Dear Future Students,

     Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The department is located on two floors of the Gordon Scott Hall at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. The graduate program in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology accepts qualified applicants into M.S., Ph.D. and M.D./Ph.D. programs. The emphasis of these programs is on research training in the laboratory of a faculty member. Faculty interests encompass the full range of molecular and structural biology, for example, x-ray crystallography, bioenergetics, enzymology, spectroscopy, chromosome structure and drug resistance. The department’s size and distribution of interests is broad enough to bridge disciplines, yet small enough to be a truly cohesive functional academic unit.
        Biochemistry and Molecular Biology have become central to the biological revolution that is transforming the life of all humans. Our goal is to prepare students for active participation in this exciting area of human endeavor, by investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying biological processes, with emphasis by focusing on the relationship between macromolecular structure and function. Our research programs range from investigations of the detailed interactions of biological molecules and to broad studies of evolutionary processes. The department has undergone a major expansion in the area of in structural biology, with new faculty who have nationally ranked programs in x-ray crystallography and nuclear magnetic resonance. A degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine has been the starting point for many significant careers in biological research, and we welcome you to our department. Our program emphasizes research training that prepares students for diverse careers. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in research and teaching in universities, professional schools, government laboratories, and pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.

Sincerely yours,

Barry P. Rosen, Ph.D.

Professor and Chairman