The BBSB program brings together scientists who are interested in a quantitative understanding of biological systems from single molecules to whole organisms. Students investigate topics such as protein structure and dynamics, the molecular mechanisms of nucleic acid and cytoskeletal motors, membrane ion channels, metabolic enzyme function and trafficking, immunological signaling, and more. This work informs our understanding of biological processes including DNA repair, muscle function, metabolic regulation, transcription regulation, cancer, and mechanisms of infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses. BBSB faculty on both campuses share ties with DBBS programs such as Microbiology, Cell Biology, Immunology, and Plant and Microbial Biosciences. The program spans three interrelated areas:
- Biochemistry seeks to explain the molecular basis of biological phenomena through chemical principles, focusing on interactions and transformations of biomolecules. Examples include enzymology, ligand binding studies, metabolite analyses, and the effects of post-translational modifications.
- Biophysics applies physical principles and quantitative models to explain, predict, and experimentally test biological systems, at the molecular level and across scales. Examples include computational modeling, fluorescence and other modalities of spectroscopy, single-molecule approaches, as well as thermodynamic and kinetic analyses.
- Structural Biology determines the three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules and complexes to understand their functions and mechanisms. Examples of approaches include cryo-electron microscopy and X-ray crystallography.
DBBS offers a student-driven course of study that is a flexible, personalized learning pathway designed and led by the student, with oversight and guidance by faculty and staff. This model entrusts and empowers students to take ownership of their education by identifying their academic interests, setting learning goals, and curating a curriculum that aligns with their intellectual passions and career aspirations.
Prospects: Graduate Course of Study
Current DBBS students: Program Guidelines
BBSB graduates pursue a variety of careers. Most program graduates go into academia, but many find paths in industry, government, and other fields, like science communication, law, and business and entrepreneurship.
Faculty Co-Directors:
Graduate Program Administrator: