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Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS

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  3. Biological Sciences (Biomedical Sciences), BS

At a Glance: program details
  • Location:
    Tempe campus,
    or
    online
  • Additional Program Fee: Yes
  • Second Language Requirement: No
  • Math Intensity: Moderate
  • Initial Math Course: MAT 251 - Calculus for Life Sciences
Required Courses (Major Map)

Major Map

Online Major Map

Major Map on-campus archive

eAdvisor Tracking Tool


Are you passionate about health care and biomedical research? Are you eager to experience groundbreaking research and understand the process of scientific discovery? Build a strong pre-health foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills and key lab techniques that will give you a valuable edge in your career.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science program in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences is tailored for students who wish to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions or biomedical research.

Curriculum aligns with the broad scientific competencies recommended for premedical students. Students are well prepared for the MCAT and medical school admission, and well versed in the core concepts, competencies and critical intellectual skills necessary for success in medical school or conducting biomedical research.

In addition to completing coursework, students gain hands-on experience with distinguished faculty and have opportunities to engage in independent research projects or internships to jump-start their professional career.

This program is available as an accelerated degree program.

In addition to reviewing 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.

A new approach to teaching biology

As a biology student at Arizona State University, you are part of a new movement to reinvent science learning, designed to prioritize your needs and empower you to not only succeed but be transformed into a future leader and problem solver.

ASU’s adaptive and flexible teaching model levels the playing field for all learners, allowing anyone to understand complex concepts and gain the confidence to take on scientific challenges in a growing field. 

Here, you will apply biological models through immersive exploration and hands-on discovery. Explore a 24,000-square-foot Natural History Collection, the only insectary of its kind in Arizona and several research opportunities for online students, which set our programs apart from other institutions across the globe. Together, we’ll learn how to visualize and build a better world.

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. 




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

Biology
Deepen your knowledge of the life sciences and build strong conceptual foundations in frontier areas of modern biology.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Microbiology

Microbiology
When you become an expert in microbes, you'll be able to contribute to the greater good. Learn how microbes impact human health and the environment, and receive theoretical and practical training in your chosen area of interest.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Computational Life Sciences

Computational Life Sciences
Join in the transformation that new types and amounts of data are bringing to the life sciences. You can learn computational methods that complement traditional bench-based approaches, allowing you to arrive at novel insights, and you'll gain the knowledge and skills you'll need when applying computational techniques in life sciences research.

Website | Locations: TEMPE,ONLNE

Global Management

Global Management
Gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. This program offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentration options and practical internships in global settings.

Website | Locations: DTPHX

Biology (Biology and Society)

Biology (Biology and Society)
Do you need more than a foundation in biology? Do you want to take your training into society and bring about change? Within this multidisciplinary program, you can develop knowledge and skills for tangible action and prepare for employment, a doctoral program, or other professional studies.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Molecular and Cellular Biology

Molecular and Cellular Biology
Do you want to understand the fundamental molecular events at the core of all life? You'll gain skills in contemporary techniques and have the opportunity to tailor the program around your research and career interests.

Website | Locations: TEMPE

Public Administration

Public Administration
Prepare yourself as a results-oriented, strategic leader capable of keen decision-making through this prestigious, flexible degree program. Become a leader in the public sector by engaging with distinguished faculty and a cohort of exceptional peers.

Website | Locations: DTPHX,HAINA,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 of the program have attained mastery of the competencies and completed prerequisites valued by graduate programs in medical, dental and optometry fields as well as programs that prepare students to become physician assistants or physical therapists.

Graduates have an understanding of the process of science; knowledge of foundational concepts in biological sciences, chemistry, physics and statistics; and the ability to understand and apply core biomedical concepts. They are prepared for direct entry into biology research careers in a vast number of areas, including 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 Research Coordinators

  • Growth: 4.8%
  • Median Salary*: 144440
  Sun Icon

Dentists, General

  • Growth: 4.4%
  • Median Salary*: 155040

Epidemiologists

  • Growth: 26.7%
  • Median Salary*: 78520
  Sun Icon

Family Medicine Physicians

  • Growth: 3.7%
  • Median Salary*: 211300

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists

  • Growth: 4.9%
  • Median Salary*: 57380
  Sun Icon

Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists

  • Growth: 9.8%
  • Median Salary*: 99930
  Sun Icon

Molecular and Cellular Biologists

  • Growth: 3.9%
  • Median Salary*: 87300

Pharmacists

  • Growth: 2.6%
  • Median Salary*: 132750

Physician Assistants

  • Growth: 26.5%
  • Median Salary*: 126010
  Sun Icon

* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Sun IconBright Outlook | Leaf Icon Green Occupation


Global Opportunities

Global Experience

Through study abroad, whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students studying biological sciences are able to experience distinct biological environments and gain an understanding of worldwide differences in the human condition. They are exposed to a variety of laws, policies and practices in biology-centric environments worldwide, expanding their knowledge of how science impacts society. Students can also engage in community service and outreach all around the world, helping their graduate and professional program applications stand out.

With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences recommends these programs for students majoring in biological sciences with a concentration in biomedical sciences.

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. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

  • [email protected]
  • 480/727-6277


Concurrent degree programs are specially designed academic programs which provide high-achieving undergraduate students the opportunity to complete two distinct but complementary bachelor degrees at the same time. Students must meet minimum admissions standards for both programs and be accepted individually by both colleges offering the concurrent program.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. ASU offers students two ways to earn concurrent degrees: by choosing a predetermined combination or creating their own combination. Predetermined combinations have a single admissions application and one easy to follow major map. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor. Either way, concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor's degree in 2.5 or 3 years.

Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.

Accelerated bachelor's degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
This is only the first required math course. This program may contain additional math courses; See Major Map for details.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required.
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the General level: MAT 142
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Moderate level: MAT 117, MAT 119, MAT 170, MAT 210, SOS 101, CPI 200
The level of intensity represents a measure of the number and academic rigor of math courses required. Courses included in the Substantial level: MAT 251, MAT 265. MAT 266, MAT 267, MAT 270, MAT 271, MAT 272, MAT 274, MAT 275
A rolling deadline means that applications will continue to be reviewed on a regular basis until the semester begins. International students should be mindful of visa deadlines to ensure there is time to produce necessary visa documents. Applicants are encouraged to complete and submit application materials as soon as possible for consideration.
A final deadline means that all applications and application materials must be received by Graduate Admissions by the deadline date. Applications that are incomplete may not be considered after the final deadline. Applications that are submitted past the final deadline may not be considered.
A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.
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