Biochemistry Four-Year Plans
Below are sample four-year plans for biochemistry majors. They focus on science coursework sequencing and do not take into account factors such as AP or advance standing credits, whether or not you plan to take summer courses, study abroad, or preparing for standardized tests like the MCAT or PCAT. More information about degree and major requirements is available on the university’s official Guide.
It is critical that you talk with your advisor about your tentative plan for course sequences and prerequisites, which courses are offered fall vs. spring vs. summer, etc. "Breadth/Electives" is a placeholder for any requirement or coursework outside the biochemistry major (social science, CALS International Studies, humanities, etc.)
Sample Four-Year Plan (Chem 103/104) | Additional Four-Year Plan (Chem 109)
Additional Four-Year Plan (Chem 103) Spring Freshman Year
Sample Four-Year Plan (Chem 103/104)
| Fall Semester | Cr | Spring Semester | Cr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Chem 103 Math 221 Comm A (if needed) First-year Seminar (CALS students) Breadth/Electives | 4 | Chem 104 Math 222 Breadth/Electives | 5 4 3+ |
| Year 2 | Chem 343 Biocore1 or Bio 151 Breadth/Electives Research credits (optional) | 3 5 3+ 1-3 | Chem 344 (or summer) Chem 345 Biocore or Bio 152 Breadth/Electives Research credits (optional) | 2 3 5 3+ 1-3 |
| Year 3 | Physics 207 Biochem 507 Biocore (if applicable) Research credits (optional) | 5 3 3 1-3 | Physics 208 Biochem 508 Biocore (if applicable) Chem 327 (or summer) Research credits (optional) | 5 3 3 4 1-3 |
| Year 4 | Chem 565 or Biochem 551 Senior Thesis (optional) Upper-level Biology2 (if applicable) | 4 2-3 3 | Biochem 551 or Chem 565 Senior Thesis (optional) Upper-level Biology (if applicable) | 4 |
1 Biocore sequence requires 4 lecture courses plus 2 laboratory courses. Students who complete Bio 151 and 152 (10 cr.) must also take 6 credits of upper-level biology to complete the biological sciences requirement.
2 See the Upper Level Biology Courses page for information on what courses can fulfill the upper-level biology requirement (for students who have completed Bio 151/152).
Additional Four-Year Plan (Chem 109)
| Fall Semester | Cr | Spring Semester | Cr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Chem 109 Math 221 Comm A (if needed) First-year Seminar (CALS students) | 5 | Chem 327 Math 222 Breadth/Electives | 4 4 3+ |
| Year 2 | Chem 343 Biocore1 or Bio 151 Breadth/Electives Research credits (optional) | 3 5 3+ 1-3 | Chem 344 (or summer) Chem 345 Biocore or Bio 152 Breadth/Electives Research credits (optional) | 2 3 5 3+ 1-3 |
| Year 3 | Physics 207 Biochem 507 Biocore or Upper-level Biology Research credits (optional) | 5 3 3 1-3 | Physics 208 Biochem 508 Biocore or Upper-level Biology Research credits (optional) | 5 3 3 1-3 |
| Year 4 | Chem 565 or Biochem 551 Remaining breadth, electives, research, advanced biology (if applicable), and/or senior thesis | 4 3+
| Biochem 551 or Chem 565 Remaining breadth, electives, research, advanced biology (if applicable), and/or senior thesis | 4 3+ |
Additional Four-Year Plan (Chem 103) Spring Freshman Year
| Fall Semester | Cr | Spring Semester | Cr | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Math 112/113/114/171 Comm A (if needed) First-year Seminar (CALS students) Breadth/Electives | 3-5 | Chem 103 Math (next in sequence) Breadth/Electives | 4 3-5 3+ |
| Year 2 | Chem 104 Math (next in sequence) Breadth/Electives | 5 4-5 3+ | Chem 343 Math (if needed) Bio 151 Breadth/Electives | 3 4 5 3+ |
| Year 3 | Chem 345 Chem 344 (or future summer) Bio 152 Research credits (optional) Breadth/Electives | 3 2 5 2 3+ | Biochem 501 | 3 5 4 1-3 3 |
| Year 4 | Physics 208 Chem 565 Remaining breadth, electives, research, and/or senior thesis | 5 4 3+
| 500/600 level Biochem course | 2-3 4 3 3+ |
About the courses
Students should be aware that some biochemistry courses are not offered every semester or year. Consult the university’s Guide to see when courses are typically offered and enroll.wisc.edu to see which courses are being offered in a specific upcoming term.
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