Biological Chemistry Education
biochemistry students sit at tables and listen at a conference

Partner With Us to Advance Molecular Understanding

We strive to provide trainee-centered educational programs emphasizing mentoring and scientific engagement.

Build a solid foundation for success in Biomedical Science

In teaching, training and research, the U-M Medical School Department of Biological Chemistry is advancing the understanding of biological processes. Cross-campus collaboration between departments and laboratories creates an environment where future scientific leaders learn and grow. Where discoveries translate into real change.

Our studies of biology at the molecular and mechanistic levels span disciplines including biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology, bioinformatics, neurobiology, genetics and more.

Discover how the building blocks of life can serve as the solid foundation for your success.

Training & Education
PhD Program

Our diverse program pairs broad scientific training with highly specialized research.

Postdoctoral Training

Participate in our seminar series, annual research retreat, and year-round social events while advancing your scientific career.

MS Program

Two tracks of learning, research or coursework, build a solid academic foundation.

Undergraduate Students

Explore our courses and research opportunities for undergraduate students.

"Our future is clearly in terrific hands as these young colleagues advance their science while working together to strengthen and diversify our community."

Department of Biological Chemistry Chair
Chair Phyllis Hanson seated and smiling in a laboratory
Biological Chemistry Awards for Trainees

These honors recognize excellence in scholarship, research, and service and connect today's trainees with former departmental leaders and scientists who endowed them.

Learn about our awards
Upcoming Events View all events
Dr. Dennis Stuehr, Cleveland Clinic
Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Dennis Stuehr from Cleveland Clinic.
711 Seminar - Ryan Lash
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts the 711 Seminar presented by Ryan Lash.
Dr. Crystal Conn, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Crystal Conn from University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.
Dr. Rebecca Haeusler, Columbia University
Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for the Distinguished Graduate Lecture presented by Dr. Rebecca Haeusler from Columbia University.
MS Program Information Session
Potential applicants to the Biological Chemistry MS program are invited to attend a virtual information session hosted by the program directors.
Dr. Luke Rice, University of Texas Southwestern
Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Luke Rice from University of Texas Southwestern.
4th Year Graduate Student Seminar - Jacquelyn Roberts
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a seminar by 4th year graduate student Jacquelyn Roberts.
Dr. Rebecca Voorhees, Caltech
Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Rebecca Voorhees from Caltech.
4th Year Graduate Student Seminar - Claudia Mak
The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a seminar by 4th year graduate student Claudia Mak.
Featured News & Stories See all news
News Release
U-M researchers receive Chan Zuckerberg Initiative awards to study neurodegeneration
Six University of Michigan researchers recently received collaborative pair pilot project awards from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) to study neuroscience and neurodegenerative disease.
National Science Foundation logo
Department News
Yan Zhang, PhD, receives a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation
Assistant Professor Yan Zhang of the Department of Biological Chemistry at U-M Medical School is the recipient of an NSF CAREER award.
Schematic of Hrd1 proteoliposome immobilization
Department News
PhD student Basila Moochickal Assainar publishes a research article in Nature Communications
PhD student Basila Moochickal Assainar is the first author of a research article in Nature Communications.
cutting dna strings scientist white coat purple background
Health Lab
CRISPR off-switches: A path towards safer genome engineering?
A study from the University of Michigan Medical School developed off-switches useful for improving the safety of the Type I-C/Cas3 gene editor.
Department News
PhD student Mason Myers is a lead author of a research article in Molecular Cell
PhD student Mason Myers of the Zhang lab at U-M Medical School is a lead author of "Exploiting activation and inactivation mechanisms in type I-C CRISPR-Cas3 for genome-editing applications."
Department News
Audrey Seasholtz, PhD, retires from active faculty status
Congratulations and best wishes to Audrey Seasholtz, PhD, Professor Emerita of Biological Chemistry and Research Professor Emerita, Michigan Neuroscience Institute.