Biomedical Sciences

The application for Autumn 2021 is now open!

Click the "Apply to Biomed" button!

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.

Biomedical Sciences Career Options

Through rigorous coursework and ample opportunities for research or clinical experiences, students will be prepared for: (1) advanced training at the graduate or professional level, i.e. MS, MPH, Ph.D., MD, DDS, DO, OD, PA, DPM, PharmD, or DVM; and (2) employment in biomedical careers, such as clinical and research laboratories in private industry or public agencies (regional, state, federal), or other areas such as law and business that bridge with biology.

Contact an advisor to learn more.

Biomedical Sciences Student Learning Outcomes

There are five major student learning outcomes associated with the BS in Biomedical Sciences:

1. Core Knowledge

An understanding of the fundamentals of chemistry and biology
An understanding of the key principles of biochemistry, microbiology and molecular biology and their application to human health
Awareness of the major issues at the forefront of these disciplines
Awareness of societal and ethical issues in the biomedical sciences
The ability to integrate knowledge across interdisciplinary lines

2. Applying the Process of Science

The ability to dissect a problem into its key features by thinking in an integrated manner and to look at problems from different perspectives
The ability to generate hypotheses, design experiments, observe nature and test hypotheses
The ability to understand the limitations of the experimental approach

3. Quantitative Reasoning

The ability to analyze experimental data and interpret the results
The ability to apply statistics and other mathematical approaches to examine biological systems

4. Laboratory Skills

The ability to work safely and effectively in the laboratory
The ability to troubleshoot and optimize methods
The ability to collaborate with other researchers

5. Literature and Communication Skills

The ability to assess primary papers critically
The ability to use oral, written and visual presentations to present their work to both a science literate and general audience

IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING COURSE REPEATS:

The Division of Sciences and Mathematics requests that all students who plan to register for courses that they have previously taken fill out a petition to repeat the course (Link to petition). The Division hopes that this process will help students reflect on their performance in the class and make concrete plans for success in the coming quarter. Requests will be processed on a rolling basis.

Biomedical Sciences preparatory courses - Community College Equivalencies

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.

Workshops are available for students with deficiencies in any of these areas. (Note - Course prefixes including "&" denotes new community college common course numbering. Check with your advisor for details.)

UW Tacoma
Green River CC
Highline CC
Olympic CC
Pierce College
South PS CC
Tacoma CC