Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
We further basic science knowledge at biochemical and molecular levels that is relevant to public health.
Headlines
The Rise of Invasive Fungi
With no vaccines and few treatments, deadly fungal infections are a mounting public health threat.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: The Overlooked Cancer
The most common skin cancer among people of color is also one of the least researched. That is changing, finally.
Danfeng Cai joins BMB Faculty
Assistant Professor Danfeng Cai combines advanced microscopy techniques with genomics and proteomics techniques to understand how protein condensates function in cells, with a focus on cancer.
What We Do
Our Department strives to increase knowledge of cellular processes—normal and abnormal—at biochemical and molecular levels. We train highly qualified scientists who, through research, teaching, and service, continue to provide new insights into biomedical issues with a profound impact on public health.
Department Highlights
Founding Department
In 1917, we were the Department of Chemical Hygiene—our name has changed but not our drive for cutting-edge research.
Basic lab science with a public health perspective
Our research labs are uncovering the fundamental biochemical and molecular mechanisms at the foundations of health.
Teaching and training focus
We are committed to providing our students with training and mentoring so they can excel in a challenging but supportive environment.
From Cancer to CRISPR
Our faculty research—and teach—diverse topics across the breadth of biochemistry and molecular biology.
Our Programs
As a basic research department within the #1 public health school, the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology thrives at a unique intersection of basic science, medicine, and public health.
We offer a doctoral and two master’s degree programs. We are also part of an online interdepartmental Master of Arts in Public Health Biology.
Master of Science (ScM)
Graduate-level program that blends coursework in the first year with rigorous training in laboratory research that culminates in a comprehensive research project in the second
Master of Health Science (MHS)
Graduate-level preparation focused on the intersection of basic science and medicine, with curriculum offerings from a public health perspective and opportunities for students to broaden their experience
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Doctoral-level program focused on the biochemical and molecular bases of normal and abnormal cellular processes that trains students to be successful independent scientists and provide new insights into biomedical issues with profound impacts on public health
Ashi Weeraratna, PhD,
studies how cancer cells move to distant sites and how changes in the normal cells around a tumor contribute to their movement, especially as we age.
Upcoming Events
Support Our Department
A gift to our department can help provide student scholarships and internships, attract and retain faculty, and support innovation.