PhD Programme in Biological Chemistry

It also includes a number of fields, such as structure determination of macromolecules using x-ray diffraction or NMR spectroscopy, characterization of proteins and enzyme kinetics, identification of signal transmission chains, toxicology and chemistry of natural substances. The term also covers interactions between substances and organisms, including bacterial degradation of pollutants, bioremediation and purification technology.

The field of biochemistry research is important for characterization of the impact of environmental and genetic factors in order to find measures to counter pollution and climate damage to various organisms and in order to develop/select agricultural plants adapted to specific environments and growing conditions. One of the aims of agriculture is to use as few chemicals as possible and at the same time produce top quality products. It is also desirable that certain food products have a high content of specific taste and health promoting substances such as antioxidants. Use of nutrients (fertilizers and feed) is an important topic of research in the region. Processing and food storage life are other topics where biochemistry plays an important role in development of products/methods. Research on the impact and break down of environmental pollutants linked to the oil industry has been important as most of the operating companies and service industries are located in the region. Biodegradability and remediation technology are core areas that complement the local R&D environments, where focus is mainly on identification/monitoring and consequences.

Even though research projects involving biochemistry may differ significantly, the methods are usually the same. In this way, the PhD biological chemistry programme has a common technological platform for companies in the region, which is favourable with regard to recruitment to its research environments and promotes project co-operation between the university and institutions in the region.

Today, biochemistry research at UiS includes 1) repair of DNA damage, 2) use of nutrients, 3) break down of pesticides and environmental pollutants, 4) biological rhythms, 5) bioactive components in food, 6) reaction kinetics, 7) studies of enzymes, 8) modelling chemical and biological processes, 9) purification and separation technology, 10) plastid division and development. A common denominator for much of the research at UiS is the influence of the environment (through, e.g., radiation, nutrients, light/darkness, environmental pollutants) on organisms and their adaptation to such factors and vice versa, the impact of micro-organisms on components in the environment.

The PhD programme in biological chemistry has been based on a common academic and technological platform. This platform is competent in (based on today’s competence) protein chemistry/enzymology, gene technology, spectroscopic methods, analytic chemistry, organic synthesis, cell/tissue culture, respirometry, applied microbiology and purification technology. Furthermore, the platform will include expertise in modelling chemical and biological processes, practical use of bioinformatics and also mathematics for genome analysis. A new electron microscope, with a cryogen unit for biological use has also been acquired, together with a flow cytometer for microbial quantification.

The members of the biochemistry faculty have a high level of scientific competence and have had reports published in internationally renowned professional journals. Most of these also have an international name in their academic field and have a well-established co-operation with research institutions and universities in Norway and abroad.