Typical Program
|
Fall Semester
|
Credits
|
Spring Semester
|
Credits
|
|
Year 1
|
Chem109 (or 103)*
Math 221
Social Sciences or
Humanities
|
5 (4)
5
4-6
|
Chem 329 (or 104)*
Math 222
Social Sciences or
Humanities
|
4 (5)
5
4-6
|
|
Year 2
|
Chem 343
(Chem 327/221)*
Biocore 301#
(or Biol 151)
Social Sciences or
Humanities
|
3
(5)
3
(5)
3-5
|
Chem 344
Chem 345
Biocore 303
(or Biol 152)
Biocore 304
Social Sciences or
Humanities
|
2
3
3
(5)
2
4-6
|
|
Year 3
|
Physics 201 (or 207)%
Biocore 323
(or Genetics 466)
Biocore 324
Biochem 501 or 507@
Electives
|
5
3
(3)
2
3
2-3
|
Physics 202 (or 208)
Biocore 333
(or Bact 303)
Biochem 508
Biochem 651
Electives
|
5
3
(3)
2
2
4-6
|
|
Year 4
|
Chem (Physical) 565
Biochem 511
Biochem Elective or
SeniorThesis
Electives
|
4
1
2-3
7-9
|
Chem 563
(Biochem 511)
Biochem Elective or
Senior Thesis
Electives
|
1-2
(1)
2-3
13-15
|
* Chem 109 and 329 satisfies the introductory chemistry requirement in 2 semesters whereas 103, 104, and 327 requires 3 semesters
# The Biocore sequence is recommended, but the requirement is for 4 lecture courses and 2 laboratory courses.
% Physics 207 and Biochemistry 501 currently conflict.
@ Student must take either (1) 507 and 508 or (2) 501 and 2 additional credits of Biochemistry.
& Senior Thesis, special problems, or work experience in a laboratory are strongly recommended.
About the courses:
The recommended sequence of courses includes Biochem 501 or 507 in the first semester of the Junior year, Biochem 651 and 508 (if taking 507) in the second semester of the Junior year, Biochem 511 in the fall or spring of the Senior year, and additional biochemistry courses to make a total of at least 8 credits in any of the last three semesters.This sequence will give the student some contact with the department in his/her Junior year, and, along with their chemistry courses, provide a strong background for graduate work in biochemistry or biological sciences.
Students should be aware that some biochemistry courses are not offered every year. Consult the Biochemistry course list and the UW Registrar's Timetable to find out about courses other than the general biochemistry courses being offered. The courses which have been most often used by undergraduates to satisfy the remainder of their requirement have been Biochem 510, 550, 621, 640, 666, 681 /682, 691/692 and 699.
Students planning on a senior thesis should note that it must be taken for 2 credits each semester of the Senior year (3 honors credits per semester for honors students) and that a minimum of 4 hours per week per credit will be required. A higher number of hours per week may be set by the supervising faculty member. It is also the responsibility of the student to have arranged with a member of the department to supervise his/her project before signing up for these credits. Some practical research laboratory experience is highly desirable. Biochemistry majors should consider part-time or summer jobs in Biochemistry or related departments. There are also a number of NSF sponsored summer programs at various universities that provide excellent training.
There is a bulletin board for undergraduates outside of the lecture hall in room 125 of the old Biochem building (420 Henry Mall). Notices of jobs available, information on graduate schools, and other information of interest to undergraduates will be posted on this board.