The Department of Biochemistry began its teaching program in the Doctor of Medicine curriculum at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University in 1947. Initially, biochemistry education was conducted under the responsibility of the Department of Physiology. It wasn’t until 1965 that a royal decree established the Department of Biochemistry as a separate entity from the Department of Physiology.
At its inception, the department was pioneered by four faculty members: Professor Dr. Prawut Khunakasem, who served as the head, Associate Professor Dr. Ch. Permsuk Petchpaisit, Dr. Pani Silpacharn, and Dr. Prapa Lauhapiboon. Supporting staff included Mrs. Orapin Rittironnarak as a scientific officer, Mr. Prateep Chueayok, Mr. Panom Lamat, and Mr. Chumras Manee as support staff.
Currently, the department fulfills its primary missions in all aspects, including teaching, research, academic services, administration, and preserving arts and culture.
Since its inception, the Department of Biochemistry has been led by 11 heads of department. (in 12 terms)
1. Prof. Pravudh Kunakasem, M.D.
Year 1965 – 1980
2. Assoc. Prof. Ch. Permsuk Pechayapaisit, M.D.
Year 1980 – 1986
3. Assoc. Prof. Kanit Buranasiri, M.D.
Year 1986 – 1990
4. Emeritus Prof. Tada Sueblinvong, M.D.
Year 1990 – 1994
5. Prof. Jerapan Krungkrai, Ph.D.
Year 1994 – 1997
6. Assoc. Prof. Wilai Anomasiri, Ph.D.
Year 1997 – 2002
7. Prof. Piyaratana Tosukhowong
Year 2002 – 2006
8. Asst. Prof. Phisit Prapunwattana, Ph.D.
Year 2006 – 2012
9. Asst. Prof. Thananya Thongtan, Ph.D.
Year 2012 – 2015
10. Asst. Prof. Phisit Prapunwattana, Ph.D.
Year 2015 – 2019
11. Prof. Pisit Tangkijvanich, M.D.
Year 2019 – 2023
12. Prof. Sunchai Payungporn, Ph.D.
Year 2023 – Present
Obligation
- Produce high quality graduates with socially desirable characteristics the medical knowledge and skills that are comparable to the international standards.
- Provide theoretical and practical instruction in biochemistry and related disciplines to undergraduate and graduate medical students, nursing students and medical professionals under the requirements of the academic quality assurance system.
- Produce research works and new bodies of knowledge with the goal of achieving international standards.
- Provide academic services and knowledge transfer to the public for social and national development benefits.
- Endorse the preservation of arts and culture.
Support Activities
Give advice on the body of knowledge related to biochemistry, molecular biology, metabolism and nutrition through its instructional, research, academic service functions.
Vision
The Department of Biochemistry is an academic institution which produces graduates with quality and morality, creates valuable research, provides academic services to guide societies, strives to be a national and international academic reference point, offers a good quality of life to societies, as well as creates inspiration within the department.
Mission
- To produce graduates of quality with knowledge and skills that meet with international standards, along with the desired characteristics for society.
- Organize biochemistry courses and other related knowledge in both theory and the practical for medical students, postgraduate students, nursing students and medical professionals, under the education quality assurance system.
- Create research and new knowledge with the aim to develop international standards.
- Provide academic services and transfer knowledge to the public in order to improve society and the country.
Services
The Department of Biochemistry provides knowledge related to biochemistry and molecular biology, metabolism and nutrition.
