NOTE: Emphasis groups have been discontinued starting in Fall 2020 due to the interdisciplinary nature of Nutritional Sciences.

This emphasis group focuses on the application of biochemical and physiological approaches to the understanding of nutrient function and metabolism in systems ranging from whole animal to the molecular level. Research may involve in-vitro biochemistry and molecular biology, cell culture models, or whole animal models (e.g., mice, rats) to examine nutrient function in health and disease. View the Biochemical and Molecular Emphasis page to read about the research interests of the faculty group members.

The Biochemical & Molecular Emphasis offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees.

Prerequisites for Admission* for Ph.D. & M.S. Applicants

Students with undergraduate degrees in the biological sciences (nutrition, biology, biochemistry, genetics, microbiology, etc.) generally will have already taken the prerequisite courses for our first year graduate-level classes. Students with other degrees who are interested in our graduate program should take courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, nutrition, biochemistry, physiology, and calculus or statistics before applying.

*Course deficiencies must be made up in the first semester of study.

IGPNS Core Requirements – Ph.D. Track 

To view detailed descriptions of the required courses visit the Graduate Curriculum page.

1. Nutritional Sciences courses – 8 credits
   • NS 619 Intermediary Metabolism of Macronutrients – 3 credits
   • NS 621 Introduction to Nutritional Epidemiology – 1 credit
   • NS 623 Minerals – 1 credit
   • NS 625 Obesity and Diabetes – 1 credit
   • NS 626 Experimental Diet Design -1 credit (may waive if completed course in feed formulation)
   • NS 627 Vitamins – 1 credit
2. Specialized courses (2 credits)
3. Seminars
   • NS 600 Introductory Seminar in Nutrition – 1 credit
   • NS 931 Seminar in Nutrition – 1 credit : All graduate students are required to enroll and attend every semester, except when there is a course conflict.
   • NS 901 Nutrition and Metabolism Seminar – 1 credit : Students must enroll every year and present three seminars for a letter grade. A seminar course from outside IGPNS could be substituted for one of the three required emphasis group seminars.
4. Teaching Experience (1 – 3 credits)
   • NS 799 Practicum in Nutritional Sciences Teaching (or equivalent experience)

Biochemical & Molecular Nutrition Emphasis Group Requirements – Ph.D. Track (Minimum of 10 course credits) The following courses are examples; consult the current Timetable for new course offerings.

1. Biochemistry Courses – (3 credits); Biochem 601, 604, 612, 620, 624, 625, 630, 651, 660, 665, 702, 703, 711, 712, 801 or equivalent.
2. Additional coursework (minimum of 1 credit excluding seminars) in nutrition, biochemistry, or related areas. A quantitative methods course greater or equal to 2 credit is required. In addition, this emphasis group requires a course in statistics that may have been taken either as an undergraduate or as a graduate student.
3. Research credits to meet the University of Wisconsin-Madison requirement of at least 51 total graduate credits, of which 32 credits minimum must be in residence.

Minor

Students receive substantial breadth in their emphasis group coursework but are strongly encouraged to obtain additional breadth through the completion of a minor.

A. Minor program, 10 credit minimum. Courses taken to fulfill Biochemical & Molecular Nutrition Emphasis Group 1 and 2 requirements may also be used to meet the requirements of a distributed minor. Courses taken to fulfill IGPNS Core Course Requirements may not double count toward the minor. A minor is not required for the IGPNS Ph.D. degree.

IGPNS Core Requirements – M.S. Track

1. A. Nutritional Sciences courses (8 credits)
   • NS 619 Intermediary Metabolism of Macronutrients – 3 credits
   • NS 621 Introduction to Nutritional Epidemiology – 1 credit
   • NS 623 Minerals – 1 credit
   • NS 625 Obesity and Diabetes – 1 credit
   • NS 626 Experimental Diet Design -1 credit (may waive if completed course in feed formulation)
   • NS 627 Vitamins – 1 credit
2. B. Seminars (2 credits)
   • NS 600 Introductory Seminar in Nutrition – 1 credit

Biochemical & Molecular Nutrition Emphasis Group Requirements – M.S. Track

1. Biochemistry Courses – (4 credits)
   The following are examples of some relevant courses (consult the current Timetable for new course offerings):
   Biochem 601, 604,612, 620, 624, 625, 630, 651, 660, 665, 702, 703, 711, 712, 801 or equivalent.
2. A quantitative methods course – (2 credits)
3. Emphasis Group Seminar course (1 credit)
   • Biochem 901– Nutrition and Metabolism Seminar (1 credit)
     Students must enroll each time it is offered and present three seminars for a letter grade. A seminar course from outside IGPNS could be substituted for one of the three required emphasis group seminars.
4. Research credits to meet the University of Wisconsin-Madison requirement of at least 30 total graduate credits, of which 16 credits minimum must be in residence.  These courses will be chosen in consultation with faculty mentor.
5. A research-based thesis or literature-based research report that passes scholarly review is required.