Our Mission is to conduct world-class research in biochemistry and molecular medicine. To excel in undergraduate, graduate and medical education, and to serve the university through leadership in forums committed to graduate and professional school admissions and curriculum.

The research interests of the departmental faculty are focused in the fundamental molecular aspects of cell biology, gene expression, cancer biology, membrane biology, glycobiology, neurobiology, muscle physiology, human genetics, chemical and structural biology, molecular imaging and drug development. In addition to innovative research activities, faculty are involved in the teaching and training of medical and doctoral students.

At the Davis Campus, the department maintains laboratories at Tupper Hall, the Genome Building and in the Department of Chemistry. At the Sacramento Campus, the department maintains laboratories at the Oak Park Research Building, Research I and III Buildings, and the MIND Institute.

The department’s primary research funding comes from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and a wide variety of Private agencies.

The department’s teaching focus includes Lower Division courses, Graduate courses, and Professional courses for medical students.

Each of us has an obligation to the community and the UC Davis Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine strives to build and maintain a culture and climate based on mutual respect and caring. We recognize and cherish the richness contributed to our lives by our diversity. We further recognize the right of every individual to think, speak, express and debate any idea. We support and uphold the UC Davis Principles of Community.

Department News

School of Medicine celebrates implementation of modernized curriculum

I-EXPLORE Celebration image

Dr. Colleen Sweeney, is among the five UC Davis School of Medicine faculty members that were honored this week for their key roles in the implementation of a revamped curriculum that modernizes medical education.

The curriculum, known as I-EXPLORE, has transformed what students learn and how they learn during their four-years of medical school. It was developed by faculty, residents, staff and students – with input from hundreds of others – quickly and during trying circumstances, including the coronavirus pandemic.

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Luis Carvajal-Carmona appointed as the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Academic Diversity (DEI/OAD)

Luis G. Carvajal-Carmona, Ph.D.

Professor Luis Carvajal-Carmona, has been appointed as the Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Academic Diversity (DEI/OAD). Congratulations!

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David Olson appointed as the founding director of the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics

David E. Olson's photo

Associate Professor, David Olson has been appointed as the founding director of the Institute for Psychedelics and Neurotherapeutics. Congratulations!

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David Olson honored as Chancellor’s Fellow

David E. Olson's photo

Associate Professor, David Olson has been honored as a 2022-23 Chancellor’s Fellow. Congratulations!

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