Biochemistry Online Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Swagata Dasgupta | NPTEL
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 665 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Chemistry, Biosciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 25 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Unlock the Molecular Machinery of Life: A Premier Biochemistry Course
Have you ever wondered how the food you eat transforms into energy, or how your genes instruct the building of a unique individual? The answers lie in the fascinating world of biochemistry. If you're a student or professional in Chemistry, Biosciences, Medicine, or Biotechnology looking to build a rock-solid foundation in this core subject, your search ends here.
We are thrilled to present a meticulously designed, 12-week online course in Biochemistry, taught by one of India's most distinguished educators and researchers in the field: Professor Swagata Dasgupta of IIT Kharagpur. This course, developed under the National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL), has garnered a global following for its clarity, depth, and academic rigor.
Learn from an Academic Leader: Prof. Swagata Dasgupta
Your instructor brings over 25 years of dedicated teaching and pioneering research experience to this course. Prof. Dasgupta's illustrious career is a testament to excellence:
- Elite Education & Research: A graduate of Presidency College, Kolkata, and IIT Kanpur, she earned her Ph.D. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, USA, before establishing a renowned research program in Protein Chemistry at IIT Kharagpur.
- Proven Expertise: Her research focuses on protein interactions and structure analysis, resulting in over 150 publications and 3800+ citations. She leads an active, well-funded research laboratory whose alumni excel globally.
- Award-Winning Educator: Recognized with the CRSI Bronze Medal (2016), the Darshan Ranganathan Memorial Lecture Award (2013), and elected as a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences, Bangalore (2018).
- Commitment to Teaching: Beyond research, she has revolutionized biochemistry education through new courses, lab developments, curriculum design, and this very NPTEL course, inspiring countless students and young scientists, especially women in STEM.
Course Overview: What You Will Master
This introductory course is crafted to provide a comprehensive understanding of biological macromolecules and their functions. By the end of 12 weeks, you will be able to correlate the chemical properties and 3D structures of biomolecules with their critical roles in living systems.
Intended Audience: Core course for BSc, MSc, MS, and PhD students in Chemistry, Biosciences, Biotechnology, and related fields.
Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of Chemistry and Biology concepts.
Detailed 12-Week Curriculum
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amino Acids | Building blocks of proteins, structures, and properties. |
| 2-3 | Protein Structure | Primary to quaternary structure, folding, and function relationship. |
| 4-6 | Enzymes | Kinetics, mechanisms, inhibition, and catalytic strategies. |
| 7 | Lipids and Membranes | Structure of lipids, membrane bilayer, and transport. |
| 8 | Nucleic Acids | DNA & RNA structure, storage of genetic information. |
| 9 | Vitamins and Coenzymes | Essential cofactors in enzymatic reactions. |
| 10 | Carbohydrates | Structures, isomers, and biological roles of sugars. |
| 11 | Bioenergetics | ATP, thermodynamics of biological systems. |
| 12 | Metabolism | Introduction to core metabolic pathways. |
Essential Learning Resources
The course content aligns with and is excellently supplemented by two of the most authoritative textbooks in biochemistry:
- Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry (6th Ed.) by Nelson & Cox
- Biochemistry by Voet & Voet
These texts will serve as invaluable references for deepening your understanding of the weekly topics.
Why Enroll in This Biochemistry Course?
- World-Class Instruction: Learn directly from an IIT professor and leading researcher.
- Structured Learning Path: A logical progression from basic molecules to complex functions.
- Foundation for Advanced Study: Perfect preparation for competitive exams, higher studies, and research.
- Global Accessibility: A free, high-quality resource from India's premier technical institute.
- Interdisciplinary Relevance: Essential knowledge for careers in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, research, and biotechnology.
Whether you are a student aiming to ace your exams, a researcher seeking to refresh core concepts, or a professional expanding your knowledge base, this course offers an unparalleled opportunity to master biochemistry with one of the best minds in the field. Embark on this 12-week journey to decode the chemical language of life.
Enroll Now →