Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University A land-grant institution
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is unique among the life sciences inasmuch as it defines itself, not by a particular approach or technique [e.g., genetics, chemical biology] or by a particular object of study [e.g., Microbiology, Weed Science], but by a question: HOW? Biochemistry is that branch of the life sciences devoted to understanding the molecular mechanisms by which life processes take place.
- How is food converted to energy?
- How does a cell know when it is time to divide or differentiate?
- How do microbes ”harvest” nitrogen from the atmosphere?
The answers to these questions involve the identification of the proteins, genes, or metabolites involved; the determination of their physical structures; and the analysis of their chemical mechanisms of action.
Biochemistry provides a foundation of tools, information, and insights that are applied to improving human health, developing ecologically-sound means for producing materials and energy, and improving the nutrient value and resistance to pests, drought, and disease of crops and animals. Biochemists are employed in many sectors of the economy, including medicine and pharmaceuticals, food and consumer products, chemicals and energy, environmental analysis and remediation, agriculture, biotechnology, forensics, etc.
The mission of the Department of Biochemistry is to conduct research that generates new tools and knowledge and to utilize this foundation to provide a new generation of scientists with opportunities for quality training.
Undergraduate Program - Bachelor's Degree
Virginia Tech's undergraduate program in Biochemistry is one of the largest and most highly respected programs of its kind in the country. The program of instruction centers upon the development of a strong foundation of fundamental knowledge in chemistry, biology, and mathematics complemented by direct, hands-on experience through both laboratory courses and undergraduate research.
Consequently, recipients of a B.S. degree in Biochemistry enjoy high rates of success when applying for jobs or entry into graduate or medical schools. The B.S. in biochemistry is offered through both the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Science. The program of study for students enrolling through these colleges differs in only a few minor features, hence the choice of college has no effect on either the nature of the training received or the student's future career path. However, biochemistry majors enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences enjoy significantly greater opportunities for scholarship support.
Students majoring in biochemistry can choose an option in biotechnology or an emphasis in genomics, bioinformatics.
Option in Biotechnology- Use biotechnology to improve food and fiber production; develop novel sources of pharmaceuticals; explore and treat diseases; and produce "genetically engineered" products from traditional crops and animals.
Emphasis in Genomics, Bioinformatics- Explore the new area of genomics to predict the structure and function of plant and animal proteins. Apply this knowledge to discover new drugs, develop gene therapies, and create new molecules.
Graduate Program
The Department of Biochemistry offers studies leading to a M.S. or Ph.D. in Biochemistry. The graduate program prepares students for careers as independent researchers in biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, molecular microbiology, biotechnology, and related areas. The training involves a combination of advanced coursework, participation in seminars and journal clubs, and laboratory research conducted under the guidance of a faculty committee selected by agreement of the student, the faculty advisor, and the departmental graduate committee.
Research
The research programs in the Department of Biochemistry are organized around four primary areas of concentration.
The first focuses on the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. In partnership with the Department of Entomology, the biochemistry department has developed a strong research focus on insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile virus. What is it that enables a mosquito to resist the malaria pathogen that is so harmful to humans? Can we render mosquitoes resistant to malaria, thereby blocking its transmission? Another major issue in combating the spread of infectious diseases is the increasing emergence of resistance to the drugs currently used to treat them. Biochemistry faculty are developing new strategies for treating such pernicious diseases as Tuberculosis, Chagas’ disease, and malaria.
The second focus area is molecular microbiology. Microorganisms play vital roles in biology. Bacterial symbionts provide plants with the nitrogen they need to grow. Extremophilic microorganisms resist extremes of temperature, pH, desiccation, etc. that would be fatal to most other organisms and carry out chemical reactions of potential industrial use, such as the conversion of carbon dioxide into methane. Biochemists at Virginia Tech are working to unravel the mechanisms that imbue microorganisms with these unusual capabilities in order to develop technologies, such as finding new ways to preserve tissues for organ transplants, in order to advance the welfare of Virginians and people around the globe.
The third area of emphasis is protein structure and function. What are the mechanisms by which enzymes catalyze chemical reactions? How are functions of proteins controlled in response to changing cellular needs? How does a protein change as it proceeds through the various stages of its life cycle? How can proteomics be utilized to answer these and other questions?
Our fourth signature area is science education. Biotechnology and molecular biology are making greater impacts into our everyday lives in the form of new foods, medicines, therapies, energy sources, etc. Biochemists at Virginia Tech are striving to better understand how K-12 students comprehend the processes of research and discovery. Guided by this knowledge, they are developing new tools for fostering comprehension and application of scientific principles.
Extension and Outreach Programs
The Department of Biochemistry maintains a modest extension program consisting of a laboratory for the analysis of environmental pesticides, a website on biotechnology applications and regulation in agriculture called Information Systems for Biotechnology, and educational outreach programs conducted in partnership with the Fralin Center for Biotechnology.
Contact Information
Peter J. Kennelly, Department Head
Department of Biochemistry
111C Engel Hall (0308)
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA 24061
(540) 231-6315
pjkennel@vt.edu