About the Department

The Department of Medical Biochemistry was created by the University Governing Council in December, 2010 to satisfy requirements of the Medical and Dental Council for accreditation of the Medical and Dental Programmes of the College of Health Sciences. Before then, Medical Biochemistry in the College was taught under the Department of Chemical Pathology.

Mandates: Our students include year two and year three undergraduates of the Medical and Dental programmes and year two undergraduates of Nursing Science, Medical Rehabilitation and Human Nutrition and Dietetics Programmes. The Department is also involved in teaching Part-Time Bachelor of Nursing Science students in a programme coordinated by the center for Distance Learning of the University. In addition, we run a course for M.Sc. Physics students.

Biochemistry is the common language of the life Sciences, and most diseases are manifestations of abnormalities associated with biomolecules and biochemical reaction/processes. A good understanding of these processes is essential for students of Medicine and other health-related professions. It is believed that as long as Medical treatment is firmly grounded in knowledge of Biochemistry and other basic sciences, the practice of medicine will have a rational basis that can be adapted to accommodate new knowledge.

Currently, the Department teaches only undergraduate courses. A proposal for the commencement of M.Sc., M.Phil. and PhD programmes is already being processed to the Senate of the University.

The Department currently has five Academic Staff, three technologists and two administrative staff.