Department of Biochemistry

Category: Basic Medical Sciences

Overview

The Department of Biochemistry is a foundational academic unit within the College of Medicine, dedicated to advancing the understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern human health and disease. By integrating principles of biology and chemistry, the department explores the structure, function, and interactions of biomolecules, including proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates. Students develop a strong understanding of cellular metabolism, molecular regulation, and the biochemical basis of disease, providing an essential foundation for clinical medicine.

The department plays a central role in preclinical medical education, equipping students with the scientific knowledge and analytical skills required to understand normal physiological processes, disease pathogenesis, and modern diagnostic approaches. Under the leadership of Professor Rana M. Hameed, the department is committed to excellence in education, research, and the advancement of translational biomedical sciences.

Mission

The Department of Biochemistry advances medical education, research, and clinical translation through three interconnected pillars:

Education

Deliver high-quality preclinical medical education that equips students with a strong foundation in biochemical sciences, critical thinking, and analytical problem-solving.

Research

Promote innovative and collaborative research that advances understanding of human biology and disease while fostering the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice.

Clinical Translation

Bridge basic biomedical sciences and patient care by applying biochemical knowledge to the development of diagnostic tools, disease biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies.

Areas of Teaching and Expertise

Core Structural Biochemistry and Macromolecules

• Structure and function of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates
• Enzyme mechanisms and regulation
• Cellular metabolism and bioenergetics

Clinical and Medical Biochemistry

• Clinical diagnostics and laboratory biomarkers
• Inborn errors of metabolism
• Endocrinology and signal transduction pathways
• Biochemical basis of human disease

Advanced Analytical Techniques

• Chromatographic methods for metabolomics and protein analysis
• Spectroscopic techniques
• Immunochemical assays, including ELISA and protein quantification methodologies

Contemporary and Interdisciplinary Biochemistry

• Cancer biochemistry
• Gene regulation and epigenetics
• Coding and non-coding RNA biology
• Molecular mechanisms of disease

Teaching Facilities and Clinical Partnerships

The department supports practical teaching and research activities through collaborations with:

• Imam Hussein Teaching Hospital
• Al-Hindiya Teaching Hospital

These facilities provide opportunities for laboratory-based learning, clinical correlation, and applied biomedical research.

Educational Programs

Program Contribution

• Undergraduate Medical Program (MBBS)

Courses Taught

• Biochemistry
• Clinical Biochemistry
• Endocrine System