2023-2024

Biomedical Science, Bachelor of Science

Department of Biological Sciences

College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences

This program provides rigorous biological training, focused on biomedical science. Students will research, study, and analyze natural systems, their components, and how they work. This program prepares students for entry-level biomedical jobs or further graduate/professional programs in the biomedical sciences.

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • 69-80 units of major requirements

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA C
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 125
Research Optional
University Honors Program Optional
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences consists of a Life Sciences Core combined with a broad range of flexible elective options. From anatomy and physiology to human microbiology, students will develop an understanding of biological and chemical systems of the human body — and develop a foundation for a career in a range of health professions.
 
The Life Sciences Core is designed to provide the student with a strong grounding in biology, chemistry and mathematics. The student, in consultation with an academic advisor and using a basic course schedule as a guideline, may select from elective courses relevant to a range of disciplinary areas and career fields, such as Human Genomics, Immunobiology, Medical Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Bioengineering or design his or her own set of electives approved by one of the program academic advisors. 
 
Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science in research areas at NAU’s research centers and institutes, such as the Center for Bioengineering Innovation (CBI),the Center for Microbial Genetics & Genomics (MGGen), the Center for Applied Research and Environmental Endocrinology (CAREE), and at the Imaging and Histology Core Facility.  Due to the rigorous nature of our program, our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Identify, describe, and apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in biomedical sciences, including:
    • Basic molecular and cellular units of structure that define the function of all living things
    • Fundamental principles of biology, such as the central dogma, diversity of life, homeostasis, and evolution.
  • Apply scientific, quantitative, and qualitative reasoning to biomedical data analysis and interpretation by: 
    • Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data with application to problems involving human physiology, disease, molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, or microbiology.
    • Quantifying data using fundamental mathematical skills (e.g. arithmetic and algebraic calculations, statistical analysis) to analyze biological problems, with an emphasis on techniques applicable to biomedical fields.
    • Graphically presenting scientific data to communicate scientific findings important to human health.
  • Effectively communicate evidence-based findings to technical and non-technical audiences related to human health and medicine. 
    • Interrogate primary scientific literature and access specialized resources available in biomedical sciences 
    • Find and evaluate primary sources, the quality of information, and determine a source’s credibility.
    • Synthesize empirical findings related to biomedical sciences, and communicate the findings through collaboration, writing, and oral presentation
  • Synthesize fundamental concepts, apply core knowledge, and conduct civil discourse in biomedical science to questions related to human health and disease.
    • Apply depth of biomedical science knowledge to current issues in an area of specialization (Anatomy and Physiology, Genetics and Molecular Biology, or Infectious Disease).
    • Apply quantitative reasoning skills to solve novel problems and clinical examples related to human health and disease.
    • Apply core biomedical principles to interpret data to evaluate the strength of evidence and conclusions.

Major Requirements

  • This major requires at least 69 units.

  • All prerequisite coursework must be completed with grades of C or better.

  • Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.