aBout BioMediCal sCieNce

Biomedical Sciences
G. Thomas Frederick, Program Director
www.rit.edu/~gtfsbi/BMS/index.htm
Biomedical sciences is an academic program designed to prepare students for advanced study in medical, dental, veterinary or graduate schools as they pursue careers in health care or biomedical research. Faculty from across the basic science disciplines, within and outside of the college, offer a diverse curriculum as well as research opportunities for students. In tracking through a highly flexible curricular structure, students will have access to myriad scientific professionals and educational experiences.
For the past twenty years, researchers in the biomedical fields have enjoyed rapid gains in employment due, in part, to the advances in biotechnology and an increase in staff in new medical research industries. Continued employment growth will occur with the increased need for more research in many areas of health care, including AIDS, diabetes, cancer and neurological disorders. Courses and concentration options within biomedical sciences are designed to attract students interested in the broad spectrum of medically related jobs, and to provide a knowledge base and the technical skills required to pursue their chosen careers.

Requirements for the BS degree in biomedical sciences

The curricular requirements for the BS degree in biomedical sciences are very flexible, consisting of a life sciences core and a broad range of flexible options. The life sciences core is designed to provide the student with a strong grounding in mathematics and science, a complement of liberal arts in preparation for a particular career path, e.g., entry into medical/dental/veterinary school graduate studies, or a research position in an applied area of biomedical science. Upon completion of the life sciences core, a series of concentration areas are available in which the student, in consultation with an academic adviser, may select and complete a series of required and elective courses. Concentration areas include focused study in forensic science, professional studies (premedical, predental or preveterinary), exercise science and pathology. Students also may choose to use elective credits to engage in undergraduate research with a faculty mentor and/or pursue a secondary field of study through declaration of a minor, e.g., in the liberal arts (communications, psychology, public policy, foreign language, etc.) or sciences (statistics, biochemistry or imaging science), or possibly a second major.