Welcome to our Graduate Program Web Site

Here we describe our Biochemistry Ph.D. program, its goals and philosophy, its training opportunities in research and teaching, its research strengths, and the application process.

The Biochemistry Department is proud to be ranked among the TOP TEN graduate programs in the biochemical sciences within the United States. The University of Wisconsin-Madison itself ranks in the top ten among public universities for receipt of federal research funds, and has been listed among the top educational institutions in published studies since the early 1900s. The campus community of biological and biochemical scientists is one of the largest and most vital in the world. It has close ties with a rapidly expanding biotechnology industry in the city of Madison. Madison itself has the distinction of being ranked as one of the best U.S. cities in which to live. Thus, we believe you'll find our Department and the Madison community an excellent setting for your education and recreation.

The Ph.D. program in Biochemistry is designed to prepare students for successful careers in research, teaching, and science communication. The Department offers a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their skills in these areas of biochemical science. Graduate training in the Department stresses an attitude of inquiry and problem-solving. We hope to convey the adventure of research, as well as its methods. Currently, the Department has nearly 150 graduate students distributed among 30 different laboratories. Many of our research laboratories are home to students from other campus programs including Cell & Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Genetics, Chemistry, Biotechnology, and Biophysics. Thus, interaction and collaboration with students, faculty, and staff of other programs and departments are widespread and represents a major theme for success at U.W.-Madison.

The Department and University offer outstanding facilities for graduate studies. In 1998, the Department itself moved into a $36 million, state-of-the-art research building specifically designed to accommodate modern laboratories and to provide gathering places where researchers can meet spontaneously to exchange ideas. In a new biotechnology initiative (Biostar) by the State of Wisconsin, an even larger $85 million research facility for Biochemistry and other campus researchers will likely begin construction by 2009. The combination of excellent facilities, an enthusiastic staff, and dedicated students and faculty have combined to make our Biochemistry program the best (#1) among inland universities in the U.S. As a prospective student, we hope that you will check us out.