The Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, which confers both M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, prepares graduate students for a career in science by expanding knowledge of biochemistry and molecular biology, and by developing the student's abilities in critical thought and creativity. The academic program emphasizes an in-depth study of the field with considerable flexibility to individually tailor course selection with regard to academic interests and area of specialization in the student's field of research.<br><br>A diversity of research programs is available for students. Areas of research specialization include molecular biology, physical biochemistry, molecular endocrinology, plant biochemistry and molecular biology, signal transduction, and biomedical research. Each program bestows a strong preparation for an academic research and teaching career, or a biochemical research career at both the pure and applied levels in private, governmental or industrial laboratories.<br><br>Faculty within the program consists of biochemists and molecular biologists from the Department of Biochemistry, as well as members of seven other departments, including: Entomology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular, Cell, and Systems Biology, Microbiology & Plant Pathology, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology, Chemistry, Botany and Plant Sciences, and the Bourns School of Engineering. We believe that our program provides an excellent environment for graduate study in biochemistry and molecular biology by combining the facilities, quality and breadth of research of a larger university with close student-faculty interaction, and an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas usually found only in relatively small institutions.