Department of Biochemistry

Room W437, School of Medicine
Phone: 216.368.0290; Fax: 216.368.8845
J. Alan Diehl, PhD, Chair
jad283@case.edu


Department Coordinator: biochemistry@case.edu


Biochemistry is the study of the molecular basis of cell and organism function, making it a central discipline in the biological and biomedical sciences.  CWRU Biochemistry is located in the School of Medicine, and our faculty focus on the biochemical processes that are important in human health, disease, and drug action. 

Our faculty's research and teaching are aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms that contribute to human health, are altered in human disease, and can be targeted by therapeutics to improve health.  Deciphering the relationship between the structures and the functions of biological macromolecules such as proteins, RNA, and DNA is essential to understanding these mechanisms.  Our research and education programs include studying complex diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and infectious diseases, as well as approaches that can lead to new therapies.  Our efforts are broadened by collaborations with faculty in other university departments and with scientists at other academic and biotech research institutions. 

The Department of Biochemistry is in the School of Medicine. We offer undergraduate programs leading to the BA and BS degrees in Biochemistry with over 200 students enrolled.  Graduates are well prepared for further studies in the biomedical sciences (MS and PhD programs), for degrees in healthcare (MD, DO, DDS, PharmD), for employment in a variety of roles in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, or as contributors in research laboratories.

Biochemistry MS and PhD graduate programs, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Experimental Biotechnology, prepare graduates for careers in research in academia and industries such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. There are also dual-degree programs such as the MD/PhD, JD/MS, MS/MBA, and MS/MA in Patent Practice degrees. The department also participates in several interdisciplinary and interdepartmental programs in the School of Medicine and at Case Western Reserve University that provide additional avenues of study.  

Current CWRU students interested in a combined Bachelor's/Master's degree program may apply for early admission to our MS in Biochemistry.