The department faculty teach two core courses to first-year medical students, one in biochemistry and the other in medical genetics. They also teach a core biochemistry course to dental students. In addition, the faculty offer a broad range of more advanced courses covering specialized topics in biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and neuroscience.

These courses are taken by graduate students pursuing Ph.D. or master's degrees, and they also are available as electives for medical students.

The faculty have active research programs studying problems in DNA structure and replication, chromosome structure, control of gene expression and associated protein-DNA interactions, regulation of the cell cycle, regulation of protein synthesis, protein secretion, artificial enzymes and bradykinin antagonists. Some of these studies are directed at understanding specific genetic disorders, such as fragile X syndrome, emphysema associated with inherited forms of alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency, amyotropic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), and Down's syndrome, as well as specific neurologic functions and associated disorders.

The faculty are actively involved in the CU Cancer Center, Molecular Biology Program, Neurosciences Program and the Hepatobiliary Research Center. Specific collaborative research projects are within those centers that provide a diverse group of training opportunities for graduate and medical students.

FACULTY

David E. Pettijohn, Ph.D.,Chairman and Professor

Jerry L. Brown, Ph.D., Associate Professor

John R. Caan, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus

Paul J. Hagerman, M.D., Ph.D., Professor

C.H. Werner Hirs, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus

Judith A. Jaehning, Ph.D., Professor

Carol A. Jones, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Janice Kansey, Ph.D., Instructor

Fa-Ten Kao, Ph.D., Professor

Sylvia Kerr, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Philippa C. Marrack, Ph.D., Professor

Charles S. McHenry, Ph.D., Professor

James McManaman, Ph.D., Instructor

Geoffrey C. Owens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

David Patterson, Ph.D., Professor

Theodore T. Puck, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus

Oscar K. Reiss, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Peter Sarnow, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Robert A. Sclafani, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Nicholas W. Seeds, Ph.D., Professor

John M. Stewart, Ph.D., Professor

Patricia L. Stranahan, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Dennis R. Voelker, Ph.D., Associate Professor

Dale R. Wegmann, Ph.D., Assistant Professor