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Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Faculty researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology seek to understand the molecular and cellular bases of human health and disease.


Application Materials Need to Be Submitted By:

PhD Applicants:  Jan 1, 2024

How to Apply: PhD

MS Applicants:  May 1, 2024

How to Apply: MS

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, MS & PhD

Faculty researchers in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology seek to understand the molecular and cellular bases of human health and disease. We apply a broad range of tools ranging from structural biology and biophysics to cell biology and genomes. BioChem Faculty with expertise in X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy investigate protein structure, folding, and interactions to help define disease mechanisms and develop new therapies.

This program awards:

  • PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • MS in Biochemistry

Other faculty members employ modern genetics and genomic technologies to generate a broader understanding of cellular pathways and systems biology. We use several different model systems, including mice, flies and single-celled organisms to model disease processes and development.

Areas of focus in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology include structures and function of membrane transporters, DNA replication and repair, transcription and epigenetics, mitochondrial biology, and cellular responses to stress. These studies are relevant for many human diseases, including cancer, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases.

Our department boasts a robust and longstanding record of extramural funding.

"What really inspired me to join was the diversity of ideas that are present in the Biochemistry department"

Harsimranjit Sekhon,
MD/PHD Student

College of Graduate Studies - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

About the Program

Faculty research in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology covers topics ranging from structural biology, bioenergetics and biophysics to cell signaling and cell biology. The department has interests in membrane proteins and transport, nucleic acid binding proteins, and oxidative stress, often using model systems in investigations.

These studies impact many human diseases, ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative disorders. Recent papers by faculty members and students have appeared in Science, Nature Cell Biology, Journal of Biological Chemistry, Journal of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology of the Cell, and Journal of Molecular Biology. The department continues to have a strong record of extramural research funding, primarily from NIH (National Institutes of Health) (National Institutes of Health).

Department research facilities have all been recently renovated. In addition, the department is home to several core facilities including the X-ray diffraction core, the Cyro-electron microscopy core, the mass spectrometry core, and the genomics core.

Degree Requirement Checklist

Please review the following checklists of requirements needed to obtain an MS or PhD degree in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology:

PhD Degree Requirement Checklist

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - PhD Degree Requirements

Required Graduate Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
GS612 Biomedical Sciences Laboratory Rotations 6
GS616 Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology 3
GS637 Responsible Conduct of Scientific Research 2
GS892 Introduction to the Presentation and Analysis of Scientific Literature: Journal Club 1
B620 Biochemistry Seminars 0
GS690 Experimental Design & Analysis 2
GS604 Graduate Student Research Opportunities 1
B648 Research Design in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology 3
B650 Scientific Writing

1


Advanced Courses

At least 6 credits of Advanced Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Courses are required.

Course Number Title Credit Hours
B665 Bioenergentics and Metabolism 2
B647 Gene Expression and Epigenetics 2
B664 Protein Sorting 1
B666 Protein Structure Determination 2
GS628 Systems Biology of Genetics Genomics & Proteomics 4
GS632 Biomolecular X-Ray Diffraction 4
PHA615 Apoptosis and Cancer Pharmacology 2

Note: GS628 Systems Biology of Genetics, Genomics, and Proteomics, PHA615 Apoptosis and Cancer Pharmacology and GS632 Biomolecular X-ray Diffraction: Theoretical Basis and Experimental Procedures, are considered advanced Biochemistry & Molecular Biology courses for this purpose.

MS Degree Requirements Checklist

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - MS Degree Requirements

Required Graduate Courses

Course Number Title Credit Hours
GS616 Foundations of Molecular and Cellular Biology 3
GS637 Responsible Conduct of Scientific Research 2
GS892 Introduction to the Presentation and Analysis of Scientific Literature: Journal Club 1
GS604 Graduate Student Research Opportunities 1

Advanced Courses

At least 3 credits of Advanced Biochemistry and Molecular Biology are required.

Course Number Title Credit Hours
B665 Bioenergentics and Metabolism 2
B647 Gene Expression and Epigenetics 2
B664 Protein Sorting 1
B666 Protein Structure Determination 2
GS628 Systems Biology of Genetics Genomics & Proteomics 4
GS632 Biomolecular X-Ray Diffraction 4
PHA615 Apoptosis and Cancer Pharmacology 2

Current Research

Collectively, our researchers have diverse expertise with strengths in cancer, neuroscience, vision, molecular genetics, genomics, structural biology, infectious disease, diabetes/metabolic disorders, behavior disorders, cardiovascular disease, and clinical trials. In addition, we have strong collaborative relationships with our neighboring institutions — Syracuse University, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and The Syracuse VA.

Have Questions?

Please direct inquiries to:

Office of Admissions

Phone: 315-464-4570
Email: admiss@upstate.edu

Schedule an Admissions Appointment

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