Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS
Program Description
The biomedical sciences concentration serves students in the BS program in biological sciences who wish to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions or biomedical research in academic, clinical or industry settings.
The curriculum aligns with the broad scientific competencies recommended for premedical students as stated in a report of the American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Committee and reflected in the 2015 changes to the Medical College Admission Test. Coursework draws from the school's concentration in genetics, cell and developmental biology and the concentration in neurobiology, physiology and behavior, with the addition of courses in biology and in medicine and society. The concentration focuses on chemistry, biochemistry, math and physics coursework that students need in preparation the MCAT and for medical school admission, and it emphasizes core concepts, competencies and critical intellectual skills necessary for success in medical school or biomedical research.
This program is available as an accelerated degree program.
In addition to the guidelines in the Concurrent Program Options section below, students interested in pursuing concurrent or second baccalaureate degrees in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences are advised to visit the college's website for more information and requirements.
Degree Details for on-campus students
Major Core for on-campus students
Note: Once you start a General BIO sequence, you must complete the full sequence (BIO 181 & 182 OR BIO 281 & 282)
- BIO 181 General Biology I (4) or BIO 281 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors I (4)
- BIO 182 General Biology II (4) or BIO 282 Conceptual Approaches to Biology for Majors II (4)
- BIO 340 General Genetics or MBB 347 Molecular Genetics: From Genes to Proteins (4)
- BIO 345 Evolution (3)
On-campus Major Concentration Course
- BIO 312/PHI 320 Bioethics or BIO 416/HPS 410 Biomedical Research Ethics (3)
- BIO 353 Cell Biology (3)
- BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
On-campus Major Elective Concentration Courses
Complete two of the following
- BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
- BIO/MIC 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3)
- BIO/MBB 440 Functional Genomics (3)
- BIO 462 Endocrine Physiology (3)
- BIO 467 Neurobiology (3)
Please see an advisor if above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them.
On-campus Biomedical Research and Medicine in Society
- One course must be from each list: Biomedical Research and Medicine in Society.
- Complete at least six credit hours.
- Please see an advisor if courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them
Biomedical Research Course List
- BIO 342 General Genetics Laboratory (2)
- BIO/MBB 343 Genetic Engineering and Society (4)
- BIO 352 Laboratory in Vertebrate Developmental Anatomy (2)
- BIO/MBB/MAT 355 or CPI 480 Introduction to Computational Molecular Biology (3)
- BIO 357 Cell Biology Laboratory (2)
- BIO 361 Animal Physiology Laboratory (2)
- BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology (4)
- BIO 415 Biometry (4)
- BIO 435 Research Techniques in Animal Behavior (3)
- BIO 450 Advanced Developmental Biology (3)
- BIO 451 Cell Biotechnology Laboratory (4)
- BIO 455/BMI 465 Introduction to Comparative Genomics (3)
- BIO 475 Advanced Human Anatomy (3)
- BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO/HPS/MIC/MBB 484 Internship or BIO/MIC/MBB 492 Honors Directed Study (1-3)
- MIC 421 Experimental Immunology (2)
- MIC 425 Advanced Immunology (3)
- MIC/MBB 446 Techniques in Molecular Biology/Genetics Lab (2)
Medicine in Society Course List
- ASB/SSH/HST 301 Global History of Health (3)
- SB 443/SSH 403 Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (3-6)
- ASB 452/SSH 402 Community Partnerships for Global Health (3-9)
- ASM 345 Disease and Human Evolution (3)
- ASM 414 Urban and Environmental Health (3)
- BIO 302 Cancer – Mother of All Diseases (3)
- BIO 311/HPS 340 Biology and Society (3)
- BIO 318/HPS 331 History of Medicine (3)
- BIO 394 Healing Traditions of Latino America (3)
- BIO 394 Spanish for Biomedical Sciences (3)
- BIO/ASM 403 Evolutionary Medicine and Global Health (3)
- BIO 408 Advanced Evolutionary Medicine (3)
- SSH 401/ASM 401 Health and Human Biology (3-4)
- SSH 404/ASB 462 Medical Anthropology: Culture and Health (3)
On-campus Biomedical Sciences Laboratory
The Biomedical Research courses from above will fulfill major lab check.
On-campus Requirements in Related Fields
Choose one of the two tracks: General and Organic Chemistry or Pre-health sequence
General Chemistry
- CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
AND Organic Chemistry
- CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Laboratory (1)
OR Pre-health sequence
- CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3)
- CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
- CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
- CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Biochemistry
- BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry or BCH 461/462 General Biochemistry (3)
- BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1) or BCH 467 Analytical Biochemistry Lab (3)
Physics
Choose one of two tracks: General Physics or the Pre-health sequence
- PHY 101 Introduction to Physics (4)
OR Pre-health sequence:
- PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
- PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
- PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
- PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)
Math
Complete one of the following
- MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
- MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Statistics
Complete one of the following
- STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3)
- STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)
For more information on requirements and recommendations specific to this degree please see our Did you know for on-campus degrees page.
Degree Details for online students
Major Core for online students
- BIO 181 General Biology I (4)
- BIO 182 General Biology II (4)
- BIO 340 General Genetics (4)
- BIO 345 Evolution (3)
Major Concentration for online Courses
- BIO 312/PHI 320 Bioethics (3) or BIO 416 Biomedical Research Ethics (3)
- BIO 353 Cell Biology (3)
- BIO 360 Animal Physiology (3)
Major Elective Concentration for online Courses
Complete two of the following
- BIO 351 Developmental Biology (3)
- BIO/BIO 420 Immunology: Molecular and Cellular Foundations (3)
- BIO/MBB 440 Functional Genomics (3)
- BIO 462 Endocrine Physiology (3)
- BIO 467 Neurobiology (3)
Please see an advisor if above courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them.
Biomedical Research and Medicine in Society for online students
- Complete at least six credit hours.
- One course must be from each list: Biomedical Research and Medicine in Society.
- Please see an advisor if one of the below courses are not offered in the term you wish to take them.
Online Biomedical Research Course List
- BIO 357 Cell and Molecular Bio Lab (2)
- BIO 361 Animal Physiology Laboratory (2)
- BIO 370 Vertebrate Zoology Lab (4)
- BIO 495 Undergraduate Research or BIO 484 Internship (1-3)
Online Medicine in Society Course List
- ASB/SSH/HST 301 Global History of Health (3)
- ASB 443/SSH 403 Cross-Cultural Studies in Global Health (3-6)
- ASB 452/SSH 402 Community Partnerships for Global Health (3-9)
- ASM 345 Disease and Human Evolution (3)
- ASM 414 Urban and Environmental Health (3)
- BIO 302 Cancer – Mother of All Diseases (3)
- BIO 311/HPS 340 Biology and Society (3)
- BIO 318/HPS 331 History of Medicine (3)
- BIO 394 Healing Traditions of Latino America (3)
- BIO 394 Spanish for Biomedical Sciences (3)
- SSH 401/ASM 401 Health and Human Biology (3-4)
- SSH 404/ASB 462 Medical Anthropology: Culture and Health (3)
Online Biomedical Sciences Laboratory
The Biomedical Research courses from above will fulfill major lab check.
Online Requirements in Related Fields
Choose one of the two tracks: General and Organic Chemistry or Pre-health sequence
General Chemistry (take both)
- CHM 113 General Chemistry I (4)
- CHM 116 General Chemistry II (4)
Organic Chemistry (take both)
- CHM 231 Elementary Organic Chemistry (3)
- CHM 235 Elementary Organic Chemistry Lab(1)
OR Pre-health sequence:
- CHM 233 General Organic Chemistry I (3)
- CHM 234 General Organic Chemistry II (3)
- CHM 237 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (1)
- CHM 238 General Organic Chemistry Laboratory II (1)
Biochemistry
- BCH 361 Principles of Biochemistry or BCH 461/462 General Biochemistry (for Biochemistry Majors or Minors)
- BCH 367 Elementary Biochemistry Laboratory (1) or BCH 467 (for Biochemistry Majors or Minors)
Online physics electives
Choose one of two tracks: General Physics or the Pre-health sequence
Physics
- PHY 101 Introduction to Physics (4)
OR Pre-health sequence:
- PHY 111 General Physics I (3)
- PHY 112 General Physics II (3)
- PHY 113 General Physics Laboratory I (1)
- PHY 114 General Physics Laboratory II (1)
Online Math Proficiency
Complete one of the following
- MAT 251 Calculus for Life Sciences (3)
- MAT 210 Brief Calculus (3)
Online Statistics
Complete one of the following
- STP 231 Statistics for Biosciences (3)
- STP 226 Elementary Statistics (3)
For more information or to review recommendations from advising visit our advising recommendations page.
Required Courses (Major Map)
What if: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.
At a Glance: program details
- Location: Tempe campus, or online
- Additional Program Fee: Yes
- Second Language Requirement: No
- First Required Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
-
Math Intensity:
Moderate
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Freshman Transfer International Readmission
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use the Transfer Map search to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and help students save time and money in their college journey. Students may learn more about these programs by visiting the admission site: https://admission.asu.edu/transfer/pathway-programs.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should refer to https://changingmajors.asu.edu for information about how to change a major to this program.
Flexible Degree Options
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years.
It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's and master's degree with:
Biology, MS
Deepen your knowledge about the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.
Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE
Biology (Biology and Society), MS
Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you also want to take your training into society, to bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop ways of knowing and skills for action in the real world, preparing you for employment, a PhD or other professional studies.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Molecular and Cellular Biology, MS
Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? Choose from a diverse range of research and training opportunities and gain skills in contemporary techniques, and enjoy the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Microbiology, MS
When you become an expert in microbes, you will be able to contribute to the greater good. Join us to learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.
Website | Locations: TEMPE
Global Management, MGM
This program offers applied learning opportunities, 17 concentration options, and internships in real-world global settings where you can gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates.
Website | Locations: DTPHX,ONLNE
Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. During their junior year, eligible students will be advised by their academic departments to apply.
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Career Outlook
Graduates are well equipped to enter careers as research scientists or as scientists in the health professions, having met the majority of prerequisite requirements and mastered many of the competencies valued by graduate programs in medical, dental and optometry fields or programs which prepare students to be physician assistants or physical therapists.
Additionally, graduates have an understanding of the process of science, preparing them for a career in research. They have knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics and the ability to understand and apply core biomedical concepts. This prepares them for entry into biology research in a vast number of areas, some of which include genetics, genomics, evolution, physiology and immunology.
Example Careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
Clinical Trial Manager
- Growth: 4.8%
- Median Salary*: $137,940
Dentist
- Growth: 2.8%
- Median Salary*: $158,940
Epidemiologist
- Growth: 4.6%
- Median Salary*: $74,560
Family Practice Medical Doctor (FP MD)
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $207,380
Laboratory Technologist
- Growth: %
- Median Salary*:
Medical Scientist
- Growth: 6.1%
- Median Salary*: $91,510
Molecular Biologist
- Growth: 2.2%
- Median Salary*: $85,290
Pharmacist
- Growth: -3.3%
- Median Salary*: $128,710
Physician Assistant (PA)
- Growth: 31.3%
- Median Salary*: $115,390
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Global Opportunities
Global Experience
With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu
Attend Online
ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program description and request more information here.
Program Contact Information
If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly.