(4)

Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology (BCMB) involve careers in perhaps one of the most exciting areas of science--the interface between biology, chemistry and physics.

The development of techniques like genetic engineering and microscale analysis have brought an increasingly molecular focus to the traditional scientific disciplines of chemistry, biology and the health sciences. Biochemistry, cell and molecular biology are at this interdisciplinary crossroads.

(2)

One only has to survey today's hot research topics to get an idea of the importance of biochemistry, cell and molecular biology to the more traditional fields of science.

• Physiologists study the molecular basis of immune response.
• Geneticists study molecular controls of gene expression.

(1)

• Inorganic chemists study metal containing biomolecules involved in drug metabolism.
• Physical chemists study protein folding,
• Pharmacologists study protein structures to better direct drug actions.

(5)

These studies have driven developments that now impact society.

• Patients can get information that could be used to predict the likelihood of certain diseases by genetic testing.

(2)

• Lawyers use the results of DNA fingerprinting to identify criminals.
• Doctors prescribe genetically engineered drugs.
• Computers are being designed with molecular switches.
• Medical imaging allows detailed mapping of diseases.

The scientific leaders in the next generation will be those who understand how biological, chemical and physical phenomena are integrated. Drake's BCMB program trains students to meet this need.