专业描述

Graduate studies in biochemistry reflect the College’s interests in microbial, insect, bio-based fuel, and plant biochemistry. After completing a one-year sequence in general biochemistry, students select advanced courses from a range of offerings in chemistry, organismal biology and molecular biology. Advanced courses in biochemistry are available both at ESF and Syracuse University. A wide variety of research topics are available ranging from plant physiology to biotechnology. Selective research topics include microbial and algal production of biologically active natural products and their importance in cell biology (BOYER, GINER); chemical communication and recognition between organisms (WEBSTER); marine algal toxins (BOYER); trace metal/nitrogen physiology of symbiotic plants and algae (BOYER); the structure/function of natural biopolymers (NOMURA, WINTER); metabolic and protein engineering (NOMURA); and global gene expression studies of biopolymer-producing bacteria (NOMURA). Also, the use of microorganisms for the production of specialty chemicals including polysaccharide interconversions, and the application of bacterial and fungal enzymes and peptides in the bioremediation of environmental problems are explored.