On behalf of the faculty of the Biochemistry Program, we would like to welcome you to our website.

The biochemistry program is designed for students who are interested in life at the molecular level. In our program, you will study the chemical processes involved in DNA replication, transcription, and translation. The structure of biomacromolecules and the structural implications on cellular processes will also be emphasized. Most of the biochemistry faculty use their biochemistry training to understand disease at the molecular level, including breast cancer, lung cancer, African sleeping sickness, and pain management. Biochemistry also supports the studies of students majoring in the chemistry and life-sciences by offering introductory courses for students interested in medicine or the allied health fields.

Our program prepares students for a variety of challenging and rewarding careers. Many of our graduates will complete advanced degrees, enroll in medical or dental school, or enter professional careers well prepared for the challenges they face in science and technology. We encourage all undergraduates to participate in undergraduate research. Our faculty actively conduct research in diverse areas such as RNA interference, enzymology, membrane structure, molecular biology, or virology. Undergraduate research provides a unique opportunity to work closely alongside a faculty mentor gaining an experience that extends far beyond typical classroom learning.

Villanova’s liberal arts tradition leads to an atmosphere of responsible learning for a select group of students who will be called to intellectual, moral, and professional leadership in the future. The Biochemistry Program strives to foster intellectual curiosity through our courses and student research opportunities in keeping with our Augustinian tradition. We strive to instill the fundamentals of critical insight, mature judgment, and independent thinking in students, and to awaken in our students a sense of the importance of values and the moral responsibility of working for the betterment of our society.

Choosing a school and education program is a very important decision, and we invite you to examine Villanova’s education and research opportunities in biochemistry. This website provides information about our program, its facilities, student opportunities and our faculty and their research. Biochemistry is an interdisciplinary program with extensive contributions from Biology and Chemistry; we suggest that you visit their websites to appreciate their faculty and resources. Thanks for your interest in our program and enjoy your visit!

Sincerely,

Professors Janice Knepper and Barry S. Selinsky, Biochemistry Program Co-Directors