Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry Home Page

Welcome to the Department of Biochemistry in the College of Biological Sciences at The Ohio State University!  Our research-oriented faculty provide many opportunities for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate study. Students at all levels can acquire thorough training and degrees in contemporary biochemistry through our diverse programs.

The Department’s research focus is primarily on macromolecular structure-function involving the major biopolymers: proteins, DNA, RNA, and oligosaccahrides. Structural biology is a strong component of our research activities. The faculty is in a GROWTH and BUILDING phase, with six new faculty members hired in the past six or so years.  Several additional hires are planned for the next several years to continue to build strength in both our research and academic programs.  In fact, a new search was initiated this past fall to fill a tenure-track faculty position. 

Our department offers many opportunities to the prospective student. In addition to our graduate programs, the Department is responsible for administering the undergraduate biochemistry major at The Ohio State University. Our major attracts among the very best students at Ohio State and provides an excellent foundation for future professional and graduate education. In addition to a thorough and challenging curriculum, our majors are encouraged to take full advantage of a major research university setting by participating in independent research activities in world-class research laboratories. Our faculty also provides the instruction of introductory and advanced biochemistry courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels for other life science majors.

The opportunities for graduate education are varied and designed to provide solid training as an independent research scientist in either an academic or industrial setting. Graduate studies leading to the Ph.D. degree are administered through The Ohio State Biochemistry Program.

Find out more about these and other activities by exploring our Web site. Welcome!

Venkat Gopalan wins 2010 Distinguished Teaching Award

DEPARTMENTS OF CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY VOTE TO MERGE
The faculty of the departments of Chemistry and Biochemistry voted overwhelmingly in favor of merging to form a new combined department. Both groups of faculty feel that the combined department will have greater national and international impact and be better positioned for cutting-edge research and teaching of chemical and biochemical sciences in the 21st century. The proposed merger has to be formally approved by the University and the Board of Trustees. Details will be announced as they become available.