Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Examine biological processes from physical, chemical, and genetic perspectives to better understand how biochemical reactions are integrated and regulated.
Academic Highlights: The biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB) BS degree is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB), which recognizes the highest standards of quality and innovation in BMB education. Fifty percent of BMB majors are on the Dean's list, and all BMB undergraduates participate in authentic, course-based laboratory research experiences (CUREs).
Research Areas: Topics include protein homeostasis and associated diseases, plant and environmental interactions, as well as mechanisms of cellular signal transduction.
Degrees: BS, MS, and PhD through the following interdisciplinary graduate programs:
- Molecular and Cellular Biology
- Plant Biology
- Neuroscience and Behavior
- Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
People:
- Tenure-track faculty: 12
- Extension faculty: 1
- Research faculty: 2
- Lecturers: 5
- Postdoctoral fellows: 10
- Undergraduate major students: 700
- Graduate students: 30
Research Awards: $5.2M
Visit the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology website.
Explore our programs
Undergraduate
Graduate
In the news
Researchers at Umass Amherst Discover Key to Molecular Mystery of How Plants Respond to Changing Conditions
The research identifies the interactions between four compounds: pectin, receptor proteins FERONIA and LLG1, and the signal RALF peptide.
Team Led by UMass Amherst Discovers How to Sabotage Antibiotic-Resistant ‘Superbugs’
A consortium led by UMass researchers has successfully learned how to sabotage a key piece of machinery that pathogens use to infect their host cells.
UMass Amherst Researchers Crack the Cellular Code on Serpin Protein Folding, Opening New Therapeutic Avenues for Many Diseases
The research is the first to investigate the folding of proteins know as serpins, implicated in a number of diseases.
Contact
Jennifer Normanly
Professor
Jennifer Normanly is a department head and professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
