MSc in Biochemistry of Health and Disease in Philadelphia United States | Drexel University

The Biochemistry of Health and Disease (BHAD) graduate program equips students to investigate the molecular processes governing living systems. Participants in our program bridge chemistry and biology to examine how biomolecular interactions regulate cellular activities. These investigations yield groundbreaking insights into disease mechanisms while advancing novel treatment approaches. Alumni pursue careers as educators and scientists across academic institutions, biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and government research organizations.

Our BHAD graduate program delivers an intensive, comprehensive curriculum combining research and coursework for MS or PhD candidates. We foster a collaborative atmosphere that encourages knowledge sharing and mutual support, where every community member contributes to collective achievement. The program features a distinguished, diverse faculty specializing in protein analysis, therapeutic development, enzyme mechanisms, cellular communication, viral pathogenesis, and oncology research. Molecular and structural approaches form the unifying foundation across all research specialties.

Patrick Loll and doctoral researcher Emilia Arturo conducting experiments in Drexel University College of Medicine's biochemistry laboratory.
The Biochemistry of Health and Disease program emphasizes these key research domains:

Structural biology of proteins and RNA
Pharmaceutical development
Enzyme reaction mechanisms
Pathogen-cell interactions
Biological nanomachines in health and disease
Cancer biology and cellular processes

The two-year MS program begins with intensive foundational coursework in biomedical sciences during the first year, preparing students for advanced biochemical studies in year two. Students may choose between thesis and non-thesis options: the non-thesis path requires a comprehensive literature review, while the thesis track involves original research projects frequently resulting in published work. Graduates secure positions in industry and academia, with many continuing to doctoral programs for further specialization.