce
clinical significance and discuss the functions of trace elements Assignment. / SDL
Describe the processes involved in maintenance of normal pH,
BC9.3 water K KH Y LGT, SGT / SDL Written/Viva voce
& electrolyte balance of body fluids and the derangements
associated with them
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Number
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment require
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method d to
) certify
P
Topic 10: Molecular Biology Number of competencies:(07) Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

BC10.1 Describe nucleotides and nucleic acids and their clinical K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
significance.
Describe briefly synthesis of purines in the body with special
BC10.2 K KH N LGT, SGT /SDL Written/Viva voce
stress on salvage pathway.

Describe the degradation of purines and its significance with

BC10.3 K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
associated disorders.

Describe in brief the major steps involved in Replication,

BC10.4 K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
Transcription, and translation.
 Describe the types of DNA repair, gene mutations and
BC 10.5 K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
associated disorders.

BC10.6 Describe basic mechanism of regulation of gene expression K KH Y LGT, SGT /SDL Written/Viva voce

Describe applications of molecular technologies like recombinant

LGT, SGT, Flipped class
BC10.7 DNA technology and PCR in the diagnosis and treatment of K KH Y Written/Viva voce
room
diseases. Briefly discuss microarray, FISH, CRISPR

Topic 11: Organ Function tests and Hormones Number of competencies:(02) Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

LGT, SGT, Case studies Written/Viv

BC 11.1 Describe the function tests of kidney, liver, thyroid and adrenal a
glands and their clinical significance. Interpret the function tests K,S KH/SH Y
/ SDL voce/Case
report. studies/OSP
E
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Number
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment require
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method d to
) certify
P
Enumerate the hormones and markers related to reproduction Written/Viva
LGT, SGT / SDL,
BC11.2 and reproductive health and their clinical interpretation (For e.g. voce/Direct
LH, FSH, Prolactin, beta-HCG, Estrogen Progesterone, K KH Y
Flipped class room observation/
testosterone and AMH. Discuss importance of prenatal OSPE
screening.

Topic 12: Xenobiotic, oxidative stress and antioxidants Number of competencies:(03) Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

BC12.1 Describe the role of xenobiotics in disease in health and disease K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce

BC12.2 Describe the anti-oxidant defense systems in the body. K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
 Describe the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of
BC12.3 conditions such as cancer, complications of diabetes mellitus and K KH Y LGT, SGT / SDL Written/Viva voce
atherosclerosis
Topic 13: Miscellaneous Number of competencies:(05) Number of competencies that require certification:(NIL)

Describe oncogenesis, oncogenes & its activation with focus on

BC 13.1 K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
p53 & apoptosis.

Describe various Biochemical tumor markers and the

BC 13.2 K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce
Biochemical basis of cancer therapy.

BC13.3 Discuss briefly on HIV and Biochemical changes in AIDS. K KH N LGT, SGT Written/Viva voce

Discuss metabolism of alcohol with Biochemical changes and

BC13.4 K KH Y LGT, SGT, SDL Written/Viva voce
effects of chronic alcoholism.

Describe the role of Artificial Intelligence in clinical Written/ Viva

BC13.5 Biochemistry laboratory practices. K KH N LGT, SGT / SDL voce Logbook
Record
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Numbe
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment r
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method require
) d to
certify
P
Topic 14: Biochemical Laboratory test / Practical Number of competencies: (24) Number of competencies that require certification : (11)

Describe commonly used laboratory apparatus equipments, Written/ Viva voce/

14.1 K KH Y LGT, SGT
good / safe laboratory practice, Biomedical hazards & waste Direct observation
management.
Written/
Describe estimation of pH by pH meter or ABG analyser
BC14.2 K KH Y LGT, SGT / Case Viva voce Direct
and interpretation of results with paper case scenarios.
discussion observation/
OSPE
 Describe the physical properties, chemical constituents of
normal urine and abnormal constituents of urine and Perform LGT, Small group Written/
BC14.3 K,S KH/P Y 2
urine analysis to determine normal and abnormal constituents Discussion / DOAP Viva voce / DOAP
(including dipsticks method demonstration).

Identify abnormal constituents in urine, interpret the findings Skill assessment /

BC14.4 S P Y DOAPs 1
and correlate these with pathological states and prepare a urine OSPE
report.
Written/
Describe screening of urine for inborn errors & describe the use
BC14.5 K KH Y LGT, SGT Viva voce/ Direct
of paper chromatography
observation/
OSPE
Written /
BC14.6 Describe the principles of Colorimetry & Spectrophotometry. K KH Y LGT, SGT Viva voce /
Direct
observation
Perform estimation of glucose by manual / semi-automated
Skill Assessment
BC14.7 analyzer method and demonstrate glucometer usage. and S P Y DOAPs 1
OSPE
interpretation of
results with clinical scenarios.
Perform estimation of urea and calculate BUN and interpretation Skill Assessment
BC14.8 S P Y DOAPs OSPE 1
of results in clinical scenarios.
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Numbe
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment r
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method require
) d to
certify
P
Perform the estimation of serum creatinine and calculate Skill Assessment
BC14.9 S P Y DOAP OSPE 1
creatinine clearance.
Perform estimation of uric acid in serum and interpretation of Skill Assessment
BC14.10 S P Y DOAPs OSPE 1
results with clinical scenarios.
Skill Assessment
BC14.11 Perform estimation of serum proteins, albumin and A:G ratio S P Y DOAPs OSPE 1
 Skill Assessment
BC14.12 Perform the estimation of serum total cholesterol S P Y DOAPs OSPE 1

Perform the estimation of serum Bilirubin by manual / Skills assessment

BC14.13 S P Y DOAP 1
semi- automated analyzer method. / OSPE

Describe estimation of calcium and phosphorus and Written /

BC14.14 K KH Y LGT, SGT, Demonstration
interpretation of results. Viva
voce
Written /
Describe the estimation Triglycerides, HDL and calculation of
BC14.15 K KH Y LGT, SGT Viva voce / OSPE
LDL and interpretation of results with clinical scenarios.
(LDL Calculate)

Describe the estimation of SGOT (AST) / SGPT (ALT) / Written/

BC14.16 K KH Y LGT, SGT
Alkaline Phosphatase and interpretation of results with clinical Viva
scenarios. voce
Written/
BC14.17 Describe briefly various body fluids & discuss the composition of K KH Y LGT, SGT
Viva
CSF.
voce
Observe use of commonly used equipments/techniques in
Biochemistry laboratory including: Written/
Demonstration (SGT)
BC14.18 • pH meter K KH Y Viva voce / Direct
& Lab Visit
• Paper chromatography of amino acid observation
• Protein electrophoresis
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Numbe
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment r
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method require
) d to
certify
P
 • TLC, PAGE
• Electrolyte analysis by ISE
• ABG analyzer
• ELISA
• Immunodiffusion
• Autoanalyser
• DNA isolation from blood/ tissue
Explain the basis and rationale of Biochemical tests done
and interpretation of laboratory results in the following
conditions:
- Diabetes mellitus,
- Obesity,
- dyslipidaemia,
- Fatty liver
- myocardial infarction, Written/
LGT/ Clinical case
Viva voce /
BC14.19 - Renal failure, K KH Y studies discussion
- Gout, OSPE / Case
(SGT)
- Nephrotic syndrome, studies
- Jaundice, interpretation
- Liver diseases, pancreatitis, disorders of acid- base balance,
- Thyroid disorders,
- Genetic disorders
- Nutritional disorders
- Vitamin deficiency disorders,
- Disorders of Mineral metabolism,
- Disorders of electrolyte metabolism.
Written/
LGT, SGT
Describe & Identify Pre-Analytical (especially order of draw, Viva voce/ OSPE/
BC14.20 S SH Y DOAP(clinical lab),
tourniquet technique), Analytical, Post Analytical errors. Direct
Skill lab
observation/
OSPE
Number COMPETENCY Predominant Level Cor Suggested Teaching Suggested Numbe
The student should be able to Domain K/KH/ e Learning method Assessment r
K/S/A/C S H/P (Y/N method require
) d to
certify
 P

Written/
Describe Quality control and identify basic L J charts in LGT / SGT / DOAP Viva voce/
BC14.21 Clinical biochemistry lab. S SH Y 1
(clinical lab) OSPE/ Direct
observation/
OSPE
Written/
Viva voce/ OSPE
Describe performance of OGTT, Glucose Challenge Test and /Direct
BC14.22 K KH Y LGT, SGT
HbA1c and interpretation of results with clinical scenarios. observation/
Case
studies
interpretation.
Calculate energy content of different food Items, identify food
BC14.23 items with high and low glycaemic index and explain the K KH Y LGT, SGT Written/ Viva voce
importance of
these in the diet.
ECE-SGT(Bedside/ Ward
BC Observe, Interpret and discuss the baseline, diagnostic, Logbook,
K,A,S,C SH Y visit/ Medical record
14.2 prognostic, and discharge investigations of clinical biochemistry. reflections
department
4

Best wishes
Prof. Dr S Sen