Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences - Biomedical Studies

This concentration within the biology major is an opportunity for students to explore in greater detail the areas of biology that are most relevant to careers in professional biomedical areas, such as medicine, dental, nursing and other allied health fields. It should provide an excellent preparation for the standardized tests which are required for admission to these professional schools, as well as a background that should prepare students well for the advanced coursework in these professional programs. Students are able to focus their upper level elective courses in areas such as human and comparative anatomy and physiology, medical botany, microbiology, cellular physiology, genetics and related topics. Biology is the scientific study of life and life processes. Biologists study the organization of life, from the structures of molecules to the balance of ecosystems. Biology majors learn to observe critically the details of all life; they analyze data and apply biological knowledge learned in the classroom to draw conclusions about their observations. Biologists are able to make significant contributions to maintaining the health and well-being of the human population, as well as preserving and protecting the environment. They develop a knowledge base and scientific way of thinking that will enable them to make informed personal health and public policy decisions. Success Students, who have an interest in the living world around them, how the body works, the causes of diseases, etc., will often find biology major very rewarding. Successful biology majors are good at making careful observations and recording information in a logical way. They excel at analyzing that information (critical thinking), which often involves employing basic math skills. Since many science courses involve laboratories, students who enjoy active, hands-on learning will enjoy the biology major. Visual learners will especially appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The major requires a significant amount of hard work and study time, but can result in a very rewarding career. Career Graduates with a BS in biology with a concentration in biomedical studies have a wide range of career options as well as options for graduate study in biology, where an MS or PhD degree can lead to careers in teaching and research. Students interested in applying to medical, dental, pharmacy, physician assistant or other professional schools will find this concentration to be particularly appropriate. A few examples of career fields open to biology majors with this concentration include the following (most of which require additional postgraduate training): Academic, industrial, medical / pharmaceutical researcher Chiropractor Community health educator Dentist Genetic counselor Geneticist / medical geneticist Hospital / healthcare administrator Imaging technologist, medical lab technologist Medical researcher Nurse / nurse practitioner Occupational health specialist Optometrist Pharmacist Pharmaceutical / medical device sales or marketing Pharmacologist Physician Physician assistant Physical therapist, occupational therapist Podiatrist