FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did these 2 programs merge?
The Biochemistry Department and the Biomolecular Chemistry Department both share common research interests and a rich history on the UW-Madison campus. By combining our resources, we believe we can expose prospective (and current) students to even greater opportunities to learn and grow as scientists.
What are the advantages of enrolling in this integrated program?
Due to the similarities in our graduate programs and research areas, many prospective students apply to both programs anyway. Integrating the programs, and our recruitment efforts, will provide a smoother application process for students. Additional benefits include:
- Larger number of faculty who can serve as thesis advisors
- Greater number of research projects from which to choose
- A committee of faculty (our New Student Orientation Committee) responsible for coordinating your rotations (so you don’t have to arrange them yourself)
- A Student Services Division who, with your major professor, will work to ensure that you receive the guidance and information you need during your career here
- Being a member of a large program with a family-type environment
- Earning your PhD from a top-ranked program (ranked #6 among biochemistry graduate programs in the US according to US News & World Reports)
Are there different sets of admission requirements, application requirements, and course requirements?
We have consolidated all our requirements into one set of requirements. To view them, please see our new program curriculum requirements.
How do I select a minor?
Minor courses are designed to provide educational breadth. Minor requirements can be satisfied by either Option A or Option B.
- Minor Option A (focused): requires a minimum of 10 credits in a single department or field of study. With the advice of a “minor professor” the student chooses courses from the offerings of a particular UW department (e.g., Chemistry, Bacteriology, Genetics, Physiology, etc.). The specific requirements, course work, and grades to be met are prescribed by the chosen department.
- Minor Option B (distributed): requires a minimum of 10 credits in one or more departments and can include course work in the major department. At least 9 of these 10 credits to be in courses with a predominantly graduate enrollment. A minimum grade of B must be earned in every course. As a matter of course, many students select Minor Option B to fulfill the minor requirements because the program allows (nearly) all course work credits taken for the major to count towards the Option B minor (in addition to counting towards the major requirements).
How do rotations work?
Our NSOC (New Student Orientation Committee) oversees the rotation process and offers guidance throughout the rotation period. Students rotate through 3 labs during their first semester; each rotation period is approximately 4-5 weeks. The laboratory assignments are based on student preference with the goal of providing each student with his/her first choice. The final lab preferences are based on both student and professor input, with the majority of our students receiving their first choice.
How many courses will I be expected to TA?
Students must participate in 2 semesters of teaching as part of their training. Teaching consists of assisting in an assigned laboratory or lecture course. This is usually done in the second and third years of graduate school.
How long will it take to earn my PhD?
Our students earn their degree in 5-6 years.
What kind of financial assistance is available?
All students, both US and international, receive an annual stipend (currently $22,700) and tuition remission for the duration of their studies, provided satisfactory progress is made toward their degree. Comprehensive medical coverage is also offered.
In addition, some of our students are supported on fellowships or training grants. Students are chosen based on criteria specified by the different training grants. These students are currently supported by seven different NIH training grants. Our students also receive support from the National Science Foundation.
What is life like as a graduate student in Madison?
Who better to answer that question than our very own grad students. Here are comments from just some of them Meet our Grads.