For example, signal transduction involves signalling complexes held together by scaffolds, anchors and adaptor proteins. These macromolecular assemblies must be studied in a functional sense to fully understand cell regulation. Biochemical processes are also ordered in relation to the three dimensional organization of a cell. Students in our department are given opportunities to investigate the biochemical and structural basis of molecular, cellular and developmental processes in a variety of organisms ranging from bacteria to mammalian cells. The department's graduate program emphasizes research training.
Students design their own programs of study to best suit their educational goals.
During the fall quarter, students meet with all faculty to help select the research group for their thesis. Concurrent with thesis research, students formulate original research proposals, take classes in biochemistry, structural biology, cell biology and genetics, serve as teaching assistants, attend a weekly journal club with presentations by faculty, students and postdoctoral fellows, and attend seminars by outside speakers. Annual department-wide retreats serve as a forum for presentations by all research groups. Laboratory rooms and equipment are shared by all research groups to promote interactions and exchange of ideas between students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty. The MedNET Web Project manages this server.