| The graduate program and major (MS and Ph.D) in Biomolecular
Chemistry has been merged with the graduate program and major in Biochemistry.
Effective fall 2007 (Online update 7/26/07) |
College: College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Designation: Department
Major: Biochemistry
Degrees Offered: M.S., Ph.D.
Other: Ph.D. Minor
Faculty: Professors Craig (chair), Amasino, Attie, Clagett-Dame, Cleland, Cox, DeLuca, Fox, Frey, Friesen, Hayes, Holden, Inman, Kiessling, Kimble, Markley, Martin, Nelson, Ntambi, Palmenberg, Phillips, Pike, Raines, Rayment, Record, Reed, Reznikoff, Sussman, Wickens; Associate Professors Bednarek, Butcher; Assistant Professors Ansari, Mitchell, Montgomery, Wiese
The department offers a broad program of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. degree with a major in biochemistry. Although a master's degree is officially offered, students generally are not admitted for a terminal master's degree.
The department has excellent research facilities and active research programs in the major areas of biochemical research: organic chemistry of biologically active substances, enzymology, intermediary metabolism, physical biochemistry, x-ray crystallography, microbial biochemistry and physiology, biochemistry of gene expression, membrane and sensory biochemistry, nutrition and physiology of animals, biochemical virology, biochemistry of eukaryotic cells, and plant biochemistry.
Close association is maintained with other departments having a biochemical orientation such as genetics, animal sciences, bacteriology, biomolecular chemistry, botany, zoology, chemistry, oncology, plant pathology, and nutritional sciences. The Molecular Biology Laboratory and the Molecular Virology Institute are housed in a building that is connected physically to the Biochemistry Building, and several biochemistry professors have joint appointments with these laboratories. Others have joint appointments in chemistry, pharmacy, nutritional sciences, and mathematics. Thus, an exceptional range of research projects and seminars is available to graduate students.
The program prepares students for teaching and research in academic positions, for research in government service, and for research and development work in industry.
The department participates with the School of Medicine and Public Health in offering a joint program for students wishing to complete both the M.D. and Ph.D degrees. The basic prerequisites and degree requirements for the Ph.D in this program are identical for the major in biochemistry. However, the minor may be taken in medical sciences.
For the prerequisites and degree requirements for the M.D. degree, as well as the online application form, visit the Medical Scientist Training Program Web site at mstp.med.wisc.edu/ .
For a minor in biochemistry, a candidate must complete 10 credits of graduate-level courses in the department. Write directly to the Department of Biochemistry for full details of the course requirements.
The department offers stipends in the form of traineeships, research assistantships, or fellowships to all Ph.D. candidates, and assists those with outstanding records in competing for university and national awards. The department guarantees a full stipend for all its Ph.D candidates.
To qualify for admission to the Department of Biochemistry, an applicant must complete a bachelor's degree at a recognized college or university. The basic background for graduate study in biochemistry ordinarily would be provided by an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, chemistry, physics, or in one of the biological, medical, or agricultural sciences with a strong complement of chemistry courses. The chemistry background should include quantitative analysis and upper-division courses including two semesters of organic lecture and one of organic laboratory; a substantial, calculus-based course in physical chemistry; and one semester of biochemistry. Knowledge of basic biochemistry and a working understanding of genetics are essential for students taking the department's first-year graduate courses. The applicant's undergraduate grade point average should be at least 3.0 (4.0 scale). Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, including the advanced exam in a relevant area, are required of all applicants.
For more information: Graduate Admissions, Department of Biochemistry, 433 Babcock Drive, Madison, WI 53706-1544; 608/262-3899; fax 608/265-9661; graduateadmissions@biochem.wisc.edu; www.biochem.wisc.edu.