Biomolecular Chemistry

Our Research Mission

As part of the School of Medicine and Public Health, our research focuses on understanding the molecular underpinnings of biological processes, particularly as it relates to human disease. Research in the department spans a broad range of questions and methodologies, including DNA replication, chromatin structure, gene expression, protein and membrane trafficking, cell signaling and metabolism, cancer, embryogenesis, and pathogenesis. Fundamental mechanisms are studied in a variety of model systems, including bacteria, yeast, flies, worms, frogs, rodents, and human stem cells. State of the art technologies are employed in these studies, which address both basic and translational issues in biology. The breadth of science combined with the collegial and collaborative environment provide an exciting and interdisciplinary setting in which to conduct research.

Our Teaching Mission

Our faculty are actively engaged in teaching biochemistry at multiple levels (medical students, graduate students and undergraduate students). We teach human biochemistry to medical students in a new integrated Medical School curriculum. We teach biochemical research techniques to undergraduate students as individual mentors for undergraduate research projects. We teach graduate students across the spectrum of biochemistry and are proud of our world-class graduate program in biochemistry (Integrated Program in Biochemistry) that we jointly lead with the department of Biochemistry. The excellence of, and dedication to teaching by our faculty is reflected in numerous Chancellor’s and Dean’s Teaching Awards.

Department History