Modern biological sciences are enriched by the revolution in structural biology. Advances in techniques such as electron microscopy (EM), X-ray crystallography and NMR, coupled with modern biophysical approaches make possible an unprecedented ability to understand fundamental biological problems at the molecular level. The UAB Department of Microbiology has enviable strengths in all of these disciplines. Our faculty apply these techniques to a range of biological problems, including viral entry, replication and assembly, antiviral drug design, autoimmune disease and cancer. In addition to the remarkable strength of our structural biology research, our faculty offer advanced courses centered on the basics and applications of structural techniques in cell and molecular biology.