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.
Are you compassionate and hard-working? Do you dream about helping ill people or animals, or preventing them from becoming ill in the first place? If so, our Biomedical Science program can prepare you for success in your chosen field.
You'll receive plenty of personal attention from faculty--in the classroom, in research laboratories, and in our Biology Advisement Center. Numerous undergraduate research opportunities involve you in the process and application of science. Our graduates have exceptional placement rates in medical schools, government agencies, and graduate programs.
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.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
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
This major requires at least 69 units.
All prerequisite coursework must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
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.
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.