What is Biomedical Science?
The field of biomedical science applies biology-based science to the healthcare industry. Biomedical science refers to a set of sciences ranging from the DNA-to-system level that are aimed at developing new therapies, treatments, and technologies that can help with the management of diseases, illnesses, and disabilities. With an emphasis on understanding the complexities of human health from a variety of intertwined disciplines such as biochemistry, immunology, microbiology, neuroscience, pathology, and pharmacology, biomedical sciences is one of the most universal degrees in healthcare and can be used as a gateway or steppingstone into the health professions (MD, Physician Assistant, DMD, etc.), academic and industrial research, policy, education, or science writing.
One of the greatest attractions of a biomedical science degree is that you will be exposed to a wide variety of content (both in terms of basic and clinical science) allowing your broad education to provide a skill set to be adaptable in the ever-changing scientific landscape. Biomedical science provides a holistic vision of human science, underpinned by relevant basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology, and statistics that are taught from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. Leaving behind a narrow/siloed thought process will allow HPU students to navigate an increasingly collaborative and integrated science environment to ultimately address the changing needs in scientific discovery, research, and patient-centered care.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accredited Master’s of Biomedical Sciences program, has been designed to benefit students who want to: 1.) demonstrate increased academic maturity, along with, strengthening clinical and/or research skills ahead of pursuing an advanced degree in healthcare (MD, PA, DDM, PT, AT, etc.) and/or 2.) advance in a career as a research scientist via a terminal or gateway degree program designed to foster skill development in areas such as methodology, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, collaborative teamwork, and the interpretation and evaluation of scientific literature.
The program consists of:
- Choose from 3-Tracks: Clinical Training, Research Development, or Internship; all culminate in a 10-week capstone project
- 11 month start-to-completion
- Three terms (summer, fall, and spring with graduation in May)
- 39 credit hours
- Cohort size of 10-30 students per academic year
- Curricular areas of focus – Cadaver-based anatomy, EMT certification, Physiology, Pathology, Clinical Pharmacology, Literature and Critique, Biostatistics, and an inquiry-based Capstone project
- Standardized Exam preparation (MCAT, DAT, GRE)
- Dedicated faculty advisers for individualized mentoring
- Application preparation via HPU’s awarding winning Career and Professional Development office
- Taught by doctorally-prepared faculty
HPU will give preference to applicants who demonstrate the potential to be successful in a graduate level curriculum; thus, a consistent or an up-trending undergraduate academic track record will allow you to successfully transition into master’s level expectations. In addition to academic success, students must demonstrate high level interest in experiential learning, leadership, and service. Finally, HPU Biomedical Sciences will work to enhance a mission to diversify the STEM workforce; thus, enrollment of students from various backgrounds is essential.
Prerequisites:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
- Recommended GPA of 3.4; minimum GPA of a 3.0/4.0
| *Course Designator/Title | Credits | Level | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 8 | Introductory with lab | Cell and Molecular, Genetics, Zoology, Evolution, Ecology Cell/Molecular or Genetics-Highly Recommended |
| Anatomy, Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Exercise Science, Neuroscience, or Physiology. | 15-16 | At least 3 upper level courses with lab (3xxx or 4xxx) are required. | Biochemistry, Cellular biology, Molecular biology, Kinesiology, Biomedical Science (immunology, cancer biology, virology, parasitology, neuroscience) |
| Anatomy and Physiology | Highly Recommended | 2XXX+ with lab | |
| General Chemistry | 8 | 1xxx with lab | |
| Organic Chemistry | 8 | At least 2xxx with lab | |
| Humanities | 8 | Evidence of liberal arts exploration | Ethics, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, History, Art, or Political Science |
| Communication | 4 | Evidence of proficient oral or written communication | Composition, Speech, Literature, English, Humanities courses that are writing intensive |
| Math | 4 | At least Pre-calculus | Statistics/Biostatistics, Pre-calculus, Calculus Biostatistics/Statistics-Highly Recommended |
Curriculum:
Biomedical science provides a holistic vision of human science, underpinned by relevant basic sciences including anatomy and physiology, cell biology, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics and molecular biology, and statistics that are taught from an interdisciplinary viewpoint. Through our innovative curriculum, HPU students navigate an increasingly collaborative and integrated science environment to ultimately address the changing needs in scientific discovery, research, and patient-centered care.
The master’s degree in biomedical sciences can be completed in 11 months through three terms (summer, fall, spring terms, with a May graduation). Courses will be offered in a cohort model totaling 39 credits. *Courses and credit number are subject to change.
| Summer Term Courses* | Fall Term Courses* | Spring Term Courses* |
|---|---|---|
| (5) Foundations in Medical Physiology + laboratory | (5) Advanced Human Anatomy+ cadaveric laboratory | (2) Biomedical Sciences Special Topics Elective |
| (5) Medicinal Biochemistry + laboratory | (4) Clinical Pharmacology | (3) Research Development, Clinical Training, or Internship Capstone |
| (1) Journal Club | (5) Pathology + Histology laboratory | |
| (3) EMT Training OR Biomedical Techniques | (2) EMT clinicals OR Research Design OR Regulations | |
| (3) Advanced Biostatistics | (1) Healthcare Practice and Professional Development I | |
| (0) Standardized Exam Preparation I | (0) Standardized Exam Preparation II | |
| 17 credits | 17 credits | 5 credits |
Program Outcomes:
- Demonstrate a content knowledge and a conceptual framework for the core areas of biomedical sciences.
- Develop a technical skill set valuable to STEM fields.
- Recognize the contribution of the basic biomedical sciences to advancing clinical health sciences.
- Develop the skills to remain current in the biomedical sciences and critically evaluate scientific literature.
- Develop critical thinking skills for applying scientific knowledge for clinical-based problem-solving skills.
- Value the process of scientific inquiry and research’s contribution to the advancement of the healthcare sciences.
- Demonstrate effective oral and written communication with professional presentation skills.
- Apply principles of group dynamics and collegiality to work effectively in teams.
- Understand ethical standards and proper conduct that establish the quality of the outcome of the basic biomedical and healthcare sciences.
The HPU Biomedical sciences team recognizes the importance of high-level course work integrated with technical skill development in methodology, critical thinking, scientific inquiry, teamwork, and communication. Laboratory experiences using state-of-the-art instrumentation will provide students with the technical acumen and scientific mindset necessary for success in a variety of career fields. Because our goal is skillset and knowledge development to propel you toward your future career goals, HPU offers the following assets that set our program apart from other private liberal arts institutions in the country:
- Full-time 11-month master’s degree program completed in May
- Interview Guarantee with High Point University’s Graduate Programs* in Health Science including Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training, and the proposed Dental Medicine.
- EMT certification, training, and integration in HPU EMS as campus healthcare providers
- State-of-the-Art simulation in clinical environments
- Develop a technical skill set valuable to research in biomedical science fields such as cell culture, histological cryosection and staining, molecular biology techniques, immunohistochemistry, and dissection
- Cadaver-based anatomy integrated with EMT and histology courses to provide an immersive curriculum based in experiential and team-based learning
- Develop critical thinking skills for applying scientific knowledge for clinical-based problem-solving skills
- Your academic experience will culminate with a 10-week experiential/service learning opportunity through a capstone project (research, clinical, internship)
- One-on-one mentoring and professional development with the Director of Biomedical Sciences, an assigned dedicated adviser, and Career and Professional Development
(* if specific program requirements have been met)