Research in OSBP covers almost the entire scope of biochemical investigation. There are about 75 faculty members in OSBP from three different colleges. About 85% of OSBP students work in five departments in the College of Arts & Sciences (Chemistry & Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Molecular Genetics) and the College of Medicine (Biological Chemistry & Pharmacology, and Physiology & Cell Biology). Other students work in other departments in Medicine (especially Cancer Biology & Genetics, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics), Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, and Physics.
Areas of Research
Research in OSBP can be classified into four large areas. All OSBP students take a unified core curriculum, and they choose their elective classes with their advisors for a highly tailored training program.
Chemical Biology & Enzymes
Researchers in this area are interested chemically manipulating biological systems, developing chemical probes and drugs, engineering proteins and peptides, and understanding the function of biological catalysts.
Molecular Basis of Disease
These researchers are interested in the biochemical basis of a wide range of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, neuromuscular and neurological diseases, and viral diseases.
Molecular Biology & Molecular Genetics
These researchers study the molecular basis of biological processes including replication, transcription, translation, gene regulation, and cellular function.
Molecular Biophysics & Structural Biology
Researchers in this area study the structure and physical properties of biomolecules, often using methods such as X-ray crystallography, NMR, laser spectroscopy, and single-molecule spectroscopy.
Focus Areas
In addition to the major research divisions, there are groups of faculty who are interested in specific Focus Areas, but who use a wide range of techniques and approaches. Some of the key Focus Areas for OSBP faculty include Cancer, Cell Biology, DNA & Chromosomes, Gene Regulation, Protein Structure & Folding, and RNA.
Centers and Training Programs
Many OSBP faculty members and students participate in research centers and training programs that represent particular areas of research strength at The Ohio State University.