Biochemistry, BS (CALS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wisconsin Madison

Program Overview

The Biochemistry, BS in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison explores the chemistry of life at the molecular and cellular levels, combining strong foundations in chemistry, biology and quantitative science with opportunities to investigate proteins, nucleic acids, metabolism, disease and biotechnology. It is well suited to students interested in laboratory science, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare or research, as well as students planning to continue into medical, veterinary or graduate education.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

Students begin by building a strong quantitative and chemical foundation through CHEM 103 – General Chemistry I or an approved alternative and MATH 221 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1, followed by CHEM 104 – General Chemistry II and MATH 222 – Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2. The first year also includes the BIOCHEM 100 – Biochemistry First-Year Seminar, giving students an early introduction to the discipline and the wider academic community.

Second Year

Students progress into the core chemistry and biological sciences, including CHEM 343 – Organic Chemistry I, CHEM 345 – Organic Chemistry II, and CHEM 344 – Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory. Depending on their academic plan, students also develop their biology and physical-science foundation through introductory biology and general physics coursework.

Third Year

The programme becomes increasingly specialised as students move into biochemistry and upper-level biological science. Students can study BIOCHEM 507 – General Biochemistry I, BIOCHEM 508 – General Biochemistry II, and areas such as BIOCHEM 601 – Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function, BIOCHEM 560 – Principles of Human Disease and Biotechnology, or BIOCHEM 609 – Mathematical Methods for Systems Biology.

Fourth Year

In the final year, students consolidate their laboratory and analytical abilities through advanced coursework and the required BIOCHEM 551 – Biochemical Methods capstone. Students can also select advanced areas such as CHEM 665 – Biophysical Chemistry, BIOCHEM 612 – Prokaryotic Molecular Biology, BIOCHEM 620 – Eukaryotic Molecular Biology, BIOCHEM 631 – Plant Genetics and Development, or BIOCHEM 645 – Molecular Control of Metabolism and Metabolic Disease, depending on their interests.

Focus Areas

Molecular and cellular biochemistry, protein and enzyme structure, nucleic acids, organic chemistry, analytical science, biophysical chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, systems biology, metabolism, human disease, biotechnology, plant biochemistry, quantitative biological science

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to identify fundamental biochemical principles underlying biological processes, communicate scientific knowledge through written and oral presentations, connect biochemistry with other scientific disciplines and contemporary issues, demonstrate professional and ethical responsibility in scientific research, and design quantitative experiments or interpret data to investigate scientific questions.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The official 2026–2027 Biochemistry, BS (CALS) Guide does not identify a separate professional accreditation for this programme. Instead, the curriculum emphasizes rigorous chemistry, biology, mathematics, laboratory and quantitative training, while also providing preparation for graduate, medical and veterinary education.

Reputation (Employability / Official Recognition)

UW–Madison states that its Biochemistry programme is consistently ranked among top undergraduate and graduate programmes. The department also highlights its long history, dating to 1883, and its research contributions in areas including heart disease, nutrient deficiencies, viruses, crop breeding and animal husbandry.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biochemistry, BS provides practical exposure through laboratory-based coursework, independent research and opportunities to work with faculty in biochemistry and related life-science or chemistry departments. Students can conduct research for academic credit or pay, apply for departmental summer research funding, participate in international academic experiences, and develop practical skills through the programme’s BIOCHEM 551 – Biochemical Methods capstone.

The programme also provides several ways to extend classroom learning into research, international experiences and professional preparation:

Research experience: Students are encouraged to conduct research in the Biochemistry Department or other life-science and chemistry-related departments, either for course credit or pay.
Summer research funding: The department offers summer funding awards to support undergraduate research experiences.
Biochemistry Scholars Program: First-year undergraduate majors can obtain hands-on research experience through this programme.
Biochemical Methods: BIOCHEM 551 is the required capstone course and develops practical biochemical and quantitative experimental skills.
Advanced laboratory training: Students complete CHEM 344 – Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory and can pursue advanced laboratory and analytical coursework.
Research-focused electives: Students can explore Protein and Enzyme Structure and Function, Mathematical Methods for Systems Biology, Prokaryotic Molecular Biology, Eukaryotic Molecular Biology, and Molecular Control of Metabolism and Metabolic Disease.
Study abroad: Biochemistry majors can participate in short-term field experiences, summer research opportunities and semester-long exchanges; the 2026–2027 Guide specifically lists BIOCHEM 307 – Study Abroad: Introduction to Biological Sciences Research in Japan.
Global health field experience: Approved international experiences include Global Health Field Experience programmes involving locations such as Uganda, Sri Lanka and Tanzania.
Student research community: The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) UW–Madison Student Chapter provides information about research, careers, job opportunities, volunteering and outreach.
Career technology: Students are encouraged to use Handshake to explore career events, campus interviews, jobs and internships from more than 200,000 employers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biochemistry, BS is designed to support both direct entry into science-related employment and further academic or professional education. UW–Madison identifies biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, life sciences, education and research among the fields where Biochemistry graduates pursue opportunities, while the degree also provides preparation for medical school, veterinary school and graduate study in biochemistry and related disciplines.

Typical job roles include Biochemist, Laboratory Scientist, Research Assistant, Biotechnology Researcher.

Career advising: CALS Career Services provides career advising, résumé and cover-letter support, networking opportunities and interview preparation, helping students begin career exploration early.
Internships and employment: Students can use career events, employer connections and Handshake to find internships and jobs; UW–Madison states that Handshake provides access to opportunities from 200,000+ employers around the country.
Research experience: Departmental research opportunities allow students to build laboratory and scientific investigation experience before graduation.
Industry sectors: UW–Madison specifically identifies biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and life sciences as career areas for Biochemistry graduates.
Alumni and employer connections: Career services and departmental events provide opportunities to connect with alumni and employers.
Professional preparation: The programme's combination of chemistry, biology, mathematics, laboratory work and quantitative experimentation supports science-related employment and preparation for advanced study.
Graduation preparation: Students complete at least 120 degree credits, including the Biochemistry requirements and the BIOCHEM 551 – Biochemical Methods capstone.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into master's or doctoral study in biochemistry and related areas such as biology, bacteriology, genetics, molecular biology and oncology. The programme also provides a strong academic foundation for professional programmes including medical and veterinary school.