About Biochemistry and Biophysics
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics stands at the forefront of cutting-edge research and education in the dynamic realm of molecular sciences. Comprising a diverse community of scholars, researchers, and students, our department is dedicated to unraveling the fundamental principles governing life at the molecular level. Through a multidisciplinary approach, we explore the intricate interactions of biological molecules, seeking to illuminate the mechanisms that underpin cellular function and behavior. With a commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and innovation, we empower our students to become visionary leaders, poised to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of biochemistry and biophysics.
Department Head’s Welcome
Howdy! Thank you for visiting us. Interested in undergraduate or graduate study or what the latest excitement is in biochemistry and biophysics at Texas A&M? You have come to the right place. I invite you to explore the department through these web pages. You will find information about our major programs in biochemistry and genetics, our outstanding Ph.D. program in biochemistry & biophysics, and descriptions of the latest ground-breaking research by our faculty. Our research impacts an unusually broad range of biology and human and veterinary medicine. We have incredible strength in structural biology; plant biochemistry and genetics; future century biotechnology; complex biochemical signaling and its role in disease; protein biophysics; RNA biochemistry; energy metabolism; drug discovery including small molecules and protein biologics; molecular virology of influenzas, coronaviruses and bacteriophage; among many other topics in fundamental and applied biochemistry, biophysics and molecular genetics.
Our goal is to introduce students to the wonders of biochemistry, biophysics, and molecular genetics and lay the foundation for a successful career in research or the allied professions. We strive to do this through superlative course offerings that provide a gateway to research experiences at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Come explore with us! Let’s see where you can go!
Dr. Josh Wand
University Distinguished Professor and Department Head
Mission
Our mission is to be an intellectually robust, diverse, ethical community of scholars with a common interest. In integrating chemistry, biology, mathematics and physics to understand the molecular basis of life processes. The Department, in all of its programs, seeks to provide an environment in which this community of scholars can develop individually and collectively. Specifically, the undergraduate program is committed to serving all our students in our community as they develop:
- an understanding of the principles and concepts of biochemistry and genetics;
- an understanding of the experimental bases of biochemistry and genetics;
- an ability to implement the strategies of biochemistry and genetics to solve problems.
Ultimately, our mission is to enable our students to succeed in their chosen pursuits to continue to contribute to the wider community.
Department at a Glance
The faculty is comprised of 27 primary members and 10 tenure-track faculty. Teaching and research are intimately intertwined, coupling modern didactic teaching coupled with extensive research experience for undergraduate students. We seat more than 6,500 students in undergraduate Biochemistry and Genetics courses and nearly 530 undergraduates claim Biochemistry or Genetics as their major. On the graduate side, nearly 100 graduate students and PhD candidates undertake thesis research that spans a remarkable range of biochemistry and biophysics. The resources underlying this research effort are broad, with outstanding facilities for contemporary research in structural biology, drug discovery and development, metabolism, cell biochemistry and imaging, protein biophysics, plant biochemistry, agricultural biotechnology, molecular genetics and many other allied areas of our core fields. The research activities of the BCBP faculty are supported by state, federal, and private funds, including the Gates and Mathers Foundations, the NIH, the NSF, the DOE, and the DoD, with an annual research expenditure of more than $11 million.
Biochemistry and Biophysics in the News
Exploring the impact of space radiation on plants
Rockets and other exploratory technology can take astronauts to the moon and beyond, but plants will sustain their trips over longer periods. As NASA explores the potential for longer space flights, continued stays on the International Space Station or even the future colonization of the moon or planets like Mars, their scientists know that plants are needed for survival.
Making a positive difference on Earth — and beyond
As a freshman, Lauren Cornell, Ph.D., was not sure what path to follow in college. Ultimately, however, she graduated magna cum laude in 2009 from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in genetics. That was the beginning of a diverse and impressive scientific journey.