Biomedical Sciences Major

Biomedical science puts foundational scientific knowledge into practice, spurring innovation in interventions, technology and biomedical engineering. This major is specifically designed for students planning to pursue careers in the allied health professions, translational medical research, and related areas. It is not well suited for students interested in entering medical, dental, veterinary and similar professional schools.  Students interested in this programs, or doctoral programs in biology, should consider the B.S. in Biology instead.

Learning Goals and Outcomes

1.  Students will be prepared for careers and graduate programs in allied professions and related fields.

1.1 Students will understand and be able to describe human anatomy, physiology, and specialized organ and tissue processes. 

1.2 Students will understand and be able to describe cellular, genetic, biochemical, and organismal-level processes of living organisms, including humans and human diseases.

1.3 Students will understand and be able to describe important areas in other scientific areas that relate to human health, including chemistry, physics, statistical analysis, and others. 

2.  Students will develop skills in experimental design and the presentation of scientific information. 

2.1 Students will be able to design an experiment, operate basic laboratory equipment, reduce and present data that includes the interpretation of statistical tests.

2.2 Students will be able to develop cogent written and oral presentations of scientific content.

3. Students will be exposed to career and professional development opportunities.

The traditional undergraduate programs includes a minimum of 120 credits distributed across three components: A General Education component divided into Signature Courses, Variable Courses, and an Integrative Learning requirement; a Major and Divisional component; and Free Electives. In addition to course requirements as specified in each area, students must complete one certified course in each of the following overlay areas¹:

1. Diversity, Globalization or Non-western Area Studies,
2. Ethics Intensive
3. Writing Intensive, and
4. Diversity

¹

Overlay requirements are part of the 120 credit requirements

General Education Signature Courses

See this page about Signature courses. 

General Education Variable Courses

See this page about Variable courses. Six to Nine courses

General Education Integrative Learning Component

See this page about Integrative Learning Component. Three courses:

¹

CHM 120 and CHM 120L are prerequisites for CHM 125 and CHM 125L.

²

CHM 210 and 210LCHM 210L are prerequisites for CHM 215 and CHM 215L

³

The Biomedical Sciences major only requires the first semester of general physics.  Please note that some professional and graduate programs require BOTH semesters.  The second semester can be taken, but it will serve as a free elective. 

General Education Overlays

See this page about Overlays.

GEP Electives

At least 18 credits. Biomedical Sciences majors may use CHM 120/CHM 120L, CHM 210/CHM 210L, and PHY 101/PHY 101L as free electives if they wish. This will allow them to take fewer courses. Alternatively, Biomedical Sciences majors can choose to take 5 courses each semester, and so have more free electives to use for a second major, minors, etc. 

Major Concentration