About the Department of Biochemistry
The Department of Biochemistry includes 30 full-time research faculty, 55 graduate students, and 28 postdoctoral fellows or research assistants, all of whom participate in a variety of active research and training programs. The research in the department is included within the broad spectrum of biomedical research programs. Overall, these efforts address fundamental mechanisms of life processes, with emphasis on the underlying bases of human disease. The department is housed in a modern, well-equipped facility within the Boston University Medical Center. Members of the Department of Biochemistry are actively involved in collaborative efforts both within the department and with other researchers throughout the various basic and clinical science departments at the Medical Center.
The major focus of the biochemistry research in the department is on the fields of molecular and cellular biology. Specific research interests include extracellular matrix biochemistry and molecular biology, regulation of gene expression in eukaryotic cells, developmental biochemistry, vesicle trafficking and signal transduction, protein structure and function, mechanisms of catalysis, porphyrin biochemistry, protein membrane interactions, growth control and cell cycle, neurobiochemistry, mechanism of action of steroid hormones, and mechanisms of oncogenesis.
Research activities are well supported by a variety of interdisciplinary research program project grants, graduate student training grants, and individual research grants. The Department of Biochemistry provides research training to graduate, postdoctoral, medical, and allied health sciences students. Graduate-level courses are presented covering the major subdisciplines of biochemistry, cell biology and molecular biology by faculty with particular expertise in these areas. These advanced courses emphasize recent findings as well as relevant fundamental background information. Seminar programs within the department and in the surrounding biomedical community provide students with an opportunity to actively participate in discussions on the most recent advances in the field of biomolecular sciences.
A brochure describing the special interests of faculty members in the Department of Biochemistry may be obtained by writing to the Chair, Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA 02118 or by calling 617/638-5090.
