Overview

Biochemistry at the University of Missouri-Columbia is a division of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and a department of the School of Medicine. We have 28 core faculty members and approximately 40 additional members for a total of approximately 68 faculty members, all of whom are available to mentor students in biochemistry. Nearly all facets of contemporary biochemical research are represented in their collective research interests. Last year, these individuals attracted over $5,000,000 in external research funds, and published more than 150 papers in refereed journals. Biochemistry ranks among the top academic units at the University of Missouri in the amount of external research funding obtained by its faculty.

Our faculty members provide education, training and research opportunities to the future leaders in the field of biochemistry. At the undergraduate level, we offer a B.S. degree in biochemistry through the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources — the only one in the University of Missouri System. Enrollment in this program has nearly tripled in size over the past decade. With over 250 undergraduate students, this degree program is one of the largest undergraduate biochemistry programs in the United States. Our size enables us to offer research opportunities to all interested students, giving our undergraduates real-world experiences outside the classroom.

Biochemistry annually admits approximately 10 students into the graduate program. Training is designed to provide exposure to fundamental biochemical principles and to promote development of critical thinking skills. Fellowship support is highly competitive, and students are encouraged to complete their degrees within five years.

Postdoctoral training is the third major component of our education/training role. Support for postdoctoral research is available through individual faculty research awards or campus interdisciplinary programs. Faculty seeking postdoctoral candidates are listed on our postdoctoral positions page.