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Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics
Graduate Program
Columbia University in the City of New York
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The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at the Columbia
University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, has a remarkable history
of fundamental discoveries in intermediary metabolism, DNA chemistry,
enzymology,
and neurochemistry. Under the early leadership of Hans Clarke and David
Rittenberg, such distinguished biochemists as Schoenheimer, Shemin, Sprinson,
Meyer, Chargaff, and Nachmansohn made seminal contributions to our knowledge
and formed the foundation for the Department's remarkably strong reputation.
During the 1980's, this tradition of scholarship advanced into the modern
era of molecular biology and biophysics under the prescience and leadership
of Isidore Edelman.
The Department continues to grow and maintain its position at the forefront
of biochemistry and molecular biophysics. The scope of activities within
the Department is even broader today than in yesteryears. The topics under
investigation by its 21 professors range from the genetic and biochemical
identification of molecules that regulate cell fate-determination or potentiate
synaptic memory to the atomic resolution of the structures of macromolecules
and to the computer simulation of their dynamic behavior. The departmental
research activities divide into three basic areas. The first area of research
is in structural studies, including x-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy
of biologically important macromolecules, computational studies on protein
folding and structure, and analysis of catalytic mechanisms of both RNA
and proteins. The second major area of research, molecular biology, encompasses
studies on mechanisms of viral infection and replication, regulation of
eukaryotic gene expression during development, the function of growth factors
in development and the identification of molecules involved in intercellular
communication. The third area of research focuses on neurobiology and includes
the molecular biology of neuronal receptors, studies of proteins that affect
neural differentiation and growth, definition of the molecules involved
in long and short term memory, and characterization of signal transducers.
The Department maintains a vibrant atmosphere of enquiry and scholarship
through its graduate education program of 57 Ph.D. candidates, its M.D./Ph.D.
program and its postdoctoral program with 21 fellows, its twice weekly seminars
by guest speakers, and its comprehensive departmental science review symposium
held in the Fall at
Arden House,
located north of New York City.
Numerous courses that complement the Department's academic offerings are
available in the Departments of
Physics,
Chemistry,
and
Biological Sciences,
at the Morningside Campus of Columbia University.
Many lectureships sponsored by the University
bring distinguished scholars in the arts and sciences to both campuses.
The students and faculty actively partake of the extensive, unparalleled
intellectual and cultural events of
New York City
-- its
music,
dance,
art and
drama.
In the following pages you will read the descriptions of the research programs
being carried out by each of the members of this Department. Overall the
research represents a group of diverse topics but all are united by the
highest quality of scholarship.
To the rich scientific opportunities provided by Columbia's Health Sciences
Campus are added the vast cultural opportunities of New York City. The
Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center overlooks the Hudson River from the
cliffs of
northern Manhattan. The Health Sciences Campus offers wide-ranging
academic and recreational opportunities. In addition, it is only a ten
minute shuttle ride by Columbia's free bus to the Columbia Morningside Campus,
providing access to the arts, theater, film and music programs of the
University.
By subway it takes only twenty to thirty minutes to reach the most lively
areas of Manhattan. New York's neighborhoods,
museums,
theaters and restaurants
offer an almost infinite variety of experiences, many of which are free
or inexpensive (there is a discount theater ticket office at the medical
center). For those needing a change of scene, the Long Island beaches and
the hills of New England are an easy day trip. There are about two thousand
graduate and professional students at the Health Sciences Campus and almost
sixteen thousand students on the Morningside Campus.
The department interacts extensively with other basic science and clinical
departments at the Health Sciences Campus
and the Morningside Campus. Students
in the department also become involved through seminar programs and courses
with members of the Biology Department, Chemistry Department and the
Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biophysical Studies, the
Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, and
other interdepartmental programs.
In addition, the University has close scientific and cultural ties with
other scientific institutions in the area such as
Rockefeller University,
New York University,
Mount Sinai Medical Center,
Albert Einstein University
and
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Housing in University residence buildings at the Health Sciences Campus
is guaranteed to all incoming graduate students. There are also
University-owned
apartments here and at the Morningside Campus, and a variety of other moderately
priced housing in the medical center area. It is also possible to commute
from nearby, rural Riverdale, from other Manhattan neighborhoods, or from
suburban New Jersey.
Students admitted to the program usually have a bachelor's degree or the
equivalent and a basic knowledge of physics, organic chemistry, physical
chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Advanced Graduate Record Examination
scores in biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics are also required.
Completed applications are screened by the Graduate Education Committee
and decisions on admissions are based on college record, Graduate Record
Examination scores, letters of recommendation, and personal interviews.
All students accepted are invited to visit the department.
It is recommended that students file an application by early January for
entrance in the following fall term.
Students accepted for admission into our Ph.D. program normally receive
full tuition and health fees plus a twelve-month stipend for living expenses.
Awards are renewed annually for students in good academic standing. Support
for graduate students comes in part from government funds and also from
private foundations such as the
Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
Applicants are urged to apply for scholarships from the
National Science Foundation,
and other graduate funding programs. In addition, a number of Columbia
fellowships are available for outstanding foreign students.
The above link takes you to a summary of research interests of
the different faculty members in the department.
Request further information and application materials for admission to
the Ph.D. program.
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Last updated June 24, 1996.