The Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences immerses students in an exploration of topics in the life sciences, including cell biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, neurobiology, and physiology, as they are applied to the science of human health.  The BS in Biomedical Sciences also allows students to fulfill some undergraduate course requirements for admission to medical, dental, veterinary, pharmacy and other health- and science-related graduate or professional schools.
Major Coordinators are Jack Vincent and Leighann Chaffee.

Biomedical Sciences Degree Requirements (after 2018)

NOTE: Online lab courses will not be accepted in the Biomedical Sciences major and cannot serve as pre-requisites for subsequent SAM courses. Exceptions will be made for online lab courses that were completed between Spring 2020 and Spring 2022.

  • Introductory/Preparatory Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 64 credits
  • Core Courses in Biomedical Sciences: 39 credits
  • Biomedical Sciences Upper-Division Electives: 15 credits
  • Required "bookend" Courses: 8 credits
  • Capstone (research, internship, etc.): 3-10 credits planned with faculty advisor
  • Statistics Course: Select one course
  • Ethics Course: Select one course
  • Health and Society course: Select one course

Preparatory Courses by Institution

INTRODUCTORY/PREPARATORY COURSES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (64 CREDITS)

Preparatory courses must have been completed within the last 5 years. If they were completed before that time frame or for specific transfer courses that are accepted, please consult an academic advisor.

Additionally, students must be computer literate, which is defined as the ability to use word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and communication software.

It is common for transfer students to have already met some or all of these requirements. Workshops are available for students with deficiencies in any of these areas.

* Please note that most preparatory courses require a minimum grade of 2.0 in order to serve as pre-requisites for subsequent major courses. A new grade minimum of 2.0 for all preparatory courses has been approved by faculty and will become official for all students joining the major in Autumn 2024 or later. Please check with a major academic advisor if you have any questions.

CORE COURSES IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES (39 CREDITS)
BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES ELECTIVES (15 CREDITS)

Complete a minimum of 15 credits of advanced Biomedical Sciences. Select a minimum of two classes from List A, and up to one class from List A or List B.

  • List A Biomedical Electives:

A deeper understanding of some aspects of biomedical science provides the opportunity to apply the fundamentals of biomedical science and thus prepares you for employment in a biomedical field or the pursuit of graduate studies.

Human health and environmental health are intimately related.  List B electives allow exploration of the relationship between the two, or provide a chance to apply the scientific concepts central to biomedical studies in a broader way related to other organisms or the planet.​

REQUIRED BOOKEND COURSES (8 CREDITS)
CAPSTONE (3-10 CREDITS)
STATISTICS (5 credits)

The ability to apply statistical thinking to experimental design, data collection, and data analysis and interpretation is crucial for biomedical studies. 

ETHICS (SELECT ONE COURSE)

Ethical practice is critical to the success of all healthcare and scientific careers. A thorough understanding and application of ethics across disciplines builds public trust in your chosen profession and ensures that your efforts will serve as many people as possible.

HEALTH AND SOCIETY (SELECT ONE COURSE)

As a healthcare provider or scientist, you must be versed in how your field interacts with issues of broader societal and cultural significance. This understanding is critical for your successful communication with patients, co-workers, and the public at large.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Students who wish to complete pre-medical, -veterinary, -dental, -pharmacy, or other professional or graduate school program in conjunction with the Biomedical Sciences degree are advised to research specific schools and programs they wish to attend, as requirements vary. Some additional coursework may be required, such as:

Additional courses may be approved and added to courses lists to provide students more flexibility and options.
Please refer to this page often for the most up-to-date information.

Check for: Degree requirements effective 2017 or degree requirements prior to 2017

NOTE: Students taking a course within the Sciences and Mathematics Division  (SAM) must often receive a minimum grade in many prerequisite and required courses. Students who need to retake  a course (second attempt) can register for the repeated course beginning in Registration Period 2. Those who need to repeat a course for the second time (third attempt) must submit a repeat petition. 

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