Life Interconnected

Welcome to the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at UCI BioSci.

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Leading the way to Discovery

Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB)

The Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (MBB) delves into the secrets of the body at the molecular level, researching mechanisms underlying all fundamental biological processes. MBB students learn from experts in such varied fields as biochemistry, immunology, structural biology and virology. As our researchers continue to advance knowledge about the body, they continue to find vital information related to autoimmune diseases, cancer, drug design, vascular biology and much more.

029 UCImolecule

Faculty

Faculty in MBB are driving discoveries in the life sciences utilizing cutting-edge technologies like body-on-a-chip and gene drive systems. They are advancing research into new biofuels and cancer therapies, and mapping the connections between our microbiota and our overall health.

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Undergraduates

MBB offers undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology, and microbiology and immunology. The program in biochemistry and molecular biology applies modern molecular science to biological questions and provides rigorous training necessary in today’s graduate and professional programs.

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Graduates

The department offers a diverse array of options for students interested in the pursuit of a graduate education, which includes master’s programs in biotechnology and biotechnology management, and a doctoral degree in conjunction with the joint program in Cellular and Molecular BioSciences.

Research at MBB

The core goal of the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry is to understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie all fundamental biological processes. To that end the faculty of the department represent diverse research interests that include the structure and synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids, gene organization and regulation, cell signaling, immunology and host pathogen interactions, biochemical genetics, cell and developmental biology, microbiology and virology.

News

December 14, 2022

Professor Andrea Tenner was recently named the 2023 SLB Legacy Awardee.   The SLB Legacy award is presented annually to a society of Leukocyte Biology member for excellence in leukocyte biology research. It is the...

December 14, 2022

We'd like to welcome our newest faculty to the Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry: Dr. Nir Drayman, Dr. Benjamin Morehouse and Dr. Dequina Nicholas!...

November 14, 2022

Professor Dequina Nicholas was recently selected as a recipient of the National Institutes of Health Director’s New Innovator Award (NIH DP2) titled "Lipid Antigen Presentation as a Driver of T2D Inflammation”. This award supports early...

Events

  • Nat Sci 1, Room 1114

    Ernestina Schipani (University of Pennsylvania)

    How hypoxia and mitochondria shape up the skeleton Ernestina Schipani, MD, PhD William Wikoff Smith Professor Department of Orthopedic Surgery University of Pennsylvania Host: Olga Razorenova...

    12:00 PM March 22
  • Nat Sci 1, Room 1114

    Asuka Eguchi – UCI

    Harnessing iPSCs to Test Therapeutic Strategies for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Asuka Eguchi, PhD Assistant Professor Department of Physiology and Biophysics University of California, Irvine Host: Chris Halbrook...

    12:00 PM April 05
  • Nat Sci 1, Room 1114

    James Wohlschlegel, PhD (UCLA)

    TBD James Wohlschlegel, PhD Associate Professor Department of Biological Chemistry University of California, Los Angeles Host: Paul Gershon...

    12:00 PM April 19