Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology!

Our department is truly excited to be entering the 'post-genomic' era - a time when the frontiers of science will be explored using highly interdisciplinary approaches. As fields that are by nature interdisciplinary, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology provide limitless opportunities for a prospective student at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

Our faculty is committed to maintaining our highly vigorous research programs and to enhancing our classroom and laboratory instruction with innovative use of computer graphics and integration with research. All of the faculty members in the Department direct highly visible federally funded research programs. Our Department mission is to harness the methods of biochemistry, chemistry, biophysics, and genetics to elucidate the molecular mechanism of the machinery of the cell.

Our research focuses include: Cell Cycle Control and Cancer; Developmental Biology; Organelle Biogenesis and Development; Protein Folding and Maturation; Protein Synthesis, Structure, and Function; RNA Synthesis, Structure, and Function; Signal Transduction. These research programs will yield results that are significant to many important cell biological questions, such as cellular development, mechanisms of hormones and effector molecules, and protein biosynthesis. Research groups in the department interact synergistically to create an exciting environment for students.

Beyond our interactions within the department, many faculty participate in interdepartmental activities such as the Molecular & Cellular Graduate Program, the Plant Biology Graduate Program, and the NIH-sponsored Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program.

We anticipate a period of faculty renewal and enhanced partnerships with departments in the physical sciences, which will culminate with the construction of a new Integrated Sciences Building.

Please peruse our web pages to learn more about happenings in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at UMass, Amherst, and feel free to contact any one of us with questions!

Danny Schnell
Department Head