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 our faculty members’ laboratories. In addition, many of our nearly 50 graduate students join our active research labs through the Cell & 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.
Programs of Study in Biochemistry and Cell & Molecular Biology
The Department of Biochemistry at Boston University School of Medicine offers degree programs in Master of Arts (MA), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), and a combined Doctor of Medicine degree with a PhD (MD/PhD). Students applying for acceptance into the MA and PhD programs apply directly to the Department of Biochemistry through the Division of Graduate Medical Sciences and their online application. 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 neuroscience & aging, signal transduction & cancer, extracellular matrix (ECM)/cellular injury, metabolism & obesity/diabetes, proteomics & glycomics, and development.
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 other sectors, including biotechnology firms.
Core facilities include:
- Experimental Pathology Laboratory Service Core
- Microarray Resource
- Biomedical Imaging Center
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
