Biological Chemistry Education

audience in a lecture hall

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
two students receiving awards

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

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10 27 2026 12:00 pm 10 27 2026 - 1:00 pm

Dr. Katherine Susa, University of California, San Francisco

Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Katherine Susa from the University of California, San Francisco.
11 4 2026 10:00 am 11 4 2026 - 11:00 am

Dissertation Seminar - Stephen Gonzalez

The Department of Biological Chemistry hosts a dissertation seminar by PhD candidate Stephen Gonzalez.
11 10 2026 12:00 pm 11 10 2026 - 1:00 pm

Dr. Edward Lyman, University of Delaware

Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Edward Lyman from University of Delaware.
11 17 2026 12:00 pm 11 17 2026 - 1:00 pm

Dr. Andrea Pauli, Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP)

Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Andrea Pauli from the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP).
12 1 2026 12:00 pm 12 1 2026 - 1:00 pm

Dr. Nicholas Guydosh, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK)

Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Nicholas Guydosh from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIDDK).
12 8 2026 12:00 pm 12 8 2026 - 1:00 pm

Dr. Yunsun Nam, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Yunsun Nam of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
1 19 2027 12:00 pm 1 19 2027 - 1:00 pm

Dr. Keriann Backus, University of California, Los Angeles

Join the Department of Biological Chemistry for a seminar presented by Dr. Keriann Backus from the University of California, Los Angeles.

Biological Chemistry News & Stories

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headshot of Xin Li
Department News

Congratulations to Xin Li, PhD

U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Xin Li of the Zhang lab defends his doctoral dissertation.
headshot of Sophia Miller
Department News

Sophia Miller chosen for a position in the TRAIN Program

U-M Biological Chemistry PhD student Sophia Miller has been awarded a position in the TRAIN Program.
headshots of 2026 trainee award winners
Department News

Winners of the 2026 Biological Chemistry Awards for Trainees

Winners of U-M Biological Chemistry trainee awards for 2026 have been announced.
Cutaway view of the cryo-EM map of a loaded bacterial encapsulin
Department News

The Giessen lab publishes a research article in Nature Communications

The Giessen lab from U-M Biological Chemistry publishes a research article in Nature Communications.
headshot of Jay Schneekloth in a chemical laboratory
Department News

Welcome to new Biological Chemistry faculty member John Schneekloth, PhD

Dr. John (Jay) Schneekloth joined U-M at the beginning of September as Professor of Biological Chemistry, Research Professor in the Life Sciences Institute, and Co-Director of the Program in Chemical Biology.
student holding framed award certificate and flanked by three other people
Department News

Katherine McCombs receives Master's Program Award

Katherine McCombs has received a U-M Biological Chemistry Master's Program Award.