The Master of Biomedical Sciences Program is a full-time, graduate-level program that provides the student with laboratory experiences, research skills, and a broad background in the biomedical sciences. Successful completion of the Program leads to a Master of Biomedical Sciences degree (MBS). The Program has two main purposes. First, the Program is designed to help students with undergraduate degrees improve their academic foundation in the biomedical sciences, thereby strengthening their application to health professions programs. Students demonstrate their ability to perform at a graduate level, improve their GPA, better prepare for the professional entrance exam and take courses that broaden their undergraduate coursework. Second, it provides a significant experience in performing basic and translational laboratory research. This affords graduates with technical skills and expertise to function in a variety of biomedical professions. These include careers in areas such as technicians and supervisors in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, research personnel in biomedical science laboratories, employees in governmental and regulatory agencies, and undergraduate teaching.
The 72 quarter-hour curriculum is usually completed in 21 months. The required curriculum includes seven basic science courses in biochemistry, genetics, immunology, microbiology, and physiology. In addition to the basic science courses, the student must take a series of research courses that prepare the student for a research project and thesis that is the culmination of the degree program. The research courses include Research Design and Methodology, Principles of Biostatistics, Literature Review, Journal Club, Seminars in Biomedical Sciences, Fundamentals of Research, Ethics of Research and Experimentation, Thesis Proposal, Laboratory Research, and Thesis. Each MBS student is required to conduct research, write a thesis and then orally defend that research work for approval by a thesis committee prior to graduation. A series of electives are available to complete the 72 quarter-hour requirement. The electives allow the student to further specify an area of interest to better prepare them for a career in their chosen field. Students who need more than 21 months to complete the Program will be required to enroll in a thesis continuation course. Students must complete the Program within four years of matriculation, excepting approved leaves of absence.