Teaching Learning in Biochemistry: Medical College Students’ Perceptions and Opinions

Background: Biochemistry is taught in the medical curriculum. Very little is known about the students’ perceptions, towards improving the teaching learning process of biochemistry.Methods: Data was analysed from 139 feedback forms of a questionnaire study, from second year students of a medical college in India (n=139 of 157 students). The self administered questionnaire contained 36 items which were related to liking the subject of biochemistry, rating of the different topics (difficulty in learning) and the effectiveness of teaching methods.Results: 57% of the students liked the subject of biochemistry. Metabolisms and molecular biology were difficult topics to learn. Practical exercises, lectures, exams, and other methods have been found by majority of the students, to be the excellent or very good methods, for effectively teaching biochemistry. Opinion by students was suggesting a clear mandate in several issues such as, usefulness of biochemistry practicals, learning minute details of biochemical reactions, and a clinician teaching the interpretation of lab investigations. Majority of them have perceived that the subject of biochemistry can be covered meaningfully, within a year.Conclusions: Students perceive the usefulness of teaching methods and the varying difficulties in learning different topics in biochemistry. Teaching learning process in biochemistry can be improved, by understanding students’ perceptions.