About Biochemistry and Biophysics
The Texas A&M University 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.
Welcome from the department head
As Interim Department Head, I am incredibly honored to be part of a community dedicated to unraveling the fundamental principles of life at the molecular level. If you are in awe of life’s processes and curious about how the physical and life sciences intersect to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, you are exactly where you need to be.
Our department is home to world-class faculty driving innovation in teaching and research across a remarkably broad spectrum. From structural biology and drug discovery to plant genetics, RNA biochemistry, molecular signaling, energy metabolism, and molecular virology. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of human and animal health and next-generation agricultural biotechnology.
But what truly makes our department special is our commitment to our students. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and genetics or joining our outstanding graduate programs, we provide a gateway to hands-on research from day one. We are here to help you build a strong foundation for a brilliant career in research, medicine, industry, or government.
I invite you to explore our website, discover our latest breakthroughs, and learn more about our degree programs. Come join us in our mission to understand the molecular basis of life.
Michael Polymenis, Ph.D.
Interim Department Head and Professor
Mission
Our mission is to be an intellectually robust, rich, 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
As of fall 2026, our department has 25 primary members and 12 tenure-track faculty. Teaching and research are intertwined, coupling modern didactic teaching 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 75 graduate students and Ph.D. 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 our faculty are supported by state, federal, and private funds, including the Gates and Welch Foundation, the USDA, the DOJ, the CPRIT, the NIH, the NSF, and the DOE, with an annual research expenditure of more than $24 million.
