6-155 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, 612-625-5179.

The biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics program focuses on an explanation at the molecular level of the structures and processes that occur in living organisms. In the broadest sense, the program encompasses the chemistry, physics, and biology of living systems. Included is the study of the structure and function of biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates), enzyme catalysis, metabolic pathways, bioenergetics, and the biochemical nature of genetic information storage and transmission, as well as the control, regulation, and integration of these processes. The program has four areas of emphasis: regulatory biochemistry, molecular biology, microbial biotechnology, and molecular biophysics. All students are expected to demonstrate a minimum level of competence in these areas but emphasize that area most related to their thesis project. The program involves faculty from the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, as well as many faculty members from several other departments in the College of Biological Sciences, Medical School, Institute of Technology, and College of Veterinary Medicine.

A master's minor requires 6 credits of general graduate level coursework which may be selected (with approval by the director of graduate studies) from the 5xxx and 8xxx courses offered by the program. A doctoral minor requires BioC 8001 (3 cr) and BIOC 8002 (3 cr) plus additional BioC 5000 level and above courses (6 cr), approved by the director of graduate studies, to meet the minimum requirement of 12 credits total. In extenuating cases, students may petition the director of graduate studies for substitution of a required course.