Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics
Biochemistry is an advanced, interdisciplinary science that spans the traditional disciplines of chemistry and biology, physics and mathematics. Biochemists can be found in departments of plant science, physiology and genetics. No longer is biochemistry the province solely of departments of biochemistry. Rather, departments of biochemistry exist today to serve university communities by teaching of the basic courses in the discipline, and in creating an environment in which biochemists from across academic departments can come together for mutually beneficial interactions.
The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics is carefully evaluating its current strengths and plotting a course for growth and further development of its programs. Protein structure and function, molecular genetics, and medical, plant and insect biochemistry are areas of interest for a faculty with a long-standing tradition of commitment to and excellence in teaching and mentoring. Excellence in education of students is a clear strength of the department, and one that we will continue to build upon.
The research programs of the Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics faculty are also outstanding by virtually any measure that may be taken. In 2001, the department received $8,871,090 in research awards, making it one of the highest funded among all departments at the University of Arizona. The strength of the research programs is recognized by the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and by other extramural funding agencies.
In the area of graduate education, the Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics faculty work closely with our colleagues in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology in a joint graduate program, Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology (BMCB), which allows students to enter a single program and to choose a mentor from any of the 50+ faculty in the two departments plus joint appointed faculty. The BMCB program is exceptional in its flexibility and in the choices that it affords our students.
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics also has responsibility for teaching biochemistry to medical students at the Arizona Health Sciences Center. The Medical Biochemistry course is judged by the medical students as being one of the best courses taught at the Medical School, and the faculty teaching in the program take pride in their role in the basic science training of future physicians for the state of Arizona, and for the United States. In addition to the Medical Biochemistry program, the University Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics has led an effort entitled the Bridge Program, to work closely with beginning medical students in small group settings to establish the necessary study skills and work habits to excel in medical school.
Department Head:
Vicki Wysocki, PhD
Contact information:
Biological Sciences West
1041 East Lowell Street
P.O. Box 210088
Tucson, AZ 85721-0088
Tel: (520) 621-9185
Fax: (520) 626-9204
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