For educators interested in learning about our teaching models
WISCIENCE courses support professional development in peer leadership, undergraduate research, research mentorship, community engagement, and inclusive teaching.
All courses are taught using active learning and inclusive pedagogies to support learners from diverse backgrounds and career stages. We prioritize student engagement by holding small, discussion-based courses that allow students to explore new ideas in a supportive learning environment.
Our courses use the Integrated Science subject listing (INTEGSCI).
INTEGSCI 100: Exploring Biology
- Undergraduate
- Transfer students
- First-year seminar
- 2 credits
Prepares aspiring bioscience majors for success in future biology classes and supports their transition to the university. Through engaging discussions and collaborative activities, students learn about biology core concepts, topics related to biology in Wisconsin, bioscience careers, scientific thinking, and campus opportunities.
INTEGSI 140: Exploring Service in STEM
- Undergraduate
- Transfer students
- First-year seminar
- Community engagement
- 1 credit
Focuses on how and why scientists engage in public service and outreach. Through classroom activities and direct campus and off-campus experiences, the course provides space for reflection on personal public service activities related to STEM.
INTEGSCI 230: Exploring Discipline-Based Leadership & Mentoring
- Undergraduate
- Leadership
- 2 credits
Prepares students for STEM-based peer leadership positions. Students reflect on and think critically about their personal goals, identities, and experiences that inform their development as peer leaders. Students develop practical skills to promote inclusion and success for their peers and learn how to connect students with campus and community resources.
INTEGSCI 260: Entering Research
- Undergraduate
- Research
- 1 credit
Designed for undergraduates concurrently engaged in a research experience on campus. Students develop skills in science communication, critical thinking, ability to design a research project, as well as their confidence and independence as a researcher.
INTEGSCI 640: Public Service in STEM
- Graduate students
- Community engagement
- 1 credit
Students work as a cohort to apply their scientific expertise to issues of public concern. Course explores historic and current interactions between university researchers and the community at large. Core themes include general pathways to public engagement in a scientific context, and understanding community inequities, personal identities, and the importance of reflection in community-engaged work.
INTEGSCI 660: Research Mentor Training
- Graduate students
- Mentoring
- 1 credit
This curriculum provides concrete tools to support a successful mentor/mentee relationship. Practicum course to be taken concurrently while mentoring an undergraduate engaged in an independent research experience. Offered in collaboration with the Delta program. Adapted from the CIMER Entering Mentoring curriculum.
INTEGSI 110: BioHouse Seminar
- Undergraduate
- Only open to residents of the BioHouse Residential Learning Community
- 1 credit
Introduces BioHouse residents to subdisciplines and careers in biology, illustrating how biology can help solve society’s pressing issues. Students have opportunities to interact with invited faculty and staff scientists and connect with campus resources. Students also meet in small groups with graduate student mentors, fostering skills in cooperative learning, integrating information across disciplines, and communicating science.
INTEGSCI 150: Exploring Research in STEM
- Undergraduate
- Transfer students
- First-year seminar
- Research
- 1 credit
Offers an overview of the research process and scientific reading skills while helping students reflect on their career interests and identify a research context at UW–Madison. Encourages students to understand different approaches to science and to be flexible in thinking about gathering evidence or solving problems.
INTEGSCI 240: Service with Youth in STEM
- Undergraduate
- Community engagement
- 2 credits
Community-based learning course with a seminar-style lecture, hands-on lab, and work in the community. Focuses on mutually beneficial community partnerships and the importance of reflection on identity and diversity. Students learn, practice, and modify general science activities and then implement them in after-school science clubs at local elementary schools or neighborhood centers.
INTEGSCI 341: Service with Youth in STEM Practicum
- Undergraduate
- Community engagement
- 1 credit
Supports students who have taken INTEGSCI 240 as they continue to lead after-school science clubs with different community partners. INTEGSCI 341 students join INTEGSCI 240 students in the hands-on lab portion of the class and share their previous experiences to help both new and continuing students with their work in the community.
INTEGSCI 650: College Science Teaching
- Graduate students
- Teaching
- 1–2 credits
Covers the fundamental principles for teaching college-level science courses, with an emphasis on research-based and inclusive teaching approaches. Students work together to learn the core themes of scientific teaching (active learning, assessment, diversity and inclusion) and connect them to practical strategies for teaching in their discipline.
Advancing Research Mentoring Practice
- Faculty/staff
- Mentoring
- Non-credit
This evidence-based curriculum is designed to support STEM faculty and staff in their roles as research mentors. Involves facilitated conversations using case studies, readings, and personal experiences to strengthen mentoring strategies and create culturally responsive practices.