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Department of

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

We further basic science knowledge at biochemical and molecular levels that is relevant to public health.

News Programs Research Highlights Faculty

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Headlines

Right: Yang Liu, Left: cluster of cells stained blue with fluorescent green and red splotches on a black background

Yang Liu Awarded a Target ALS Springboard Fellowship

Liu, a postdoctoral fellow in the Wang lab, plans to extend his research into epigenetic regulation in ALS

Fengyi Wan

Professor Fengyi Wan Awarded 2023 Shikani/El-Hibri Prize

Prize recognizes research identifying a potential connection between transient bacterial infections and colon cancer

Three rotated views of a kinase dimer: space filling models of a yellow and a blue protein that share an interface; they are semi-transparent to reveal a helix in each protein near the interface.

Kavran Lab Research Highlight

In a Biochemistry Journal cover story, the Kavran lab showed that MST1/2 protein kinase activation by autophosphorylation requires dimerization.

What We Do in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

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.

scientist photo

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 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.

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 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)

Onsite | Full-Time | 2 years

A two-year program providing training in cellular and molecular biology, blending coursework in the first year with extensive lab research experience

Master of Health Science (MHS)

Onsite | Full-Time | 9 months

MHS program focused on cellular and molecular biology at the intersection of biology, medicine, and public health, preparing students for a wide range of careers

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Onsite | Full-Time | 5 years - 6 years

Our students are immersed in cutting-edge research in biochemistry and molecular biology, providing insights into biomedical issues impacting public health

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Faculty Spotlight

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.

Ashani Weeraratna

Department News

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