Biomedical Sciences

Major(s)

Biomedical Sciences (Comprehensive)

Bachelor of Science

The comprehensive major in Biomedical Sciences, is a rigorous and selective program in the sciences that prepares academically-serious students for:

  1. Graduate work in cell biology or molecular biology,
  2. Graduate work in fields such as biotechnology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and microbiology where a strong undergraduate foundation in cell and molecular biology would be an asset,
  3. Professional schools of medicine, dentistry, optometry, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or other health-related professions and,
  4. Employment in cell biology and biotechnology-based industries.

Because of sequential prerequisites, limited course offerings, and tight course scheduling, students seeking formal admission to the degree program must begin to plan their program with a Biomedical Sciences advisor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences early during their freshman year.

Admission Requirements

Formal admission to the Biomedical Sciences major requires:

  1. Completion of at least 25 hours of course work, including BMS 110, BMS 111, BMS 231, CHM 160, CHM 161.
  2. A cumulative and science GPA of 2.50 or higher.
  3. A grade of "C" or better in all specific general education requirements (item 1 below), all required BMS core courses (item 3 below), and all requirements from other departments (item 4 below).
  4. A grade of "C" or better must be obtained in a prerequisite course prior to taking a sequential course.
  5. In the terminal semester, student is required to take a comprehensive assessment examination.

Major requirements (81-88 hours)

Core requirements (45-49):
  1. Specific General Education requirements: BMS 110(3), 111(1); PHY 123(4) or 203(5); one course from MTH 136(3), 137(3), 138(5), 261(5), 287(3).
  2. Preferred General Education requirements: PSY 121(3), SOC 150(3).
  3. Biomedical Sciences courses: BMS 231(4), 494(1); DTN 240(3).
  4. Required courses from other departments: CHM 160(4), 161(1), 170(3), 171(1); IPE 381(3) or PSY 200(3) or SOC 220(3); LLT 102(2); PHY 124(4) or 204(5).
  5. Public Affairs Capstone Experience will be fulfilled by completion of BMS 494(1) and any combination of the following courses equaling three total hours: BMS 300(1), 380(1-3), 400(2), 460(1), 490(3).
Complete one of the following options:
Anatomy and Physiology option (39 hours):
  1. BMS 307(4), 321(4), 442(3), 542(3), 562(1); CHM 342(3), 343(3), 345(2).
  2. 16 hours of electives from: BMS 317(3), 417(4), 450(3), 498(1-3, up to 4 hours), 500(1-4), 507(3), 521(4), 524(3), 525(4), 530(2), 535(2), 540(2), 558(3), 561(3), 565(3), 567(4), 569(3), 570(3), 573(2), 582(3), 585(4); BIO 312(3), BIO 313(2). Other electives may be selected with advisor approval. At least 10 of these elective hours must carry a BMS course code.
Cell and Molecular Biology option (39 hours):
  1. BMS 321(4), 521(4), 525(4); CHM 342(3), 343(3), 345(2).
  2. 19 hours of electives from: BMS 307(4), 308(4), 317(3), 417(3), 442(3), 450(3), 498(1-3, up to 4 hours), 500(1-4), 507(3), 524(3), 530(2), 535(2), 540(2), 542(3), 558(3), 561(3), 565(3), 567(4), 569(3), 570(3), 573(2), 582(3), 585(4); BIO 312(3), BIO 313(2). Other electives may be selected with advisor approval. At least 13 of these elective hours must carry a BMS course code.
Human Health Sciences option (36-38 hours):
  1. BMS 307(4), BMS 308(4); BMS 450(3) or BIO 312(3)* and 313(2)*; CFD 155(3), IPE 375(3), PSY 304(3).
  2. 16 hours of electives from: BMS 321(4), 450(3)* 498(1-3, up to 4 hours), 500(1-4), 507(3), 521(4), 524(3), 525(4), 530(2), 535(2), 540(2), 558(3), 561(3), 565(3), 567(4), 569(3), 570(3), 573(2), 582(3), 585(4); BIO 312(3)*, BIO 313(2)*; CHM 201(3), CHM 202(2); DTN 334(3), DTN 430(3), DTN 532(3), PSY 331(3), PSY 363(3), PSY 370(3). Other electives may be selected with advisor approval. At least 10 of these elective hours must carry a BMS course code.
  3. BMS 380 is preferred for the Capstone Experience.

    *Note: Credit may only be used to satisfy one requirement.

University level requirements:

  1. General Education Program and Requirements
  2. General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

Minor(s)

Biomedical Sciences

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
  1. BMS 110(3), 111(1); 230(3) or 231(4); 307(4), 308(4).
  2. Additional electives to total at least 19 hours of courses with a BMS or DTN course code. BMS 100, 101, 300, BIO 101, 102, or 111 cannot be used to satisfy any Biomedical Science minor requirements.
  3. Course waivers: Below is a listing of courses that can be waived after the completion of the corresponding BIO course. Courses can only be waived with the permission of the department head. Course must be completed with a grade of a B or higher to receive a waiver. If courses are waived, additional biomedical sciences or dietetics elective courses must be taken to total 19 hours with the BMS or DTN course code for completion of the minor. Some courses required for completion of the Biomedical Sciences minor may have prerequisites. Consult with your advisor before scheduling.
    1. BIO 121 General Biology I for BMS 110 and BMS 111 Introduction to the Biomedical Sciences lecture and lab.
    2. BIO 235 Principles of Genetics for BMS 230 or BMS 231 Human Genetics.
    3. BIO 380 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy for BMS 307 Human Anatomy.
    4. BIO 361 General Physiology for BMS 308 Human Physiology.

Accelerated graduate program in Biomedical Sciences

Eligible Missouri State undergraduate students may apply for admission to the Biomedical Sciences program and begin taking graduate course work as they complete the work for a bachelor’s degree. A maximum of 12 hours of graduate credit may be counted toward both the undergraduate and graduate degree (Mixed Credit). Refer to the Graduate Catalog for specific admission requirements.

Refer to Undergraduate Students Taking Graduate Classes for additional information and procedures for obtaining permission for Mixed Credit.