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Biomedical Sciences Advising Guide

Department of Biomedical Sciences

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What is Biomedical Sciences?

The Biomedical Sciences program offers a curriculum that promotes understanding of basic core scientific concepts by focusing on human systems (both at the individual and population levels). Coursework in the program is specifically designed and taught for student interested in health-related careers such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, public health, physician assistant studies, biomedical research, and occupational or physical therapy. These courses prepare students for post-graduate health professional schools, graduate programs in biomedical research, or for baccalaureate entry-level health related jobs in public health, pharmaceutical industry, or as research technicians in industry or government.

Career Opportunities in Biomedical Sciences 

Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences can be found in many different fields and in various capacities including (but not limited to):

  • Colleges and universities
  • Professional schools
  • Federal government
  • State and local public health departments
  • Clinics and hospitals
  • Private research foundations
  • Independent laboratories
  • Pharmaceutical companies


Salary Trends in Biomedical Sciences 

Salaries for those with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences will vary greatly depending on individual experience, education, and certifications. Please refer to the Occupational Outlook Handbook through the Bureau for Labor Statistics for salary trends for the specific area in which you are interested.

 

High School Preparation

Students who have been the most successful in the Biomedical Sciences major have completed college preparatory curriculum in high school which focused on biology, chemistry, and math. It is important for students to have a solid foundation and basic understanding of each of these subjects as the Biomedical Sciences curriculum includes several sequences of these courses that will build on the fundamentals of each area.

 

How to Major in Biomedical Sciences

When a student declares Biomedical Sciences as their major, they must then select one of three concentrations: Pre-Health Professions (PHP). Biotechnology (BT), and Public and Global Health (PGH). 

Biotechnology (BT)
The BT concentration provides a strong foundation in basic human sciences, with an emphasis on fundamental concepts of genetics, molecular biology, and recombinant DNA technology. The core requirements have a strong applied skill-based laboratory component that further reinforces theoretical concepts. The BT concentration prepares students for entry level biotechnology jobs or post-graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) research programs.

Pre-Health Professions (PHP)
The PHP concentration provides a strong foundation in basic human sciences, with corollary work in chemistry, math, and statistics. The PHP concentration prepares students to pursue post baccalaureate educational experiences in any biomedical discipline, including medicine, physician assistant, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, as well as a Ph.D. degree in a variety of health and science related fields. In addition, this concentration offers prerequisite coursework for students wishing to pursue programs in the Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions.

Public And Global Health (PGH)
The PGH concentration offers students interested in healthcare careers with a foundational knowledge of those challenges that limit the provision of health care globally. This concentration provides a strong foundation in basic human sciences, corollary work in chemistry, math, and statistics, and adds a multi-disciplinary exploration into key factors important to health and disease in resource limited areas. Students in the PGH concentration will gain knowledge of public health, global diseases, international healthcare systems, and introduction to epidemiology, as well as a basic knowledge of those social and environmental factors that impact health and disease in vulnerable populations. A BMD degree with a concentration in PGH prepares students for a tremendous diversity of graduate programs and careers in scientific research, public health, global health education, and jobs in industry and government laboratories (CDC).

Many courses in the BMD major are only offered once per academic year. It is important to practice good time management and study strategies early in your collegiate career in order to stay on track for your projected graduation term.

BMD Courses (Semester Offered)


Academic Plan

Following an academic plan will help you stay on track to graduate in four years. 

To view academic pathways for this major, please click here.  Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.

For additional degree information, visit the undergraduate bulletin.

 

For More Information

For more information on the Biomedical Sciences major, feel free to make an appointment with Ms. Nancy Dunn, BMD Academic Advisor. https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/alliedhealth/ahealthadvisors.html.

You may also contact bmddept@southalabama.edu with additional questions.

You can find us on campus at:

Department of Biomedical Sciences
University of South Alabama
HAHN 4021
5721 USA Drive North
Mobile, Alabama 36688
Ph: (251) 445-9265
Fax: (251) 445-9269

Website: https://www.southalabama.edu/colleges/alliedhealth/biomedical/

*The information on this page should be considered general information only. For more specific information on this and other majors, please refer to the USA bulletin or contact the department/College directly.