The Graduate Institute of Biochemistry was established in 1987, three years after the medical college of this university was chartered, under the directorship of Professor Teresa L. K. Low. The first class of 8 students was enrolled in the September of that year. Over the past 20 years, more than 350 graduate students have received the Master degree from this institute. Many of them have subsequently participated in research work in other institutes, and some of them have continued their advanced studies in this country or abroad. Many others have joined the faculty in community colleges. The Department of Biochemistry offers not only medical biochemistry to medical students, but also advanced biochemistry programs to graduate students. Biochemistry provides a basic knowledge for many life sciences. Our goal is to educate and train young people to become acquainted with biochemistry, so that the research interest and training in the basic medical sciences can be promoted, especially in this southern region of Taiwan. The department maintains strong ties in research and teaching with other basic sciences and clinical departments, this benefits students by providing exposure to many different types of problems and areas of expertise. At present, several faculty members from other departments, including Anatomy, Microbiology, Immunology, Physiology and Pharmacology are affiliated with Biochemistry as associates. Some of these individuals carry out collaborative research projects with biochemistry faculty, while others participate in our teaching program. In addition, Biochemistry has joined with other basic sciences departments to establish an integrated Ph.D. program in the Medical College. Over the years, the department has established itself as a center of excellence in teaching and research. As we move into the 21st century, we are increasing our commitment to train highly qualified and interested young people for careers as investigators in biochemistry and molecular biology.