The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program offers diverse opportunities in the specialties of biochemistry, microbiology, pharmacology, physiology and pathology. Students are required to complete a total of 42-48 credit hours (including 16 research credits). Students select a laboratory in their first year while completing the majority of their coursework. The second year focuses primarily on research and thesis. Throughout the program, students enjoy beneficial learning and working relationships with each other and with expert faculty dedicated to their success.
M.S.B.S. Non-Thesis Track
The curriculum includes coursework with medical students in the first year followed by a research focus in the last three terms. Students choose from a variety of courses to meet their selective requirements, which allows them to customize the degree to meet their educational needs.
A summary of the M.S.B.S non-thesis track curriculum is provided below.
|
Fall Term (August - December) |
Spring Term (January - May) |
Summer Term (June - July) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
All M.S.B.S. Students Biochemistry/Molecular Genetics (4.5 credits) Intro to Research (2 credits) Frontiers in Biomedical Research (2.5 credits) Research Compliance & Laboratory Safety (0.5 credit) |
Microbiology Microbiology & Immunology (5.5 credits) Special Topics in Micro & Immunology (1.5 credits) |
All M.S.B.S. Students Intro to Biostatistics & Data Analysis (2 credits) Research (2 credits) Selective (1 credit) |
|
Physiology/Pharmacology Medical Physiology (6 credits) Special Topics in Phys/Pharm (1 credit) |
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Pathology Major Organ Physiology (3 credits) Immunology (1.5 credits) General Pathology (2.5 credits) |
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All M.S.B.S. Students Responsible Conduct in Research (1 credit) Research (1 credit) |
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| Year 2 |
All M.S.B.S. Students Presentation of Scientific Information (1 credit) Research (7 credits) |
All M.S.B.S. Students Scientific Communications (1.5 credits) Research (6 credits) Selective (2 credits) |
|
Total credits: 42-48
Research credits: 16.0
Selective: 4.0-10.0*
*Flexibility to take multiple medical school courses
M.S.B.S. with Thesis
This option is for students who are interested in more in-depth study of a single research topic. Their work culminates in a thesis document, which they defend orally during the final term.
A summary of the M.S.B.S. with thesis curriculum is provided below.
|
Fall Term (August - December) |
Spring Term (January - May) |
Summer Term (June - July) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 |
All M.S.B.S. Students Biochemistry/Molecular Genetics (4.5 credits) Intro to Research (2 credits) Frontiers in Biomedical Research (2.5 credits) Research Compliance & Laboratory Safety (0.5 credit) |
Microbiology Microbiology & Immunology (5.5 credits) Special Topics in Micro & Immunology (1.5 credits) |
All M.S.B.S. Students Intro to Biostatistics & Data Analysis (2 credits) Research (2 credits) Thesis (1 credit) |
|
Physiology/Pharmacology Medical Physiology (6 credits) Special Topics in Phys/Pharm (1 credit) |
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|
Pathology Major Organ Physiology (3 credits) Immunology (1.5 credits) General Pathology (2.5 credits) |
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|
All M.S.B.S. Students Responsible Conduct in Research (1 credit) Research (1 credit) |
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| Year 2 |
All M.S.B.S. Students Presentation of Scientific Information (1 credit) Research (7 credits) Thesis (1 credit) |
All M.S.B.S. Students Scientific Communications (1.5 credits) Research (6 credits) Thesis (1.5 credits) |
All M.S.B.S. Students Thesis (5 credits) |
Total credits: 46
Research credits: 16.0
Thesis credits: 8.5
Dual degree options
Option 1 (D.O.)
This option lets students combine the expertise gained in the master’s degree program with their clinical knowledge and practice, helping their patients and enhancing their professional options and career. The curriculum is designed to be completed in four years and one summer.
Option 2 (D.O. or D.P.M.)
Students can also enter the M.S.B.S. program after matriculation into their clinical program. This generally requires an extra year of study to complete the additional M.S.B.S. requirements.
For more information about these options, please visit the dual degree page.
Learn More in the Academic Catalog