Advising Information
Find out about a major in biochemistry, including the degree requirements for students in CALS and L&S.
Still can't figure out what courses to take?
Try the Center for Biology Education's biology course descriptions, or course descriptions from Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math. Go to the University Timetable.
Want to talk to other undergrads that are already in Biochem?
Try the UBSO link. They provide academic support, enhance social interaction, and facilitate faculty networking for undergraduates in the biochemical sciences.
Need more academic advice or career counseling?
Try the UW-Madison Advising Toolkit. We also have information for Pre-Med and Pre-Med Advising. Science magazine also has a great career and job hunting website dealing with diverse aspects of the process of choosing a career in science, resume writing, finding a job, and being happy in your work. Furman University has extensive resources on the variety of careers available in biological fields and information about graduate and professional schools.
The publication "The Scientist" has an article (April 2000) on professional masters degrees as an alternative to the Ph.D. in preparing for a career in biotech. It describes five programs (one at the UW-Madison) that offer one- to two-year MS degrees combining biochemistry and something else, like computer science.
Want research experience but don't know how to start?
The Center for Biology Education (CBE) has a wonderful guide to get you started toward a positive research experience. How to Find a Research Opportunity in Biology tells about internships, fellowships, paid jobs, courses that offer research opportunities, and how to find a good mentor. There are also great jobs in Biochemistry labs and terrific Internships available with local companies.
How do I find...?
Wondering how to find all those protein and nucleic acid data banks? Special collections of materials? If that great journal is available on line? The University of Wisconsin-Madison Libraries has developed a Guide to Resources in Biology. They have organized many other campus resources that you will find invaluable as you look for a good seminar or try to find a mentor.
Looking for a real job?
The CALS Career Services Office has lots of help! They have everything from job listings and information about companies to advice on resume writing and interviewing. The Career Services Office at the L&S School of Human Ecology also has wonderful resources on line. There are also great job openings right here in Biochemistry and terrific Internships available with local companies.
Thinking about a career in science?
Here are a number of web sites that provide excellent general and specific information about careers in science, life as a graduate student, opportunities for postdocs, resume writing, comparing cities and salaries, seeking fulfillment from your work, and so on.
JOBTRAK Job Search Tips
Career Builder
Career planning, published by AAAS, the organization that publishes Science magazine
http://www.nextwave.org/
An on-line book about jobs in science
http://www.nap.edu/readingroom/books/grad/
A National Academy of Science study on where PhDs eventually go
A website for PhDs
The Association for Women in Science (AWIS)
National Occupational Outlook Handbook
Other scientist employment resource info can be found at:
http://his.com/~graeme/employ.html
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Hangar/4707/sci-careers.html