Biochemistry

Welcome to The Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine. We are a highly interactive group of faculty, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows with diverse research interests in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. We use cutting-edge technologies and experimental systems to address the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly those that relate broadly to human disease.

Specific research themes within the Department include Neuroscience & Aging; Signal Transduction & Cancer; ECM/Cellular Injury; Metabolism, Obesity/Diabetes; Proteomics, Glycomics & Lipidomics, and Development.

As part of the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences, we are committed to the education of graduate, medical, and dental students. The emphasis of our graduate program is on comprehensive research training in a faculty member’s laboratory. In addition, many of our nearly 50 graduate students join our active research labs through the Cell and Molecular Biology Program.

With the arrival of our new Chair, Dr. David A. Harris in September of 2009, our Department has embarked on an exciting new expansion initiative, with the planned recruitment of new faculty members and substantial renovation of our research laboratories.

The Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine offers degree programs in Masters of Arts (MA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a combined Doctor of Medicine degree with a PhD (MD/PhD) through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. Students applying for acceptance into the Biochemistry MA and PhD programs apply directly to the Department of Biochemistry through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences. In addition, many of our students enter the department either through the Cell & Molecular Biology Program or through the MD/PhD Program.

The Department of Biochemistry within Boston University School of Medicine is part of a large medical school/hospital complex that includes state-of-the-art laboratories, mass spectrometry resources, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and transgenic animal facilities.

Graduate training combines integrated coursework in biochemistry, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, and genomics with extensive research training. We use cutting-edge technologies and experimental systems to address the cellular and molecular mechanisms of biological processes, particularly those that relate broadly to human disease. Students may take advantage of the full breadth of training in modern biochemistry offered in the department through their choice of elective courses, medical school-wide seminars, and research. Our research encompasses the areas of neurodegeneration, aging, cancer, metabolic regulation (diabetes and obesity), extracellular matrix biology, and cardiovascular/pulmonary diseases.

Students enjoy a highly interactive environment that provides excellent preparation for a variety of careers in the biomedical sciences. While many of our recent PhD graduates are pursuing careers in academia, an increasing number are now finding opportunities in the biotechnology and government sectors.

Core facilities include:

  • Experimental Pathology Laboratory Service Core
  • Microarray Resource
  • Center for Biomedical Imaging

Faculty are affiliated with a variety of Medical Campus Centers/Institutes and Programs including:

  • Amyloid Treatment and Research Program
  • Cancer Center
  • Cardiovascular Proteomics Center
  • Cell & Molecular Biology Program
  • Genome Science Institute
  • Mass Spectrometry Resource
  • Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute

Admissions

Requirements for Admission

Students who have completed an undergraduate degree usually with a major in biochemistry, biology, or chemistry and have taken courses in general biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and calculus may apply for either an MA or a PhD in biochemistry. Coursework in biochemistry is also recommended. Students who have completed an MA degree in biochemistry or a closely related field can apply for a post-master’s PhD program. MD/PhD students are also eligible for admission.

A part-time MA program is available to qualified applicants who are employees of the Boston University School of Medicine (contact the director of Graduate Studies for further information). A student currently enrolled in an MA program in biochemistry may apply for the PhD program if he/she has completed 12 or more graduate credits in biochemistry (including GMS MS 753, Bl 755, Bl 756, and excluding student seminar) and has obtained a GPA of 3.25 or better. In addition, the student must have taken and successfully passed the Written Qualifying Examination in biochemistry.

All applications and credentials for admission to doctoral degree programs for the fall semester should normally be submitted by January 1. Late applications will be considered with prior approval of the department chairman or program director. Because applications for admission with financial aid are reviewed as they are received, early application is recommended. The deadline for masters candidates is normally March 31. Contact the Director of Graduate Studies for additional information.

For additional information please contact:

Barbara M. Schreiber, PhD
Director of Graduate Studies, Dept of Biochemistry
Boston University School of Medicine
72 E. Concord Street, K207
Boston, MA 02118
Email: schreibe@biochem.bumc.bu.edu